An optical transceiver heat sink module assembly for use with optical transceivers comprising an optical transceiver cover, a module cover, a module base and one or more thermal gaskets is described.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
(1) Electronic communications hardware, software and systems for the delivery of broadband data and video services; electronic communications hardware, software and systems for control, management, and implementation of interactive digital video, broadband Ethernet and Internet Protocol (IP) telecommunications, and high-speed data services; data over cable, digital video and wireless broadband products; (1) Design for others in the field of electronic communications hardware, software and systems for the delivery of broadband data and video; design for others in the field of telecommunications of data over cable, digital video and wireless broadband products;
IEEE Trans. Veh. Technol., vol. 57, pp. 1675-1694, May 2008 are provided, each comprising two stages. The first stage is performed offline to prepare a set of cancellation signals based on the settings of the OFDM system. In particular, these cancellation signals are constructed to cancel signals at different levels of maximum instantaneous power that are above a predefined threshold. The second stage is performed online and in an iterative manner to reduce the peaks of OFDM symbols by using the cancellation signals constructed in the first stage.
A multiport FDX data transceiver having (i) digital transmit and receive chains shared by the multiple ports thereof and (ii) a multi-stage echo-cancellation circuit capable of canceling the echo of the transmitted signal that is coupled back into the receive chain through the analog front end of the transceiver. In an example embodiment, the echo-cancellation circuit comprises two stages. The first stage operates to remove a dominant echo signal corresponding to the output signal that is being broadcast on the multiple ports of the transceiver. The second stage operates to remove a residual echo signal typically caused by differences in the pertinent characteristics of the circuits associated with the different ports of the transceiver. In some embodiments, the multi-stage echo-cancellation circuit can be used for training a single-stage echo-cancellation circuit that may be unable to sufficiently quickly converge on an optimal set of filter coefficients on its own.
H04B 3/23 - Reducing echo effects or singingOpening or closing transmitting pathConditioning for transmission in one direction or the other using a replica of transmitted signal in the time domain, e.g. echo cancellers
Example embodiments describe a controller comprising means for performing i) discovering a mapping between receive analogue to digital converters, RxADCs, of a full duplex node (100) and cable modems (111-113, 121-123, 131-133, 141-143) connected to the full duplex node; and wherein the cable modems share a common communication bandwidth; and ii) determining, based on the mapping, sounding groups (152, 162) by grouping cable modems (111-131, 121-123) mapped to a same RxADC (151) into a respective sounding group (152); and wherein a sounding group is indicative for an upper bound of possible interfering cable modems.
H04B 3/20 - Reducing echo effects or singingOpening or closing transmitting pathConditioning for transmission in one direction or the other
H04B 1/38 - Transceivers, i.e. devices in which transmitter and receiver form a structural unit and in which at least one part is used for functions of transmitting and receiving
H04B 3/52 - Systems for transmission between fixed stations via waveguides
In an example embodiment, a transceiver includes a plurality of amplifiers configured to amplify an analog transmit signal to generate a plurality of amplified transmit signals for further transmission, a combiner configured to combine a plurality of output signals to generate a combined signal, the plurality of output signals being based on the plurality of amplified transmit signals and at least one processor configured to execute computer-readable instructions to cause the transceiver to determine pre-distortion compensation coefficients based on the combined signal and generate a pre-distortion compensated transmit signal based on the pre-distortion compensation coefficients.
A server complex (102) includes an interface portal (116). The server complex exposes (401) a generic resource locator (402) pointing to the media content in a generic format at the interface portal. The server complex receives requests for media content (101) from at least a first client device (601) to receive the media content in a first format (603) and at least a second client device (602) to receive the media content in a second format (604). The server complex determines (405), from a header (407) of the request, whether the request is from the first client device or the second client device, generates (409) a response message (108) comprising a manifest file (109) comprising a device specific resource locator (410) pointing to the media content cached (412) in one of the first format or the second format, and transmits (411) the response message to the requesting client.
H04L 29/06 - Communication control; Communication processing characterised by a protocol
H04L 12/24 - Arrangements for maintenance or administration
H04N 21/266 - Channel or content management, e.g. generation and management of keys and entitlement messages in a conditional access system or merging a VOD unicast channel into a multicast channel
In a digital communication system there is provided a method for OFDM channel estimation that jointly considers the effects of coarse timing error and multipath propagation. The method uses an iterative channel estimation technique, which considers the practical scenario of fractional timing error and non-sample space echo delays. The method does not require channel state information such as second-order statistic of the channel impulse responses or the noise power. Moreover, timing error can be conveniently obtained with the proposed technique. Simulation shows that, when comparing OFDM channel estimation techniques under DOCSIS 3.1 realistic channel conditions, the proposed algorithm significantly outperforms conventional methods.
A system (100) includes an interface portal (116) to receive (401), at a resource locator (402) pointing to media content (101), a request (117) for the media content from a client device (109). A server complex (102) can validate a secure token (403) of the request, and can issue a new token (405) that includes one or more session identification credentials (406). These can include a session identifier (407) indicating a session required to retrieve the media content to the client device, an identifier of an edge server (105) to serve the request for the media content, and other information. A resource management system (106), operable with the server complex and the edge server, can then throttle a data rate of the session as a function of the one or more session identification credentials or terminate the session as a function of the one or more session credentials.
G06F 15/16 - Combinations of two or more digital computers each having at least an arithmetic unit, a program unit and a register, e.g. for a simultaneous processing of several programs
H04L 29/06 - Communication control; Communication processing characterised by a protocol
A server complex (102) in a content delivery network (200) includes a central server (110), a multicast server (210), and an edge server (105). The central server delivers, with the multicast server, a content offering (120) to the edge server beginning at a predetermined time by transmitting portions (103) of content in succession, with each portion of content accompanied by an index fact datagram (204). The edge server stores each index fact datagram in an index file (215). When playing back content, the edge server retrieves an index file portion (404). When the information in the index file portion is exhausted, the edge server obtains any additional index fact datagrams (407) corresponding to any additional portions (408) of the content offering from the index file stored at the edge server.
H04N 21/472 - End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or servicesEnd-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification or for manipulating displayed content
H04N 21/262 - Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission or generating play-lists
H04L 29/06 - Communication control; Communication processing characterised by a protocol
H04L 29/08 - Transmission control procedure, e.g. data link level control procedure
H04N 21/647 - Control signaling between network components and server or clientsNetwork processes for video distribution between server and clients, e.g. controlling the quality of the video stream, by dropping packets, protecting content from unauthorised alteration within the network, monitoring of network load or bridging between two different networks, e.g. between IP and wireless
An intermediate server (104) is operable in a distributed key management system (300). The intermediate server comprises one or more processors (205) and an intermediate key material repository (302) to store digital rights management key material. The intermediate server can be operable in the system between a master server (101) and a local server (106), with the local server to deliver content (108) to one or more subscriber devices (109,110). The intermediate server, or optionally a management system (117) can pre-populate the intermediate key material repository with one or key material (1005) corresponding to fragments (1001) of the content prior to the fragments of content being requested by the one or more subscriber devices.
H04N 7/167 - Systems rendering the television signal unintelligible and subsequently intelligible
H04N 21/266 - Channel or content management, e.g. generation and management of keys and entitlement messages in a conditional access system or merging a VOD unicast channel into a multicast channel
H04N 21/435 - Processing of additional data, e.g. decrypting of additional data or reconstructing software from modules extracted from the transport stream
12.
Transporting out-of-band signals in distributed cable systems
A distributed CATV system that transports out-of-band signals between the cable headend and the set-top boxes is described. A video engine in the headend of the distributed CATV system converts downstream video channel RF (radio frequency) signals and downstream out-of-band RF signals respectively into video downstream packets and out-of-band downstream packets for a set of distribution nodes to transmit to the set-top boxes via CATV cables. The video engine also receives upstream packets from the distribution nodes that contain data based on upstream out-of-band RF signals transmitted by the set-top boxes via CATV cables.
