Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are described to improve the performance of adaptive media streaming sessions. A media player device proactively requests segment data representing a media stream over multiple simultaneous network connections. Delivery of the requested segment data on each of the plurality of simultaneous connections is monitored, and subsequent requests for segment data are adapted based upon the monitored delivery of the requested segments on each of the plurality of simultaneous connections.

Abstract: Synchronizing methods and architectures for cable modems to transmit and receive Full Duplex (FDX) resource block allocations (RBAs) using filter switching and coordinated updating of equalization coefficients. A cable modem including a block of switchable filters, an analog front end (AFE) and a PHY/MAC System on a Chip (SoC) tuner to, at least in part, provide signals to switch the switchable filters in accordance with the RBA changes and synchronize updating tuner equalizations to match filter switching in a coordinated manner by marking received data at the AFE.

Abstract: A video data processing method. The method includes: acquiring a multiple program transport stream identifier of each TS packet; acquiring, a single program transport stream identifier of each TS packet; creating at least one scheduling queue for the at least one TS packet according to the single program transport stream identifier in the first information mapping table; selecting any scheduling queue, and determining a first TS packet of the any scheduling queue meets a scheduling condition, selecting at least one output channel to output the any scheduling queue, and continuing to perform determining on a first TS packet of another scheduling queue until determining on all scheduling queues is completed.

Abstract: An improved IP video playback system for quicker access and better user experience during IP video playback is provided. Aspects of the IP video playback system allow a content service provider to provide quicker access to requested content items. When a user requests access to content items, an analysis is performed to calculate the lengths of time in which a portion of the content item can be downloaded, cached, and displayed and the corresponding size of that portion. The analysis may be based on various parameters. Once the analysis is performed and the portion is downloaded, playback may begin and the process may be repeated as necessary with increasing portion sizes until a predetermined portion size is reached, the user indicates a content switch, or the content item has been fully downloaded.

Abstract: A system includes a wireless interface to a central computer system that communicates with multiple mobile communication platforms (MCPs), and logic to receive a request for content from a device aboard a first MCP, the content not stored on the first MCP, the device having an associated data plan. The system includes logic to communicate the request for content to the central computer system, and to receive from the central computer system an indication of a time delay before the content will be available to the device on a non-priority basis, and logic to notify the device of the time delay, and to provide the device with an indication of an impact that receiving the content on a priority basis will have on the data plan.

Abstract: In one aspect, an example method may be used in connection with a system including a first media-broadcast system (MBS) and a second MBS, wherein the first MBS includes a first automation-system and a first device, and wherein the second MBS includes a second automation-system and a second device.

Abstract: A type of an access to a server, which is assigned to a user terminal as a server which provides a service to the user terminal in accordance with an access from the user terminal, is acquired, and it is judged whether or not the type is a prescribed type. When a frequency of judgment of “prescribed type” in the judgment is higher than a prescribed frequency, an apparatus which executes the assignment is set so as not to assign the server to the user terminal from the next time.

Abstract: In one aspect, an example method may be used in connection with a system including a first media-broadcast system (MBS) and a second MBS, wherein the first MBS includes a first automation-system and a first device, wherein the first automation-system transmits, to the first device, a first instruction configured to control operation of the first device, and wherein the second MBS includes a second automation-system and a second device. The method includes: receiving, by a computing device, from the first automation-system, the first instruction; and responsive to receiving the first instruction, transmitting, by the computing device, to the second automation-system, a second instruction configured to cause the second automation-system to transmit to the second device, the first instruction, thereby controlling operation of the second device.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for delivering content from content providers to end users using computer networks. Aspects of the invention enable content providers cost-effective content delivery using, for example, download and peer-to-peer mechanisms, while also allowing content providers the ability to control and restrict usage of the content and combat piracy. These and other aspects of the invention are discussed in more detail herein.

