Patents by Inventor Craig ENGEL
Craig ENGEL 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: 11900419Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting and correlating content consumption, e.g., viewing of programs and/or accessing websites, across platforms of different types are described. Content consumption, e.g., requests and/or streaming is monitored and recorded on a per subscriber basis for a wide variety of platforms, e.g., set boxes, IP content playback devices such as cell phones or pad devices with IP streaming support, and/or other devices. Web site access and corresponding content consumption is determined based on DNS requests thereby avoiding the need for monitoring at web site servers and allowing centralized monitoring of web site access operations in the form of DNS requests to be detected by a Web service provider who, at least in some embodiments, is also a content provider.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2020Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLCInventors: Chris Roosenraad, Ethan Lawrence Wolf, Craig Engel, Justin Tidwell
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Patent number: 11336551Abstract: Methods and apparatus for identification and characterization of latency in a content delivery network. In one embodiment, interaction of users with content is recorded via collection of tuning records; the latency is then utilized to adjust the timing on the tuning records to account for lapses in time for sending these between entities of the network and the user devices, and for processing occurring at the devices. The latency is determined by taking into account a device specific latency component, and a network latency component. The network latency component is determined in one variant by sending a message to the device from the network requesting a response. Once the timing of the tuning records is adjusted, these tuning records may be relied upon as being accurate on a second-by-second basis. Accordingly, tuning records may be obtained and analyzed for content which lasts for a very short period of time.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2020Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Justin Tidwell, Eduardo G. Samame, Craig Engel
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Patent number: 11271909Abstract: Methods and apparatus for ensuring the privacy of users and/or devices in a content delivery network from which data regarding the users' interaction with content is collected and distributed. In one embodiment, “tuning” records which describe the interaction of users with content or other activities of interest are collected. It is determined whether an opportunity for compromise of the user's privacy (e.g., by derivative association) is present. If it is determined that such an opportunity exists, at least portions of the data are modified (e.g., collapsed). The modification may comprise replacing a first explicit data value with a second descriptive data value, increasing a range for the value, generalizing the value, removing the value, or encoding the value. Further processing of the collected tuning records may include, validating the data, accounting for latency, and generating reports based thereon.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2018Date of Patent: March 8, 2022Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Justin Tidwell, Eduardo Samame, Craig Engel, Craig Goldberg
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Publication number: 20210014143Abstract: Methods and apparatus for identification and characterization of latency in a content delivery network. In one embodiment, interaction of users with content is recorded via collection of tuning records; the latency is then utilized to adjust the timing on the tuning records to account for lapses in time for sending these between entities of the network and the user devices, and for processing occurring at the devices. The latency is determined by taking into account a device specific latency component, and a network latency component. The network latency component is determined in one variant by sending a message to the device from the network requesting a response. Once the timing of the tuning records is adjusted, these tuning records may be relied upon as being accurate on a second-by-second basis. Accordingly, tuning records may be obtained and analyzed for content which lasts for a very short period of time.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2020Publication date: January 14, 2021Inventors: Justin Tidwell, Eduardo G. Samame, Craig Engel
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Publication number: 20200402113Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting and correlating content consumption, e.g., viewing of programs and/or accessing websites, across platforms of different types are described. Content consumption, e.g., requests and/or streaming is monitored and recorded on a per subscriber basis for a wide variety of platforms, e.g., set boxes, IP content playback devices such as cell phones or pad devices with IP streaming support, and/or other devices. Web site access and corresponding content consumption is determined based on DNS requests thereby avoiding the need for monitoring at web site servers and allowing centralized monitoring of web site access operations in the form of DNS requests to be detected by a Web service provider who, at least in some embodiments, is also a content provider.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2020Publication date: December 24, 2020Inventors: Chris Roosenraad, Ethan Lawrence Wolf, Craig Engel, Justin Tidwell
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Patent number: 10769671Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting and correlating content consumption, e.g., viewing of programs and/or accessing websites, across platforms of different types are described. Content consumption, e.g., requests and/or streaming is monitored and recorded on a per subscriber basis for a wide variety of platforms, e.g., set boxes, IP content playback devices such as cell phones or pad devices with IP streaming support, and/or other devices. Web site access and corresponding content consumption is determined based on DNS requests thereby avoiding the need for monitoring at web site servers and allowing centralized monitoring of web site access operations in the form of DNS requests to be detected by a Web service provider who, at least in some embodiments, is also a content provider.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2014Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Chris Roosenraad, Ethan Lawrence Wolf, Craig Engel, Justin Tidwell
