Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080199007 | Identification of a compromised content player - A system and method for identifying the player that leaked content encryption keys by loading a set of player keys into individual content players and determining the number of encryptions and the number of encryption keys to use in multiple encrypting critical content. The method produces copies of critical data content packets, each copy of which is separately encrypted using any one of a set of encryption keys that are related to one another through a mathematical algorithm. The related set of encryption keys and data describing key relationship and content player identity are transmitted to a previously determined license management agency. The transmitted encrypted content is written to a receiving device or file, or streamed to an individual player for non-synchronous playback. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 08-21-2008 |
20080199150 | Transfer of metadata using video frames - An automated method of attaching metadata to a segment of content using a programmed processor consistent with certain embodiments involves retrieving metadata relating to the segment of content; rendering the metadata as visually perceptible text in one or more frames of video; appending the one or more frames of video to the video as the first one or more frames of the video to produce metadata enhanced video; and storing or transmitting the metadata enhanced video. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 08-21-2008 |
20080244637 | Obtaining metadata program information during channel changes - One embodiment provides a method and apparatus for obtaining metadata program information during channel changes. The method includes the capture of an on-screen display that is rendered by a rendering device such as, for example, a digital television system. The on-screen display may be generated by an access device such as a set-top box in response to a program selection event. Once captured, the on-screen display may be decoded to determine metadata for a program selected by the program selection event. In one embodiment, decoding may be provided using pattern matching, optical code recognition (OCR) or other like decoding technique for decoding a video frame to determine metadata for a program selected by the program selection event. In one embodiment, a copy of the program in conjunction with the captured metadata are stored within the persistent memory of a digital television device. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 10-02-2008 |
20080279375 | Service card adapter - An interface adapter device consistent with certain embodiments has a first electrical connector adapted to connect to a conditional access service card to receive encrypted television signals therefrom. A second electrical connector is adapted to connect to a television receiver device in order to provide the encrypted television signals to the television receiver device. An interface circuit receives the encrypted television signals from the first electrical connector and adapts the signals for transmission to a television receiver device over the second electrical connector. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 11-13-2008 |
20080279453 | OCR enabled hand-held device - A method of processing image data consistent with certain embodiments involves defining a segment of a visual field using a laser pointer; capturing an image of the segment of the visual field; and processing the captured segment to produce associated text associated with the selected segment. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 11-13-2008 |
20080310630 | Selective encryption to enable trick play with enhanced security - Certain embodiments consistent with the present invention involve a method of selectively encrypting digital video content that involves receiving a plurality of packets containing the digital video content; identifying packets containing start of frame (SOF) headers; inserting padding into the packets containing SOF headers to move the content of the packets containing the SOF headers to a previous or subsequent packet and create padded packets containing the SOF headers; selecting certain of the packets for encryption according to a selection criterion, wherein the selected packets exclude the padded packets containing SOF headers; encrypting the selected packets; and retaining the padded packets containing the SOF headers unencrypted to form selectively encrypted digital video content. Corresponding decoding method as well as encoding and decoding apparatus are also taught. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 12-18-2008 |
20090097659 | Method for Detection of a Hacked Decoder - A method of identifying a receiver device from which pirated video decryption keys have been obtained consistent with certain embodiments involves organizing a population of receiver devices into a plurality of N groups; associating the N groups with a plurality of N decryption keys, where each of the N groups is associated with one of the N decryption keys, where the N decryption keys are used for either decryption of content or decryption of other decryption keys; causing the plurality of N decryption keys to be obtained by their associated N groups of receiver devices by direct delivery or by derivation at the receiver devices; and identifying a pirated key as being associated with one of the N groups so as to identify the receiver device from which the pirated video decryption keys have been obtained as belonging to one of the N groups. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 04-16-2009 |
20090103470 | Revocation management - A method of carrying out wireless video communication involves at a wireless receiver (WR) device, providing a digital certificate, the digital certificate containing a High-Bandwidth Digital Copy Protection (HDCP) Key Source Vector (KSV), a device identifier for the WR device, and a digital signature cryptographically binding the identifiers; at the WR, responsive to an initiation of a wireless communication session from a wireless transmitter (WT) device, sending the digital certificate to the WT device; the WT receiving the digital certificate and having the identities in the digital certificate checked against a revocation list; and if one of the WR device's identities has been revoked, halting the wireless communication session. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 04-23-2009 |