Abstract: Systems and methods for supporting resource quotas for multicast group creation and membership in a high performance computing environment. In accordance with an embodiment, multicast group membership can present an issue in that inter-subnet partitions can, if left unchecked, runaway with multicast group creation within any given connected subnet. This can starve address map resources at router ports. A quota can be supplied that provides a maximum number of multicast groups any given inter-subnet partition is allowed to create within any given subnet.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method comprises identifying, by an apparatus in a deterministic network, a multicast forwarding tree comprising a single multicast source as a root of the multicast forwarding tree, a plurality of terminal destination devices as respective leaves of the multicast forwarding trees, and forwarding network devices configured for forwarding a message, transmitted by the root, to the terminal destination devices; and causing, by the apparatus, the forwarding network devices to deliver the message to each of the terminal destination devices simultaneously at a same arrival time.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, systems, and program products are disclosed for delaying notification delivery based on user activity. A method includes detecting, by a processor, an external sound using a microphone, determining that the external sound comprises a message that is of interest to the user, and notifying the user of the message in response to determining that the message is of interest to the user.

Abstract: A system-on-chip includes a reconfigurable data interface to prepare data streams for execution patterns of a processing unit in a flexible compute accelerate system. An apparatus is provided that includes a first set of line buffers configured to store a plurality of data blocks from a memory of a system-on-chip and a field composition circuit configured to generate a plurality of data segments from each of the data blocks. The field composition circuit is reconfigurable to generate the data segments according to a plurality of reconfiguration schemes. The apparatus includes a second set of line buffers configured to communicate with the field composition circuit to store the plurality of data segments for each data block, and a switching circuit configured to generate from the plurality of data segments a plurality of data streams according to an execution pattern of a processing unit of the system-on-chip.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a method for scattering audio streams. The method can include receiving a set of audio data transmission signals indicating a format of audio data, determining a set of format parameters corresponding to the format of the audio data based on the set of audio data transmission signals, determining whether the set of format parameters are different from a set of previously determined format parameters, searching a lookup table for a build entry identified by the set of format parameters when the set of format parameters are different from the set of previously determined format parameters, and generating a media packet carrying audio samples of the audio data according to the build entry.

Abstract: A data processing method comprises, using a media server during a first media session between a client device and the media server, determining a stable bitrate value for use as a rate of transmitting multimedia data from the client device to the media server; storing, in a database, the stable bitrate value for the client device in association with an identifier; receiving, from the client device, a request to establish a second media session; determining the identifier within the request; in response to the request, based on the identifier in the request, searching the database for the stable bitrate value that is associated with the identifier; in response to locating the stable bitrate value in the database, sending the stable bitrate value to the client device for use in estimating a bitrate for transmitting multimedia from the client device to the media server in the second media session; establishing, by the media server, the second media session, wherein the media server initially receives multimedia

Abstract: In an information processing device 10, a control unit 50 that performs a job of storing information on a recording medium selected from among a plurality of recording media or a job of reading the information from a recording medium on which desired information is stored among the plurality of recording media by controlling a recording media drive is arranged. The control unit 50 divides a plurality of the jobs into a group performing storage of the information and a group performing reading of the information and performs a setting process of setting an execution sequence of the jobs in order of the groups and, for the job of reading the information, performs a combination process combining jobs of which recording media of transmission sources or transmission destinations of the information are common.

Abstract: A method includes issuing, by a managing unit of a dispersed storage network (DSN), a vault access restriction to a set of storage units of the DSN regarding a logical storage vault supported by the set of storage units. While the vault access restriction is active, the method continues by receiving, by a storage unit of the set of storage units, a data access request to the vault. The method continues by determining, by the storage unit, whether the data access request is regarding a rebuilding operation. When the data access request is regarding a rebuilding operation, the method continues by processing, by the storage unit, the data access request. When data access request is not regarding a rebuilding operation, the method continues by denying, by the storage unit, the data access request.

