Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
725106000 | Telephony via television distribution network | 72 |
20080222688 | TRANSMITTING DATA FILE DURING CALL - A method and device for wirelessly communicating data files using a mobile terminal having video communication capability is provided. The method reserves one or more data files to be transmitted during a video call. The communication device associates identifies data files for transmission to a video call recipient, and displays associated information of the data files during the video call. | 09-11-2008 |
20080235743 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING MULTIMEDIA SIGNALS - A method and apparatus for processing multimedia signals is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an adjunct device coupled between a Set-Top Box (STB) and a media device. The adjunct device can have a controller element that receives a telephony signal from a communication system and an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) multimedia signal supplied by the STB, monitors call origination activities in the telephony signal, and presents at the media device in whole or in part the telephony and the IPTV multimedia signal according to the call origination activities monitored. Additional embodiments are disclosed. | 09-25-2008 |
20080263609 | MULTI-BAND CELLULAR SERVICE OVER CATV NETWORK - A CATV network distributing signals below 860 MHz is modified with a secondary transmission bi-directional capability above 860 MHz by adding filters to separate modified mobile-communications frequencies (above 860 MHz) from typical CATV services (below 860 MHz). CATV subscriber termination points function as extremely localized ultra-miniature cell sites within a building. Multiple cellular networks and possibly multiple providers are simultaneously accommodated over a CATV network. The modified network simultaneously handles traffic in combinations of known cellular air interface standards such as: UMTS, GSM, TDMA, CDMA and PDC. Cellular mobile radio terminals do not have to be modified. Signals traverse on non-utilized CATV frequencies. CATV active elements are modified, and new components are provided. A Cable Mounted Cellular Adapter at the CATV outlet acts as a transmit/receive unit and frequency translator for the cellular signals. | 10-23-2008 |
20080288993 | Interactive Multi-User Tv Method and System and a Tv Receiver for Using Such a Method - The invention relates to an interactive multi-user TV method and system and to a TV receiver for using such a method. The invention method consists of broadcasting a TV program ( | 11-20-2008 |
20090007203 | Enhanced Interactive Television Return Path - A method for providing services to a television system, the method comprising receiving a user message via a telephone line, the message including a translated version of user information ( | 01-01-2009 |
20090089847 | METHODS AND APPARATUSES OF USER IDENTIFICATION AND NOTIFICATION OF MULTIMEDIA CONTENT - Methods, apparatus and systems for sharing information related to broadcast programs are described. One of the methods includes receiving data identifying at least a portion of a first broadcast of a program, receiving data identifying at least one recipient, and communicating information indicative of the identified at least a portion of the program to the at least one recipient. The method may also include identifying a subsequent broadcast of the program to the at least one recipient, and communicating data indicative of the subsequent broadcast of the program to the at least one recipient. Other aspects include systems, apparatus, and devices for sharing information related to broadcast programs. | 04-02-2009 |
20090119725 | METHOD FOR PROVIDING VIDEO TELEPHONY USING BROADCAST RECEIVING APPARATUS - A method for providing video telephony is presented. By the method, a telephone directory of a broadcast receiving apparatus can be updated by receiving a telephone directory of a connected external device is provided. A call request signal can be transmitted to an information communication terminal of the user of an external broadcast receiving apparatus when the external broadcast receiving apparatus is turned off A video telephony mode can change according to whether or not audio signals are transmitted and received when video telephony is connected. The volume of a plurality of windows can each be adjusted separately. As a result, users can utilize video telephony more conveniently. | 05-07-2009 |
20090119726 | METHOD FOR PROVIDING VIEWING INFORMATION FOR DISPLAYING A LIST OF CHANNELS VIEWED BY CALL RECIPIENTS - A method for providing viewing information is presented. The method includes displaying a call recipient list including at least one call recipient; and displaying a channel being viewed by each call recipient on the call recipient list. | 05-07-2009 |
20090172756 | LIGHTING ANALYSIS AND RECOMMENDER SYSTEM FOR VIDEO TELEPHONY - A home video system ( | 07-02-2009 |
20090187954 | Button based video database interface - The described embodiments of the present invention provide a video database client application configured to execute on a wireless communication device or a device with a small display screen. The video database client application includes a user interface including user interface components designed to access video information and view videos using the wireless communication device. The video database client application includes a video player module to integrate and control a native video player within the user interface. The video database client application further includes a video database interface module adapted to retrieve videos and video information from the video database. The video database interface module functions to pre-fetch information from the video database based on anticipated user information needs. | 07-23-2009 |
20090187955 | Subscriber Controllable Bandwidth Allocation - A disclosed computer program product includes computer executable instructions, stored on a computer readable medium, for allocating bandwidth among various network provided communication services. The executable instructions include instructions to process a subscriber request to specify a bandwidth allocation, determine a multimedia bandwidth allocation indicative of bandwidth allocated to multimedia content, and generate a multimedia content request. The multimedia content request is influenced by the multimedia bandwidth allocation. In some embodiments, for example, the multimedia content request includes multimedia bandwidth information determined at least in part by the multimedia bandwidth allocation. The multimedia bandwidth information may indicate the bandwidth available for multimedia content, which may be determined from the multimedia bandwidth allocation less any bandwidth allocated to or otherwise consumed by other multimedia layers. In these embodiments, a multimedia delivery server may determine how much bandwidth to allocate to the requested multimedia content from information contained in the request itself. | 07-23-2009 |