20090103471 | Wireless video communication - A method of managing revocation when an alternate transmission method, using an alternate transmitter identity and an alternate receiver identity, is juxtaposed into an original transmission system, the original transmission system having its own original transmitter and receiver identities that communicate via an original transmission method involves at an alternate transmission receiver (ATR), providing a digital certificate, the digital certificate cryptographically binding the ATR identity to an original transmission (OT) re-transmitter identity; at the ATR, responsive to an initiation of a communication session from an alternate transmission transmitter (ATT), sending the digital certificate to the ATT using the alternate transmission method; at the ATT, extracting the original transmission identity from the certificate and sending it to the original transmission transmitter (OTT) using the original transmission method for checking in a revocation list; and if the OT identity is found to be in the revocation list, preventing copy protected content from being sent from the OTT. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 04-23-2009 |
20090112592 | Remote controller with speech recognition - A receiver remote controller has a storage device storing electronic program guide (EPG) data that relates content to television channels containing said content. The remote controller is contained in a remote controller housing with the housing containing: a data interface that receives the EPG data provided by an EPG data source for storage in the storage device; a speech interface that receives speech input from a user and produces speech signals therefrom; a natural language speech processor engine that receives the speech signals and translating the speech signals to a query of the EPG database; and a processor that receives results of the query from the natural language speech processor, and either conveys the results of the query to a user utilizing a user interface or sends navigation commands to the receiver. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 04-30-2009 |
20090113497 | Wireless control channel and back-channel for receiver - A method and apparatus for integrating a bi-directional control channel into an entertainment display device to deliver content and exchange control information. The system collects request and response information from the entertainment display device. The system also provides format translation of received and collected content to and from a plurality of formats such as N-PCS technology formats and video display formats in such a manner that the integrated system is independent of broadcasters, satellite, IPTV and cable operators. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 04-30-2009 |
20090168996 | DESCRAMBLER - According to one embodiment of the invention, the descrambler IC comprises a local memory to store a unique key and a plurality of process blocks. A first process block performs cryptographic operations on a first mating key generator using the unique key in order to produce a first key. A second process block uses the first key to perform cryptographic operations on a second mating key generator in order to produce a second key. Using the first key and the second key, a third process block decrypts a first encrypted descrambling key in order to recover a first descrambling key and a fourth process block decrypts a second encrypted descrambling key to recover a second descrambling key. The descrambler IC includes a descrambler to descramble the scrambled digital content using both the first descrambling key and the second descrambling key in order to produce digital content in a clear format. | 07-02-2009 |
20090208006 | Encryption system for satellite delivered television - A television content delivery system consistent with certain embodiments has a receiver system that receives television content from a plurality of content suppliers. A selective multiple encrypter selectively multiple encrypts the television content, wherein the resultant selectively multiple encrypted content stream is encrypted under at least one conditional access system (CAS) and at least one digital rights management system (DRMS). A transmitter transmits the selectively multiple encrypted television content stream to multiple receivers, so that the selectively multiple encrypted television content stream can be decrypted under either a system using at least one CAS or at least one DRMS. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 08-20-2009 |
20090316892 | Crypto micro-module using IEEE 1394 for stream descrambling - In certain embodiments, a television receiver circuit has a tuner circuit and a demodulator circuit that cooperatively produce a digital transport stream for a tuned channel as an output therefrom. A transport processor in an SOC receives the digital transport stream and switches the digital transport stream to an IEEE1394 bus if it is conditional access encrypted, or else if the content is unencrypted, the content is sent to a decoder residing in the SOC. A connector is permanently affixed to the circuit board that is in communication with the IEEE1394 bus. A removable crypto micro-module is installed in the connector, having an IEEE1394 compliant bus providing interconnections to the connector, receiving the digital transport stream for the tuned channel and managing conditional access keys for descrambling the tuned channel and for descrambling the tuned channel, and copy protecting the clear channel for delivery across the IEEE 1394 bus back to the transport processor in the SOC. A copy protection decrypter forms a part of the transport processor in the SOC that decrypts the copy protected stream and sends it to the decoder in the SOC. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 12-24-2009 |
20100037264 | User managed internet links from TV - A method of obtaining metadata associated with an element of television programming involves instructing an access device to generate and communicate a signal to a control device suitable for driving a display, wherein the signal contains metadata suitable for rendering on a display device in a visual representation; receiving the signal and storing a representation of the video frame; processing the video frame using OCR to extract enough information to identify an element of television programming content from the video frame; processing the video frame to extract sufficient information to identify an element of television programming content from the video frame; and retrieving metadata associated with the identified element of television programming content from a television programming content source of metadata. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 02-11-2010 |
20100053462 | Remote control security - A television receiver device consistent with certain embodiment is controlled by a remote controller has an infrared receiver that receives control signals from the remote controller. An infrared transmitter transmits signals from the television to the remote controller. A processor, upon receipt of a control signal from the remote controller sends a challenge signal to the remote controller in order to obtain a reply from the remote controller. Upon receipt of a reply to the challenge, the processor determines if the reply is correct and if so, executes the command associated with the control signal, wherein if the reply is incorrect, the command is not executed. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 03-04-2010 |