Abstract: A method includes analyzing bandwidth usage during a first phase of streaming of media and during a second phase of the streaming of the media. The first phase corresponds to the streaming of the media before a buffer is filled with a threshold amount of data associated with the media. The second phase corresponds to the streaming of the media after the buffer is filled with the threshold amount of the data and while the media continues to be buffered. The method includes calculating a size of the buffer based on a difference in the bandwidth usage during the first phase relative to the second phase. The method further includes determining an end time of the media based on the size of the buffer. The end time of the media occurs after a time when the data associated with the media completes downloading to the buffer.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for displaying one or more video streams on a consumer device. The technique includes setting a first display characteristic associated with a first video stream to a first value based on a first priority associated with the first video stream. The technique further includes transmitting the first video stream to a consumer device for display. The technique further includes selecting a second video stream, setting a second display characteristic associated with the second video stream to a second value based on a second priority associated with the second video stream, and transmitting the second video stream to the consumer device for display.

Abstract: The present disclosure may include a method that includes determining latency between a client system and a service provider system. The client system may include a network element and a client computing device and the service provider system may include a controller program configured to provide controller services to the network element of the client system. The method may also include, based on the latency being longer than a threshold, transmitting the controller program to the client computing device to be executed by the client computing device so that the client computing device provides controller services to the network element of the client system.

Abstract: A terminal apparatus, a radio communication system and a communication method are provided each capable of transmitting feedback information indicating a reception result of a DL signal to a base station without reducing the efficiency of transmitting a UL signal. The terminal apparatus includes an error detector that detects the presence or absence of an error in a downlink signal transmitted from the base station apparatus, a configurator that configures a different preamble depending on whether or not there is an error in the downlink signal and a transmitter that transmits an uplink signal including the configured preamble.

Abstract: A vehicle entertainment system including a server storing media files, and smart monitors. Each smart monitor presents media selections corresponding to the media files and receives an input from passengers for playing a selection. Each smart monitor includes local content storage storing a subset of the media files. A network connects the smart monitors and server. Program logic executed by each smart monitor performs tasks including determining if a media file corresponding to an input is available from a first source, and if available, playing the media file from the first source; if the media file is not available there, determining if the media file required is available from a second source and if available, playing the media file from the second source; and if the media file is not available from the second source, determining if the media file is available from a third source.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically recording content based on user web activity data are provided. One such method includes receiving, by a receiving device, user web activity information associated with a user of the receiving device. The receiving device further receives content information associated with program content that will be available for viewing via the receiving device at a future time. The received user web activity information and the content information are compared to determine program content relevant to the user. A timer is automatically set, in advance of a time when the relevant program content will be available for viewing, to record the program content relevant to the user when the program content becomes available for viewing.

Abstract: A video game processing apparatus for controlling progress of a video game is provided. In the video game, a plurality of players addresses a common task. The video game processing apparatus includes a processor and a display controller. The processor specifies a task corresponding to a task providing request of a first player and generates player related information of a second player corresponding to the specified task. The display controller displays, on a task screen, an image including a character string in association with the second player. The character string satisfies a display condition during progress of the specified task. The task screen indicates the specified task.

Abstract: A system according to certain embodiments associates a signature value corresponding to a data block with one or more data blocks and a reference to the data block to form a signature/data word corresponding to the data block. The system further logically organizes the signature/data words into a plurality of files each comprising at least one signature/data word such that the signature values are embedded in the respective file. The system according to certain embodiments reads a previously stored signature value corresponding to a respective data block for sending from a backup storage system having at least one memory device to a secondary storage system.

Abstract: A method includes sending a set of destructive modification requests to a set of storage units regarding a set of encoded data slices. The method further includes determining, by each storage unit of a decode threshold number of storage units of the set of storage units, whether to preserve a respective corresponding one of the decode threshold number of encoded data slices prior to executing a corresponding one of the set of destructive modification requests. When determined to preserve the respective corresponding one of the decode threshold number of encoded data slices, determining, by a first storage unit of the decode threshold number of storage units, to flag a first encoded data slice of the decode threshold number of encoded data slices or temporarily store a copy of the first encoded data slice. When determined to flag the first encoded data slice, flagging the first encoded data slice as preserved.