H04N 21/2343 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing of video streams or manipulating encoded video stream scene graphs involving reformatting operations of video signals for distribution or compliance with end-user requests or end-user device requirements
H04N 21/4402 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream or rendering scenes according to encoded video stream scene graphs involving reformatting operations of video signals for household redistribution, storage or real-time display
H04N 21/434 - Disassembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. demultiplexing audio and video streams or extraction of additional data from a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsExtraction or processing of SIDisassembling of packetised elementary stream
H04B 10/2575 - Radio-over-fibre, e.g. radio frequency signal modulated onto an optical carrier
The present invention relates to a method for assigning transmission resources (101) to communications between an access node (11) and a plurality of subscriber devices (41 to 46) coupled to a shared transmission medium.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the method comprises characterizing interference between respective ones of the plurality of subscriber devices over the shared transmission medium, grouping highly-interfering subscriber devices into respective interfering groups (G1, G2, G3, G4) based on the so-characterized interference, and assigning disjoint transmission time intervals to upstream communication from any one subscriber device of any one interfering group and to downstream communication towards any other subscriber device of the same interfering group.
The present invention also relates to a resource controller.
In a digital communication system there is provided a method for OFDM channel estimation that jointly considers the effects of coarse timing error and multipath propagation. The method uses an iterative channel estimation technique, which considers the practical scenario of fractional timing error and non-sample space echo delays. The method does not require channel state information such as second-order statistic of the channel impulse responses or the noise power. Moreover, timing error can be conveniently obtained with the proposed technique. Simulation shows that, when comparing OFDM channel estimation techniques under DOCSIS 3.1 realistic channel conditions, the proposed algorithm significantly outperforms conventional methods.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Computer hardware; computer hardware for telecommunications;
computer software for control, management, and
implementation of telecommunications hardware, peripherals,
and components in the field of telecommunications; computer
software for control, management, and implementation of
interactive digital video, broadband Ethernet and IP
telecommunications, and high-speed data services; computer
peripherals; computer peripherals for telecommunications;
hardware and components for use with, for providing, and for
managing interactive digital video, broadband Ethernet and
IP telecommunications, and high-speed data services, namely,
fiber optic transmitters, fiber optic receivers, fiber optic
transceivers, digital cable television transmitters,
communication link testers, communication hubs, optical and
electrical connectors, digital and analog encoders, digital
and analog decoders, digital and analog transcoders, video
and audio input processors, Ethernet adapters, Ethernet
switches, network routers, video server controllers, video
signal splitters and combiners, communication access nodes
in the nature of optical and electric connections, headend
software controllers, multiplexers, scramblers for
encryption, analog and digital modulators, de-modulators,
and embedded software for control, management, and
implementation of telecommunications hardware, peripherals,
and components for use by cable operators, satellite
broadcasters, terrestrial broadcasters, telephone carriers
and wireless telecommunications operators for use with
communications networks, namely, wide area and local area
fiber optic, cable, satellite, and wireless communication
networks; computer software for providing and managing
interactive digital video, broadband Ethernet and IP
telecommunications, and high-speed data services; systems
for providing, and for managing interactive digital video,
broadband Ethernet and IP telecommunications, and high-speed
data services, namely, systems comprised of one or more of
fiber optic transmitters, fiber optic receivers, optical
transceivers, digital cable television transmitters,
communication link testers, communication hubs, optical and
electrical connectors, digital and analog encoders, digital
and analog decoders, digital and analog transcoders, video
and audio input processors, Ethernet adapters, Ethernet
switches, network routers, video server controllers, video
signal splitters and combiners, communication access nodes
in the nature of optical and electric connections, headend
software controllers, multiplexers, scramblers for
encryption, analog and digital modulators, de-modulators,
and embedded software for control, management, and
implementation of telecommunications hardware, peripherals,
and components for use by cable broadcasters, satellite
broadcasters, terrestrial broadcasters, telephone carriers
and wireless telecommunications operators for use with
communications networks, namely, wide area and local area
fiber optic, cable, satellite, and wireless communication
networks; electronic equipment and systems comprised of
signal processors, transceivers, electronic controllers and
computer systems software for processing communications
signals associated with geolocation devices.
Distributed CMTS device for a HFC CATV network serving multiple neighborhoods by multiple individual cables, in which at least some and often all of the QAM modulators that provide data for the individual cables are remote QAM modulators ideally located at the fiber nodes. A CCAP set of IP/on-demand data is transmitted to the nodes using an optical fiber, often using digital protocols such as Ethernet protocols. Optionally a basic set of legacy CATV QAM data, transmitted using RF waveforms transposed to optical frequencies, may also be transmitted to the nodes using either the same or different optical fiber. The nodes extract the data specific to each neighborhood, and inject this data into unused cable QAM channels along with any optional legacy CATV QAM waveforms as desired, thus achieving improved data transmission rates through finer granularity. A computerized “virtual shelf” control system for this system is also disclosed.
Producing advanced HFC CATV cable systems while easing the burden of backward compatibility. The system improves CATV data carrying capacity by moving RF QAM modulators from the cable head end to various individually or group addressed optical fiber nodes supplying neighborhood CATV cables, and sending data from the cable head IP backbone to the nodes over optical fiber as IP data packets. For high backward compatibility, the system digitizes legacy RF waveforms, or demodulates legacy QAM waveforms to QAM symbols, also transmits these over the optical fiber as IP data packets, and then reconstitutes back to original waveforms as needed. The system is thus able to easily handle legacy NTSC, FM, QPSK waveforms and do partial (QAM symbol level) compression of legacy QAM waveforms to and from multiple nodes without requiring additional optical fiber wavelengths. The system may use non-standard upstream/downstream CATV frequency splits, filter bank receivers, and FPGA/DSP/ASIC methods.
A novel method of handling network traffic for cable service flows in a distributed cable system is presented. Such a cable systems use remote distribution nodes in the fields to handle RF communications with cable modems in a distributed fashion. A packet engine is configured to assign a logical interface to each cable service flow in the cable system. Each logical interface in the packet engine is uniquely identifiable by a compound identifier that includes the identifier of the corresponding service flow and the identifier of the remote distribution node. Each service flow is assigned a class of service (CoS) at the packet engine and guarantee a certain level of quality of service (QoS). In some embodiments, each cable service flow is assigned a CoS priority number. For each possible CoS priority number, the packet engine is configured to provide certain resources at certain quality level, i.e., certain level of QoS. Each remote distribution node tags each packet of a cable service flow with its assigned CoS priority number and forwards the tagged packet toward the packet engine.
A novel method of handling network traffic for cable service flows in a distributed cable system is presented. Such a cable systems use remote distribution nodes in the fields to handle RF communications with cable modems in a distributed fashion. A packet engine is configured to assign a logical interface to each cable service flow in the cable system. Each logical interface in the packet engine is uniquely identifiable by a compound identifier that includes the identifier of the corresponding service flow and the identifier of the remote distribution node. The packet engine is configurable to selectively provide L3 level routing or L2 level switching/bridging between different logical interfaces. In some embodiments, the controller selects between configuring the packet engine to perform L3 routing or configuring the packet engine to perform L2 bridging based on whether the packet engine support unnumbered interfaces and integrated routing and bridging (IRB). The packet engine of the cable system is configured to use unnumbered interfaces if the number of available IP addresses for use by the cable system is limited.
A novel method for provisioning network services for a cable system is provided. The method provides a configuration command interpreter/compiler that receives configuration commands of the cable system and generates configuration commands understood by the actual physical devices implementing the cable system. The interpreter transforms the configuration commands of the cable system into the configuration commands of the actual physical devices based on a set of normalized data models describing the cable system. The normalized data models are applicable to the cable system regardless of the actual devices implementing the cable system. The normalized data models are specified using normalized parameters that are generally applicable to different types devices that can be used to implement the cable system.
