Patents by Inventor Tom Gonder
Tom Gonder 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: 9554166Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing one or more services such as video on-demand, switched digital video, or Internet services using shared bandwidth. Exemplary embodiments include methods and apparatus for providing video on-demand and switched digital video to a set of customer premise equipment devices using a first dedicated portion of the bandwidth to provide video on-demand services, a second dedicated portion of the bandwidth to provide switched digital video services, and a third portion of the bandwidth to provide both switched digital video and video on-demand services wherein the size of the bandwidth made available to provide video on-demand within the third shared portion of bandwidth varies as a function of requests for video on-demand and switched digital video services and the priorities of the new requests versus the existing operating services. Bandwidth management occurring in accordance with bandwidth sharing policies, priorities and rules generated by a bandwidth sharing mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2014Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLCInventors: Remi F Rieger, Tom Gonder, Paul D Brooks
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Publication number: 20160249103Abstract: Methods and apparatus for retrieving and providing voice mail messages from a server are described. In accordance with the invention voice mail messages may be retrieved via requests made via a set top box. Voice mail messages are retrieved in response to the request from a voice mail server which is also accessible via the telephone network. Retrieved voice mail is transcoded and included in a video on demand (VOD) file. Text, call ID information and/or other information as, e.g., an automatically generated transcript of the voice mail message, may be included in the VOD file. The VOD file is supplied to a VOD server which provides the file including the message to the set top box for display. A user can view the messages and switch from viewing one message to the next by using video play back commands.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2016Publication date: August 25, 2016Inventors: David G. Bell, Matthew Cannon, Chad Enney, Tom Gonder
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Patent number: 9402107Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing delivery of content to client devices of a network via both multicast and unicast mechanisms. In one embodiment, a system for use in a managed content delivery network is described to bridge multicast to unicast, so that the total network bandwidth consumption is significantly lower than a corresponding unicast-only delivery solution, yet which still provides improved quality of service and user viewing experience as compared to a multicast-only delivery solution. In addition, various exemplary aspects of the present disclosure are readily adapted for real-time multicast to unicast streaming of audio and data to, among other things, minimize network bandwidth usage, while maintaining the guaranteed delivery of unicast streams with little or no modification to the existing client device logic.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: July 26, 2016Assignee: TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLCInventors: Tom Gonder, William Helms, Kenneth Gould, David Chen, John Chen, Jian Yu, Niem Dang, Vipul Patel
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Patent number: 9369769Abstract: Methods and apparatus for retrieving and providing voice mail messages from a server are described. In accordance with the invention voice mail messages may be retrieved via requests made via a set top box. Voice mail messages are retrieved in response to the request from a voice mail server which is also accessible via the telephone network. Retrieved voice mail is transcoded and included in a video on demand (VOD) file. Text, call ID information and/or other information as, e.g., an automatically generated transcript of the voice mail message, may be included in the VOD file. The VOD file is supplied to a VOD server which provides the file including the message to the set top box for display. A user can view the messages and switch from viewing one message to the next by using video play back commands.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2013Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLCInventors: David G. Bell, Matthew Cannon, Chad Enney, Tom Gonder
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Patent number: 9161065Abstract: Methods and apparatus for recovery and/or utilization of bandwidth within a network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a switched architecture (e.g., broadcast switched) content-delivery network such as a cable television network. Reclamation, overflow, and/or triage logical processes are selectively applied in order to more efficiently manage bandwidth utilization within the network while maintaining user experience, and optionally achieve one or more business and/or operational goals.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2012Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLCInventors: Paul D. Brooks, Tom Gonder
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Publication number: 20150281747Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering data over extant infrastructure within a content-based network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a cable network, and the infrastructure comprises that nominally used for on-demand (OD) services such as VOD. The method includes the allocation of dedicated end-to-end network resources via a “session request, as well as data flow control and packet size adaptation, by a data server based on feedback from the requesting/receiving client device (e.g., DSTB) within the network. Mechanisms for retransmission requests for error recovery are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2015Publication date: October 1, 2015Inventors: Tom Gonder, Craig Mahonchak, John Carlucci, Vipul Patel, John Callahan, Jay Thomas
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Publication number: 20150271541Abstract: Apparatus and methods for recording a media stream for use by a rendering device. In one embodiment, a client device records live, unbound streaming media content from a Content Delivery Network (CDN) in “chunks” according to a data structure such as a manifest file. The live media content stream chunks are compressed and stored for later playback. The client device uses information regarding the chunks to generate a local manifest file, which it then uses to reconstruct the media stream. A video client may also dynamically insert and account for updated secondary content (such as advertisements) during each playback instance, thus enabling the service provider to realize commercial opportunities which were previously not possible. Various operational/business rules are also disclosed for e.g., enabling and disabling functions with respect to playback of the content.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2014Publication date: September 24, 2015Inventors: Tom Gonder, John Chen, Vipul Patel