Abstract: Aspects are related to reducing size of diagnostic data downloads. To reduce the size, format and content are read from a diagnostic data file so that pre-defined priority rules may be applied to the diagnostic data file and/or a subset of the diagnostic data file utilizing the format or the content. Then, a priority level is assigned to the diagnostic data file or the subset based on an ability of that file or that subset to diagnose a failure as determined by the pre-defined priority rules. Next, an ordering of the diagnostic data file and/or the subset into a file stream occurs, followed by a streaming of the file stream to a remote diagnostic system. A notification can be received from the remote diagnostic system to stop the streaming if sufficient diagnostic data to diagnose the failure has been received by the remote diagnostic system.

Abstract: A stream decoding method is provided. The stream includes a plurality of frames. The method includes: obtaining a display order of a current frame that belongs to a group by parsing a header of the current frame; and determining whether to decode the current frame or to drop instead of decoding the current frame according to the display order of the current frame.

Abstract: A system including a first server, a second server operatively connected over a network to the first server and a gateway component operatively connected over the network to the first server and the second server. The first server is configured to receive a request for data, the request for data specifying the gateway component and including a predetermined port number at the second server, and send the request for data to the gateway component. The second server is configured to receive the data at the predetermined port number, the data being provided by the gateway component. The gateway component is configured to receive the request for data, retrieve the data from a data source, operatively connect, over the network, to a port at the second server, the port corresponding to the predetermined port number, and send the data to the second server. Methods for using the system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method begins by a processing module determining, by a first storage unit, that a storage growth rate is unfavorable for the first storage unit over an estimated time frame of reallocating at least a portion of encoded data slices stored in the first storage unit to one or more additional storage units. The method continues with the processing module when the storage growth rate is unfavorable, selecting an unfavorable growth rate abatement approach such that estimated required storage capacity is less than available storage capacity of the first storage unit for the estimated time frame of the reallocation of the at least a portion of encoded data slices. The method continues with the processing module facilitating implementation of the unfavorable growth rate abatement approach.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to dispensing coupons to viewers of media content and in particular, providing coupons to an individual to buy the product just after having viewed a commercial or other media program featuring that product.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a distributed file system using a torus network. The distributed file system may include multiple servers. The multiple servers are connected with each other through an n-dimensional torus network, and each of the multiple servers may be arranged along n-dimensional axes. Among the servers in the distributed file system, a server group of an (n?1)-dimensional torus network may be connected to a public network. Different loads of the distributed file system may be distributed based on the axes. Through the distribution, the processing performance of the distributed file system may be improved.

Abstract: There are described methods and systems for distributing content in a network, in particular a multicast network. One method includes delivering content from a source to a destination in a content delivery network. A request for an item of content is received and a first multicast stream is identified or established, the first multicast stream comprising a first copy of the content. At least one second multicast stream is also identified or established, the second stream comprising a second copy of the content. The second copy of the content is time-shifted by a time, M, from corresponding portions of the first copy of the content. The content is then delivered to the destination using both the first and the second multicast streams.

Abstract: A cluster file system comprises a front-end file system, a back-end file system, data mover modules arranged between the front-end and back-end file systems, and a quota manager associated with at least a given one of data mover modules. The data mover modules are configured to control archiving of data between the front-end file system and the back-end file system for respective users based at least in part on respective user quotas established by the quota manager and identifying corresponding portions of the back-end file system available to the users. The front-end file system may comprise archive directories configured for respective ones of the users, with the data mover modules being configured to archive a given file from the front-end file system in the back-end file system responsive to a link to that file being stored in a corresponding one of the archive directories of the front-end file system.