20090187956 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MERGING VOICE AND DATA FEATURES WITH INTERNET PROTOCOL TELEVISION - A method and apparatus that enable the use of a multi-service endpoint device to integrate features and functions of voice and/or data services with IPTV service through a TV console are disclosed. For example, the method connects a multi-service endpoint device (MSED) to a plurality of networks, where at least one of the plurality of networks provides a voice service, and where at least one of the plurality of networks provides an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service. The method then integrates the voice service with the IPTV service using the MSED. | 07-23-2009 |
20090210917 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REMOTELY MANAGING VOICEMAIL UTILIZING A SET-TOP BOX - A system and method for managing a voicemail system through a set-top box. A call may be received from a caller. The call is intercepted utilizing a voicemail system available through a network. The voicemail system is operable to store one or more messages. A user selection is received to access the voicemail system utilizing a set-top box. An interface for the voicemail system is displayed to a user. The interface is displayed on a display in communication with the set-top box. The one or more voicemail accounts are managed based on user input. | 08-20-2009 |
20090241151 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REMOTELY CONTROLLING A CONSUMER DEVICE - Systems and methods allow for the remote control of a personal video recorder (PVR), digital video recorder (PVR), set-top box (STB) or other consumer device that is capable of receiving programming via a high-bandwidth connection. A request is received from the customer for an action to be taken by the consumer device, wherein the request is received via a communications channel distinct from the high-bandwidth connection. The consumer device associated with the customer is identified in response to the request, and instruction is transmitted to the consumer device associated with the customer via the high-bandwidth connection to thereby direct the consumer device to carry out the action requested by the customer. | 09-24-2009 |
20090249414 | ENHANCED VOICE-RICH INPUT FOR INTERACTIVE PROGRAMMING - A method may provide an interactive video program to a user, receive, by a video client, audio data from a microphone based on the user's interactive speech during the interactive video program, and send, by the video client, the audio data to another device to verify at least one of that the audio data corresponds to the user or that the user completes the interactive video program. | 10-01-2009 |
20090265745 | Reversible Faceplate Terminal Adapter Which Changes Signal Flow Direction - A directional terminal adapter has a housing and a reversible faceplate. Distribution cables of a cable network are connected to the housing and conduct downstream and upstream signals through the housing. Signals flow through the faceplate in a predetermined direction. Reversing the orientation of the faceplate with respect to the housing reverses the direction of flow of the upstream and downstream signals through the directional terminal adapter. | 10-22-2009 |
20090271834 | Advanced Set Top Terminal Having a Video Call Feature - A set top terminal equipped with a camera and microphone includes the capability to send and receive video calls through a cable television delivery system or other communications networks. In response to detection of the occurrence of a video call event or triggering event, a video program is automatically paused. In response to an incoming video phone call, message, web page, or other video communications information, the system pauses the video program and displays an indication of the occurrence of the communications event. The system also buffers the video program while paused, permitting a user to replay missed portions of it. Alternatively, the system waits for a triggering event, which includes the user's access to the communications event, in order to pause the video program. The set top terminal also includes features for caller identification of video calls and dual display of video programs and video calls, such as picture in picture. A hardware upgrade for adding video call functionality to a set top terminal is also disclosed. | 10-29-2009 |
20090282446 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TESTING CUSTOMER PREMISE EQUIPMENT DEVICES - A test system couples various ports of one or more CPE devices to components mounted in a rigid mounting system. The system can test the line card portion of the CPE devices coupled to line card interface equipment for various parameters. Variable RF attenuation in RF interface equipment can adjust power levels to/from the RF port of the CPE devices to account for close proximity and variations between different vendors and models, which are coupled via the RF interface equipment to an included CMTS. Network interface equipment tests network port performance of the CPE devices by coupling a general purpose computer thereto. Switching one of a plurality of CPE devices to be the only one tested at a time and switching an addition RENLOAD is controlled by a provisioning server based on criteria including information in a database of various parameters of the particular device being tested. | 11-12-2009 |
20090300694 | OPEN CABLE APPLICATION PLATFORM (OCAP) AND SET-TOP BOX (STB)-BASED CALENDERING APPLICATION - One exemplary aspect is advanced multimedia communications via OCAP using customer specific profiles resident in the STB for calendar management. Additional aspects relate to invitation management including auto-calendaring, forwarding of an invitation details to a specific destination, conflict resolution, auto-rescheduling, global rescheduling and automatic reminders based on an invitation. Still further aspects relate to enabling confirmation of an appointment based on a received reminder and a technique to confirm an appointment with the ability to forward an appointment confirmed identifier to the appointment setter. Rescheduling routines are also provided for use with the calendaring application. | 12-03-2009 |
