Patents Examined by Pinkal R Chokshi
  • Patent number: 10785507
    Abstract: System and method for facilitating advertisements within viewed content. The advertisements may be banner advertisements or other advertisement. The advertisements may be included in such a manner that if a user skips or otherwise fast forwards through the advertisements, the user if force to skip through at least a portion of the viewed content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Comcast Cable Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Michael A. Chen
  • Patent number: 10779058
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for aggressive advertisement of media content. The system, using a prominent attribute of a first media asset, selects, from a plurality of candidate media assets for partial exposure to the user, a second media asset that features the prominent attribute. In response to determining the end to the first scene, the system determines a second attribute of the first scene and plays back a first segment of the second media asset featuring the prominent attribute and the second attribute, and resumes playback of the first media asset. During the resumed playback of the first media asset, the system detects a third attribute of a second scene. In response to determining an end of the second scene, the system plays back a second segment of the second media asset featuring the prominent attribute and the third attribute before resuming playback of the first media asset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.
    Inventors: Vishwas Sharadanagar Panchaksharaiah, K Vishnu Vardhan, Srikanth Channapragada, Vikram Makam Gupta
  • Patent number: 10757458
    Abstract: A hardware media items scheduling and packaging system, which schedules and distributes channels to be viewed on a plurality of consumer devices, extracts contextual data from program-specific information associated with programming media content of a channel received from a distribution source device. A plurality of potential non-programming media items is determined for a plurality of users based on a match between a sentiment type of each of a plurality of non-programming media items and the extracted contextual data. Based on at least the extracted contextual data and the sentiment type of each of the plurality of potential non-programming media items, a plurality of candidate spots in the programming media content is determined. Based on at least a set of constraints and user estimation data associated with the plurality of users, a schedule of non-programming media item(s) is dynamically generated for at least one candidate spot in the programming media content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: TURNER BROADCASTING SYSTEM, INC.
    Inventors: Wassim Samir Chaar, José Antonio Carbajal Orozco, Andreea Popescu
  • Patent number: 10728587
    Abstract: Methods and systems for a vehicle entertainment system are provided. One method includes generating by a processor, a plurality of media sets for storing a plurality of media files at a transportation vehicle, each of the plurality of media set configured to store a first set of media files playable at the same time by all passengers, a second set of media files playable at the same time by up to X percentage of the passengers and a third set of media files playable at the same time by up to Y percentage of the passengers; distributing by the processor, the plurality of media files for storage across a plurality of smart monitors of the transportation vehicle; monitoring user access of the plurality of media files on the transportation vehicle; and modifying by the processor, an assignment of a media file between the first set, the second set and the third set based on a plurality of factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Panasonic Avionics Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Braun, Philip Watson
  • Patent number: 10721499
    Abstract: In some implementations, a system may include an interactive video broadcasting service, implemented on a server, configured to enable a plurality of source devices to broadcast live feed video streams, over a network, to a plurality of viewing devices. The interactive video broadcasting service includes a multi-perspective video sharing engine configured to determine that at least two of the live feed video streams relate to a same event. The multi-perspective video sharing engine provides a multi-perspective display, over the network, to at least one of the plurality of viewing devices in which the multi-perspective display concurrently streams the live feed video streams determined as related to the same event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Twitter, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Chang, Suyash Sonwalkar
  • Patent number: 10701457
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed that, in an embodiment, are related to goal-oriented generation of advertising spot sets. The system and method each involve: receiving spot inventory data associated with a plurality of TV stations; receiving a rule variable associated with an advertising rule; receiving a goal variable associated with a goal; applying the advertising rule to select a plurality of spots that are eligible to form one or more spot sets; forming or generating at least one of the spot sets depending, at least in part, on a proximity to the goal; and generating an output associated with the generated spot set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Active Media Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Melissa A. Castano, Martin Lhotak
  • Patent number: 10701438
