Patents by Inventor Louis Williamson
Louis 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).
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Patent number: 11641504Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 24, 2019Date of Patent: May 2, 2023Assignee: TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLCInventors: Chris Cholas, William L. Helms, Louis Williamson, Jeffrey P. Markley
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Patent number: 11509866Abstract: A method and apparatus to create and transmit transport multiplexes comprising one or more levels of service over a network. In one embodiment, the level of service comprises high definition (HD) content or programs, and the transmitted multiplexes are distributed over a plurality of downstream RF carriers in a cable network simultaneously. A head-end architecture for performing the multiplexing and distribution of multiple HD programs over the multiple carriers (i.e., in a “wideband” configuration) is disclosed. CPE having one or more wideband tuners is also disclosed, the CPE being adapted to receive the multiplexed HD content from the various RF carriers, and demultiplex it in order to permit decoding and subsequent viewing by the user. The use of multiple HD source programs with the multiplex advantageously provides for enhanced statistical multiplexing by providing a larger “pool” of constituent inputs and available carriers.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2017Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Assignee: TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLCInventors: John Carlucci, William Helms, Louis Williamson
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Patent number: 11368498Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivery of packetized content (e.g., video, audio, data, etc.) over a content delivery network. In one embodiment, the content is packetized using an Internet Protocol (IP), and delivered by a service provider over both managed and unmanaged networks to subscribers of the provider, so as to provide delivery at any time, at any location, and via any designated user device. The delivered content may originate from the service provider, third-party content sources (e.g., networks or studios), the subscriber(s) themselves, or other sources including the Internet. Use of a common control and service functions within the network afford the ability to integrate or blend services together, thereby affording the service provider and subscriber new service and economic opportunities. Content delivery sessions may also be migrated from one device to another. A network-based user interface infrastructure, and gateway-based client-side architecture, are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2019Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Michael L. LaJoie, Louis Williamson, Wilfird Aissi, Chris Cholas, Jason Gaedtke, Kenneth Gould, Glen Hardin, Charles Hasek, Vedavati Hegde, Jeffrey P. Markley, Vipul Patel, Howard Pfeffer
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Publication number: 20190349628Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2019Publication date: November 14, 2019Inventors: CHRIS CHOLAS, William L. Helms, Louis Williamson, Jeffrey P. Markley
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Publication number: 20190312915Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivery of packetized content (e.g., video, audio, data, etc.) over a content delivery network. In one embodiment, the content is packetized using an Internet Protocol (IP), and delivered by a service provider over both managed and unmanaged networks to subscribers of the provider, so as to provide delivery at any time, at any location, and via any designated user device. The delivered content may originate from the service provider, third-party content sources (e.g., networks or studios), the subscriber(s) themselves, or other sources including the Internet. Use of a common control and service functions within the network afford the ability to integrate or blend services together, thereby affording the service provider and subscriber new service and economic opportunities. Content delivery sessions may also be migrated from one device to another. A network-based user interface infrastructure, and gateway-based client-side architecture, are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2019Publication date: October 10, 2019Inventors: Michael L. LaJoie, Louis Williamson, Wilfird Aissi, Chris Cholas, Jason Gaedtke, Kenneth Gould, Glen Hardin, Charles Hasek, Vedavati Hegde, Jeffery P. Markley, Vipul Patel, Howard Pfeffer
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Patent number: 10306301Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 7, 2016Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Chris Cholas, William L. Helms, Louis Williamson, Jeffrey P. Markley