Abstract: A content packaging and distribution system that handles distribution of channels to be viewed on a plurality of consumer devices, receives a media feed and a first programming schedule of a first channel from a source device. An input that corresponds to a user-selection is received on a first consumer device of the plurality of consumer devices over a distribution system, and a media item to be inserted in the media feed of the first channel is determined based on criteria related to the user-selection. The determined media item may be dynamically scheduled in the media feed of the first channel to be delivered over the distribution system to be viewed on the first consumer device, based on the user-selection related criteria. The user-selection includes a first criterion that corresponds to a real time or a near-real time user input corresponding to the user-selection on the first consumer device.

Abstract: A first content item instance may be played by one or more participants and may be presented by one or more first compute nodes to the one or more participants. Information associated with the first content item instance may be collected. The information may include, for example, game state, user inputs, and other information associated with the first content item instance. The information may be provided as input to a second content item instance executing at one or more second compute nodes. Audio and/or video information output by the second content item instance may then be collected, and data including the collected information may be transmitted to one or more third compute nodes for presentation to spectators. Spectator feedback may be received and provided back to the first content item instance, which may be presented based, at least in part, on the spectator feedback.

Abstract: Methods and systems for managing a computing network. At least a portion of the computing network is represented as a recursive architecture of elements representing bit transport, bit transformation and bit storage actions of the network. A respective set of one or more elements are associated with at least one system implementing functions of the portion of the computing network. The recursive architecture of elements is subsequently used to manage the at least one system implementing functions of the portion of the computing network.

Abstract: A data collection system for, and methods of, providing reliable store-and-forward data handling by encoded information reading terminals can utilize ad-hoc peer-to-peer (i.e., terminal-to-terminal) connections in order to store data that is normally stored on a single terminal only, in a redundant manner on two or more terminals. Each portable encoded information reading terminal can be configured so that when it captures data, a software application causes the terminal to search out nearby peer terminals that can store and/or forward the data to other peer terminals or to a data collection server, resulting in the data having been stored by one or more peer terminals that are immediately or not immediately accessible by the data-originating terminal.

Abstract: To increase the utilization of the radio link and to provide a low complexity approach to retransmission control with respect to a fragmenting transmission protocol and a stream of data packets considered for data transmission, there is provided a method of retransmission control with respect to a fragmenting transmission protocol and a stream of data packets considered for transmission. The method comprises the steps detecting (S12) data packets in the stream of data packets which are unnecessary retransmissions based on sequence numbers of the data packets, dropping (S14) data packets which are unnecessary retransmissions from the stream of data packets for setup of a modified stream of data packets, and transmitting (S16) the modified stream of data packets over a transmission link.

Abstract: In one aspect, an example method may be used in connection with a system including a first media-broadcast system (MBS) and a second MBS, wherein the first MBS includes a first automation-system and a first device, wherein the first automation-system transmits, to the first device, a first instruction configured to control operation of the first device, and wherein the second MBS includes a second automation-system and a second device. The method includes: receiving, by a computing device, from the first automation-system, the first instruction; and responsive to receiving the first instruction, transmitting, by the computing device, to the second automation-system, a second instruction configured to cause the second automation-system to transmit to the second device, the first instruction, thereby controlling operation of the second device.

Abstract: Large source data packets having large packet sizes and small source data packets having small packet sizes that are smaller than the large packet sizes are received. The small source data packets and the large source data packets are sent to a receiving device without forward error correction (FEC). The small source data packets are aggregated into a container packet having a header configured to differentiate the container packet from the large source data packets and the small source data packets. The large source data packets and the container packet are encoded with forward error correction to produce FEC-encoded packets to enable forward error correction of the large source data packets and the container packet at the receiving device. The FEC-encoded packets are sent to the receiving device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying, assembling, and publishing content are described. A content item, such as a video, having a first time length, is identified by a system to be included in a program scheduled for a first time period. The video may be hosted on a third party system. A first span of time within the first program is allocated for the video, wherein the first span of time is longer than the first time length. The system determines, prior to or at the first time period, a time difference between a current length of the video and the first span of time. At least partly in response to determining that the video has a time length shorter than the first span of time, the system selects supplemental content based at least in part of the determined time difference to be streamed to user terminals over a data network within the first time period.

