Patents by Inventor Todd Andrew FRYER

Todd Andrew FRYER 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).

  • Patent number: 11589088
    Abstract: Media content is encoded based on network quality of service parameters. For instance, quality of service parameters for a network between a media server and a media client are determined by a system. The system selects an encoder based on a list of decoders available at the media client and the quality of service parameters, and encodes at least a portion of the media via the encoder. The system can further determine settings for the encoder based on a media type, and encode the media via the encoder according to the settings. The system can detect when the media client moves to a new network, detect new quality of service parameters, and select a new encoder based on the list of decoders available at the media client, the media type, and the new quality of service parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: Todd Andrew Fryer, David Irvin, Nick Nicas
  • Publication number: 20220330244
    Abstract: A receiver control is configured to receive signal receive level data from a plurality of signal receivers. The receiver control determines if a signal receive level is lower than expected. In response to determining that the signal receive level is lower than expected, it is determined if an alternate signal is available via an alternate signal path. In response to determining that an alternate signal is available, an instruction is transmitted to one of the plurality of signal receivers with an indication that the alternate signal is to be received via the alternate signal path. The receiver control transmits the alternate signal via the alternate signal path to the one of the plurality of signal receivers experiencing lower than expected signal receive levels in one embodiment. The receiver can resume utilizing an original signal via an original signal path when the signal receive level of the original signal returns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Inventors: Nicholas Nicas, Todd Andrew Fryer, Douglas Medina
  • Patent number: 11405916
    Abstract: A receiver control is configured to receive signal receive level data from a plurality of signal receivers. The receiver control determines if a signal receive level is lower than expected. In response to determining that the signal receive level is lower than expected, it is determined if an alternate signal is available via an alternate signal path. In response to determining that an alternate signal is available, an instruction is transmitted to one of the plurality of signal receivers with an indication that the alternate signal is to be received via the alternate signal path. The receiver control transmits the alternate signal via the alternate signal path to the one of the plurality of signal receivers experiencing lower than expected signal receive levels in one embodiment. The receiver can resume utilizing an original signal via an original signal path when the signal receive level of the original signal returns to expected levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: Nicholas Nicas, Todd Andrew Fryer, Douglas Medina
  • Patent number: 10985971
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, determining a satellite service channel that provides a first media content item for processing by a media processor for presentation by equipment of a user. A terrestrial service source is identified that provides a second media content item via a terrestrial service. A portion of the second version of the media content item is buffered for subsequent processing by the media processing device for presentation in place of the first version of the media content item responsive to an unavailability of the satellite service channel Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Douglas Medina, Todd Andrew Fryer, Nicholas Nicas
  • Publication number: 20210021878
    Abstract: Media content is encoded based on network quality of service parameters. For instance, quality of service parameters for a network between a media server and a media client are determined by a system. The system selects an encoder based on a list of decoders available at the media client and the quality of service parameters, and encodes at least a portion of the media via the encoder. The system can further determine settings for the encoder based on a media type, and encode the media via the encoder according to the settings. The system can detect when the media client moves to a new network, detect new quality of service parameters, and select a new encoder based on the list of decoders available at the media client, the media type, and the new quality of service parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Publication date: January 21, 2021
    Inventors: Todd Andrew FRYER, David IRVIN, Nick NICAS
  • Patent number: 10833790
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a process that encodes a number of digital signals representing image data captured by a video camera, the image data being provided by the video camera in accordance with a 4K ultra-high definition (4K-UHD) standard. The number of digital signals are provided to a multiplexing unit that outputs a multiplexed signal including a number of optical wavelengths, the multiplexed signal being transmitted on a single fiber-optic cable unidirectionally from the multiplexing unit to a presentation device. The multiplexed signal is transmitted on the single cable unidirectionally from the proximal end to the distal end. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Nicholas Nicas, Todd Andrew Fryer, David Irvin
  • Patent number: 10834440