Some embodiments provide a method for dynamically creating a service flow for an Ethernet node (EN) in a distributed cable management system that includes a cable headend and several in-the-field ENs for connecting several service nodes to the headend. For a particular device of a particular service node, the method receives a request to create a set of parameters for a service flow that is to be dynamically created. In some embodiments, the received request is in response to a request for a phone call that is to have a quality of service (QoS) guarantee and the service flow is for a PacketCable (PC) connection session. For the service-flow parameter request, the method identifies the EN that connects to the particular service node from a group of several EN that the method manages. The method then forwards a set of authorized dynamic QoS (DQoS) parameters to the identified EN, so that the identified EN can use the forwarded DQoS parameter set to validate a service flow request from the particular device to the EN to create the service flow. The forwarded DQoS parameter set is part of a pre service-flow request that the method sends to the identified EN in some embodiments to direct the identified EN to prepare for a possible service flow request from the particular device.
H04N 21/647 - Control signaling between network components and server or clientsNetwork processes for video distribution between server and clients, e.g. controlling the quality of the video stream, by dropping packets, protecting content from unauthorised alteration within the network, monitoring of network load or bridging between two different networks, e.g. between IP and wireless
H04L 12/24 - Arrangements for maintenance or administration
A novel method of handling network traffic for cable service flows in a distributed cable system is presented. Such a cable systems use remote distribution nodes in the fields to handle RF communications with cable modems in a distributed fashion. A packet engine is configured to assign a logical interface to each cable service flow in the cable system. Each logical interface in the packet engine is uniquely identifiable by a compound identifier that includes the identifier of the corresponding service flow and the identifier of the remote distribution node. Upon receiving upstream data packet from a particular cable service flow, the remote distribution node applies a set of tags or labels to the data packet identifying the data packet as being from the particular cable service flow. The remote distribution node then forwards the tagged packet toward the packet engine, where the tags/labels are used to direct the packet toward the corresponding logical interface of the particular cable service flow.
System and method to extend the upstream data capacity of an HFC CATV system by extending a “shadow” optical fiber network deeper into the various CATV cable neighborhoods, with coax fiber terminals (CFT) spaced roughly according to the distribution of CATV active devices such as RF amplifiers. The CFT can intercept local upstream data from various neighborhood sub-regions and transform this upstream data into upstream optical data, thus relieving upstream data congestion in the 5-42 MHz CATV frequency region. The system can produce an order of magnitude improvement in upstream capability, while maintaining high compatibility with legacy HFC equipment. The CFT may exist in multiple embodiments ranging from low-cost “dumb” CFT to sophisticated CFT that can additionally provide GigE to the home (GTTH) service. Methods to maintain good compatibility with legacy CMTS devices, and methods to utilize DOCSIS MAP data for more efficient data transmission are also discussed.
H04H 20/78 - CATV [Community Antenna Television] systems
H04N 21/238 - Interfacing the downstream path of the transmission network, e.g. adapting the transmission rate of a video stream to network bandwidthProcessing of multiplex streams
H04N 21/239 - Interfacing the upstream path of the transmission network, e.g. prioritizing client requests
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
(1) Electronic communications hardware and software for the delivery of broadband data and video services over hybrid fiber coax (HFC), passive optical networks (PON), and direct Ethernet, namely; strand, wall, or pedestal mounted access nodes with an integrated bi-directional Ethernet switch used to convert internet protocol signals transported using the Ethernet standard to digital signals over fiber-optic cable using passive optical network standards; strand, wall, or pedestal mounted access nodes with an integrated bi-directional Ethernet switch used to convert internet protocol signals transported using the Ethernet standard to digital signals over fiber-optic cable or copper cable using Ethernet standards; strand, wall, or pedestal mounted access nodes with an integrated bi-directional Ethernet switch used to convert internet protocol signals transported using the Ethernet standard to quadrature amplitude modulated or orthogonal frequency-division-multiplexed signals that are transported over fiber-optic cable or copper cable using the Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification; indoor rack mounted Legacy QAM Adapters used to convert quadrature amplitude modulation signals traditionally transported over hybrid fiber-optic coaxial cable to internet protocol signals transported using the Ethernet standard; software used to configure and monitor the aforementioned access nodes and legacy adapters with application program interfaces to support connections with operations support systems and business support systems
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
electronic communications hardware and software for the delivery of broadband data and video services over hybrid fiber coaxial cable, passive optical networks, and direct Ethernet, namely, strand, wall, or pedestal mounted access nodes with an integrated bi-directional Ethernet switch used to convert internet protocol signals transported using the Ethernet standard to digital signals over fiber-optic cable using passive optical network standards; strand, wall, or pedestal mounted access nodes with an integrated bi-directional Ethernet switch used to convert internet protocol signals transported using the Ethernet standard to digital signals over fiber-optic cable or copper cable using Ethernet standards; strand, wall, or pedestal mounted access nodes with an integrated bi-directional Ethernet switch used to convert internet protocol signals transported using the Ethernet standard to quadrature amplitude modulated or orthogonal frequency-division-multiplexed signals that are transported over fiber-optic cable or copper cable using the Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification; indoor rack mounted legacy QAM adapters used to convert quadrature amplitude modulation signals traditionally transported over hybrid fiber-optic coaxial cable to internet protocol signals transported using the Ethernet standard; software used to configure and monitor the aforementioned access nodes and legacy adapters with application program interfaces to support connections with operations support systems and business support systems
26.
Hybrid all digital fiber to CATV cable system and method
Producing advanced HFC CATV cable systems while easing the burden of backward compatibility. The system improves CATV data carrying capacity by moving RF QAM modulators from the cable head end to various individually or group addressed optical fiber nodes supplying neighborhood CATV cables, and sending data from the cable head IP backbone to the nodes over optical fiber as IP data packets. For high backward compatibility, the system digitizes legacy RF waveforms, or demodulates legacy QAM waveforms to QAM symbols, also transmits these over the optical fiber as IP data packets, and then reconstitutes back to original waveforms as needed. The system is thus able to easily handle legacy NTSC, FM, QPSK waveforms and do partial (QAM symbol level) compression of legacy QAM waveforms to and from multiple nodes without requiring additional optical fiber wavelengths. The system may use non-standard upstream/downstream CATV frequency splits, filter bank receivers, and FPGA/DSP/ASIC methods.
System and method to extend the upstream data capacity of an HFC CATV system by extending a “shadow” optical fiber network deeper into the various CATV cable neighborhoods, with coax fiber terminals (CFT) spaced roughly according to the distribution of CATV active devices such as RF amplifiers. The CFT can intercept local upstream data from various neighborhood sub-regions and transform this upstream data into upstream optical data, thus relieving upstream data congestion in the 5-42 MHz CATV frequency region. The system can produce an order of magnitude improvement in upstream capability, while maintaining high compatibility with legacy HFC equipment. The CFT may exist in multiple embodiments ranging from low-cost “dumb” CFT to sophisticated CFT that can additionally provide GigE to the home (GTTH) service. Methods to maintain good compatibility with legacy CMTS devices, and methods to utilize DOCSIS MAP data for more efficient data transmission are also discussed.
H04N 21/239 - Interfacing the upstream path of the transmission network, e.g. prioritizing client requests
H04N 21/238 - Interfacing the downstream path of the transmission network, e.g. adapting the transmission rate of a video stream to network bandwidthProcessing of multiplex streams
H04H 20/78 - CATV [Community Antenna Television] systems
H04B 10/2575 - Radio-over-fibre, e.g. radio frequency signal modulated onto an optical carrier
28.
Fast FIR filtering technique for multirate filters
Data samples are filtered by using a digital filter where the length of an impulse response of the digital filter is finite, an impulse response of the digital filter is symmetric and the operation of the digital filter is multi-rate. The method uses a polyphase decomposition to break down the input data stream into N parallel substreams and the multi-rate digital filter is separated by a polyphase decomposition into multiple lower-rate sub-filters where each of the sub-filters is separated into a set of simpler sub-sub-filters which operate upon the same set of input samples and which have impulse responses which are jointly centro-symmetric, a set of pre-filtering arithmetic structures, and a set of post-filtering arithmetic structures and performing each such pair of sub-sub-filtering operations using a single shared filter structure, a set of pre-filtering combining adders, and a set of post-filtering separating adders.
