Patents by Inventor Ioannis Katsavounidis

Ioannis Katsavounidis has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11388472
    Abstract: A method includes receiving, with a computing system, data representing a video item into a buffer. The method further includes outputting the video item from the buffer to a display system. The method further includes determining that utilization of the buffer falls below a predetermined threshold. The method further includes, in response to determining that the utilization of the buffer falls below the predetermined threshold, determining that there is a specified rebuffering point within a predetermined time frame. The method further includes pausing with the computing system, the video item at the specified rebuffering point in response to determining that there is the specified rebuffering point within the predetermined time frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Netflix, Inc.
    Inventors: Ioannis Katsavounidis, Mark Watson, Aaron Hipple, Will Wolcott
  • Publication number: 20220166990
    Abstract: In various embodiments, an encoder comparison application compares the performance of different configured encoders. In operation, the encoder comparison application generates a first global convex hull of video encode points based on a first configured encoder and a set of subsequences included in a source video sequence. Each video encode point is associated with a different encoded version of the source video sequence. The encoder comparison application also generates a second global convex hull of video encode points based on a second configured encoder and the subsequences. Subsequently, the encoder configuration application computes a performance value for an encoding comparison metric based on the first global convex hull and the second global convex hull. Notably, the first performance value estimates a difference in performance between the first configured encoder and the second configured encoder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2021
    Publication date: May 26, 2022
    Inventors: Ioannis KATSAVOUNIDIS, Liwei GUO
  • Publication number: 20220150561
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a subsequence-based encoding application generates subsequences based on a source sequence associated with a media title. The subsequence-based encoding application then encodes both a first subsequence and a second subsequence across each of multiple configured encoders and at least one rate control value to generate, respectively, a first set of encoded subsequences and a second set of encoded subsequences. Notably, each configured encoder is associated with a combination of an encoder and a configuration, and at least two configured encoders are different from one another. Subsequently, the subsequence-based encoding application generates encoded media sequences based on the first set of encoded subsequences and the second set of encoded subsequences. Finally, the application selects a first encoded media sequence from the encoded media sequences based on a first target value for a media metric to subsequently stream to a first endpoint device during playback of the media title.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2022
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Inventor: Ioannis KATSAVOUNIDIS
  • Publication number: 20220094734
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a subsequence-based encoding application generates a convex hull of subsequence encode points based on multiple encoding points and a first subsequence included in a set of subsequences that are associated with a media title. The subsequence-based encoding application then generates a first encode list that includes multiple subsequence encode points based on the first convex hull. Notably, each subsequence encode point included in the first encode list is associated with a different subsequence. The subsequence-based encoding application selects a first subsequence encode point included in the first encode list based on a first variability constraint that is associated with a media metric. The subsequence-based encoding application then replaces the first subsequence encode point included in the first encode list with a second subsequence encode point to generate a second encode list.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2021
    Publication date: March 24, 2022
    Inventor: Ioannis KATSAVOUNIDIS
  • Publication number: 20220086453
    Abstract: In various embodiments, an encoding optimization application encodes a source video sequence. The encoding optimization application partitions a source video sequence associated with a media title into multiple subsequences that include a first subsequence and a second subsequence. The encoding optimization application then generates a first encoded subsequence based on the first subsequence and a first resolution. The encoding optimization application generates a second encoded subsequence based on the second subsequence and a second resolution. Notably, the second resolution is higher than the first resolution. The encoding optimization application then aggregates the first encoded subsequence and the second encoded subsequence to generate an encoded video sequence. At least a portion of the encoded video sequence is subsequently streamed to an endpoint device during a playback of the media title.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2021
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Inventor: Ioannis KATSAVOUNIDIS
  • Patent number: 11257183
    Abstract: The disclosed computer-implemented method may include determining a set of filter vectors. Each filter vector in the set of filter vectors may include a set of filter weights associated with at least one portion of an output volume of a resampling operation. The method may also include generating, via a clustering algorithm and based on the set of filter vectors, a filter bank for the resampling operation. The filter bank may include an additional set of filter vectors. The method may further include (1) transmitting the filter bank to a memory module included in a hardware accelerator, and (2) directing the hardware accelerator to execute the resampling operation using an input volume and the filter bank. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Facebook, Inc.
