Patents by Inventor Louis D. Williamson

Louis D. Williamson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20160150272
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for centralized content, media and data delivery and access within a premises such as, e.g., a residence. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a remotely manageable premises device that acts as a centralized client networking platform, providing gateway services such as network management as well as traditional content and high-speed data delivery functions. The device also acts as the shared internet connection for all devices in the premises via a cable modem, sharing personal and DVR content such as video, music and photos (and any associated metadata) throughout the premises, and providing both a wired and wireless network in the home. Telephony services utilizing e.g., embedded multimedia terminal adapter (eMTA) and/or Wi-Fi architectures may also be provided via the device. The device can also provide a trusted domain for content or data, as well as allowing a subscriber total mobility in the home.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Publication date: May 26, 2016
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Markley, Louis D. Williamson, John B. Carlucci
  • Patent number: 9351027
    Abstract: Segmentation messages indicative of locations of upcoming events, such as the start and end of programs and program portions, and/or rights related to the programs and program portions, are used by cable systems and the like to store programs and program portions for later retrieval and transmission to customers on request. Storage, retrieval and management of programming is thereby facilitated. Methods and systems are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: John B. Carlucci, Louis D. Williamson, John W. Callahan, Erik G. Urdang, David M. Kimble, Thomas Gonder, Joseph Buehl
  • Publication number: 20160127264
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for using communications channels corresponding to frequency bands subject to cellular network, e.g., LTE, interference and/or other interference are described. The methods are well suited for use of cable networks where communications over a coax cable or via cable device may be subject to LTE interference. In various embodiments data traffic is classified based on whether the traffic corresponds to a protocol that supports a retry communications mechanism in the event of a communication error, the type of traffic data and/or the priority of the traffic data. In some embodiments data being communicated using a protocol which supports a retry mechanism are routed over channels subject to interference even if, in some cases, the packets correspond to data which has a higher priority or QoS requirements than packets, e.g., best effort packets, which are transmitted using a protocol that does not support a packet retry mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Inventors: Louis D Williamson, Michael Kelsen
  • Patent number: 9137584
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for connecting, e.g., bridging, a cable network to other networks and/or devices is described. A bridge device facilitates the distribution of cable provider content to end users operating IP based devices. The bridge device performs one of more of the following: interface protocol conversions, user device controlled tuner selection, transcoding of data, transrating of a data stream, decryption in accordance with a conditional access protocol and re-encryption in accordance with an authorized service domain protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Chris Cholas, George Sarosi, William Helms, Louis D. Williamson
  • Patent number: 9003463
    Abstract: Segmentation messages indicative of locations of upcoming events, such as the start and end of programs and program portions, and/or rights related to the programs and program portions, are used by cable systems and the like to store programs and program portions for later retrieval and transmission to customers on request. Storage, retrieval and management of programming is thereby facilitated. Methods and systems are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: John B. Carlucci, Louis D. Williamson, John W. Callahan, Erik G. Urdang, David M. Kimble, Thomas Gonder, Joseph Buehl
  • Publication number: 20150074712
    Abstract: Segmentation messages indicative of locations of upcoming events, such as the start and end of programs and program portions, and/or rights related to the programs and program portions, are used by cable systems and the like to store programs and program portions for later retrieval and transmission to customers on request. Storage, retrieval and management of programming is thereby facilitated. Methods and systems are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: Time Warner Cable Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: John B. Carlucci, Louis D. Williamson, John W. Callahan, Erik G. Urdang, David M. Kimble, Thomas Gonder, Joseph Buehl
  • Publication number: 20150040151
    Abstract: Segmentation messages indicative of locations of upcoming events, such as the start and end of programs and program portions, and/or rights related to the programs and program portions, are used by cable systems and the like to store programs and program portions for later retrieval and transmission to customers on request. Storage, retrieval and management of programming is thereby facilitated. Methods and systems are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: John B. CARLUCCI, Louis D. Williamson, John W. Callahan, Erik G. Urdang, David M. Kimble, Thomas Gonder, Joseph Buehl
  • Publication number: 20140351845
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlled distribution of program content are described where program content for certain regions may be selectively blocked. The described methods and apparatus allow content distribution to authorized regions while providing control to the content provider to effectively block program content delivery to regions not entitled to receive the program content.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Louis D. Williamson, Tom Gaebel
  • Patent number: 8893206
    Abstract: Segmentation messages indicative of locations of upcoming events, such as the start and end of programs and program portions, and/or rights related to the programs and program portions, are used by cable systems and the like to store programs and program portions for later retrieval and transmission to customers on request. Storage, retrieval and management of programming is thereby facilitated. Methods and systems are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: John B. Carlucci, Louis D. Williamson, John W. Callahan, Erik G. Urdang, David M. Kimble, Thomas Gonder, Joseph Buehl
  • Patent number: 8839284
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlled distribution of program content are described where program content for certain regions may be selectively blocked. The described methods and apparatus allow content distribution to authorized regions while providing control to the content provider to effectively block program content delivery to regions not entitled to receive the program content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Louis D. Williamson, Tom Gaebel
  • Patent number: 8752104
    Abstract: A switched broadcast service and a network personal video recorder (NPVR) service are provided synergistically in a cable TV system having limited resources. For example, in providing the switched broadcast service, a resource manager allocates network bandwidth for broadcast of materials from selected program channels on an as needed basis. Such allocation is conducive to an effective provision of the NPVR service which requires dedicated bandwidth for transmitting recorded broadcast program material in a headend to each set-top terminal requesting the NPVR service. Thus, unlike the switched broadcast service where a program stream containing program material is shared by one or more set-top terminals, the NPVR service provides a dedicated program stream to each set-top terminal so that a user at the terminal may manipulate (e.g., rewind, pause and/or fast-forward) a presentation of program material at will.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: John B. Carlucci, Louis D. Williamson