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for encoding media content based on network quality of service parameters. A system configured to practice the method determines quality of service parameters for a network between a media server and a media client. The system selects an encoder based on a list of decoders available at the media client and the quality of service parameters, and encodes at least a portion of the media via the encoder. The system can further determine settings for the encoder based on a media type, and encode the media via the encoder according to the settings. The system can detect when the media client moves to a new network, detect new quality of service parameters, and select a new encoder based on the list of decoders available at the media client, the media type, and the new quality of service parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: Todd Andrew Fryer, David Irvin, Nick Nicas
  • Patent number: 10834447
    Abstract: A satellite digital broadcast systems transmits signals from a geosynchronous satellite to a plurality of geographically dispersed receivers. Each receiver measures a receive signal level and transmits a value representing the level to a data center. The data center analyses data received from a plurality of receivers in order to determine a size, shape, and velocity of propagation of an obstruction. The data center then predicts which receivers will experience signal disruptions based on the obstruction and the velocity of propagation of the obstruction. The data center transmits instructions to receivers that will be affected by the obstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: Nicholas Nicas, Todd Andrew Fryer, Douglas Medina
  • Patent number: 10771831
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system that predicts an interest of a viewer in a media program that will be available for consumption over a content delivery network, determines a first advertisement that may be shown to the viewer during a broadcast of the media program, and transmits the first advertisement to a local device of the viewer in advance of the broadcast of the media program. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Todd Andrew Fryer, Nicholas Nicas, David Irvin
  • Patent number: 10757479
    Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a media interface device, a media selection command from a user device. The media selection command identifies first media content, the media content available from a first content source in a first format. The media interface device is configured to provide the first media content to the user device as second media content in a second format different than the first format. The method includes selecting a particular module of a plurality of modules of the media interface device to process the first media content based on the media selection command. The method includes receiving the first media content at the particular module, where the particular module converts the first media content in the first format to the second media content in the second format. The method also includes sending the second media content from an interface coupled to the particular module to the user device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Brian Wilson, Douglas Alman, Todd Andrew Fryer, Nicholas Nicas, Charles D. Turner, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20200162183
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a process that encodes a number of digital signals representing image data captured by a video camera, the image data being provided by the video camera in accordance with a 4K ultra-high definition (4K-UHD) standard. The number of digital signals are provided to a multiplexing unit that outputs a multiplexed signal including a number of optical wavelengths, the multiplexed signal being transmitted on a single fiber-optic cable unidirectionally from the multiplexing unit to a presentation device. The multiplexed signal is transmitted on the single cable unidirectionally from the proximal end to the distal end. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2020
    Publication date: May 21, 2020
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Nicholas Nicas, Todd Andrew Fryer, David Irvin
  • Publication number: 20190364304
    Abstract: A satellite digital broadcast systems transmits signals from a geosynchronous satellite to a plurality of geographically dispersed receivers. Each receiver measures a receive signal level and transmits a value representing the level to a data center. The data center analyses data received from a plurality of receivers in order to determine a size, shape, and velocity of propagation of an obstruction. The data center then predicts which receivers will experience signal disruptions based on the obstruction and the velocity of propagation of the obstruction. The data center transmits instructions to receivers that will be affected by the obstruction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2019
    Publication date: November 28, 2019
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Nicholas Nicas, Todd Andrew Fryer, Douglas Medina
  • Publication number: 20190349939
    Abstract: A receiver control is configured to receive signal receive level data from a plurality of signal receivers. The receiver control determines if a signal receive level is lower than expected. In response to determining that the signal receive level is lower than expected, it is determined if an alternate signal is available via an alternate signal path. In response to determining that an alternate signal is available, an instruction is transmitted to one of the plurality of signal receivers with an indication that the alternate signal is to be received via the alternate signal path. The receiver control transmits the alternate signal via the alternate signal path to the one of the plurality of signal receivers experiencing lower than expected signal receive levels in one embodiment. The receiver can resume utilizing an original signal via an original signal path when the signal receive level of the original signal returns to expected levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Nicholas Nicas, Todd Andrew Fryer, Douglas Medina