20090328118 | METHODS, SYSTEMS, AND COMPUTER READABLE MEDIA FOR PROVIDING AN ENHANCED CALL ALERT SERVICE VIA A TELEVISION SERVICE NETWORK - Methods, systems, and computer readable media providing an enhanced call alert service via a television service network are described. In one embodiment, the system comprises a call alert service mediator (CASM) that includes a telephone network interface for receiving, from a telecommunications network, a query message for a call to a called party device associated with a subscriber for requesting instructions for completing or modifying the call. The CASM also includes a TV network interface for, in response to the query from the telecommunications network, for sending a message to a TV network, wherein the message results in notification of the call to the subscriber via an customer premises equipment (CPE) device and the requesting of instructions from the subscriber via the CPE device for completing or modifying the call. | 12-31-2009 |
20100050220 | System and Method of Authorizing a Device in a Network System - In a particular embodiment, a method of authorizing use of a set top box is disclosed. The set top box is operatively coupled to a network device that has an internet protocol (IP) address associated with an account of a subscriber. The method includes blocking a service to the set top box when capabilities of the set top box do not match a pending order associated with the account. | 02-25-2010 |
20100058407 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SET-TOP BOX BASE STATION INTEGRATION - A system for conducting a voice call includes a set-top box operable to control the selection of a television channel for display on a television. The set-top box is also operable to initiate a voice call in response to a selection of a user-interface displayed on the television. The system also includes a wireless set in communication with the set-top box, the wireless set operable to establish a portion of the voice path for the voice call. Signaling for the voice call is initiated by the set-top box. | 03-04-2010 |
20100058408 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING OUTBOUND TELEPHONE CALLS VIA A SET-TOP BOX - A system and method for providing outbound telephone calling through an integrated set-top box includes a telephone connection, a media signal connection, and a modem. A user may input a telephone number to the set-top box to initiate an outbound telephone call. The set-top box modem dials the telephone number via the telephone connection to the publicly switched network. Once the call is connected, the user may take the call using a telephone connected to the home telephone network or through a speaker and microphone integrated with or connected to the set-top box. A status of the outbound telephone call may be displayed on a screen connected to the set-top box. A user may also initiate a telephone call to a number displayed on the screen as part of media signal. The on-screen telephone number may be provided along with the media signal or may be extracted from the media signal using character recognition software. | 03-04-2010 |
20100058409 | Audio and video testing methodology - A centralized audio video testing system utilizes a remote client device. The remote client device includes a decoder, a renderer, a media engine, a video capture module and a frame module. The decoder receives a transmitted video stream from a video streaming server and to generate a decoded video stream. The renderer receives the decoded video stream and generates a rendered video stream that is able to be displayed on a display of the remote client device. The media engine receives the rendered video stream and plays the rendered video stream on a media player resident on the remote client device. The video capture module captures frames of the played rendered video stream. The frame manager receives the captured frames of the played rendered video streams and creates a degraded streaming video file. | 03-04-2010 |
20100064328 | Communication system and method - A media device comprising: a memory storing a communication client application; a processor, coupled to the memory and operable to execute the communication client application, wherein the client application is programmed so as when executed to allow a user to establish a call with one or more other users via a packet-based communication network; and a remote control unit comprising wireless communication means arranged to transmit data to the processor, a control means coupled to the wireless communication means and configured to control the wireless communication means, user input means coupled to the control means and arranged to receive input commands from the user and provide the input commands to the control means, and a microphone coupled to the control means and arranged to receive audio signals from a user, wherein, responsive to the control means receiving a command to establish a call from the user input means, the control means is arranged to activate the wireless communication means from a deactivated state, establish a wireless connection with the processor, and transmit data comprising audio signals from the microphone using the wireless communication means to the processor for transmission in a call over the packet-based communication network. | 03-11-2010 |
20100064329 | Communication system and method - A television receiver system and corresponding method, the television receiver system comprising: a television receiver for receiving broadcast television signals, signal processing apparatus operable to process the received television signals for output to a television screen, and a control device allowing a user to select a viewing activity by controlling the output to the television screen. The television receiver further comprises a memory storing a communication client application; and communications processing apparatus operable to execute the communication client application. The client application is programmed so as when executed to allow the user to establish bidirectional communications with one or more other users via a packet-based communication network, and to provide notifications to the user of incoming communication events from other users. The client application is further programmed to control the notifications of incoming communication events in dependence on the selection of viewing activity. | 03-11-2010 |
20100115567 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PAUSING PROGRAMMING OF A TELEVISION FOR A TELEPHONE CALL - A method of controlling a television includes receiving an indication of a telephone call at a set-top box and pausing the display of television content by the set-top box in response to the received indication. | 05-06-2010 |