    Inventor: Ioannis Katsavounidis
  • Publication number: 20220038725
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a sequence-based encoding application partitions a set of shot sequences associated with a media title into multiple clusters based on at least one feature that characterizes media content and/or encoded media content associated with the media title. The clusters include at least a first cluster and a second cluster. The sequence-based encoding application encodes a first shot sequence using a first operating point to generate a first encoded shot sequence. The first shot sequence and the first operating point are associated with the first cluster. By contrast, the sequence-based encoding application encodes a second shot sequence using a second operating point to generate a second encoded shot sequence. The second shot sequence and the second operating point are associated with the second cluster. Subsequently, the sequence-based encoding application generates an encoded media sequence based on the first encoded shot sequence and the second encoded shot sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2021
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Inventors: Ioannis KATSAVOUNIDIS, Anne AARON, Jan DE COCK
  • Patent number: 11234034
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a subsequence-based encoding application generates subsequences based on a source sequence associated with a media title. The subsequence-based encoding application then encodes both a first subsequence and a second subsequence across each of multiple configured encoders and at least one rate control value to generate, respectively, a first set of encoded subsequences and a second set of encoded subsequences. Notably, each configured encoder is associated with a combination of an encoder and a configuration, and at least two configured encoders are different from one another. Subsequently, the subsequence-based encoding application generates encoded media sequences based on the first set of encoded subsequences and the second set of encoded subsequences. Finally, the application selects a first encoded media sequence from the encoded media sequences based on a first target value for a media metric to subsequently stream to a first endpoint device during playback of the media title.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: NETFLIX, INC.
    Inventor: Ioannis Katsavounidis
  • Patent number: 11196790
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a subsequence-based encoding application generates a convex hull of subsequence encode points based on multiple encoding points and a first subsequence included in a set of subsequences that are associated with a media title. The subsequence-based encoding application then generates a first encode list that includes multiple subsequence encode points based on the first convex hull. Notably, each subsequence encode point included in the first encode list is associated with a different subsequence. The subsequence-based encoding application selects a first subsequence encode point included in the first encode list based on a first variability constraint that is associated with a media metric. The subsequence-based encoding application then replaces the first subsequence encode point included in the first encode list with a second subsequence encode point to generate a second encode list.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: NETFLIX, INC.
    Inventor: Ioannis Katsavounidis
  • Patent number: 11196791
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a subsequence-based encoding application generates a convex hull of subsequence encode points based on multiple encoding points and a first subsequence included in a set of subsequences that are associated with a media title. The subsequence-based encoding application then generates a first encode list that includes multiple subsequence encode points based on the first convex hull. Notably, each subsequence encode point included in the first encode list is associated with a different subsequence. The subsequence-based encoding application selects a first subsequence encode point included in the first encode list based on a first variability constraint that is associated with a media metric. The subsequence-based encoding application then replaces the first subsequence encode point included in the first encode list with a second subsequence encode point to generate a second encode list.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: NETFLIX, INC.
    Inventor: Ioannis Katsavounidis
  • Patent number: 11184621
    Abstract: In various embodiments, an encoding optimization application encodes a source video sequence. The encoding optimization application partitions a source video sequence associated with a media title into multiple subsequences that include a first subsequence and a second subsequence. The encoding optimization application then generates a first encoded subsequence based on the first subsequence and a first resolution. The encoding optimization application generates a second encoded subsequence based on the second subsequence and a second resolution. Notably, the second resolution is higher than the first resolution. The encoding optimization application then aggregates the first encoded subsequence and the second encoded subsequence to generate an encoded video sequence. At least a portion of the encoded video sequence is subsequently streamed to an endpoint device during a playback of the media title.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: NETFLIX, INC.
    Inventor: Ioannis Katsavounidis
  • Patent number: 11166034
    Abstract: In various embodiments, an encoder comparison application compares the performance of different configured encoders. In operation, the encoder comparison application generates a first global convex hull of video encode points based on a first configured encoder and a set of subsequences included in a source video sequence. Each video encode point is associated with a different encoded version of the source video sequence. The encoder comparison application also generates a second global convex hull of video encode points based on a second configured encoder and the subsequences. Subsequently, the encoder configuration application computes a performance value for an encoding comparison metric based on the first global convex hull and the second global convex hull. Notably, the first performance value estimates a difference in performance between the first configured encoder and the second configured encoder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: NETFLIX, INC.
    Inventors: Ioannis Katsavounidis, Liwei Guo
  • Patent number: 11153585
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a sequence-based encoding application partitions a set of shot sequences associated with a media title into multiple clusters based on at least one feature that characterizes media content and/or encoded media content associated with the media title. The clusters include at least a first cluster and a second cluster. The sequence-based encoding application encodes a first shot sequence using a first operating point to generate a first encoded shot sequence. The first shot sequence and the first operating point are associated with the first cluster. By contrast, the sequence-based encoding application encodes a second shot sequence using a second operating point to generate a second encoded shot sequence. The second shot sequence and the second operating point are associated with the second cluster. Subsequently, the sequence-based encoding application generates an encoded media sequence based on the first encoded shot sequence and the second encoded shot sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: NETFLIX, INC.