A method of converting legacy HFC CATV cable systems, which transmit data over the optical fiber portion of the system using the optical counterpart of analog RF waveforms, such as RF QAM waveforms transduced to corresponding optical QAM waveforms, to improved HFC CATV systems that transmit data over the optical fiber using optical fiber optimized protocols, such as Ethernet frames and other optical fiber optimized digital transport protocols. According to the method, most aspects of the legacy HFC CATV system may be retained, however at the CATV head end, the optical fiber transmitter system is replaced by an improved system that extracts the underlying symbols from legacy waveforms, packages these symbols into optical fiber optimized packets, and transmits downstream. The legacy optical fiber nodes are replaced with improved nodes capable of receiving the packets and remodulating the symbols into RF waveforms suitable for injection into the system's CATV cable.
Methods to improve the data carrying capacity of CATV DOCSIS systems and other communications systems are disclosed. Communications channels may be more efficiently spaced with reduced or absent guard bands by using receivers with adaptive signal cancellation methods, equalizing circuits, or polyphase filter banks and Fast Fourier Transform signal processing methods to correct for higher levels of cross-talk. QAM type communications channels may also be utilized on a synchronized two-transmitter at a time basis by adjusting the transmitters to predefined signal levels, such as +1, −1, +½, −½ to enable the combined signals to be distinguished at the receiver. These two methods may be combined to create a still higher data throughput system.
A video-on-demand system includes a resource manager (501) in communication with a central storage server (502), a back office system (503), and a plurality of edge servers (504). The resource manager can receive (523) a video-on-demand session request 524) requesting delivery of content (529), read (525) a content allocation register (520) that includes a popular asset list (301) with a plurality of content assets ranked (314) by highest demand (314) within a predetermined past usage window (316) and an edge server list (302) indicating which edge servers have delivered each content asset of the popular asset list. The resource manger can then Select (526) a selected edge server (527) from the content allocation register as a function of the popular asset list and the edge server list and cause (528) the selected edge server to deliver (529) the content in response to the video-on-demand session request.
H04N 21/20 - Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD serversOperations thereof
H04N 21/231 - Content storage operation, e.g. caching movies for short term storage, replicating data over plural servers or prioritizing data for deletion
A method of converting legacy HFC CATV cable systems, which transmit data over the optical fiber portion of the system using the optical counterpart of analog RF waveforms, such as RF QAM waveforms transduced to corresponding optical QAM waveforms, to improved HFC CATV systems that transmit data over the optical fiber using optical fiber optimized protocols, such as Ethernet frames and other optical fiber optimized digital transport protocols. According to the method, most aspects of the legacy HFC CATV system may be retained, however at the CATV head end, the optical fiber transmitter system is replaced by an improved system that extracts the underlying symbols from legacy waveforms, packages these symbols into optical fiber optimized packets, and transmits downstream. The legacy optical fiber nodes are replaced with improved nodes capable of receiving the packets and remodulating the symbols into RF waveforms suitable for injection into the system's CATV cable.
Methods to improve the data carrying capacity of CATV DOCSIS systems and other communications systems are disclosed. Communications channels may be more efficiently spaced with reduced or absent guard bands by using receivers with adaptive signal cancellation methods, equalizing circuits, or polyphase filter banks and Fast Fourier Transform signal processing methods to correct for higher levels of cross-talk. QAM type communications channels may also be utilized on a synchronized two-transmitter at a time basis by adjusting the transmitters to predefined signal levels, such as +1, −1, +½, −½ to enable the combined signals to be distinguished at the receiver. These two methods may be combined to create a still higher data throughput system.
A virtual converged cable access platform (CCAP) system and method for hybrid fiber CATV (HFC) cable networks. The system uses a new type of digital optical fiber node configured to receive optical fiber data packets, and reconstitute the optical data packets into RF waveforms suitable for injection into the system's CATV cable. The system replaces the legacy HFC head end with a simplified “virtual head end”. The system's virtual head end operates using a new type of virtual CCAP controller and virtual CCAP software that in turn controls high performance edge routers. Much of the intelligence of running the HFC cable system is managed by the controller software, while the edge router manages the interface between the CATV portion of the system and outside networks. The system can handle even legacy CATV RF signals by appropriate conversion operations, while reducing power and space needs, and improving operational flexibility.
H04B 10/2575 - Radio-over-fibre, e.g. radio frequency signal modulated onto an optical carrier
H04N 21/236 - Assembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. transport stream, by combining a video stream with other content or additional data, e.g. inserting a URL [Uniform Resource Locator ] into a video stream, multiplexing software data into a video streamRemultiplexing of multiplex streamsInsertion of stuffing bits into the multiplex stream, e.g. to obtain a constant bit-rateAssembling of a packetised elementary stream
H04N 21/2383 - Channel coding of digital bit-stream, e.g. modulation
H04N 21/239 - Interfacing the upstream path of the transmission network, e.g. prioritizing client requests
Distributed CMTS device for a HFC CATV network serving multiple neighborhoods by multiple individual cables, in which at least some and often all of the QAM modulators that provide data for the individual cables are remote QAM modulators ideally located at the fiber nodes. A CCAP set of IP/on-demand data is transmitted to the nodes using an optical fiber, often using digital protocols such as Ethernet protocols. Optionally a basic set of legacy CATV QAM data, transmitted using RF waveforms transposed to optical frequencies, may also be transmitted to the nodes using either the same or different optical fiber. The nodes extract the data specific to each neighborhood, and inject this data into unused cable QAM channels along with any optional legacy CATV QAM waveforms as desired, thus achieving improved data transmission rates through finer granularity. A computerized “virtual shelf” control system for this system is also disclosed.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
41 - Education, entertainment, sporting and cultural services
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Computer systems, sold as a unit or individual parts thereof, comprising of computer hardware; computer software, namely, computer operating programs, computer software programming tools for tuning other software applications, compilers and productivity programs for integrating software applications and computer operating programs, computer programs for underlying operations and network programming for use with computer networks and distributed computing, computer programs for manipulating graphic images for use with graphics and data acquisition, computer software for use in telecommunications, cable and broadcasting industries for creating, receiving, storing, delivering and monitoring subscriber data, advertising, video on demand, visual and audio content, and for executing, storing, and monitoring application programs in the fields of [ simulation and training, signal intelligence and analysis, financial trading, ] video on demand measurement and control, [ radar and health care; ] computer peripherals and computer interface boards for use in conjunction with high performance [ and real-time ] applications Repair, maintenance, and installation services of computer systems used in high performance [ and real-time ] applications and of hardware associated with such systems Training services in the field of computer systems for use in high performance [ and real-time ] applications and for hardware and/or computer programs associated with such systems Consulting and design services of computer systems and computer programs for others relating to computer systems integration and to the use of computer systems for use in high performance [ and real-time ] applications and of hardware and/or computer programs associated with such systems; repair, maintenance and installation services of computer programs associated with computer systems used in high performance [ and real-time ] applications
Distributed CMTS device for a HFC CATV network serving multiple neighborhoods by multiple individual cables, in which at least some and often all of the QAM modulators that provide data for the individual cables are remote QAM modulators ideally located at the fiber nodes. A CCAP set of IP/on-demand data is transmitted to the nodes using an optical fiber, often using digital protocols such as Ethernet protocols. Optionally a basic set of legacy CATV QAM data, transmitted using RF waveforms transposed to optical frequencies, may also be transmitted to the nodes using either the same or different optical fiber. The nodes extract the data specific to each neighborhood, and inject this data into unused cable QAM channels along with any optional legacy CATV QAM waveforms as desired, thus achieving improved data transmission rates through finer granularity. A computerized “virtual shelf” control system for this system is also disclosed.