20100115568 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ALTERING THE DISPLAY OF TELEVISION CONTENT IN RESPONSE TO USER PREFERENCES - A method of controlling a television includes receiving an indication of a user preference. The user preference associated with a telephone and further associated with a set-top box. The method also includes altering the display of television content by the set-top box in response to the received indication. | 05-06-2010 |
20100162331 | MULTIMEDIA PROCESSING RESOURCE WITH INTERACTIVE VOICE RESPONSE - A multimedia processing resource (MPR) includes interactive voice response capabilities. A user may control MPR commands and functions over a telephone interface. For example, through a telephone connection a user may receive a listing of electronic programming guide data, may schedule a multimedia program for recording, or may receive a report related to a multimedia program that is viewed at the present time. | 06-24-2010 |
20100162332 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING LOCAL OSCILLATION SIGNALS - Generating oscillator signals with which selected signals may be mixed. Such oscillator signals may be generated by dividing a pilot tone, such as a 120 MHz pilot tone found on many cable TV systems. Oscillator signals for demodulating received selected signals may be similarly generated. | 06-24-2010 |
20100169943 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VIDEO SIGNAL DELIVERY - A system for delivering a video signal associated with an access request, wherein the system includes: a trigger module configured to detect a trigger event associated with the access request; a video module configured to access a video signal related to the trigger event; and a control module configured to control the video module to access the video signal based on the trigger event and for outputting the accessed video signal. A corresponding method for delivering a video signal associated with an access request, wherein the method includes: detecting a trigger event associated with the access request at a video device; accessing a video signal related to the trigger event; and displaying the video signal via the video device. | 07-01-2010 |
20100186055 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING CALL STATUS ON TV - Embodiments of the disclosed invention include a system and a method for displaying, among other things, call status information associated with one or more communication devices on a television. In one embodiment, an integrated set top box is disclosed that includes a memory component for storing computer executable instructions; a data storage unit for storing data associated with at least one monitored communication device; a communication interface in communication with a cable head end for receiving communication data associated with the monitored communication device and television media content; a decoder for decoding the television media content; and a processing unit for executing the computer executable instructions to generate a user interface using the communication data to depict a call status associated with the monitored communication device on a television couple to the set top box. | 07-22-2010 |
20100199319 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ESTABLISHING VOIP COMMUNCATION BY MEANS OF DIGITAL VIDEO BROADCASTING NETWORK - The present invention discloses a method and system for establishing VoIP communication by means of digital video broadcasting network. The method comprises: a first terminal sending a VoIP call request to a source VoIP server to which the first terminal belongs, the VoIP call request containing an address of a second terminal; the source VoIP server forwarding the VoIP call request to a destination VoIP server to which the second terminal belongs; the first terminal or any one of VoIP servers in a forwarding path from the source VoIP server to the destination VoIP server forwarding the VoIP call request to a digital video broadcasting front-end server; the digital video broadcasting front-end server converting the VoIP call request into a call request modulated in digital video signals and broadcasting it within the digital video broadcasting network. The method and system for establishing VoIP communication by means of digital video broadcasting network according to the present invention can receive the VoIP call and accordingly establish the VoIP communication even if the terminal, for example a DVB/IP combo set-top-box, is disconnected to the IP network. Moreover, the present invention can be implemented conveniently and has lower cost. | 08-05-2010 |
20100263004 | AUTOMATIC CONTACT INFORMATION TRANSMISSION SYSTEM - According to one aspect, a DVR sends a user's contact information over a network to an interested party. The DVR prompts the user to enter contact information. After the user has supplied the requested contact information to the DVR, the DVR stores the contact information on the DVR's hard disk drive. Upon determining that a television program or advertisement contains a special tag that is associated with an interested party, the DVR displays, to the user, a prompt that invites the DVR user to allow the DVR to send the user's contact information to the interested party. If the user gives permission for the DVR to send the contact information to the interested party, then the DVR sends the contact information to the interested party (e.g., over the Internet). | 10-14-2010 |
20100299713 | Distributed Network Performance Monitoring - A probe is configured to monitor one or more communication parameters on one or more downstream frequency channels carried on a communication medium of an access network. Results of repeated monitoring are stored over a predetermined period. At the conclusion of the monitoring period, data reports reflecting the stored results are transmitted in upstream frequency channels carried on the same medium. The probe can also be configured to send immediate messages if a parameter exceeds predefined limits and can store a plurality of monitoring programs and can be reprogrammed remotely. The probe can be contained within a cable tap if the medium is, e.g., a coaxial cable. Numerous probes can be deployed throughout an access network so as to provide monitoring data from each of many locations over a prolonged period. | 11-25-2010 |