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Patent number: 10728129Abstract: Methods and apparatus for identification and characterization of latency in a content delivery network. In one embodiment, interaction of users with content is recorded via the collection of a plurality of tuning records; the latency is then utilize to adjust the timing on the tuning records to account for lapses in time for sending these from between entities of the network and the user devices, and for processing occurring at the devices as required. The latency is determined by taking into account an experimentally or manufacturer-derived device specific latency component, and a network latency component. The network latency component is determined in one variant by sending a message to the device from the network requesting a current system time (or other response). Once the timing of the tuning records is adjusted, these tuning records may be relied upon as being accurate representations of subscriber interaction with content on a second-by-second basis.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2015Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLCInventors: Justin Tidwell, Eduardo Samame, Craig Engel
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Publication number: 20190182218Abstract: Methods and apparatus for ensuring the privacy of users and/or devices in a content delivery network from which data regarding the users' interaction with content is collected and distributed. In one embodiment, “tuning” records which describe the interaction of users with content or other activities of interest are collected. It is determined whether an opportunity for compromise of the user's privacy (e.g., by derivative association) is present. If it is determined that such an opportunity exists, at least portions of the data are modified (e.g., collapsed). The modification may comprise replacing a first explicit data value with a second descriptive data value, increasing a range for the value, generalizing the value, removing the value, or encoding the value. Further processing of the collected tuning records may include, validating the data, accounting for latency, and generating reports based thereon.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2018Publication date: June 13, 2019Inventors: Justin Tidwell, Eduardo Samame, Craig Engel, Craig Goldberg
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Patent number: 10148623Abstract: Methods and apparatus for ensuring the privacy of users and/or devices in a content delivery network from which data regarding the users' interaction with content is collected and distributed. In one embodiment, “tuning” records which describe the interaction of users with content or other activities of interest are collected. It is determined whether an opportunity for compromise of the user's privacy (e.g., by derivative association) is present. If it is determined that such an opportunity exists, at least portions of the data are modified (e.g., collapsed). The modification may comprise replacing a first explicit data value with a second descriptive data value, increasing a range for the value, generalizing the value, removing the value, or encoding the value. Further processing of the collected tuning records may include, validating the data, accounting for latency, and generating reports based thereon.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2010Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Justin Tidwell, Eduardo Samame, Craig Engel, Craig Goldberg
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Patent number: 9693103Abstract: Methods and apparatus for collection and processing of data relating to users of a content-delivery network. In one embodiment, the content delivery network is a cable or satellite or HFCu network, and the apparatus includes an architecture for routinely harvesting, parsing, processing, and storing data relating to the activities of the users (e.g., subscribers) of the network. In one variant, at least portions of the data are anonymized to protect subscriber privacy.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2014Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignee: TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLCInventors: Gary Cronk, Craig Engel, Justin Tidwell, Luis Roberto Anaya, Ramon Herrera, Cory Kin, Dipan Patel, Johnathan Saginaw, Sohil Sami
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Publication number: 20160104203Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting and correlating content consumption, e.g., viewing of programs and/or accessing websites, across platforms of different types are described. Content consumption, e.g., requests and/or streaming is monitored and recorded on a per subscriber basis for a wide variety of platforms, e.g., set boxes, IP content playback devices such as cell phones or pad devices with IP streaming support, and/or other devices. Web site access and corresponding content consumption is determined based on DNS requests thereby avoiding the need for monitoring at web site servers and allowing centralized monitoring of web site access operations in the form of DNS requests to be detected by a Web service provider who, at least in some embodiments, is also a content provider.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2014Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventors: Chris Roosenraad, Ethan Lawrence Wolf, Craig Engel, Justin Tidwell
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Patent number: 9103022Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an amorphous aluminum alloy coating. The aluminum alloy coating may specifically include one of cerium, cobalt and/or molybdenum as alloying elements and be applied by a physical vapor deposition process to a desired thickness. The coating may supply improved corrosion resistance to a given environmental condition.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2007Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignee: SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Ronghua Wei, Marta Jakab, Craig Engel
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Publication number: 20150188794Abstract: Methods and apparatus for identification and characterization of latency in a content delivery network. In one embodiment, interaction of users with content is recorded via the collection of a plurality of tuning records; the latency is then utilize to adjust the timing on the tuning records to account for lapses in time for sending these from between entities of the network and the user devices, and for processing occurring at the devices as required. The latency is determined by taking into account an experimentally or manufacturer-derived device specific latency component, and a network latency component. The network latency component is determined in one variant by sending a message to the device from the network requesting a current system time (or other response). Once the timing of the tuning records is adjusted, these tuning records may be relied upon as being accurate representations of subscriber interaction with content on a second-by-second basis.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2015Publication date: July 2, 2015Applicant: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Justin Tidwell, Eduardo Samame, Craig Engel