20100061709 | Ad Menu for skipped advertisements - A method of operation of a personal video recorder (PVR) involves receiving and storing a plurality of commercial advertisements forming a part of a stream of program content at the PVR; receiving and storing metadata associated with the plurality of commercial advertisements at the PVR; storing an index to the one or more commercial advertisements at the PVR; ascertaining that the end of the stream of program content has been reached; as a result of the ascertaining, using the stored index to retrieve metadata associated with the one or more commercial advertisements; building a menu of commercial advertisements from the retrieved metadata for the advertisements; generating a signal that displays the menu to the user and provides the user with an option of viewing the commercials; if the user chooses not to view the commercials, ceasing to generate the signal that displays the menu; if the user chooses to view a commercial, then receiving a selection of a commercial advertisement that the user wishes to view; and retrieving the commercial advertisement for viewing by the user. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 03-11-2010 |
20100067703 | Simulcrypt key sharing with hashed keys - A method of sharing keys among a plurality of conditional access (CA) vendors having differing CA systems used at a distribution headend involves receiving a CA Value contribution from each of the plurality of CA vendors at the headend; hashing the CA Values from each of the plurality of CA vendors together using a hashing function to produce an output control word; and at an encrypter at the headend, using the output control word as a content key, wherein the content key is used as an encryption key to encrypt content provided to a plurality of receivers that decrypt the content using any of the conditional access systems. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 03-18-2010 |
20100088717 | Multi-coded content substitution - Multiple segment identifiers associated with a single item of content and substitute content associated therewith can be utilized as a mechanism to provide content substitution using multiple content formats by utilizing a segment routing state machine. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 04-08-2010 |
20100183149 | METHOD FOR SIMULCRYPTING SCRAMBLED DATA TO A PLURALITY OF CONDITIONAL ACCESS DEVICES - One embodiment of the invention relates to an apparatus comprising an input, a descrambler unit and a re-scrambler unit. The input is adapted to receive scrambled content. The descrambler unit is coupled to the input. The descrambler unit descrambles the scrambled content in order to recover unscrambled content and concurrently routes both the unscrambled content over a first communication link for display on a display device and the unscrambled content over a second communication link. The re-scrambler unit is coupled to the second communication link. The re-scrambler unit is adapted to scramble the unscrambled content to produce re-scrambled content for transmission. | 07-22-2010 |
20100192178 | Capture of stylized TV table data via OCR - In certain implementations consistent with the present invention, a method of detecting text in a television video display table involves saving a frame of video to a memory device; determining that the frame of video contains a table having cells containing text; storing a working copy of the frame of video to a memory; isolating text in the table by: removing any table boundaries from the image; removing any cell boundaries from the image; determining if the image has three dimensional or shadow attributes and removing any three dimensional or shadow attributes identified; thereby producing text isolated against a contrasting color background; and processing the isolated text using an optical character recognition (OCR) engine to extract the text as data. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 07-29-2010 |
20100235624 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROTECTING THE TRANSFER OF DATA - According to one embodiment, a conditional access (CA) control system comprises circuitry that is adapted to: (i) transmit information including a unique identifier assigned to a digital device and mating key generator values to the remote source, (ii) receive a mating key from the remote source, the mating key being based on the transmitted unique identifier and mating key generator values, the mating key being used to encrypt data used for scrambling either additional key information or program data prior to transmission to the digital device, and (iii) transmit the mating key generator values and the encrypted data to the digital device, the mating key generator values are used to regenerate the mating key in the digital device. | 09-16-2010 |
20100246819 | Method to upgrade content encryption - Generation of secret keys is carried out in a smartcard for use by a receiver device's main processor, or alternatively, decryption processing for selectively encrypted content is carried out in the smartcard itself in order to thwart hacking and pirating of protected video content. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 09-30-2010 |
20110001651 | Zero standby power laser controlled device - In certain embodiments, a remotely controllable television has an energy converter that receives light energy from a laser in a remote controller and converts the light energy to electrical energy. A remote control code interpreter that is receives a turn-on code from the remote controller. The electrical energy from the energy converter is used to supply power to the remote control code interpreter. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 01-06-2011 |
20110001887 | Zero standby power RF controlled device - A remotely controllable electronic appliance has a radio frequency energy converter that receives a radio frequency energy from a remote controller and converts the radio frequency energy to electrical energy, where the electrical energy from the energy converter is used to supply power to receive a turn-on code. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 01-06-2011 |
20110055577 | Location authentication - In one implementation a method of authenticating the installation of a television receiver involves generating a fingerprint value as function of the television network characteristics at an authorized installation location, where the fingerprint is a function of at least one of a gain value of a variable gain amplifier and an equalizer coefficient of an adaptive equalizer of the television appliance; receiving a code that is a function of both a decryption key and the fingerprint value from a broadcast source; ascertaining a value of the decryption key by applying an inverse function to the code that produces the decryption key as an output; and carrying out a decryption process at the television receiver appliance using the decryption key. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 03-03-2011 |