20100333156 | INTERACTIVE INTERNET BROWSER BASED MEDIA BROADCAST - A method of providing one-way video transmission and corresponding interactive two-audio communication to remote recipients via a world wide computer network comprising the steps of creating a source digital video signal, broadcast transmitting the source digital video signal via an internet connection, transmitting a corresponding source digital audio signal a VoIP protocol, and transmitting a recipient audio signal to the source location via an Internet connection. A system for broadcast transmitting a one-way digital video signal and for transmitting and receiving a corresponding interactive two-way audio signal over an Internet connection comprises a broadcast digital video server for broadcast transmitting a source digital video signal, a VoIP audio server for transmitting a source digital audio signal over an Internet connection, and an Internet web page configured to display the transmitted source digital video and audio signal, the Internet web page further configured to receive and transmit a recipient digital audio signal from the recipient to the VoIP audio server. | 12-30-2010 |
20100333157 | Methods, Systems and Computer Program Products for Providing Internet Protocol Television Communication Services - A method of providing communications services to customer premise equipment (CPE) coupled to a television. The method includes operating a network element as a communications terminal server, the network element being part of a communications network. The network element receives from the CPE a request to initiate communications with a diagnostic system coupled to the communications network. The network element accesses a communications application executing on a communications server coupled to the communications network and pushes a communications interface to the CPE. The network element receives message information from the CPE and routes the message information to the communications server to initiate delivery of a message to the diagnostic system. | 12-30-2010 |
20110010745 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING COMMUNICATION SERVICES - A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a device including a base station communicatively coupled to a communication system, and a communicative device communicatively coupled to the base station for providing voice communication services to a user, wherein the communicative device serves as a proxy to make telephone calls on behalf of a set-top box presenting media services to a presentation device. Other embodiments are disclosed. | 01-13-2011 |
20110030021 | Audio/Video Monitoring Service Using Set-top Boxes and Application Servers - An audio/video monitoring system is disclosed, comprising a combination of one or more set-top boxes and application servers in a service provider's network. The set-top boxes and applications services are part of a multiple services operator's (MSO) network, such as that of a cable company. Cameras and/or microphones which are directly connected to a set-top box are the sources of media signals, which the set-top box transmits to an application server. The application server continually receives the media signals from one or more set-top boxes, and determines which subset of the received media signals to forward to a selected output device, such as a television connected to another set-top box or a cellular telephone. The application server then forwards media signals of interest to the output device, such as when motion or a loud noise is detected in a media signal received from the set-top box or boxes. | 02-03-2011 |
20110093908 | REQUESTING EMERGENCY SERVICES VIA REMOTE CONTROL - A method and system for contacting emergency service providers may allow using a remote control (RC) at a multimedia content distribution network (MCDN) client location. An MCDN user may use the RC, which may be configured to control customer premises equipment at the MCDN client, to signal an emergency event. In response, an MCDN server may be queried for emergency user information associated with the MCDN client and/or the MCDN user. Based on the emergency user information, third parties, such as emergency service providers, medical service providers, or private persons, may be contacted via the MCDN. A communications channel, including audio and/or video, between an emergency service provider and the MCDN client may be initiated based on the emergency user information. | 04-21-2011 |
20110099596 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTERACTIVE COMMUNICATION WITH A MEDIA DEVICE USER SUCH AS A TELEVISION VIEWER - A personalized television or internet video viewing environment, where the user can respond to messages. Messages are received over the internet and overlaid onto the video program. A light and vibrator on the remote control alert the viewer to respond by speaking into a microphone in the remote control unit. Voice recognition techniques are used to interpret the user's response, and biometric voice analysis can be used to identify the user. Successive interactions can be related and tailored to the particular user. | 04-28-2011 |
20110145872 | SET-TOP BOX FOR WIDEBAND IP TELEPHONY SERVICE AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING WIDEBAND IP TELEPHONY SERVICE USING SET-TOP BOX - An Internet Set-Top Box (ISTB) and a method of providing wideband IP telephony services using the ISTB are provided, which are capable of implementing wideband voice communication services using a wideband voice codec, controlling a Real-Time Transport Protocol (RTP) packet payload to process a variety of wideband speech frame payloads, and providing high-quality wideband IP telephony services by controlling a jitter buffer to maintain conference call synchronization. | 06-16-2011 |
20110154418 | REMOTE ACCESS TO A MEDIA DEVICE - A voice telephone call may be received, from a telephony device, in a server configured to provide interactive voice response. A spoken command may be received from the telephony device. In the server, the spoken command may be converted to a format appropriate for the media storage unit. The converted command may be sent from the server to the media storage unit. | 06-23-2011 |
20110154419 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING REMOTE MEDICAL SERVICES AND OPEN IPTV PLATFORM APPARATUS - An Open Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) platform is provided. By providing remote medical services to users in the Open IPTV environment using a remote medical service providing apparatus including: an application programming interface (API) calling unit to call, when receiving a request for receiving a remote medical service from a counselor's terminal, an API of an Open Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) platform; and a service provider to provide the remote medical service to a user through the API, it is possible to provide remote medical service operators with environments where they can develop and share various remote medical to services and content. | 06-23-2011 |