  • Publication number: 20140047471
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for connecting, e.g., bridging, a cable network to other networks and/or devices is described. A bridge device facilitates the distribution of cable provider content to end users operating IP based devices. The bridge device performs one of more of the following: interface protocol conversions, user device controlled tuner selection, transcoding of data, transrating of a data stream, decryption in accordance with a conditional access protocol and re-encryption in accordance with an authorized service domain protocol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Chris Cholas, George Sarosi, William Helms, Louis D. Williamson
  • Patent number: 8553882
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for connecting, e.g., bridging, a cable network to other networks and/or devices is described. A bridge device facilitates the distribution of cable provider content to end users operating IP based devices. The bridge device performs one of more of the following: interface protocol conversions, user device controlled tuner selection, transcoding of data, transrating of a data stream, decryption in accordance with a conditional access protocol and re-encryption in accordance with an authorized service domain protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Chris Cholas, George Sarosi, William Helms, Louis D. Williamson
  • Patent number: 8438607
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for premises gateway functions that integrate or unify functions typically distributed across multiple devices within a content-based network. In one embodiment, the out-of-band (OOB) signaling functionality normally provided in each of a set-top-box (STB) and digital video recorder (DVR) are unified into a common OOB (e.g., DOCSIS) capable premises gateway device, thereby obviating OOB tuners and related components from each device. In another variant, the premises gateway is adapted for all-IP operation, such as for use with IP-based computers and IP set-top boxes, etc. Fully unified variants are also disclosed, wherein the DVR and/or STB functions are physically integrated within the premises gateway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Chris Cholas, William L. Helms, Louis D. Williamson, Jeffrey P. Markley
  • Patent number: 8392952
    Abstract: In accordance with aspects of the present invention, a technique is implemented to effectively receive streaming multimedia content in digital form, parse and segment the received transport stream and process the segmented content. Such treatment of received programming content provides for efficient storage of such programming content, and effectively provides for access to such content by administrators of a broadband system as well as users of such systems. In accordance with the invention, a technique enables, among other things: the creation of reference frames for, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: John B. Carlucci, Louis D. Williamson, Jon C. Honhart
  • Patent number: 8347341
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for centralized content, media and data delivery and access within a premises such as, e.g., a residence. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a remotely manageable premises device that acts as a centralized client networking platform, providing gateway services such as network management as well as traditional content and high-speed data delivery functions. The device also acts as the shared internet connection for all devices in the premises via a cable modem, sharing personal and DVR content such as video, music and photos (and any associated metadata) throughout the premises, and providing both a wired and wireless network in the home. Telephony services utilizing e.g., embedded multimedia terminal adapter (eMTA) and/or Wi-Fi architectures may also be provided via the device. The device can also provide a trusted domain for content or data, as well as allowing a subscriber total mobility in the home.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Markley, Louis D. Williamson, John B. Carlucci
  • Patent number: 8312504
    Abstract: Segmentation messages indicative of locations of upcoming events, such as the start and end of programs and program portions, and/or rights related to the programs and program portions, are used by cable systems and the like to store programs and program portions for later retrieval and transmission to customers on request. Storage, retrieval and management of programming is thereby facilitated. Methods and systems are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable LLC
    Inventors: John B. Carlucci, Louis D. Williamson, John W. Callahan, Erik G. Urdang, David M. Kimble, Thomas L. Gonder, Joseph Buehl
  • Publication number: 20120131603
    Abstract: Live television broadcast and other information and entertainment programs, e.g., videos-on-demand (VOD), are provided to a user through a communications network, e.g., a cable network. A processing unit is employed at an headend of the communications network to respond to user requests for PVR-like functions, e.g., pausing, rewinding and fast-forwarding, to be performed on the program content being viewed. The processing unit in accordance with the invention causes a delivery of an appropriate version of the program content to meet such user requests.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Louis D. Williamson, Joseph Buehl, John W. Callahan, John B. Carlucci, James A. Chiddix, Michael T. Hayashi, Kevin J. Leddy
  • Publication number: 20110296481
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for premises gateway functions that integrate or unify functions typically distributed across multiple devices within a content-based network. In one embodiment, the out-of-band (OOB) signaling functionality normally provided in each of a set-top-box (STB) and digital video recorder (DVR) are unified into a common OOB (e.g., DOCSIS) capable premises gateway device, thereby obviating OOB tuners and related components from each device. In another variant, the premises gateway is adapted for all-IP operation, such as for use with IP-based computers and IP set-top boxes, etc. Fully unified variants are also disclosed, wherein the DVR and/or STB functions are physically integrated within the premises gateway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Chris Cholas, William L. Helms, Louis D. Williamson, Jeffrey P. Markley
  • Patent number: 7954131
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for premises gateway functions that integrate or unify functions typically distributed across multiple devices within a content-based network. In one embodiment, the out-of-band (OOB) signaling functionality normally provided in each of a set-top-box (STB) and digital video recorder (DVR) are unified into a common OOB (e.g., DOCSIS) capable premises gateway device, thereby obviating OOB tuners and related components from each device. In another variant, the premises gateway is adapted for all-IP operation, such as for use with IP-based computers and IP set-top boxes, etc. Fully unified variants are also disclosed, wherein the DVR and/or STB functions are physically integrated within the premises gateway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Cholas, William L. Helms, Louis D. Williamson, Jeffrey P. Markley