20110093882 | Parental control through the HDMI interface - An HDMI parental control device consistent with certain embodiments has an HDMI receiver that receives an HDMI audio/video stream and produces editable audio/video output data and a logic processor that receives closed caption data and compares descriptors in the closed caption data with a list of descriptors to be censored. When the logic processor detects a descriptor to be censored it causes the audio/video data corresponding to the descriptor to be censored to be altered from the audio/video output data to produce censored audio/video output data and uncensored audio/video output data and then output via an HDMI transmitter. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 04-21-2011 |
20110096924 | ANTIPIRACY KEY SEGMENTATION FOR HFC MULTICAST DISTRIBUTION FROM MASTER HEADEND TO CABLE HUBS - A method of segregating a hybrid fiber cable network involves assigning a packet identifier (PID) to each of a plurality of hubs on the hybrid fiber cable network; assigning a distinct decryption method to each of the plurality of hubs, so that each of the plurality of hubs is identifiable by its associated decryption method and PID; generating selectively multiple encrypted content for transmission to the hubs, where content encrypted for use by each hub is identified by the hub's assigned PID; and transmitting the selectively multiple encrypted content over the hybrid fiber cable network to the plurality of hubs. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 04-28-2011 |
20110113443 | IP TV With DRM - A method of decrypting DRM encoded content in a DTV receiver involves receiving an encrypted license from a license server at the DTV receiver; providing a unique identifier for an integrated DTV SoC forming a part of the DTV television receiver; storing a secret key in an electronic fuse memory forming a part of the SoC, where the secret key is generated using an algorithm that utilizes the unique identifier for the SoC; where the received encrypted license is encrypted using the same secret key as is stored in the electronic fuse memory; decrypting the secret key using the key stored in the electronic fuse memory to produce a clear secret key; decrypting the encrypted license using the clear secret key to determine a content key; storing the license; and decrypting the DRM encoded content using the content key. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 05-12-2011 |
20110149159 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACTIVELY MANAGING PLAYBACK OF DEMO CONTENT BY DISPLAY DEVICE - An embodiment of the invention involves a display device and method for actively managing playback of demo content within a partially-assisted or non-assisted commercial environment. The playback of demo content is activated through detection of an audio triggering event in which playback of the streaming advertising content is temporarily halted. According to this embodiment, after the demo content is displayed, playback of the streaming advertising content resumes and cannot be interrupted for a selected period of time that is normally greater and will not be less than the playback time for the demo content. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 06-23-2011 |
20110149160 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACTIVELY MANAGING PLAY BACK OF DEMO CONTENT BY A DISPLAY DEVICE BASED ON CUSTOMER ACTIONS - An embodiment of the invention involves an apparatus, such as a television, that comprises a memory, an optical sensor and a processor. The optical sensor is configured to capture at least one image present in front of the apparatus. The processor is coupled to the optical sensor. The processor is configured to (i) analyze the at least one image and determine if the at least one image depicts a specific action, (ii) render a first type of content for a first time period in lieu of rendering a second type of content that is rendered by the processor at times when the specified action is not detected, and (iii) render the second type of content for a second period of time after the first period of time for rendering the first type of content has elapsed, potentially even if another the specified action is detected during the second period of time. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 06-23-2011 |
20110150425 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACTIVELY MANAGING PLAY BACK OF DEMO CONTENT BY A DISPLAY DEVICE BASED ON SIGNALING FROM A PRESENCE SENSOR - An embodiment of the invention involves an apparatus and method for controlling periodic play back of demo content by a display device. The method comprises monitoring for a triggering event by a presence sensor within the display device. The triggering event involves a detection of a non-moving or slow-moving object remaining in front of the display device for a predetermined period of time. In response to detecting the triggering event, the demo content is automatically played for a first period of time. Thereafter, play back of the demo content is halted after the first period of time has elapsed and play back the streaming advertising content is continued by the display device for a second period of time, and as an option, even if another triggering event is detected during the second period of time. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 06-23-2011 |
20110150426 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACTIVELY MANAGING PLAY BACK OF DEMO CONTENT BY A DISPLAY DEVICE BASED ON DETECTED RADIO FREQUENCY SIGNALING - An embodiment of the invention involves an apparatus, method and software for automatically controlling periodic play back of demo content. The apparatus comprises a memory, a radio detection logic and a processor. The radio detection logic is configured to detect a first radio frequency signal within a prescribed frequency range and to generate a control signal in response to detection of the first radio frequency signal. Coupled to the radio detection logic, the processor is configured to permit play back of a first type of content for a first time period upon receipt of the control signal where the first type of content is played back in lieu of playing back a second type of content that is normally processed for play back by the processor, to permit play back of the second type of content for a second time period after the first time period has elapsed. According to one embodiment, this play back occurs regardless if a second radio frequency signal within the prescribed frequency range is detected by the radio detection logic during the second time period, and the processor plays back the first type of content after the second time period has elapsed and the second radio frequency signal is detected. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 06-23-2011 |