20110271312 | PORTABLE COMPUTING SYSTEM AND PORTABLE COMPUTER FOR USE WITH SAME - A system comprises a portable device having at least one storage component, a reader for interaction with the portable device to communicate with the data storage component, a processor for providing the reader and the portable device with computing capabilities, and a link for communication to a network | 11-03-2011 |
20110283331 | Distribution and Amplification Systems that Automatically Terminate to a Matched Termination in Response to Power Interruptions and Related Methods - Distribution and amplification systems for cable television networks include a tap unit having a first RF tap port and a second RF tap port, a voice-over IP (“VoIP”) RF signal amplifier and a non-VoIP RF signal amplifier. The VoIP RF signal amplifier is connected to the first RF tap port of the tap unit, and includes an amplified signal path and a passive, non-interruptible signal path. The non-VoIP RF signal amplifier is connected to the second RF tap port of the tap unit, and includes an amplified signal path. The VoIP and non-VoIP RF signal amplifiers are each configured to terminate their amplified signal paths to respective matched terminations in response to a power outage. | 11-17-2011 |
20120011553 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SUPPORTING SERVICES VIA A SET-TOP BOX - An approach is provided for supporting messaging services via a set-top box. A set-top box establishes communications with a user device. The set-top box receives a message from the user device, and stores the message for inclusion in a messaging log. The set-top box presents content of the messaging log via a display coupled to the set-top box. According to one embodiment, the set-top box receives network address information of the user device, maps the network address information to location information, and retrieves information from a data repository based on the location information. In another embodiment, the user device acquires information about a program being experience by a user via the set-top box, and generates a message to provide presence status information to a social network service based on the program information. | 01-12-2012 |
20120011554 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PROVIDING VOICE COMMUNICATION - A method includes receiving, at a device, a request to initiate a call with respect to a contact and a communication device associated with a caller. In a particular embodiment, the method may further include initiating presentation, at a display device, of a selectable call placement indicator to initiate the request. In another particular embodiment, the method may further include sending display data to the display device, where the display data indicates that the call has been placed to the contact. | 01-12-2012 |
20120036543 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING A SET-TOP BOX BASED ON DEVICE EVENTS - An approach is provided for controlling a set-top box based on a device event. A set-top box detects a wireless device. A communication channel is established with the wireless device configured to initiate a voice call. A command message is received, by the set-top box, over the communication channel. The command corresponds to a device event experienced by the wireless device. | 02-09-2012 |
20120047543 | COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ESTABLISHING VIDEO COMMUNICATION - A method for establishing a video communication using a communication device includes sending local audio signals to the remote communication device, receiving response audio signals from the remote communication device. The method further includes controlling the local UPnP set-top box to send local video signals to the remote UPnP set-top box according to the IP address of the remote UPnP set-top box, controlling the local UPnP set-top box to receive response video signals from the remote UPnP set-top box. | 02-23-2012 |
20120066731 | CUSTOMER SERVICE CONTACT - A method may include receiving, from a first user device, one or more session control protocol messages to establish a session between a workstation and a second user device, wherein the one or more session control protocol messages include context information indicating a context for establishing the session and an identifier of the second user device. The method may further include establishing a session between the network device and the second user device and displaying information indicating the context information on a display for an operator of the network device. | 03-15-2012 |
20120102533 | REMOTE-CONTROLLER TYPE TELEPHONE SERVICE SYSTEM IN SET-TOP BOX OF INTERNET TELEVISION HAVING VIDEO SOLUTION - A remote-controller type telephone service system in a set-top box of an Internet television having a video solution is provided. In a telephone service system for providing a telephone function in an open platform based set-top box for providing an Internet television (web connected TV) function, the system includes a remote-controller type telephone terminal to provide a remote-controller function for the set-top box and a handset function for the telephone function. The set-top box includes a video telephone control unit to provide a video telephone function of displaying an image related to a video telephone on a screen of a TV based on a remote-controller signal when power of the TV is in an on-state; and an IP telephone control unit to provide an audio telephone function of outputting a voice related to an audio telephone when the power of the TV is in an off-state. | 04-26-2012 |
20120159559 | User Interface For A Communication Device - A device for use in a communication system the device comprising processing means arranged to execute first and second applications, and first and second interface means, the first application for detecting a communication event, the second application comprising means for controlling the second interface to allow a user to use the second application; wherein the first application is arranged to control first interface means to indicate to a user of the device that the communication event has occurred, when the second application is running. | 06-21-2012 |
20120204216 | Home Gateway Expansion - As described herein, a gateway device may include one or more expansion ports to add functionality. The added functionality can be of any desired type, such as adding telephone call routing capabilities, or high-definition radio capabilities. The added functionality can include new wireless communication abilities, such as adding Bluetooth capability, and the combination may allow greater networked communication. | 08-09-2012 |