    Inventors: Ioannis Katsavounidis, Anne Aaron, Jan De Cock
  • Publication number: 20210289258
    Abstract: A method includes receiving, with a computing system, data representing a video item into a buffer. The method further includes outputting the video item from the buffer to a display system. The method further includes determining that utilization of the buffer falls below a predetermined threshold. The method further includes, in response to determining that the utilization of the buffer falls below the predetermined threshold, determining that there is a specified rebuffering point within a predetermined time frame. The method further includes pausing with the computing system, the video item at the specified rebuffering point in response to determining that there is the specified rebuffering point within the predetermined time frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2021
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Ioannis Katsavounidis, Mark Watson, Aaron Hipple, Will Wolcott
  • Patent number: 11089359
    Abstract: The disclosed computer-implemented method may include (1) receiving, at a computing device, a compressed video bitstream that includes (A) video data and (B) in-band metadata that indicates a video quality of the compressed video bitstream, (2) extracting, at the computing device, the in-band metadata from the compressed video bitstream, (3) determining, based at least in part on the in-band metadata, the video quality of the compressed video bitstream, and then (4) making at least one video-processing decision in connection with the compressed video bitstream based at least in part on the video quality of the compressed video bitstream. Various other systems and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Facebook, Inc.
    Inventor: Ioannis Katsavounidis
  • Patent number: 11082752
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving a request from a client computing device for a first shot included in a media title being streamed to the client computing device for playback; in response to the request, sending the first shot to the client computing device for playback; and sending a representative image for at least one of the first shot and a second shot included in the media title, wherein the first shot comprises a first sequence of video frames that is included in the media title and captured continuously from a first point of capture, and the second shot comprises a second sequence of video frames that is included in the media title and captured continuously from a second point of capture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: NETFLIX, INC.
    Inventors: Aditya Mavlankar, Ioannis Katsavounidis
  • Patent number: 11025986
    Abstract: A method includes receiving, with a computing system, data representing a video item into a buffer. The method further includes outputting the video item from the buffer to a display system. The method further includes determining that utilization of the buffer falls below a predetermined threshold. The method further includes, in response to determining that the utilization of the buffer falls below the predetermined threshold, determining that there is a specified rebuffering point within a predetermined time frame. The method further includes pausing with the computing system, the video item at the specified rebuffering point in response to determining that there is the specified rebuffering point within the predetermined time frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Netflix, Inc.
    Inventors: Ioannis Katsavounidis, Mark Watson, Aaron Hipple, Will Wolcott
  • Publication number: 20210160550
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a buffer-based encoding application generates a first convex hull of subsequence encode points based on multiple encoding points and a first subsequence associated with a media title. The buffer-based encoding application then generates a first global convex hull of media encode points based on a transmission buffer constraint, the first convex hull, and a second global convex hull of media encode points. Notably, the second global convex hull is associated with a portion of the media title that occurs before the first subsequence in a playback order for the media title. Subsequently, the subsequence-based encoding application selects a first media encode point included in the first global convex hull based on a media metric and determines a first encoded media sequence based on the selected media encode point. The first encoded media sequence is subsequently streamed to an endpoint device during playback of the media title.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2021
    Publication date: May 27, 2021
    Inventor: Ioannis KATSAVOUNIDIS
  • Publication number: 20210160510
    Abstract: In various embodiments, an iterative encoding application encodes a source video sequence. The encoding optimization application generates a set of shot encode points based on a set of encoding points and a first shot sequence included in the source video sequence. Each shot encode point is associated with a different encoded shot sequence. The encoding optimization application performs convex hull operation(s) across the set of shot encode points to generate a first convex hull associated with the first shot sequence. Subsequently, the encoding optimization application generates encoded video sequences based on the first convex hull and a second convex hull associated with a second shot sequence included in the source video sequence. The encoding optimization application computes a new encoding point based on the encoded video sequences and a target value for a first video metric and then generates an optimized encoded video sequence based on the new encoding point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2021
    Publication date: May 27, 2021
    Inventor: Ioannis KATSAVOUNIDIS
  • Publication number: 20210144386
    Abstract: In various embodiments, an encoding optimization application positions key frames within encoded video sequences based on shot changes. The encoding optimization application determines key frame location(s) based on shot change(s) included in a source video sequence associated with a media title. Each key frame location is associated with a different frame included in the source video sequence. For each of the key frame location(s), the encoding optimization application configures an encoding application to encode a frame of video content located at the key frame location as a key frame when performing encoding operations. Subsequently, the encoding optimization application causes the encoding application to perform encoding operation(s) on the source video sequence to generate a first encoded video sequence. During playback, the media title is switchable between a decoded version of the first encoded video sequence and a decoded version of a second encoded video sequence at the key frame location(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2021
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Inventor: Ioannis KATSAVOUNIDIS