20110164143 | TV demonstration - A television demonstration method involves providing a television display and a camera; at a computer processor, receiving a video image from the camera, the computer processor capturing the video image from the camera to determine if the viewer makes a predetermined gesture; and retrieving and playing a specified video segment on the display associated with the gesture in response to determining that the viewer has made the predetermined gesture. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 07-07-2011 |
20110179436 | PARENTAL CONTROL FOR A MIXED VIEWING AUDIENCE USING SHUTTER GLASSES - According to one embodiment, a system for implementing parental control using a plurality of pairs of shutter glasses comprises a digital device and a first and second pair of shutter glasses. The digital device includes a tuner/demodulator unit, a data processing unit and a transmitter. The tuner/demodulator unit receives content being a scene of a program. The data processing unit decodes the scene during playback which includes determining if the scene includes objectionable content that exceeds the plurality of preset ratings on a scene-by-scene basis. If the data processing unit determines that the scene includes objectionable content that exceeds the first preset rating, the transmitter sends a first synchronization signal that identifies the objectionable content to the first pair of shutter glasses, and if the data processing unit determines that the scene includes objectionable content that exceeds the second preset rating, the transmitter sends the second synchronization signal that identifies the objectionable content to the second pair of shutter glasses. The first pair of shutters blocks objectionable content based on the first synchronization signal received from the first receiver and the second pair of shutters block the objectionable content based on the second synchronization signal received from the second receiver. | 07-21-2011 |
20110219399 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR REGISTERING AND THE SUBSEQUENT SELECTION OF USER SELECTED ADVERTISEMENT DURING PLAYBACK - According to one embodiment of the invention, a method of registering, and perhaps substituting broadcast television advertisements for lesser, time intensive advertisements is described. The method comprises (i) receiving digital content including segments of a audiovisual program separated by at least one broadcast advertisement; (ii) detecting an operation that alters playback of the broadcast advertisement; (iii) in response to detecting the alters playback, retrieving a stored advertisement from a local memory storage unit, the stored advertisement being associated with a genre of advertisements selected by a user; and (iv) outputting for display the stored advertisement in lieu of the broadcast advertisement, the stored advertisement having a playback time less than a prescribed amount of a normal playback time of the broadcast advertisement. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 09-08-2011 |
20110219400 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR REPLACING A BROADCASTED ADVERTISEMENT IN RESPONSE TO AN ATTEMPT BY THE VIEWER TO SKIP OR FAST-FORWARD THROUGH THE ADVERTISEMENT - According to one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus comprises a tuner/demodulation unit, a data storage unit and a data processing unit. The data processing unit is coupled to the tuner/demodulation unit and the data storage unit. The data processing unit is adapted to detect an operation that accelerates playback of an advertisement that is part of incoming digital content received by the tuner/demodulation unit, and in response to detecting the accelerated playback, to retrieve a secondary advertisement from the data storage unit, to display the secondary advertisement and to display an image that allows the user to discern the remaining time for such a display. The secondary advertisement has a playback time greater than a normal playback time of the advertisement. | 09-08-2011 |
20110219401 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR REPLACING A BROADCASTED ADVERTISEMENT BASED ON BOTH HEURISTIC INFORMATION AND ATTEMPTS IN ALTERING THE PLAYBACK OF THE ADVERTISEMENT - According to one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus comprises a data storage unit and a data processing unit. The data storage unit is adapted to store a plurality of advertisements. Coupled to the data storage unit, the data processing unit is adapted to detect an operation that alters playback of an advertisement being part of downloaded digital content, and in response to detecting the operation, to select one of the stored advertisements. The selection is based on heuristic information that is maintained for each of the plurality of stored advertisements. | 09-08-2011 |
20110219402 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR REPLACING A BROADCASTED ADVERTISEMENT BASED ON HEURISTIC INFORMATION - According to one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus comprises a data storage unit and a data processing unit. Coupled to the data storage unit, the data processing unit is adapted to the access heuristic information stored in the data storage unit and transmitting a signal that is used to at least partially control selection of broadcast advertisements being downloaded so that the broadcast advertisements are more suited to the subject matter of interest to the user. | 09-08-2011 |
20110262105 | Transfer of Metadata Using Video Frames - An automated method of attaching metadata to a segment of content using a programmed processor consistent with certain embodiments involves retrieving metadata relating to the segment of content; rendering the metadata as visually perceptible text in one or more frames of video; appending the one or more frames of video to the video as the first one or more frames of the video to produce metadata enhanced video; and storing or transmitting the metadata enhanced video. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 10-27-2011 |
20110299683 | DESCRAMBLER - According to one embodiment of the invention, the descrambler IC comprises a local memory to store a unique key and a plurality of process blocks. A first process block is adapted to perform cryptographic operations on input information using the unique key to produce a user key. A second process block is adapted to perform cryptographic operations on incoming information using the user key to produce a copy protection key while a third process block uses the unique key to decrypt an encrypted descrambling key and recover the descrambling key. The decryption logic uses the descrambling key to decrypt encrypted incoming digital content and produce digital content in a clear format. The encryption logic uses the copy protection key to re-encrypt the digital content in the clear format and produce encrypted digital content for transmission from the descrambler. | 12-08-2011 |