A method (300) and system (100,200) for customizing a user interface (122) on a display or consumption device (121) is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes delivering, with a control circuit (210), an advertisement (114) to a plurality of client devices (106,107,108). A channel collector device 113 can then capture viewership activity data (116,117,118) occurring during playout of the advertisement. The method then modifies a presentation characteristic of the user interface by presenting a playback (501) comprising both the advertisement and at least some of the viewership activity data in synchrony.
H04L 29/06 - Communication control; Communication processing characterised by a protocol
H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
G06Q 30/02 - MarketingPrice estimation or determinationFundraising
A data transfer system (100) includes a data transmission device (103). The data transmission device can include a data communication circuit (206), a memory (202), and a control circuit (201) operable with the communication circuit and the memory circuit. The control circuit can transfer data (306) to a remote device, establish a sliding window (307) spanning a predetermined amount of data, and store the predetermined amount of data. In response to receiving an error message (311) identifying particular data (312) encountering errors in transfer, the control circuit can retransfer the particular data so long as the particular data is within the sliding window.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
35 - Advertising and business services
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
(1) Remote monitoring, tracking, and control systems for asset tracking, namely monitoring and controlling mobile and fixed assets (1) Sales, consultation, and support services for GPS receivers, controls, and computer software for use in the fields of asset-tracking, personnel-tracking, vehicle dispatch, vehicle fleet management, and production of maps and reports identifying the use and status of vehicles
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
35 - Advertising and business services
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
(1) Remote monitoring, tracking, and control systems for asset tracking, namely monitoring and controlling mobile and fixed assets (1) Sales, consultation, and support services for GPS receivers, controls, and computer software for use in the fields of asset-tracking, personnel-tracking, vehicle dispatch, vehicle fleet management, and production of maps and reports identifying the use and status of vehicles
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
35 - Advertising and business services
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
(1) Remote monitoring, tracking, and control systems for asset tracking, namely monitoring and controlling mobile and fixed assets (1) Sales, consultation, and support services for GPS receivers, controls, and computer software for use in the fields of asset-tracking, personnel-tracking, vehicle dispatch, vehicle fleet management, and production of maps and reports identifying the use and status of vehicles
43.
Remote storage digital video recording optimization method and system
A remote storage digital video recording system (300) comprises a storage server (310). The storage server can include a memory (412) and a control circuit (410) operable with the memory. The storage server can be in communication across a network (311) with one or more client devices (306,307,308). The control circuit can be configured to create a file allocation table (314) to organize clusters (330) of a computer readable medium (308). The file allocation table can include a plurality of distinguishable file entries (320,321,322). Each of the distinguishable file entries can index clusters of the computer readable medium. At least two of the plurality of distinguishable file entries can index selfsame clusters (331) of the computer readable medium.
H04N 21/00 - Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
H04N 21/231 - Content storage operation, e.g. caching movies for short term storage, replicating data over plural servers or prioritizing data for deletion
H04N 21/2747 - Remote storage of video programs received via the downstream path, e.g. from the server
44.
Distributed cable modem termination system with software reconfigurable MAC and PHY capability
Distributed and highly software reconfigurable CMTS (CMRTS) device, based on MAC and PHY units with FPGA and DSP components, for a HFC CATV network. The various CATV RF modulators, such as QAM modulators, may be divided between QAM modulators located at the cable plant, and remote QAM modulators ideally located at the fiber nodes. A basic set of CATV QAM data waveforms may optionally be transmitted to the nodes using a first fiber, and a second set of IP/on-demand data may be transmitted to the nodes using an alternate fiber or alternate fiber frequency, and optionally using other protocols such as Ethernet protocols. The nodes will extract the data specific to each neighborhood and inject this data into unused QAM channels, thus achieving improved data transmission rates through finer granularity. A computerized “virtual shelf” control system for managing and reconfiguring the FPGA and DSP based CMTRS units is also disclosed.
Distributed and software reconfigurable remote CMTS (CMRTS) device, based on MAC and PHY units with FPGA and DSP components, for a HFC CATV network. The various CATV RF modulators, such as QAM modulators, may be located entirely at the fiber nodes if desired. Although a basic set of CATV QAM data waveforms may optionally be transmitted to the nodes using a first fiber, in a preferred embodiment, all data may be transmitted to the nodes using other protocols such as Ethernet protocols. The nodes will extract the data specific to each neighborhood and inject this data into the cable portion of the system as RF waveforms, such as RF QAM channels. A computerized “virtual shelf” control system for managing and reconfiguring the FPGA and DSP based CMTRS units, as well as a new type of edge router based all-digital virtual head end (virtual converged cable access platform) is also disclosed.
Producing advanced HFC CATV cable systems while easing the burden of backward compatibility. The system improves CATV data carrying capacity by moving RF QAM modulators from the cable head end to various individually or group addressed optical fiber nodes supplying neighborhood CATV cables, and sending data from the cable head IP backbone to the nodes over optical fiber as IP data packets. For high backward compatibility, the system digitizes legacy RF waveforms, or demodulates legacy QAM waveforms to QAM symbols, also transmits these over the optical fiber as IP data packets, and then reconstitutes back to original waveforms as needed. The system is thus able to easily handle legacy NTSC, FM, QPSK waveforms and do partial (QAM symbol level) compression of legacy QAM waveforms to and from multiple nodes without requiring additional optical fiber wavelengths. The system may use non-standard upstream/downstream CATV frequency splits, filter bank receivers, and FPGA/DSP/ASIC methods.
A virtual converged cable access platform (CCAP) system and method for hybrid fiber CATV (HFC) cable networks. The system uses a new type of digital optical fiber node configured to receive optical fiber data packets, and reconstitute the optical data packets into RF waveforms suitable for injection into the system's CATV cable. The system replaces the legacy HFC head end with a simplified “virtual head end”. The system's virtual head end operates using a new type of virtual CCAP controller and virtual CCAP software that in turn controls high performance edge routers. Much of the intelligence of running the HFC cable system is managed by the controller software, while the edge router manages the interface between the CATV portion of the system and outside networks. The system can handle even legacy CATV RF signals by appropriate conversion operations, while reducing power and space needs, and improving operational flexibility.
System and method to extend the data carrying capacity of a hybrid fiber cable (HFC) network by adding wideband RF signal capability above 1 GHz, and replacing the CATV amplifier devices with an improved type of Coax Domain Amplifier-Repeater (CDAR) device that, in addition to being a smart reconfigurable amplifier and cable signal diagnostic device, also segments the CATV cable portion of the HFC network into a series of smaller domains. The CDAR often alter RF signals from 5-865 MHz, while more freely passing RF signals over 1 GHz. Upstream capability is enhanced because the CDAR intercept 5-42 MHz upstream signals from each domain and convert to 1 GHz+ signals. Downstream capability is also enhanced because the CDAR can take efficiently encoded 1 GHz+ digital data, modulate it, and locally inject into each domain without crosstalk between domains. CDAR can use active cancellation, and active restoration techniques to improve performance.
Methods to improve the data carrying capacity of CATV DOCSIS systems and other communications systems are disclosed. Communications channels may be more efficiently spaced with reduced or absent guard bands by using receivers with adaptive signal cancellation methods, equalizing circuits, or polyphase filter banks and Fast Fourier Transform signal processing methods to correct for higher levels of cross-talk. QAM type communications channels may also be utilized on a synchronized two-transmitter at a time basis by adjusting the transmitters to predefined signal levels, such as +1, −1, +½, −½ to enable the combined signals to be distinguished at the receiver. These two methods may be combined to create a still higher data throughput system.
A method of converting legacy HFC CATV cable systems, which transmit data over the optical fiber portion of the system using the optical counterpart of analog RF waveforms, such as RF QAM waveforms transduced to corresponding optical QAM waveforms, to improved HFC CATV systems that transmit data over the optical fiber using optical fiber optimized protocols, such as Ethernet frames and other optical fiber optimized digital transport protocols. According to the method, most aspects of the legacy HFC CATV system may be retained, however at the CATV head end, the optical fiber transmitter system is replaced by an improved system that extracts the underlying symbols from legacy waveforms, packages these symbols into optical fiber optimized packets, and transmits downstream. The legacy optical fiber nodes are replaced with improved nodes capable of receiving the packets and remodulating the symbols into RF waveforms suitable for injection into the system's CATV cable.
