Patents by Inventor Kenneth Gould
Kenneth Gould 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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Publication number: 20160302166Abstract: Methods and apparatus for synchronizing devices corresponding to a customer are described. A plurality of devices are associated with a customer record. The customer indicates which one or ones of the devices are to be synchronized from a content playback perspective. Content delivery delays based on a time stamp included in content sent to the devices to be synchronized is determined by the devices and reported to a control device. Transmission of on-demand content is adjusted on a per device basis, e.g., delayed or advanced, to achieve synchronized delivery. For content transmitted according to a schedule, a delay may be communicated to the playback device and the device delays output of received content to synchronize output with other devices. Customer premise records include a list of devices to be synchronized along with transmission and/or output timing adjustment information on a per device basis.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2015Publication date: October 13, 2016Inventors: Niem Dang, Kenneth Gould, Joseph Forehand
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Publication number: 20160241930Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing emergency alert system (EAS) data to subscribers of a content-based network for multiple locations including via mobile devices. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a server performing real-time receipt and encapsulation of the EAS data, transport of the EAS data to client devices over an IP or other packet-switched network, and use of applications running on the client devices to decode and display the EAS data. In one variant, a centralized EAS (CEAS) entity is used to aggregate and distribute EAS messages to video registration servers (VRS), which use stored client device data and user preferences to map delivery of relevant EAMs over the IP network. In another variant, instant messaging (IM) infrastructure is used to deliver and display at least portion of the EAS data via a separate transport process.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2016Publication date: August 18, 2016Inventors: Kenneth Gould, George Sarosi
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Patent number: 9414111Abstract: Apparatus and methods for efficiently and flexibly providing caption data (e.g., closed captioning) to subscribers of a content-based network, such as for example Internet protocol television (IPTV) subscribers. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a server performing real-time extraction and encapsulation of caption data, transport of caption data to client devices over the network, and use of one or more applications running on the client devices to decode and display the caption data consistent with the multimedia (audio/video) content with which it is associated. In one variant, instant messaging (IM) infrastructure is used to authenticate clients and receive and display the caption data via a separate transport process. Server and client-side apparatus adapted for caption data receipt, decoding and display are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2013Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Charles Hasek, Kenneth Gould
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Patent number: 9402107Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing delivery of content to client devices of a network via both multicast and unicast mechanisms. In one embodiment, a system for use in a managed content delivery network is described to bridge multicast to unicast, so that the total network bandwidth consumption is significantly lower than a corresponding unicast-only delivery solution, yet which still provides improved quality of service and user viewing experience as compared to a multicast-only delivery solution. In addition, various exemplary aspects of the present disclosure are readily adapted for real-time multicast to unicast streaming of audio and data to, among other things, minimize network bandwidth usage, while maintaining the guaranteed delivery of unicast streams with little or no modification to the existing client device logic.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: July 26, 2016Assignee: TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLCInventors: Tom Gonder, William Helms, Kenneth Gould, David Chen, John Chen, Jian Yu, Niem Dang, Vipul Patel
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Patent number: 9397846Abstract: Methods and apparatus for assigning physical channels in a content-based network. In an exemplary embodiment, the network comprises a cable television network having a plurality of cable modems, and the physical channels are assigned to the cable modems based at least in part on any multicast transmissions that may exist on the system. When two cable modems are receiving the same multicast transmission, the invention causes tuning of one or more of the cable modems to the same physical channel in order to limit the total number multicast transmissions on the network. Multicast transmissions typically comprise video or audio information, but other types of information may also be multicast according to the invention. In another embodiment, a multicast transmission list (containing a list of multicast transmissions and the corresponding physical channels) is sent to the set of cable modems. This list is used by the modems (or associated CPE) to manage channel allocation and tuning.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2013Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventor: Kenneth Gould
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Publication number: 20160066006Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing coordination between two or more different media distribution channels. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a server and associated client processes disposed of various components of a managed content distribution network (e.g., cable or satellite network). The server process coordinates with the client processes to obtain user interactivity data useful is assessing the efficacy of certain secondary content (e.g., advertisements). In one variant, input is received from, and provided to, other associated media campaigns (e.g., print, online, and/or telephonic) so as to allow rapid and effective coordination between the campaigns. Mechanisms for improving user engagement to the secondary content are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2015Publication date: March 3, 2016Inventors: Vipul Patel, Kenneth Gould, David Chen