20120062805 | Decoding Multiple Remote Control Code Sets - A method of processing remote control commands at a control device consistent with certain embodiments involves at the control device, receiving commands directed to the control device; at the control device, receiving a command directed to a source device, the source device being operative to provide video content to a display; and at the control device, interpreting the command directed to the source device in order to track a state of operation of the source device. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 03-15-2012 |
20120102184 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ADAPTIVE STREAMING OF CONTENT WITH USER-INITIATED QUALITY ADJUSTMENTS - According to one embodiment of the invention, a digital device comprises adaptive streaming logic to control a manual setting of play parameters that are used to adjust a display resolution of the incoming content and a data rate at which the streaming content is downloaded to the content interface unit. Hence, very low resolution content or greatly varying resolution which can be annoying to a viewer caused by excessive network congestion can be avoided or mitigated. | 04-26-2012 |
20120105724 | TV Use Simulation - A method of simulating use of a television consistent with certain implementations of the present invention involves switching a television remote controller or a television STB to an operational mode in which a simulating function is activated. While in the simulating function is activated, the television receiver device is operated in a manner which to simulates operations that a user performs when using the television receiver device by changing operation at scheduled times, random times or random time intervals. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 05-03-2012 |
20120110628 | Storage of Adaptive Streamed Content - A method consistent with certain implementations involves receiving adaptively streamed data representing the A/V content from a source. The stream contains a high resolution representation of a first portion of the content and a lower resolution representation of a second portion; storing the stream of data to an electronic storage device; determining that the stored stream of data includes the lower resolution representation of the second portion of the content; changing the lower resolution representation of the second portion of the content to a high resolution representation of the second portion of the content; and producing a high resolution output stream of data representing the A/V content by combining the high resolution representation from the storage device with the high resolution representation of the second portion of the content. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 05-03-2012 |
20120131606 | Enabling DRM-Encrypted Broadcast Content Through Gateway into the Home - A method consistent with certain implementations involves receiving a stream of legacy encrypted main content that contains selectively DRM encrypted duplicate content; decrypting the legacy encrypted stream of content; eliminating the duplicate content that is not DRM encrypted; generating a selectively DRM encrypted stream of content; and providing the selectively DRM stream of content as an output signal for consumption by a device residing on a home entertainment network. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 05-24-2012 |
20120154553 | Simultaneous Viewing of Multiple Viewer-Specific Programming on a Single Display - In certain implementations, a method consistent with certain embodiments involves associating a first headset with a first viewer profile; associating the first headset with a first audio channel within an audio channel multiplex and with a first set of display refresh time slots; selecting a first advertisement based on criteria contained in the first viewer profile; displaying a video portion of the first advertisement on a video display during the first set of refresh time slots associated with the first headset; transmitting a synchronization signal that is synchronized to a video frame refresh clock to establish the video time slots; and transmitting an audio portion of the first advertisement on the first audio channel associated with the headset. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 06-21-2012 |
20120163593 | On-Demand Switched Content Encryption - A number of encryption system types utilized by subscriber terminal devices currently requesting tuning to a particular switched digital video (SDV) content selection is determined in response to each change in a number of the subscriber terminals requesting tuning to the particular SDV content selection. SDV content associated with the particular SDV content selection is encrypted as either encrypted SDV content or multiply partially encrypted SDV content based upon the determined number of encryption system types beginning from a current play location indicated for the SDV content selection within an electronic program guide (EPG). Either the encrypted SDV content or the multiply partially encrypted SDV content is distributed as part of an outgoing SDV content stream to the subscriber terminals currently requesting tuning to the particular SDV content selection. This abstract is not to be considered limiting. Other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 06-28-2012 |
20120207306 | On-Demand Download of Partial Encrypted Content for Partial Super Distributed Content - A request to render content associated with a first super distributed content file is detected by a content rendering device. At least one portion of the content associated with the first super distributed content file is determined to be missing from the first super distributed content file. A second file including the at least one portion of the content missing from the first super distributed content file is obtained from a server. The at least one portion of the content of the second file includes partial encrypted portions of the content associated with an encryption system of the content rendering device. A content output stream including decrypted partial encrypted portions of the content of the second file and the content associated with the first super distributed content file is generated. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 08-16-2012 |
20120216222 | Parental Control for Audio Censorship - In certain implementations, a television receiver device has an interface configured to receive audio video (A/V) program content and tuning information. A processor is programmed to: tune to a designated program; present an option to tune to the designated program with either a censored or uncensored version of audio; upon receipt of an instruction to tune to the designated program with uncensored audio, tune to a substitute audio stream identified with a secondary packet identifier, where the substitute audio stream substitutes uncensored segments of audio for censored segments of audio. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 08-23-2012 |