Abstract: Systems and methods to position and play content. The system renders a first content segment to an output device at an accelerated speed for the first content segment. Next, the system receives a request to play the first content segment from the beginning of the first content segment at a normal speed for the first content segment. Next, the system automatically positions to the beginning of the first content segment based on position information that is associated with the first content segment. Finally, the system renders the first content segment to the output device from the beginning of the first content segment at a normal speed for the first content segment.

Abstract: A gateway device configured to receive IP video content may select and use transmission methods that maintain a certain quality of service for delivering the content. A transmission method may be selected based on a network to which the client device is connected. The gateway device may select a network through which the content is to be delivered depending on a variety of factors including bandwidth availability, client compatibility, quality of service provided and the like. A gateway device may further be configured to convert multicast transmissions to unicast, to provide dynamic storage of content for pre-positioning and other purposes and/or to provide other functions.

Abstract: Embodiments include a method for arbitrating access to a plurality of resources by a plurality of components of a computing system, the method comprising: assigning, to each resource of the plurality of resources, a corresponding identification number, wherein a first resource of the plurality of resources is assigned a first identification number; assigning the first resource to a first component such that the first component has access to the first resource; storing (i) the first identification number of the first resource in a first assignment register of a plurality of assignment registers, and (ii) an identification of the assignment of the first resource to the first component in a first queue register; and while the identification of the assignment of the first resource is stored in the first queue register, refraining from assigning the first resource to any component, other than the first component.

Abstract: Automated path-finding and integrated bandwidth management for hybrid video routing connections are disclosed. When a video source signal is to be routed to a video router from a remote video router, a control system automatically determines whether the video source signal is routable to the video router from the remote video router over a hybrid connection that includes connection segments of different types. The video source signal is routed to the video router from the remote video router through the hybrid connection if the video source signal is routable to the video router from the remote video router over a hybrid connection. In an embodiment, a single user interface allows a user to request routing of video source signals.

Abstract: In one aspect, an example method may be used in connection with a system including a first media-broadcast system (MBS) and a second MBS, wherein the first MBS includes a first automation-system and a first device, and wherein the second MBS includes a second automation-system and a second device.

Abstract: Methods and architectures for blind detection of physical layer control (PLC) signaling for transmitters and receivers having respective misaligned inverse fast Fourier transforms (IFFTs) and (FFTs) includes opening a frequency tracking offset calibration circuit, estimating or calculating a phase discontinuity due to FFT misalignment, closing the frequency tracking offset calibration circuit and applying a frequency correction that includes a frequency offset less the calculated or estimated phase discontinuity.

Abstract: A wireless communication system is disclosed. A method for performing a radio access in the wireless communication system includes dividing an available frequency band into a plurality of subbands, generating a plurality of frequency domain sequences from a plurality of data symbol sequences by independently performing a Fourier transform process in each of the subbands, independently mapping each of the frequency domain sequences to a corresponding subband, generating one or more transmission symbols by performing an inverse Fourier transform process on the plurality of frequency domain sequences mapped to the available frequency band, and transmitting the one or more transmission symbols to a receiver.

Abstract: Ads are placed in a movie using a graphical interface that enables selecting of the ads from a set of ads, selecting frames of the movie for the ad, and selecting locations in the frames for the ads. Each of the ad and the movie can be a still image, a full motion video, an audio, a graphic or a combination thereof. An executable command may also be a part of the ad that is inserted, the command being selected for execution by a viewer of the ad when the movie is played to the viewer.