    Abstract: A graphics verification system that handles content of a channel in a broadcast chain, partitions an on-screen view of the channel into a plurality of sections based on an overlay of a plurality of graphics on the on-screen view of the channel. The content may comprise media content and may include video, audio and/or ancillary data that is associated with any portion of a particular content. A placement of each of the overlaid plurality of graphics in the plurality of sections is determined with respect to associated content on the on-screen view of the channel. The placement is determined based on a concurrent look-up of the overlaid plurality of graphics in the plurality of sections and the associated content. The concurrent look-up is based on fingerprints or watermarks of the plurality of graphics and the associated content. One or more error parameters are detected based on the determined placement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: TURNER BROADCASTING SYSTEM, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory McClain Stigall, Nishith Kumar Sinha
  • Patent number: 10694236
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for using geocoding information from a user's mobile device to determine program and advertising media content to deliver to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: DISH Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventor: Jason Anguiano
  • Patent number: 10687114
    Abstract: Controlling the admission of interactive television iTV applications to an iTV application distribution system is accomplished through the use of iTV application profiles that enumerate sets of allowed functions and behaviors for the iTV applications within the distribution system. In general, the profiles comprise filters that enable various functions within the distribution system, and may be applied to the iTV applications according to any of a number of bases. The distribution system includes an interface or console adapted to permit a system operator to create the application profiles and establish rules for attaching the profiles to the iTV applications, and an application profile engine configured to automatically validate the iTV applications against the profiles according to those rules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC
    Inventors: John Carney, David DeAndrade
  • Patent number: 10674211
    Abstract: A television set top box (STB) or similar receiver device uses information obtained from a wireless interface to automatically detect when the device has been moved to a different location. The device may initially obtain a list of wi-fi zones or in-range wireless devices that can be quantified or stored for later comparison. If the device later finds that the original zones/devices are no longer present or that substantial numbers of new zones/devices are present, then the device can recognize that it has been moved to a new location. The device may respond to the detected location change by disabling premium content, by reporting back to a security service, by simply recording the change in location, or by taking other actions as appropriate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Dish Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventor: Christopher Boyd Tirpak
  • Patent number: 10667014
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method of triggering an action based on behaviour of a user consuming content at a user device, the method comprising receiving content change signals at a processor executing a content change detection algorithm, wherein the content change signals denote a change of content on the user device; wherein the detection algorithm compares the content change signals with a content change behaviour associated with that device to detect a surfing condition and generates a triggering control signal for triggering an action when the surfing condition for that device is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: PIKSEL, INC.
    Inventors: Philip Antony Shaw, Miles Eusebius Weaver, Issar Amit Kanigsberg
  • Patent number: 10646897
    Abstract: A disclosed digital media device operational at user premises to receive media signals from a media source for presentation via endpoint devices such as a television display. The digital media device can include gateway and digital media management functionality and can be referred to as a gateway and digital media device. The device offers application services obtained over a wide area network and a user premises network. The digital media device may form a composite signal from the media signal and application service information, for example, for a composite audio and/or video signal for television type presentation to the user. The digital media device may receive a selection signal based on the presentation, for transmission to the application service provider device or to the media source. The media device also offers a GUI presenting a moveable arrangement of icons for selectively accessing application services.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: KIP PROD P1 LP
    Inventors: Amir Ansari, George A. Cowgill, Leon E. Nicholls, Atousa Raissyan, Jude P. Ramayya, Ramprakash Masina, Alvin R. McQuarters
  • Patent number: 10645456
    Abstract: Techniques are described that allow DVR users to create program shortcuts to different types of media content from content providers. A program shortcut comprises a reference to another media content. A user may generate a shortcut so that the user may easily find and return to media content without performing a new search. In addition, techniques may be used to automatically generate program shortcuts for a user based at least in part to user-indicated preferences or actions. Shortcuts may be generated to media content that is related to a preferred genre or media type specified by a user. Shortcuts may also be generated to content that is determined to be similar to content that is often viewed or recorded by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: TiVo Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Margret Schmidt, Alex Liston, Shelly Glennon
  • Patent number: 10638180