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Publication number: 20150264447Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing packetized content to users via a bandwidth-optimized network. In one embodiment, legacy and IPTV streams are carried over the same switched digital infrastructure, and freely intermixed without regard to their encoding or type. A user's selection for IPTV content is transmitted to an IP proxy (such as a gateway apparatus or a headend server), then on to the switched digital server which causes provision of the requested content back to the proxy for formatting. The formatted content is then delivered to the requesting IP-capable device. The entire carrier class program stream is therefore available as IP-encapsulated content to the IP capable devices (and as legacy content to legacy devices) without any significant modifications to the network infrastructure or bandwidth penalty.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2015Publication date: September 17, 2015Inventors: PAUL D. BROOKS, TOM GONDER
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Patent number: 9003458Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering data over extant infrastructure within a content-based network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a cable network, and the infrastructure comprises that nominally used for on-demand (OD) services such as VOD. The method includes the allocation of dedicated end-to-end network resources via a “session request, as well as data flow control and packet size adaptation, by a data server based on feedback from the requesting/receiving client device (e.g., DSTB) within the network. Mechanisms for retransmission requests for error recovery are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2013Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Tom Gonder, Craig Mahonchak, John Carlucci, Vipul Patel, John Callahan, Jay Thomas
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Patent number: 8997136Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing packetized content to users via a bandwidth-optimized network. In one embodiment, legacy and IPTV streams are carried over the same switched digital infrastructure, and freely intermixed without regard to their encoding or type. A user's selection for IPTV content is transmitted to an IP proxy (such as a gateway apparatus or a headend server), then on to the switched digital server which causes provision of the requested content back to the proxy for formatting. The formatted content is then delivered to the requesting IP-capable device. The entire carrier class program stream is therefore available as IP-encapsulated content to the IP capable devices (and as legacy content to legacy devices) without any significant modifications to the network infrastructure or bandwidth penalty.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2010Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Paul D. Brooks, Glen Hardin, Tom Gonder
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Publication number: 20150046959Abstract: In a switched digital video content-based network, wherein a head end obtains a first group of program streams and sends to a client only a subset of the program streams selected by subscribers in a neighborhood of the client, imminence and/or presence of a condition of inadequate bandwidth is determined. Responsive to the determining, a bit rate of at least one of the subset of the program streams selected by the subscribers in the neighborhood of the client is dynamically decreased by adjusting encoding thereof, while maintaining adequate quality for the at least one of the subset of the program streams selected by the subscribers in the neighborhood of the client, based on an objective quality measure, in order to address the imminence and/or presence of the condition of inadequate bandwidth.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2014Publication date: February 12, 2015Inventors: Scott M. Davis, Tom Gonder, Paul Brooks
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Publication number: 20140344873Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing one or more services such as video on-demand, switched digital video, or Internet services using shared bandwidth. Exemplary embodiments include methods and apparatus for providing video on-demand and switched digital video to a set of customer premise equipment devices using a first dedicated portion of the bandwidth to provide video on-demand services, a second dedicated portion of the bandwidth to provide switched digital video services, and a third portion of the bandwidth to provide both switched digital video and video on-demand services wherein the size of the bandwidth made available to provide video on-demand within the third shared portion of bandwidth varies as a function of requests for video on-demand and switched digital video services and the priorities of the new requests versus the existing operating services. Bandwidth management occurring in accordance with bandwidth sharing policies, priorities and rules generated by a bandwidth sharing mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2014Publication date: November 20, 2014Inventors: Remi F. Rieger, Tom Gonder, Paul D. Brooks
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Publication number: 20140282688Abstract: A video distribution network includes a distribution plant and a first bulk encryption device connected to the distribution plant, wherein the bulk encryption device outputs a first encrypted video service stream to the distribution plant via an internet protocol (IP) interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Inventors: Niem Dang, Tom Gonder, Peter J. Arnts, Kirk Erichsen, Brian Floyd, Michael Kelsen