A method used in the receiver of a communication system is provided to suppress narrow band interferences, known as ingress, that are present in the communication channel, which is shared by a plurality of transmitters each having a channel pre-equalizer, by means of a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) scheme or Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (SCDMA) scheme. The method comprises filtering the interferences using Infinite Impulse Response (IIR) notch filters, and providing IIR all-pass filters devised to compensate for substantially all phase distortions introduced by the notch filters. The method also includes an algorithm to detect the narrow band interferences and an adaptive equalizer to equalize the channel by computing the coefficients of the transmitters' pre-equalizers, and arranged such that the equalization of the channel is isolated from the suppression of the interferences.
Distributed and highly software reconfigurable CMTS (CMRTS) device, based on MAC and PHY units with FPGA and DSP components, for a HFC CATV network. The various CATV RF modulators, such as QAM modulators, may be divided between QAM modulators located at the cable plant, and remote QAM modulators ideally located at the fiber nodes. A basic set of CATV QAM data waveforms may optionally be transmitted to the nodes using a first fiber, and a second set of IP/on-demand data may be transmitted to the nodes using an alternate fiber or alternate fiber frequency, and optionally using other protocols such as Ethernet protocols. The nodes will extract the data specific to each neighborhood and inject this data into unused QAM channels, thus achieving improved data transmission rates through finer granularity. A computerized “virtual shelf” control system for managing and reconfiguring the FPGA and DSP based CMTRS units is also disclosed.
H04J 3/16 - Time-division multiplex systems in which the time allocation to individual channels within a transmission cycle is variable, e.g. to accommodate varying complexity of signals, to vary number of channels transmitted
53.
HFC cable system with wideband communications pathway and coax domain nodes
System and method to extend the data carrying capacity of a hybrid fiber cable (HFC) network by adding wideband RF signal capability above 1 GHz, and replacing at least some CATV active devices such as amplifiers with a new type of Coax Domain Node (CDN) device that acts to segment the CATV cable portion of the HFC network into a series of smaller domains. The CDN generally filter RF signals from 5-865 MHz, while amplifying and passing RF signals over 1 GHz. Upstream capability is enhanced because the CDN intercept 5-42 MHz upstream signals from each domain and convert to 1 GHz+ signals. Downstream capability is also enhanced because the CDN can take efficiently encoded 1 GHz+ digital data, QAM modulate it, and locally inject into each domain without crosstalk between domains. The system pushes data management and downstream from the head end to the CDN, creating more throughput.
A method (300) and system (200) for of conserving resources in a video-on-demand environment are provided. The method (300) includes storing a stub file (223) on an edge storage device while storing content (110) at a central storage device (222). When a video-on-demand request (440) is received, a resource management system (206) reads (305) the stub file (223) to determine a storage location at the central storage device (222). The resource management system (206) then retrieves the content (110) from the storage location determined from the stub file (223) and either stores it at an edge storage device (111) or delivers it the a subscriber device (109) to fulfill the video-on-demand request (440).
In a DOCSIS transmission network, it is necessary for an upstream receiver to estimate and correct for errors in the carrier frequency of the transmission based upon observations of a preamble sequence. This task is complicated by the fact that microreflections in the upstream channels cause intersymbol interference, which tends to bias the frequency estimation circuit. An economical, ISI-immune algorithm is provided for estimating the carrier frequency of upstream transmissions. The arrangement improves the reliability of the frequency estimates in the presence of ISI, thereby reducing the overhead and increasing the throughput of the upstream channels.
System and method to extend the upstream data capacity of an HFC CATV system by extending a “shadow” optical fiber network deeper into the various CATV cable neighborhoods, with coax fiber terminals (CFT) spaced roughly according to the distribution of CATV active devices such as RF amplifiers. The CFT can intercept local upstream data from various neighborhood sub-regions and transform this upstream data into upstream optical data, thus relieving upstream data congestion in the 5-42 MHz CATV frequency region. The system can produce an order of magnitude improvement in upstream capability, while maintaining high compatibility with legacy HFC equipment. The CFT may exist in multiple embodiments ranging from low-cost “dumb” CFT to sophisticated CFT that can additionally provide GigE to the home (GTTH) service. Methods to maintain good compatibility with legacy CMTS devices, and methods to utilize DOCSIS MAP data for more efficient data transmission are also discussed.
A method of channel processing is provided wherein multiple reduced-bandwidth “processing blocks” may be combined at RF to allow for the continuous and flexible placement of multiple-channels across the full or partial CATV output band. Each reduced-bandwidth processing block is associated with a fixed-frequency upconversion. In order to allow for continuous agile channel placement, the processing blocks overlap one another in frequency at RF. In the case where it is not necessary that the full CATV band be available to the combined output, the number of required processing blocks and upconversion paths is reduced and individual processing blocks and upconversion paths may be used to cover multiple non-contiguous frequency bands.
A distortion-cancellation method for analog CATV or QAM transmission over cable is provided wherein a single feedback path from the output of a multiple-channel multiple-port upconverter/modulator is down-converted and used to reduce or cancel undesirable noise components including LO leakage, spurious, and modulated noise. The method allows for real-time monitoring, tuning, or control of the CATV/QAM output and of interfering signals and aging effects as compared to a desired performance metric.
A method of channel-to-port assignment is described where the distribution of channels is performed in the digital domain of the CATV/QAM upconverter/modulator. This channel distribution allows for the possibility of simple failover, power combining of multiple outputs, and a fine granularity of channel to port mapping, QAM or analog channel, in a multi-port device.
Method of bidirectional Time Division Duplex (TDD) data transmission over the same RF frequency ranges of a CATV cable system. The system's slave modem clocks are time synchronized to the master clock of a master modem. The master-to-slave signal propagation times are determined and used to precisely schedule transmissions with de-minimize guard times. The frequency range may be chosen to be in the high frequency CATV range around 1 GHz to maximize backward compatibility with legacy systems, and this frequency may in turn be subdivided into multiple frequencies. In some embodiments, the CATV cable tree may be further partitioned into multiple TDD domains, and multiple local master modems, connected by a special-use optical fiber, may communicate with multiple local slave modems. The system may use MAP allocation schemes that may frequently reallocate TDD time slots and frequencies according to current or projected slave modem data needs.
Distributed CMTS device for a HFC CATV network serving multiple neighborhoods by multiple individual cables, in which the QAM modulators that provide data for the individual cables are divided between QAM modulators located at the cable plant, and remote QAM modulators ideally located at the fiber nodes. A basic set of CATV QAM data waveforms may be transmitted to the nodes using a first fiber, and a second set of IP/on-demand data may be transmitted to the nodes using an alternate fiber or alternate fiber frequency, and optionally other protocols such as Ethernet protocols. The nodes will extract the data specific to each neighborhood and inject this data into unused QAM channels, thus achieving improved data transmission rates through finer granularity. A computerized “virtual shelf” control system for this system is also disclosed. The system has high backward compatibility, and can be configured to mimic a conventional cable plant CMTS.
H04L 12/28 - Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
H04J 3/16 - Time-division multiplex systems in which the time allocation to individual channels within a transmission cycle is variable, e.g. to accommodate varying complexity of signals, to vary number of channels transmitted
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Wired and wireless communications products. Customer support services, namely technical support services for wired and wireless communications products.
63.