20120260297 | Wireless Control Channel and Back-Channel for Receiver - A method and apparatus for integrating a bi-directional control channel into an entertainment display device to deliver content and exchange control information. The system collects request and response information from the entertainment display device. The system also provides format translation of received and collected content to and from a plurality of formats such as N-PCS technology formats and video display formats in such a manner that the integrated system is independent of broadcasters, satellite, IPTV and cable operators. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 10-11-2012 |
20120321080 | TV Receiver Device with Multiple Decryption Modes - A digital television receiver device supporting two or more different conditional access systems has a content receiver that obtains an encrypted content stream and a processor. A content stream decrypter decrypts an encrypted content stream for conditional access or copy protection from at least one of the following interfaces: an interface to a CableCARD, an interface to a Common Interface Module consumer replaceable module for use with conditional access key management and content stream conditional access decryption and content stream copy protection re-encryption, and at least one of the following interfaces: an interface to a USB2 compatible consumer replaceable module, an interface to an enhanced SIM consumer replaceable card. Other variations are disclosed. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 12-20-2012 |
20120321081 | Identification of a Compromised Content Player - A system and method for identifying the player that leaked content encryption keys by loading a set of player keys into individual content players and determining the number of encryptions and the number of encryption keys to use in multiple encrypting critical content. The method produces copies of critical data content packets, each copy of which is separately encrypted using any one of a set of encryption keys that are related to one another through a mathematical algorithm. The related set of encryption keys and data describing key relationship and content player identity are transmitted to a previously determined license management agency. The transmitted encrypted content is written to a receiving device or file, or streamed to an individual player for non-synchronous playback. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 12-20-2012 |
20120324221 | Identification of a Compromised Content Player - A system and method for identifying the player that leaked content encryption keys by loading a set of player keys into individual content players and determining the number of encryptions and the number of encryption keys to use in multiple encrypting critical content. The method produces copies of critical data content packets, each copy of which is separately encrypted using any one of a set of encryption keys that are related to one another through a mathematical algorithm. The related set of encryption keys and data describing key relationship and content player identity are transmitted to a previously determined license management agency. The transmitted encrypted content is written to a receiving device or file, or streamed to an individual player for non-synchronous playback. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 12-20-2012 |
20130125225 | Network-Based Revocation, Compliance and Keying of Copy Protection Systems - A method of authenticating a device involves establishing a local connection between a local target device and a local source device; at the source device, obtaining credentials of the target device via the local connection; at the source device, sending the credentials to a cloud authentication server via a secure communication channel; at the cloud authentication server, checking the credentials of the target device against a database of known good devices; at the source device, receiving a message from the cloud authentication server via the secure communication channel, said message indicating that the target device is authenticated; and delivering content from the source device to the target device on the condition that the target device is authenticated. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 05-16-2013 |
20130156186 | PARTIAL MULTIPLE ENCRYPTION - A partial multiple encryption device consistent with certain embodiments has an input adapted to receive a unencrypted video signal. An encryption arrangement produces a partially multiple encrypted video signal from the unencrypted video signal. An output is adapted to provide the partially multiple encrypted video signal. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 06-20-2013 |
20130160054 | MULTI-CODED CONTENT SUBSTITUTION - Multiple segment identifiers associated with a single item of content and substitute content associated therewith can be utilized as a mechanism to provide content substitution using multiple content formats by utilizing a segment routing state machine. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 06-20-2013 |
20130185747 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DOWLOADING CONTENT TO A CONTENT DOWLOADER - A content downloader system including a display for displaying a user interface enabling a user to select content to be downloaded and initiate downloading; a set-top-box coupled to the display for providing the user interface and for receiving an indication of the content to be downloaded; and a content downloader coupled to and separate from the set-top-box, the content downloader for receiving the content. The content downloader has at least one memory component for storing content, at least one input/output connection for communicating to electronic devices, optionally including a removable memory card and optionally including an encryption/decryption unit. The content downloader may have an identification whereby its identity is authenticated by the content provider. The content downloader downloads the content selected by the user after successful authentication whereby the selection is made using the display and the set-top-box, and the content downloaded to the content downloader separate than the set-top-box. | 07-18-2013 |
20130219420 | OBTAINING METADATA PROGRAM INFORMATION DURING CHANNEL CHANGES - An apparatus including a remote command receiver, a decode logic, and a database is described herein. The remote command receiver may detect a remote control command that selects a program. The decode logic may receive a video signal from an access device that is the target of the detected remote control command and separate from the apparatus. The decode logic may capture a video frame that is rendered by the apparatus based on the video signal from the access device, and may decode the captured video frame to generate metadata regarding the selected program. The apparatus may generate a user interface using the metadata stored in the database that is different from the user interface generated by the access device. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 08-22-2013 |