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Patent number: 8839317Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing one or more services such as video on-demand, switched digital video, or Internet services using shared bandwidth. Exemplary embodiments include methods and apparatus for providing video on-demand and switched digital video to a set of customer premise equipment devices using a first dedicated portion of the bandwidth to provide video on-demand services, a second dedicated portion of the bandwidth to provide switched digital video services, and a third portion of the bandwidth to provide both switched digital video and video on-demand services wherein the size of the bandwidth made available to provide video on-demand within the third shared portion of bandwidth varies as a function of requests for video on-demand and switched digital video services and the priorities of the new requests versus the existing operating services. Bandwidth management occurring in accordance with bandwidth sharing policies, priorities and rules generated by a bandwidth sharing mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2012Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Remi F. Rieger, Tom Gonder, Paul D. Brooks
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Patent number: 8813144Abstract: A method is provided which is suitable for implementation in a switched digital video content-based network, wherein a head end obtains a first group of program streams and sends to a client only a subset of the program streams selected by subscribers in a neighborhood of the client. At least one of imminence and presence of a condition of inadequate bandwidth is determined. Responsive to the determining of the at least one of imminence and presence of the condition of inadequate bandwidth, a bit rate of at least one of the subset of the program streams selected by the subscribers in the neighborhood of the client is dynamically decreased by adjusting encoding thereof, while maintaining adequate quality for the at least one of the subset of the program streams selected by the subscribers in the neighborhood of the client, based on an objective quality measure, in order to address the at least one of imminence and presence of the condition of inadequate bandwidth.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2011Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Scott M. Davis, Tom Gonder, Paul Brooks
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Publication number: 20140173654Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for providing targeted advertising in a television distribution system, without the disclosure of personally identifiable information. The system of the present invention comprises an advertisement management system (AMS) operative to monitor the state of one or more clients in the television distribution system and determine when a advertisement is required. The AMS is operative to select one or more features that do not comprise personally identifiable information from a feature repository. The system also comprises an advertisement selection system (ADS) operative to receive the one or more features from the AMS and select an advertisement targeted according to the one or more features.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2013Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: THE WARNER CABLE INC.Inventors: Steve Riedl, Erik Urdang, Tom Gonder, Bryan Santangelo, Brad Jordan
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Publication number: 20140059627Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering data over extant infrastructure within a content-based network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a cable network, and the infrastructure comprises that nominally used for on-demand (OD) services such as VOD. The method includes the allocation of dedicated end-to-end network resources via a “session request, as well as data flow control and packet size adaptation, by a data server based on feedback from the requesting/receiving client device (e.g., DSTB) within the network. Mechanisms for retransmission requests for error recovery are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2013Publication date: February 27, 2014Inventors: Tom Gonder, Craig Mahonchak, John Carlucci, Vipul Patel, John Callahan, Jay Thomas
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Publication number: 20130332973Abstract: Methods and apparatus for retrieving and providing voice mail messages from a server are described. In accordance with the invention voice mail messages may be retrieved via requests made via a set top box. Voice mail messages are retrieved in response to the request from a voice mail server which is also accessible via the telephone network. Retrieved voice mail is transcoded and included in a video on demand (VOD) file. Text, call ID information and/or other information as, e.g., an automatically generated transcript of the voice mail message, may be included in the VOD file. The VOD file is supplied to a VOD server which provides the file including the message to the set top box for display. A user can view the messages and switch from viewing one message to the next by using video play back commands.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2013Publication date: December 12, 2013Applicant: Time Wamer Cable Enterprices LLCInventors: David G. Bell, Matthew Cannon, Chad Enney, Tom Gonder
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Patent number: 8571931Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for providing targeted advertising in a television distribution system, without the disclosure of personally identifiable information. The system of the present invention comprises an advertisement management system (AMS) operative to monitor the state of one or more clients in the television distribution system and determine when a advertisement is required. The AMS is operative to select one or more features that do not comprise personally identifiable information from a feature repository. The system also comprises an advertisement selection system (ADS) operative to receive the one or more features from the AMS and select an advertisement targeted according to the one or more features.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2004Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Inventors: Steve Riedl, Erik Urdang, Tom Gonder, Bryan Santangelo, Brad Jordan
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Patent number: 8522293Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering data over extant infrastructure within a content-based network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a cable network, and the infrastructure comprises that nominally used for on-demand (OD) services such as VOD. The method includes the allocation of dedicated end-to-end network resources via a “session request, as well as data flow control and packet size adaptation, by a data server based on feedback from the requesting/receiving client device (e.g., DSTB) within the network. Mechanisms for retransmission requests for error recovery are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2004Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Tom Gonder, Craig Mahonchak, John B. Carlucci, Vipul Patel, John Callahan, Jay Thomas