    Abstract: Techniques are described for handling temporal overlaps that occur between fragments of streaming media content, such as between a fragment of primary media content (e.g., a live sporting event) and a fragment of secondary media content (e.g., ad media content) dynamically inserted into the stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Steven Mark Pringle, Mairo Pedrini, Yongjun Wu
  • Patent number: 10623807
    Abstract: The present application discloses an apparatus for transmitting TV signals using WIFI, comprising an antenna, 3-way distributors, a television, a first tuning demodulator, a second tuning demodulator, a first decoder, a second decoder, a signal control processing unit and a WIFI communication module, wherein the antenna is electrically connected with the 3-way distributors; the 3-way distributors are electrically connected with the television, the first tuning demodulator and the second tuning demodulator; respectively, the first tuning demodulator and the second tuning demodulator are electrically connected with the first decoder and the second decoder; the first tuning demodulator and the second tuning demodulator are further electrically connected with the signal control processing unit; the first decoder and the second decoder are electrically connected with the signal control processing unit, respectively; the signal control processing unit is electrically connected with the WIFI communication module con
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: SHENZHEN ANTOP TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventors: Ruidian Yang, Zhiyou Jiang, Gaofeng Ni
  • Patent number: 10616649
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing media content recommendations. For example, a media guidance application may determine that a phrase spoken by a first user during a conversation with a second user indicates that the first user will not be consuming media content with the second user during a future time interval. In response to determining that the first user will not be consuming media content with the second user during the future time interval, the media guidance application may identify media assets available for consumption during the future time interval having a given characteristic favored by the second user and a characteristic disfavored by the first user. The media guidance application may then generate, for the future time interval, a media content recommendation of a media asset having the given characteristic, and generate for display, to the second user, the media content recommendation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.
    Inventor: John Blake
  • Patent number: 10602213
    Abstract: A processing system may identify a trajectory of a mobile endpoint device from a first management area toward a second management area of the cellular network, identify a first media program that is being broadcast by at least one base station in the first management area on a first broadcast channel that is tuned to by the mobile endpoint device, and determine a level of aggregate demand for the first media program in the second management area, where the level of aggregate demand is increased when it is identified that the mobile endpoint device is tuned to the first broadcast channel. The processing system may further assign the first media program to a second broadcast channel of at least one base station in the second management area based upon the level of aggregate demand, and broadcast the first media program via the second broadcast channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Darren Kaufman, Frank Robert Coppa, Christopher Heck
  • Patent number: 10536749
    Abstract: Media-presentation-conscious scheduling protocols are disclosed that may associate a geographical location containing a thing with an identifier of the thing and allow later-found media works that pertain to the identifier to be presented at a mobile device before the device reaches a waypoint of the location. Alternatively or additionally, such protocols may respond to a predicted connectivity impairment of a traveling device by obtaining supplemental content to mitigate a predicted capacity shortage. Alternatively or additionally, such protocols may interrupt live stream content, insert on-demand content, and later return to live stream presentation automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Rhapsody International, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew James Eccles, Brian Ringer, Heng Cao, Kenneth W. Murphy, Darryl William Wood, Gregory Welliver
  • Patent number: 10535073
    Abstract: A server apparatus for accurately collecting responses of questionnaires with regard to a target object including a plurality of scenes is provided. An operation signal for obtaining a time when response operation is performed is received from a terminal device. A time and each scene of the target object is associated in scene information, and a scene of the target object is identified as being a target of the response of the questionnaire, based on the scene information and the obtained time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Rakuten, Inc.
    Inventors: Shingo Terui, Saki Azuma
  • Patent number: 10523977
    Abstract: A unified system is provided for splicing of or switching to advertisement videos arriving from sources or video origins into targeted ad spots available in a content video watched by a consumer. The system comprises a plurality of interconnected elements including a unified splicing engine, a markup processor with markup plugins and markup configuration, an ad decision engine, a media player, a data collection client, a plurality of video caches residing at a consumer device and ad services subsystem. The system delivers multiple assets and intelligently splice and switch between the assets to produce a single uninterrupted playout of a content video watched by the consumer on the consumer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: DevelopOnBox, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Neill, Leon Rivkin, Valerii Grishin, Alexei Savguira