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Patent number: 10264029Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivery of packetized content (e.g., video, audio, data, etc.) over a content delivery network. In one embodiment, the content is packetized using an Internet Protocol (IP), and delivered by a service provider over both managed and unmanaged networks to subscribers of the provider, so as to provide delivery at any time, at any location, and via any designated user device. The delivered content may originate from the service provider, third-party content sources (e.g., networks or studios), the subscriber(s) themselves, or other sources including the Internet. Use of a common control and service functions within the network afford the ability to integrate or blend services together, thereby affording the service provider and subscriber new service and economic opportunities. Content delivery sessions may also be migrated from one device to another. A network-based user interface infrastructure, and gateway-based client-side architecture, are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2010Date of Patent: April 16, 2019Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Michael L. Lajoie, Louis Williamson, Wilfrid Aissi, Chris Cholas, Jason Gaedtke, Kenneth Gould, Glen Hardin, Charles Hasek, Vedavati Hegde, Jeffery P. Markley, Vipul Patel, Howard Pfeffer
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Publication number: 20180020190Abstract: A method and apparatus to create and transmit transport multiplexes comprising one or more levels of service over a network. In one embodiment, the level of service comprises high definition (HD) content or programs, and the transmitted multiplexes are distributed over a plurality of downstream RF carriers in a cable network simultaneously. A head-end architecture for performing the multiplexing and distribution of multiple HD programs over the multiple carriers (i.e., in a “wideband” configuration) is disclosed. CPE having one or more wideband tuners is also disclosed, the CPE being adapted to receive the multiplexed HD content from the various RF carriers, and demultiplex it in order to permit decoding and subsequent viewing by the user. The use of multiple HD source programs with the multiplex advantageously provides for enhanced statistical multiplexing by providing a larger “pool” of constituent inputs and available carriers.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2017Publication date: January 18, 2018Inventors: John Carlucci, William Helms, Louis Williamson
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Patent number: 9531760Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivery of packetized content (e.g., video, audio, data, etc.) over a content delivery network. In one embodiment, the content is packetized using an Internet Protocol (IP), and delivered by a service provider over both managed and unmanaged networks to subscribers of the provider, so as to provide delivery at any time, at any location, and via any designated user device. The delivered content may originate from the service provider, third-party content sources (e.g., networks or studios), the subscriber(s) themselves, or other sources including the Internet. Use of a common control and service functions within the network afford the ability to integrate or blend services together, thereby affording the service provider and subscriber new service and economic opportunities. Content delivery sessions may also be migrated from one device to another. A network-based user interface infrastructure, and gateway-based client-side architecture, are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2010Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Michael L. Lajoie, Louis Williamson, Wilfrid Aissi, Chris Cholas, Jason Gaedtke, Kenneth Gould, Glen Hardin, Charles Hasek, Vedavati Hegde, Jeffery P. Markley, Vipul Patel, Howard Pfeffer
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Publication number: 20160269775Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2016Publication date: September 15, 2016Inventors: Chris Cholas, William L. Helms, Louis Williamson, Jeffrey P. Markley
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Patent number: 9282365Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 2, 2015Date of Patent: March 8, 2016Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Chris Cholas, William L. Helms, Louis Williamson, Jeffrey P. Markley
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Publication number: 20150215669Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2015Publication date: July 30, 2015Inventors: CHRIS CHOLAS, WILLIAM L. HELMS, LOUIS WILLIAMSON, JEFFREY P. MARKLEY
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Patent number: 8949919Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 6, 2013Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Chris Cholas, William Helms, Louis Williamson, Jeffrey Markley
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Patent number: 8819727Abstract: A digital video program is obtained. The program includes: (i) at least one broadcast segmentation message specifying at least one location for at least one broadcast advertisement, and (ii) at least one time-shifted segmentation message specifying at least one location for at least one time-shifted advertisement. The program is broadcast with at least one broadcast advertisement in accordance with the at least one broadcast segmentation message, and is made available to a subscriber at a time after the broadcasting, with at least one time-shifted advertisement in accordance with the at least one time-shifted segmentation message.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2012Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Louis Williamson, Steven Riedl
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Publication number: 20130318560Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2013Publication date: November 28, 2013Inventors: Chris Cholas, William Helms, Louis Williamson, Jeffrey Markley