Signal equalizer for a signal transmission network
In an RF signal transmission network such as the reverse channels of a coaxial cable network, there is provided at least one adaptive equalizer for pre- or post-filtering inter-symbol interference in the transmitted signals, the adaptive equalizer having a series of coefficients for which values are required. In order to improve the transmission efficiency the preamble used in these channels is shortened by coarsely estimating the channel using a short “unique word’ placed at the beginning of the equalizer training sequence. The coarse channel estimate is crudely inverted to produce a set of equalizer coefficients which partially equalize the channel. By initializing the adaptive equalizer with these approximate coefficients, it is possible to reduce the length of the training sequence needed for the equalizer to converge.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
(1) Electronic communications hardware and software for broadband video, voice and data content, namely QAM to CATV analog converters used to convert quadrature amplitude modulation signals to cable television signals, QAM processors used to process quadrature amplitude modulation signals, IP to QAM converters used to convert internet protocol signals to quadrature amplitude modulation signals, IP to Analog converters used to convert Internet Protocol signals to cable television analog signals, QAM Modulator and Upconverters used to convert baseband analog signals to quadrature amplitude modulation signals and place the resulting signal within the cable television frequency band, QAM Upconverters used to place quadrature amplitude modulation signals within the cable television frequency band, Analog CATV Modulators used to convert baseband analog signals to cable television analog signals and place the resulting signals within the cable television frequency band, Cable Modem Termination Systems used to convert quadrature amplitude modulation transported using the Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification to internet protocol signals transported using the Ethernet standard; wireless electronic communications hardware and software for broadband video, voice and data content, namely, wireless transmitters and receivers used in transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals, wireless transceivers used in tracking, locating and monitoring vehicle, maritime vessels and aircraft; all of the foregoing wares never to be sold to purchasers in the field of charitable aid distribution. (1) Technical support services namely, installation, testing, troubleshooting and repair services of QAM to CATV analog converters used to convert quadrature amplitude modulation signals to cable television signals, QAM processors used to process quadrature amplitude modulation signals, IP to QAM converters used to convert internet protocol signals to quadrature amplitude modulation signals, IP to Analog converters used to convert Internet Protocol signals to cable television analog signals, QAM Modulator and Upconverters used to convert baseband analog signals to quadrature amplitude modulation signals and place the resulting signal within the cable television frequency band, QAM Upconverters used to place quadrature amplitude modulation signals within the cable television frequency band, Analog CATV Modulators used to convert baseband analog signals to cable television analog signals and place the resulting signals within the cable television frequency band, Cable Modem Termination Systems used to convert quadrature amplitude modulation transported using the Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification to internet protocol signals transported using the Ethernet standard, wireless transmitters and receivers used in transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals, wireless transceivers used in tracking, locating and monitoring vehicle, maritime vessels and aircraft; all of the foregoing services never to be sold to purchasers in the field of charitable aid distribution.
(1) Wireless broadband internet service provider services; cable television broadcasting services; high speed business internet services; local and long distance telephone services
(1) Wireless broadband internet service provider services; cable television broadcasting services; high speed business internet services; local and long distance telephone services
67.
Method and apparatus for a fault resilient collaborative media serving array
Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, systems, and apparatuses for a fault resilient collaborative media serving array comprising a plurality of nodes. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for creating a fault resilient collaborative media serving array where the array nodes do not share memory, the serving of a content file is accomplished by the collaborative efforts of many nodes in the array, and where there is no fixed allocation of sessions to nodes.
A system and method for delivery of multimedia data includes a plurality of media devices coupled to each other via a network. Each of the media devices is configured to retrieve multimedia data and advertisement data from an external source such as a public and/or private network. The multimedia data may include a number of video clips and the advertisement data includes a number of advertisements. Each media device is also configured to associate an advertisement of the advertisement data to a video clip of the multimedia data based on one of a number of criteria and transmit the associated video clip and advertisement to a playback device for viewing thereon.
A method is provided for reducing inter modulation distortion products using multi-carrier phase alignment of the type where a combined carrier signal is generated from the combined output carried waves of a plurality of numerically controlled oscillators in which the frequency of the carrier wave can be altered by changing an input value into the oscillator. In particular the initial phase of the output carrier waves is adjusted so that the peak amplitude of the combined carrier signal is minimized so that compression of the higher amplitude portions of the combined signal is reduced.
Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, systems, and apparatuses for a fault resilient collaborative media serving array comprising a plurality of nodes. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for creating a fault resilient collaborative media serving array where the array nodes do not share memory, the serving of a content file is accomplished by the collaborative efforts of many nodes in the array, and where there is no fixed allocation of sessions to nodes.
37 - Construction and mining; installation and repair services
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
(1) Diagnostic services and repair and replacement of damaged telecommunication equipment.
(2) Diagnostic services and repair and replacement of damaged telecommunication equipment.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
wireless Ethernet network connection comprised of a base station and subscriber radios for translation of digital information between Ethernet and WiMAX transmission protocols
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
(1) Wireless Ethernet network connection comprised of a base station and subscriber radios for translation of digital information between Ethernet and WiMAX transmission protocols
79.
System for, and method of, monitoring the movements of mobile items
A system monitors parameters (e.g., speed, position, threshold boundaries) of mobile items attached to beacons and produces signals indicating these parameters. The system also monitors non-mobile parameters (e.g., battery life, door locks, windows) in the items. Different technologies (e.g., wireless) are provided for communicating between the beacons and a beacon controller interface. Different technologies are provided for locating and indicating item positions. The beacons and the interface provide for new beacons to be added to the system with different characteristics than the existing beacons for monitoring the operation of new beacons without affecting the operation of existing beacons. The system includes resellers, retailers, users and subscribers in a flexible relationship to enhance the ease in the system operation. Beacons can perform more than one function (e.g. tracking, threshold monitoring) simultaneously. Scenarios for the beacons can be created and monitored. Recovery personnel can intervene to resolve crises.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Data over cable, digital video and wireless broadband products, namely, modulators, QAM modulators, demodulators, edge decoders, radios, mpeg processors, frequency translators, transmodulators, upconverters, routers, ethernet serial servers, splitters, modems, wireless interfaces, gateways, antennas, cables, cable connectors, cable assemblies, lightning arrestors, power supplies, power cords, switches, and parts and fittings therefor The design for others in the field of telecommunications of data over cable, digital video and wireless broadband products
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Data over cable, digital video and wireless broadband products. The design for others of data over cable, digital video and wireless broadband products.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
(1) Data over cable, digital video and wireless broadband products, namely, modulators, QAM modulators, demodulators, edge decoders, radios, mpeg processors, frequency translators, transmodulators, upconverters, routers, ethernet serial servers, splitters, modems, wireless interfaces, gateways, antennas, cables, cable connectors, cable assemblies, lightning arrestors, power supplies, power cords, switches, and parts and fittings therefor. (1) The design for others of data over cable, digital video and wireless broadband products.
83.
Methods, apparatuses, and systems for presenting advertisement content within trick files
Methods and apparatuses and systems for inserting advertisement segments into trick content. Advertisement segments present in the original video content are extracted from the video content and merged with other navigation segements to generate associated trick content. The advertisement segment may be inserted into the trick files may be displayed at their normal playback speed, a different apparent playback speed, or displayed in a different direction. Additionally, alternative content of the advertisement segment may be inserted into the advertisement segment to provide specialized versions of the advertisement content to be displayed in trick content mode, or the content may be completely different fro the original advertisement content, such as session specific advertisement content or even user specific advertisement content based on user preferences.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
(1) Commercial-off-the-shelf integrated hardware and software platform for the design and development of software defined radio applications for the defense, satellite communications and public safety applications markets.
85.
Apparatus for fractional RF signal synthesis with phase modulation
A method to improve the frequency resolution and phase noise of a synthesized RF signal results in superior instantaneous frequency change and phase modulation capability, wide frequency set ability, and suitability for implementation in a digital ASIC. The RF signal synthesis is achieved from a higher reference frequency clock signal using a variable pulse stretching technique. The amount of the pulse stretch in each cycle is set by a phase increment value and is implemented using programmable delay lines. Pulse stretching can be extended beyond one cycle by pulse swallowing, allowing the generation of an RF signal with frequencies from DC up to the input reference frequency. Phase modulation is incorporated by digital control of the phase stretching with the phase modulation bits.