20120227075 | Advanced Set Top Terminal Having a Video Call Feature - A device equipped with a camera and microphone includes the capability to send and receive video calls through a delivery system or other communications networks. In response to detection of the occurrence of a video call event or triggering event, a video program is automatically paused. In response to an incoming video phone call, message, web page, or other video communications information, the system pauses the video program and indicates the occurrence of the communications event. The system also buffers the video program while paused, providing a user with replay capability. Alternatively, the system waits for a triggering event in order to pause the video program. The device may also include features for caller identification of video calls and dual display of video programs and video calls (e.g., picture in picture). A hardware upgrade for adding video call functionality to a device is also disclosed. | 09-06-2012 |
20130007822 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MERGING VOICE AND DATA FEATURES WITH INTERNET PROTOCOL TELEVISION - A method and apparatus that enable the use of a multi-service endpoint device to integrate features and functions of voice and/or data services with IPTV service through a TV console are disclosed. For example, the method connects a multi-service endpoint device (MSED) to a plurality of networks, where at least one of the plurality of networks provides a voice service, and where at least one of the plurality of networks provides an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service. The method then integrates the voice service with the IPTV service using the MSED. | 01-03-2013 |
20130019274 | System and Method for Sharing Information - A novel mechanism is disclosed by which a sender can direct information such as an audiovisual signal to a particular recipient's audiovisual display device, such as a cable television set and, thereby, share information between the sender and the recipient. In one embodiment, a calling party originates a telephone call and associates that telephone call with audio-visual information that exists on the caller's personal computer or on an Internet server. The called party answers the call, and can tune an associated cable television to the appropriate channel in order to view the audio-visual information. In another embodiment, the caller is a hotel guest and the called party is a hotel concierge and vice versa. The concierge provides information to the hotel guest such that the hotel guest can tune in to a channel on their hotel television set and access the information. | 01-17-2013 |
20130019275 | HANDSET FOR USE WITH AN ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM - A handset is configurable to communicate with an entertainment system. The handset includes a front side that includes a first set of controls configured to control an audio stream or a video stream of the entertainment system. The handset also includes a back side that is opposite the front side, the back side including a first phone call disposition control corresponding to a first disposition action. | 01-17-2013 |
20130042285 | REQUEST FOR INFORMATION RELATED TO BROADCAST NETWORK CONTENT - A request for information (RFI) system is provided a viewer of a cable television network enters an RFI input ( | 02-14-2013 |
20130191873 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING AUDIO SIGNALS RECEIVED BY A COMMUNICATION DEVICE - A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a communication device having a controller to receive a media program signal from a set-top box (STB), monitor ambient sound, and suppress a portion of the ambient sound according to the media program signal. The media program signal can correspond to a media program presentable at least audibly by the STB. Other embodiments are disclosed. | 07-25-2013 |
20130212633 | Systems And Methods For Communicating With Patients - Methods and systems for communicating with a patient through a television in the patient's hospital room are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods and systems include the following: a television signal gateway module for receiving televisions signals and encoding the signals as Ethernet-based Internet protocol television signals; an application and media server including a first information processing sub-system configured to store and process the signals and data according to instructions and configured to generate, send, and receive Ethernet-based Internet protocol application and media signals; and an interactive set-top-box including a second information processing sub-system that is configured to store and process instructions and configured to process the Ethernet-based Internet protocol television signals and the Ethernet-based Internet protocol application and media signals to produce television display signals, the set-top-box being configured to communicate the television display signals for display on the television in the patient's hospital room. | 08-15-2013 |
20140143818 | CABLE COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS EMPLOYING 256-QAM UPSTREAM CHANNELS AND HAVING INCREASED UPSTREAM CAPACITY FOR SUPPORTING VOICE AND/OR DATA SERVICES - Cable communication systems and methods to provide voice and/or data services to subscriber premises via a cable plant that conveys upstream information over an upstream path bandwidth, and a cable modem system including one or more demodulation tuners to receive and demodulate one or more upstream radio frequency (RF) signals. An RF signal includes an encoded carrier wave having a carrier frequency of between approximately 5 MHz and 25 MHz that is modulated using quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) with voice and/or data information constituting at least some of the upstream information. A modulation order of the QAM for the first upstream RF signal is at least 32 and as high as at least 256, and at least one demodulation tuner of the cable modem system is configured to receive and demodulate the first upstream RF signal. | 05-22-2014 |
20140380385 | Digital Broadcast Receiver - One embodiment provides a digital broadcast receiver that features a video telephone module, a program table generator, an input receive module and a display control module. The video telephone module establishes a video telephone communication with an external apparatus and receives a video telephone image from the external apparatus during the video telephone communication. The video telephone image is displayed on a screen during the video telephone communication. The program table generator generates a program table of broadcast programs while the display control module controls a display, where the program table is superimposed on the video telephone image during video telephone communications and transitions into a channel menu. The channel menu presents information of the selected one of the broadcast program and allows the user to perform at least one of a recording operation and a program display operation on the selected one of the broadcast program. | 12-25-2014 |