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Publication number: 20130227283Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing content to IP-enabled devices in a content distribution network. In one embodiment, a network architecture is disclosed which enables delivery of content to such IP-enabled devices without the use of a high-speed data connection This capability allow the managed network operator to provide content services to an IP-enabled device associated with a non-data subscriber. In one implementation, requests for content from user IP-enabled devices are received, authenticated, and content processed into a series of encrypted segments. Once the requesting user/device is authenticated, the segments are provided with a playlist. The rendering device is also provided access to a decryption key (e.g., via a URL to a managed key server). Variants providing (i) user access to the MSO distribution network via an indigenous modem or gateway; and (ii) user access to the MSO core via a gateway and a third party unmanaged network are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2012Publication date: August 29, 2013Inventors: Louis Williamson, William L. Helms, Howard Pfeffer, Noah Paci, Tushar Nakhre, Andrew Danforth, Charles Hasek, Shan Huang
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Patent number: 8516529Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivery of packetized content (e.g., video, audio, data, etc.) over a content delivery network. In one embodiment, the content is packetized using an Internet Protocol (IP), and delivered by a service provider over both managed and unmanaged networks to subscribers of the provider, so as to provide delivery at any time, at any location, and via any designated user device. The delivered content may originate from the service provider, third-party content sources (e.g., networks or studios), the subscriber(s) themselves, or other sources including the Internet. Use of a common control and service functions within the network afford the ability to integrate or blend services together, thereby affording the service provider and subscriber new service and economic opportunities. Content delivery sessions may also be migrated from one device to another. A network-based user interface infrastructure, and gateway-based client-side architecture, are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2010Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Michael L. Lajoie, Louis Williamson, Wilfrid Alssi, Chris Cholas, Jason Gaedtke, Kenneth Gould, Glen Hardin, Charles Hasek, Vedavati Hegde, Jeffery P. Markley, Vipul Patel, Howard Pfeffer
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Patent number: 8332885Abstract: A digital video program is obtained. The program includes: (i) at least one broadcast segmentation message specifying at least one location for at least one broadcast advertisement, and (ii) at least one time-shifted segmentation message specifying at least one location for at least one time-shifted advertisement. The program is broadcast with at least one broadcast advertisement in accordance with the at least one broadcast segmentation message, and is made available to a subscriber at a time after the broadcasting, with at least one time-shifted advertisement in accordance with the at least one time-shifted segmentation message.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2008Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: Time Warner Cable Inc.Inventors: Louis Williamson, Steven Riedl
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Patent number: 8176508Abstract: The present invention verifies the transmission of a data stream, such as an advertisement, to a receiver in a data network, such as a television set in a cable television network. In particular, the present invention develops and stores a data stream fingerprint prior to transmission of the data stream. During transmission of the data stream, a verifier compiles the fingerprint from the transmitted data stream and compares it to the pre-developed and stored fingerprint. If the fingerprint signal characteristics are within predetermined parameters, the transmission is considered successful.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2002Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Time Warner CableInventors: David Franklin, Louis Williamson
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Publication number: 20110103374Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivery of packetized content (e.g., video, audio, data, etc.) over a content delivery network. In one embodiment, the content is packetized using an Internet Protocol (IP), and delivered by a service provider over both managed and unmanaged networks to subscribers of the provider, so as to provide delivery at any time, at any location, and via any designated user device. The delivered content may originate from the service provider, third-party content sources (e.g., networks or studios), the subscriber(s) themselves, or other sources including the Internet. Use of a common control and service functions within the network afford the ability to integrate or blend services together, thereby affording the service provider and subscriber new service and economic opportunities. Content delivery sessions may also be migrated from one device to another. A network-based user interface infrastructure, and gateway-based client-side architecture, are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2010Publication date: May 5, 2011Inventors: Michael L. Lajoie, Louis Williamson, Wilfrid Aissi, Chris Cholas, Jason Gaedtke, Kenneth Gould, Glen Hardin, Charles Hasek, Vedavati Hegde, Jeffery P. Markley, Vipul Patel, Howard Pfeffer