20130298086 | DISPLAY DEVICE DETECTION OF AND RESPONSE TO AN IDLE MODE OF A REMOTE SENDER DEVICE - A method, system and apparatus provide for detection by a display device of an idle mode of a remote sender device. Information received from a remote sender device by a display device is monitored during a normal operating mode of operation of the display device to determine whether the remote sender device is not providing primary content for display by the display device, such as might occur during a sleep or idle mode of the remote sender device. If the display device determines that primary content is not being provided by the remote sender device, then the display device acquires alternate content that may be displayed. This abstract is not to be considered limiting. | 11-07-2013 |
20130305279 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ALTERING THE PRESENTATION OF BROADCAST CONTENT - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method and system for altering a presentation of broadcast content. More specifically, embodiments provide an accurate and efficient mechanism for suppressing advertisements by using downloaded templates to identify advertisements before suppression for a duration indicated by information downloaded about the advertisement, where the suppression is effectuated by controlling a display or set-top box using remote-control functionality. In one embodiment, a digital signal comprising broadcast content is accessed. A plurality of templates are received and stored, wherein each template represents a known portion of the broadcast content. The digital signal is then compared against a portion of the plurality of stored templates. Upon a match, a control signal operable to alter a component of a presentation of the known portion of the broadcast content is generated. | 11-14-2013 |
20130322625 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROTECTING THE TRANSFER OF DATA - According to one embodiment, a method of descrambling digital multimedia content starts by sending an out-of-band request for encrypted control data to a headend. A descrambler integrated circuit may then receive digital program data in a scrambled format and the encrypted control data. The encrypted control data may then be decrypted entirely within the descrambler integrated circuit using a multiple-step decryption process starting with a unique key permanently stored in the descrambler integrate circuit and using the partial decryption of control data from the previous decryption step to generate a key to decrypt subsequent encrypted control data. The scrambled digital program data may then be descrambled in the descrambler integrated circuit using the decrypted control data from the last decryption step. Other embodiments are described. | 12-05-2013 |
20140137150 | ON-DEMAND SWITCHED CONTENT ENCRYPTION - A number of encryption system types utilized by subscriber terminal devices currently requesting tuning to a particular switched digital video (SDV) content selection is determined in response to each change in a number of the subscriber terminals requesting tuning to the particular SDV content selection. SDV content associated with the particular SDV content selection is encrypted as either encrypted SDV content or multiply partially encrypted SDV content based upon the determined number of encryption system types beginning from a current play location indicated for the SDV content selection within an electronic program guide (EPG). Either the encrypted SDV content or the multiply partially encrypted SDV content is distributed as part of an outgoing SDV content stream to the subscriber terminals currently requesting tuning to the particular SDV content selection. This abstract is not to be considered limiting. Other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 05-15-2014 |
20140189729 | Multipurpose Television Module - A method of processing a boot sequence for a processor forming a part of a module apparatus involves interrogating a host television device to determine if the host television device requires use of an application execution engine residing on the module apparatus; receiving a reply to the interrogation; and responsive to the reply, establishing a mode of operation wherein the application execution engine is used to execute application code for the host television device. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 07-03-2014 |
20140237516 | CAPTURE OF STYLIZED TV TABLE DATA VIA OCR - In certain implementations consistent with the present invention, a method of detecting text in a television video display table involves saving a frame of video to a memory device; determining that the frame of video contains a table having cells containing text; storing a working copy of the frame of video to a memory; isolating text in the table by: removing any table boundaries from the image; removing any cell boundaries from the image; determining if the image has three dimensional or shadow attributes and removing any three dimensional or shadow attributes identified; thereby producing text isolated against a contrasting color background; and processing the isolated text using an optical character recognition (OCR) engine to extract the text as data. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 08-21-2014 |
20140282719 | SIMULTANEOUS VIEWING OF MULTIPLE VIEWER-SPECIFIC PROGRAMMING ON A SINGLE DISPLAY - In certain implementations, a method consistent with certain embodiments involves associating a first headset with a first viewer profile; associating the first headset with a first set of display refresh time slots; selecting a first advertisement based on criteria contained in the first viewer profile; displaying a video portion of the first advertisement on a video display during the first set of refresh time slots associated with the first headset; and transmitting a synchronization signal that is synchronized to a video frame refresh clock to establish the video time slots. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract. | 09-18-2014 |
20140373075 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DOWNLOADING CONTENT TO A CONTENT DOWNLOADER - A content downloader system including a display for displaying a user interface enabling a user to select content to be downloaded and initiate downloading; a set-top-box coupled to the display for providing the user interface and for receiving an Indication of the content to be downloaded; and a content downloader coupled to and separate from the set-top-box, the content downloader for receiving the content. The content downloader has at least one memory component for storing content, at least one input/output connection for communicating to electronic devices, optionally including a removable memory card and optionally including an encryption/decryption unit. The content downloader may have an identification whereby its identity is authenticated by the content provider. The content downloader downloads the content selected by the user after successful authentication whereby the selection is made using the display and the set-top-box, and the content downloaded to the content downloader separate than the set-top-box. | 12-18-2014 |