Direct digital QAM modulation at an RF frequency is obtained from digitally synthesized RF signals which are generated for use as the two vectors. The two vectors are individually controlled in phase and summed to provide a combined phase and amplitude modulation that forms the modulated signal. The synthesized RF signal is generated from a higher reference frequency using a variable pulse stretching technique implemented with programmable delay lines. The amount of the pulse stretch in each cycle is controlled by a phase increment value. Pulse stretching can be extended beyond one cycle by pulse swallowing, allowing the generation of an RF signal from DC up to and including the input reference frequency. Phase modulation is added by digital control of the pulse stretching according to the phase modulation data bits.
At least a first image, such as a motion video image, is prepared for integration with at least a second image, such as a motion video image and/or a still image. To prepare the first image for integration, a first compressed image is formed, restricted to a first region of a first image area by representing at least one segment of a first image within the first region with a reference to another segment of the first image within the first region. The second image may also be prepared for integration by forming a second compressed image. The second compressed image may be restricted to a second region of a second image area by representing at least one segment of the second image within the second region with a reference to another segment of the second image within the second region.
A targeted integrated image is created for delivery to a user. Content of potential interest to the user is determined based on at least one user preference. This determination may be made prior to or during the user's request for an image, such as video content, or while the user is receiving an image, such as a menu or programming guide. An image representing the content of potential interest to the user, such as a barker is selected and combined with another image of interest to the user to form a targeted integrated image for delivery to the user. The user preference may include information representing content viewing habits or content ordering habits of the user. The user preferences may be associated with the identity of the user.
A video on demand (VOD) asset management system (100). Content is moved within the VOD system in accordance with predetermined variables such that certain content, such as that which is in high demand, is located on a server (120, 125) which is nearer to a subscriber (130), and content which is in lesser demand is located on a server (110, 115) which is more remote from the subscriber. Content may also be duplicated or moved within the system based upon other variables such as demographics of the subscriber, whether there is an advertising campaign for the content, and the age of the content.
H04N 7/173 - Analogue secrecy systemsAnalogue subscription systems with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal
H04N 21/231 - Content storage operation, e.g. caching movies for short term storage, replicating data over plural servers or prioritizing data for deletion
90.
System and method for data detection in wireless communication systems
A system and method for data detection in a wireless communication system wherein the system comprises a receiver for receiving spatial-subspace data transmitted over a plurality of spatial-subspace channels of a sub-carrier which may comprise at least one of coded and uncoded spatial-subspace channels. The receiver comprises a receiver weighting unit for providing receive-weighed spatial-subspace data and a data estimation unit for performing an iterative processing method on the receive-weighted spatial-subspace data to estimate output data related to the input data symbol stream. The-iterative processing method comprises successively processing data on each of the plurality of spatial-subspace channels in the receive-weighted spatial-subspace data.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
38 - Telecommunications services
40 - Treatment of materials; recycling, air and water treatment,
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
(1) Data-over-cable transmission systems, namely, data transmission systems comprised of electronic devices and co-axial cable, hybrid fiber-coaxial cable, and other transmission cabling used in the cable television industry; digital video transmission systems, namely, electronic systems for encoding, decoding and broadcasting digital data; video-on-demand, namely, electronic audio and video transmission systems through which a person may requisition audio and video content to order; broadband wireless data transmission systems, namely, systems comprising computers and electronic devices which operating together to permit wireless data transmission at a rate greater than 56 kilo bits per second (56 KBPS) through a stationary wireless network; quadrature amplitude modulation intermediate frequency to radio frequency (QAM IF-to-RF) upconverters, namely, electronic equipment and devices which convert an intermediate frequency (IF) data stream to a radio frequency (RF) data stream and which encode data streams using a quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) technique; quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) modulators, namely electronic devices which modulate an electronic signal from a binary data stream consisting of ones and zeros into a signal which conforms with a quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) encoding technique; block agile upconverters, namely, electronic devices which change the centre frequency at which data streams on one or more carrier signals are transmitted while maintaining the data stream signal bandwidth; transmodulators, namely, electronic devices that demodulate and remodulate carrier signals; wireless base stations, namely, electronic devices which receive and transmit signals wirelessly to and from various locations and electronic equipment and which route signals received wirelessly from various locations and electronic equipment to a computer network; wireless transceivers, namely, transceivers which transmit and receive carrier signals wirelessly; analogue modulators, namely, electronic devices which convert input signals to an analogue signal suitable for transmission; analogue upconverters, namely, electronic devices which increase the centre frequency at which an analogue signal is transmitted. (1) Design, development and manufacturing of electronic components for use in the; broadband transmission of information in accordance with customer specifications; design, development and manufacturing of analogue community antenna television (CATV) and radio frequency (RF) communications and transmission equipment and systems in accordance with customer specifications.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
(1) Communication technology receivers having spread spectrum modems, local communication hardware and interfacing software, dedicated communication lines and encryption/decryption hardware and software which restricts communications to its intended receivers.
A distortion-cancellation method for analog CATV or QAM transmission over cable is provided wherein a single feedback path from the output of a multiple-channel multiple-port upconverter/modulator is down-converted and used to reduce or cancel undesirable noise components including LO leakage, spurious, and modulated noise. The method allows for real-time monitoring, tuning, or control of the CATV/QAM output and of interfering signals and aging effects as compared to a desired performance metric.
In a digital communication system there is provided a method for OFDM channel estimation that jointly considers the effects of coarse timing error and multipath propagation. The method uses an iterative channel estimation technique, which considers the practical scenario of fractional timing error and non-sample space echo delays. The method does not require channel state information such as second-order statistic of the channel impulse responses or the noise power. Moreover, timing error can be conveniently obtained with the proposed technique. Simulation shows that, when comparing OFDM channel estimation techniques under DOCSIS 3.1 realistic channel conditions, the proposed algorithm significantly outperforms conventional methods.
In an RF signal transmission network such as the reverse channels of a coaxial cable network, there is provided at least one adaptive equalizer for pre- or post-filtering inter-symbol interference in the transmitted signals, the adaptive equalizer having a series of coefficients for which values are required. In order to improve the transmission efficiency the preamble used in these channels is shortened by coarsely estimating the channel using a short "unique word" placed at the beginning of the equalizer training sequence. The coarse channel estimate is crudely inverted to produce a set of equalizer coefficients which partially equalize the channel. By initializing the adaptive equalizer with these approximate coefficients, it is possible to reduce the length of the training sequence needed for the equalizer to converge.
In embodiments of the presently described subject matter, two efficient PAPR reduction methods for OFDM signals based upon the principle of tone reservation and building upon the clipping noise analysis presented in “Analysis of clipping noise and tonereservation algorithms for peak reduction in OFDM systems,” L. Wang and C. Tellambura, IEEE Trans. Veh. Technol., vol. 57, pp. 1675-1694, May 2008. are provided, each comprising two stages. The first stage is performed offline to prepare a set of cancelation signals based on the settings of the OFDM system. In particular, these cancellation signals are constructed to cancel signals at different levels of maximum instantaneous power that are above a predefined threshold. The second stage is performed online and in an iterative manner to reduce the peaks of OFDM symbols by using the cancellation signals constructed in the first stage.
A system monitors parameters (e.g., speed, position, threshold boundaries) of mobile items attached to beacons and produces signals indicating these parameters. The system also monitors non-mobile parameters (e.g., battery life, door locks, windows) in the items. Different technologies (e.g., wireless) are provided for communicating between the beacons and a beacon controller interface. Different technologies are provided for locating and indicating item positions. The beacons and the interface provide for new beacons to be added to the system with different characteristics than the existing beacons for monitoring the operation of new beacons without affecting the operation of existing beacons. The system includes resellers, retailers, users and subscribers in a flexible relationship to enhance the ease in the system operation. Beacons can perform more than one function (e.g. tracking, threshold monitoring) simultaneously. Scenarios for the beacons can be created and monitored. Recovery personnel can intervene to resolve crises.