20150095959 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MANAGING VOICE COMMUNICATIONS - A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a server having a controller to receive a call request from a set top box that is remote from the server where the call request identifies a telephone number that is presented from video content presented by the set top box where the telephone number is detected based on a combination of image pattern recognition and speech recognition and where the telephone number is associated with a marketing entity, establish a voice communication with a first telephone device associated with the set top box, and establish the voice communication with a second telephone device associated with the telephone number and the marketing entity if the first telephone device accepts the voice communication. Other embodiments are disclosed. | 04-02-2015 |
20150150064 | CONTEXT MANAGING APPARATUS AND METHOD THEREOF - A context managing apparatus and method thereof. The context managing apparatus may include a communicator to acquire context information from each broadcast receiving terminal used by at least one user, and a controller to manage the acquired context information as information for providing a receive service for a predetermined broadcast receiving terminal. | 05-28-2015 |
20150312532 | DIGITAL JUKEBOX DEVICE WITH IMPROVED USER INTERFACES, AND ASSOCIATED METHODS - Certain exemplary embodiments relate to entertainment systems that interact with users to provide access to media appropriate to and/or customized for a particular user using the entertainment system, the location at which the entertainment system is being accessed, and/or a predefined event. For example, in certain exemplary embodiments, an entertainment system in a location is configured to provide jukebox-related and entertainment system mediated services that are accessible from within and from the outside of the location, and provide (1) attract or flight media operations, (2) browsing services, and/or (3) search screens appropriate to and/or customized for a particular user using the entertainment system, the location at which the entertainment system is being accessed, and/or a predefined event. Such screens may be provided with a three-dimensional look-and-feel in certain exemplary embodiments. | 10-29-2015 |
20150334438 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTENT SHARING - 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. | 11-19-2015 |
20150373381 | SYSTEM FOR SIMULTANEOUS DELIVERY OF DIGITAL TELEVISION AND INTERACTIVE BROADBAND SERVICE - Delivery of digital television and interactive broadband service are provided in a manner that maximizes the useage of the digital broadcast spectrum. A digital television signal is transmitted to a given broadcast area in a relatively small part of one or more licensed portions of the digital broadcast spectrum. Interactive broadband service is delivered within at least a portion of the same broadcast area covered by the broadcast digital television signal, in the remainder of an unused part of the same licensed portion of the digital broadcast spectrum as is occupied by the digital television signal, or within an unlicensed (unused) portion of the digital broadcast spectrum. The broadcasting of the digital television and delivery the interactive broadband service occur simultaneously. In one embodiment, digital television and broadband service are delivered by the same equipment within the same bandwidth. | 12-24-2015 |
20160029101 | System and Method for Set-Top Box Call Connection - A system for initiating a voice call includes a set-top box operable to control a selection of a television channel for display on a television. The set-top box is further operable to initiate a voice call between a first telephone and a second telephone. The first telephone is associated with a first telephone network and the second telephone is associated with a second telephone network. The system includes a remote control in communication with the set-top box. The remote control is operable to receive a first input associated with the selection of the television channel from a user and a second input associated with the voice call. The voice call is initiated by the set-top box in response to the second input being received by the set-top box. | 01-28-2016 |
20160037219 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MANAGING VOICE COMMUNICATIONS - A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a server having a controller to receive a call request from a set top box that is remote from the server where the call request identifies a telephone number that is presented from video content presented by the set top box where the telephone number is detected based on a combination of image pattern recognition and speech recognition and where the telephone number is associated with a marketing entity, establish a voice communication with a first telephone device associated with the set top box, and establish the voice communication with a second telephone device associated with the telephone number and the marketing entity if the first telephone device accepts the voice communication. Other embodiments are disclosed. | 02-04-2016 |
20160066043 | System and Method for Set-Top Box Base Station Integration - A system for conducting a voice call includes a set-top box operable to control the selection of a television channel for display on a television. The set-top box is also operable to initiate a voice call in response to a selection of a user-interface displayed on the television. The system also includes a wireless set in communication with the set-top box, the wireless set operable to establish a portion of the voice path for the voice call. Signaling for the voice call is initiated by the set-top box. | 03-03-2016 |
20160088356 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING COMMUNICATION SERVICES - A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a device including a base station communicatively coupled to a communication system, and a communicative device communicatively coupled to the base station for providing voice communication services to a user, wherein the communicative device serves as a proxy to make telephone calls on behalf of a set-top box presenting media services to a presentation device. Other embodiments are disclosed. | 03-24-2016 |