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Patent number: 9003436Abstract: Methods and apparatus for collection, validation, analysis, and automated error correction of data regarding user interaction with content. In one embodiment, statistical methods are used to arrive at expected values for the collected data. The data is compared to the expected value and must meet one or more acceptance criteria (e.g., be within a prescribed range) to be considered valid. The prescribed range is determined by the network operator, or a computer program adapted to generate this value. The invention enables a network operator to assess a large volume of data without requiring significant amounts of manual monitoring and/or error correction. The ability to collect, validate and analyze data across multiple platforms is also provided. Still further, an automated system capable of learning evaluation and error correction patterns is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2013Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Justin Tidwell, Eduardo Samame, Craig Engel
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Patent number: 8930979Abstract: Methods and apparatus for identification and characterization of latency in a content delivery network. In one embodiment, interaction of users with content is recorded via the collection of a plurality of tuning records; the latency is then utilize to adjust the timing on the tuning records to account for lapses in time for sending these from between entities of the network and the user devices, and for processing occurring at the devices as required. The latency is determined by taking into account an experimentally or manufacturer-derived device specific latency component, and a network latency component. The network latency component is determined in one variant by sending a message to the device from the network requesting a current system time (or other response). Once the timing of the tuning records is adjusted, these tuning records may be relied upon as being accurate representations of subscriber interaction with content on a second-by-second basis.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2010Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Justin Tidwell, Eduardo Samame, Craig Engel
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Publication number: 20140366051Abstract: Methods and apparatus for collection and processing of data relating to users of a content-delivery network. In one embodiment, the content delivery network is a cable or satellite or HFCu network, and the apparatus includes an architecture for routinely harvesting, parsing, processing, and storing data relating to the activities of the users (e.g., subscribers) of the network. In one variant, at least portions of the data are anonymized to protect subscriber privacy.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2014Publication date: December 11, 2014Inventors: Gary Cronk, Craig Engel, Justin Tidwell, Luis Roberto Anaya, Ramon Herrera, Cory Kin, Dipan Patel, Johnathan Saginaw, Sohil Sami
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Publication number: 20140359649Abstract: Methods and apparatus for collection and processing of data relating to users of a content-delivery network. In one embodiment, the content delivery network is a cable or satellite or HFCu network, and the apparatus includes an architecture for routinely harvesting, parsing, processing, and storing data relating to the activities of the users (e.g., subscribers) of the network. In one variant, at least portions of the data are anonymized to protect subscriber privacy.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2014Publication date: December 4, 2014Inventors: Gary Cronk, Craig Engel, Justin Tidwell, Luis Roberto Anaya, Ramon Herrera, Cory Kin, Dipan Patel, Johnathan Saginaw, Sohil Sami
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Publication number: 20130298149Abstract: Methods and apparatus for collection, validation, analysis, and automated error correction of data regarding user interaction with content. In one embodiment, statistical methods are used to arrive at expected values for the collected data. The data is compared to the expected value and must meet one or more acceptance criteria (e.g., be within a prescribed range) to be considered valid. The prescribed range is determined by the network operator, or a computer program adapted to generate this value. The invention enables a network operator to assess a large volume of data without requiring significant amounts of manual monitoring and/or error correction. The ability to collect, validate and analyze data across multiple platforms is also provided. Still further, an automated system capable of learning evaluation and error correction patterns is disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2013Publication date: November 7, 2013Inventors: Justin Tidwell, Eduardo Samame, Craig Engel
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Patent number: 8484511Abstract: Methods and apparatus for collection, validation, analysis, and automated error correction of data regarding user interaction with content. In one embodiment, statistical methods are used to arrive at expected values for the collected data. The data is compared to the expected value and must meet one or more acceptance criteria (e.g., be within a prescribed range) to be considered valid. The prescribed range is determined by the network operator, or a computer program adapted to generate this value. The invention enables a network operator to assess a large volume of data without requiring significant amounts of manual monitoring and/or error correction. The ability to collect, validate and analyze data across multiple platforms is also provided. Still further, an automated system capable of learning evaluation and error correction patterns is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2010Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Justin Tidwell, Eduardo Samame, Craig Engel
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Publication number: 20120124606Abstract: Methods and apparatus for identification and characterization of latency in a content delivery network. In one embodiment, interaction of users with content is recorded via the collection of a plurality of tuning records; the latency is then utilize to adjust the timing on the tuning records to account for lapses in time for sending these from between entities of the network and the user devices, and for processing occurring at the devices as required. The latency is determined by taking into account an experimentally or manufacturer-derived device specific latency component, and a network latency component. The network latency component is determined in one variant by sending a message to the device from the network requesting a current system time (or other response). Once the timing of the tuning records is adjusted, these tuning records may be relied upon as being accurate representations of subscriber interaction with content on a second-by-second basis.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2010Publication date: May 17, 2012Inventors: Justin Tidwell, Eduardo Samame, Craig Engel