  • Patent number: 10425939
    Abstract: A receiver control is configured to receive signal receive level data from a plurality of signal receivers. The receiver control determines if a signal receive level is lower than expected. In response to determining that the signal receive level is lower than expected, it is determined if an alternate signal is available via an alternate signal path. In response to determining that an alternate signal is available, an instruction is transmitted to one of the plurality of signal receivers with an indication that the alternate signal is to be received via the alternate signal path. The receiver control transmits the alternate signal via the alternate signal path to the one of the plurality of signal receivers experiencing lower than expected signal receive levels in one embodiment. The receiver can resume utilizing an original signal via an original signal path when the signal receive level of the original signal returns to expected levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Nicholas Nicas, Todd Andrew Fryer, Douglas Medina
  • Patent number: 10419793
    Abstract: A satellite digital broadcast systems transmits signals from a geosynchronous satellite to a plurality of geographically dispersed receivers. Each receiver measures a receive signal level and transmits a value representing the level to a data center. The data center analyzes data received from a plurality of receivers in order to determine a size, shape, and velocity of propagation of an obstruction. The data center then predicts which receivers will experience signal disruptions based on the obstruction and the velocity of propagation of the obstruction. The data center transmits instructions to receivers that will be affected by the obstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Nicholas Nicas, Todd Andrew Fryer, Douglas Medina
  • Patent number: 10390099
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, accessing a terrestrial content service that delivers media content to premises of a subscriber for presentation to media processing equipment of the subscriber. An interruption in the terrestrial content service is determined that interrupts the delivery of the media content item to the media processing equipment. An alternative media content item is identified based on the media content item, wherein the alternative media content item is available by way of a direct broadcast satellite service not subscribed to by the subscriber. The direct broadcast satellite service is provisioned to the media processing equipment responsive to the determining of the interruption in the terrestrial content service. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Douglas Medina, Todd Andrew Fryer, Nicholas Nicas
  • Patent number: 10361806
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a device that encodes digital signals representing image data captured by a video camera and provided according to a 4K ultra-high definition (4K-UHD) standard. The digital signals are transmitted as serial digital interface (SDI) streams to a wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) unit; the WDM unit performs electrical-to-optical conversion of the SDI streams and outputs a multiplexed signal to a single fiber-optic cable. The video camera, encoding unit, and WDM unit form a combined module within a housing; the device connects to a proximal end of a single fiber-optic cable, and a distal end of the single fiber-optic cable is configurable for connection to a demultiplexer of a 4K-UHD video presentation device. The multiplexed signal is transmitted on the single fiber-optic cable unidirectionally from the proximal end to the distal end. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Nicholas Nicas, Todd Andrew Fryer, David Irvin
  • Publication number: 20190191204
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system that predicts an interest of a viewer in a media program that will be available for consumption over a content delivery network, determines a first advertisement that may be shown to the viewer during a broadcast of the media program, and transmits the first advertisement to a local device of the viewer in advance of the broadcast of the media program. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Todd Andrew Fryer, Nicholas Nicas, David Irvin
  • Publication number: 20190173738
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, determining a satellite service channel that provides a first media content item for processing by a media processor for presentation by equipment of a user. A terrestrial service source is identified that provides a second media content item via a terrestrial service. A portion of the second version of the media content item is buffered for subsequent processing by the media processing device for presentation in place of the first version of the media content item responsive to an unavailability of the satellite service channel Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2019
    Publication date: June 6, 2019
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Douglas Medina, Todd Andrew Fryer, Nicholas Nicas
  • Patent number: 10243782
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, determining a first tuning state of a media processor of a subscriber. The first tuning state includes a satellite service channel, wherein the satellite service channel provides a first media content item that is processed by the media processor for presentation. A terrestrial service channel is identified that provides a second media content item. Access to the terrestrial service channel is provided by control of a switch. Subsequent processing of the second media content item by the media processor is facilitated by replacing the first media content item, responsive to the determining of an unavailability of the satellite service channel Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Douglas Medina, Todd Andrew Fryer, Nicholas Nicas