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Patent number: 9262907Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing emergency alert system (EAS) data to subscribers of a content-based network for multiple locations including via mobile devices. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a server performing real-time receipt and encapsulation of the EAS data, transport of the EAS data to client devices over an IP or other packet-switched network, and use of applications running on the client devices to decode and display the EAS data. In one variant, a centralized EAS (CEAS) entity is used to aggregate and distribute EAS messages to video registration servers (VRS), which use stored client device data and user preferences to map delivery of relevant EAMs over the IP network. In another variant, instant messaging (IM) infrastructure is used to deliver and display at least portion of the EAS data via a separate transport process.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2012Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLCInventors: Kenneth Gould, George Sarosi
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Patent number: 9131283Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing coordination between two or more different media distribution channels. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a server and associated client processes disposed ob various components of a managed content distribution network (e.g., cable or satellite network). The server process coordinates with the client processes to obtain user interactivity data useful is assessing the efficacy of certain secondary content (e.g., advertisements). In one variant, input is received from, and provided to, other associated media campaigns (e.g., print, online, and/or telephonic) so as to allow rapid and effective coordination between the campaigns. Mechanisms for improving user engagement to the secondary content are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2012Date of Patent: September 8, 2015Assignee: TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLCInventors: Vipul Patel, Kenneth Gould, David Chen
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Patent number: 9106940Abstract: Methods and apparatus facilitating sharing of customer information known to a video service provider which services a customer's home, with a hotel chain at which the customer is staying as a guest, are described. Disclosure of information about the customer's home service may, and in some embodiments is, limited to information directly related to providing the customer personalized video service. Information known about a guest by the guest's home video service provider is extended to the hotel by allowing that guest's home channel-watching preferences to be retrieved and stored within the hotel system. Based on the information retrieved from the cable operator or other service provider, when a guest is checked into a room, the STB (or other video-delivery/rendering device) used at the hotel is customized so that, channels are made available on the TV for channel surfing in the manner normally seen at the guest's home.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2011Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Michael Hayashi, Kenneth Gould
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Publication number: 20150172730Abstract: A user recovers and records multiple programs communicated simultaneously using a communications channel, e.g., QAM communications channel. The simultaneous communication may be by communicating, e.g., an MPEG-2 transport stream including data corresponding to multiple programs through a corresponding to QAM communications channel. Thus a user device, e.g., a set top box, is able to receive and record programs corresponding to multiple simultaneously broadcast programs using a single tuner. This allows a device to receive and record or display more programs at any given time, than the number of QAM tuners and/or receivers in the user device. Novel user interface features which facilitate a user's ability to identify and record multiple programs corresponding to a QAM channel are also described. Methods and apparatus for determining program to communication channel mappings based on user program recordation information are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2014Publication date: June 18, 2015Inventors: Howard Pfeffer, Kenneth Gould
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Patent number: 8910222Abstract: A user recovers and records multiple programs communicated simultaneously using a communications channel, e.g., QAM communications channel. The simultaneous communication may be by communicating, e.g., an MPEG-2 transport stream including data corresponding to multiple programs through a corresponding to QAM communications channel. Thus a user device, e.g., a set top box, is able to receive and record programs corresponding to multiple simultaneously broadcast programs using a single tuner. This allows a device to receive and record or display more programs at any given time, than the number of QAM tuners and/or receivers in the user device. Novel user interface features which facilitate a user's ability to identify and record multiple programs corresponding to a QAM channel are also described. Methods and apparatus for determining program to communication channel mappings based on user program recordation information are also described.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2007Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Howard Pfeffer, Kenneth Gould
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Publication number: 20140317657Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing control over targeted secondary content based on a zone associated with a user. In one exemplary embodiment, a user request for primary content from a non-legacy device results in the delivery of the same secondary content which would have been provided had the request been generated at a legacy device (so-called “zone preservation”). To accomplish this, the devices are associated with a user's zone at a zone preservation server in communication with the server providing content to the devices. The zone preservation server associates each user with an advertisement zone identifier, and utilizes the identifier to direct the delivery of primary and secondary content. In another embodiment, a prescribed rule set for one or more zones is employed, such as where certain types of advertisements or secondary content are inserted given a particular device or user context.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2014Publication date: October 23, 2014Applicant: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Peter Stern, Kenneth Gould
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Publication number: 20140173652Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing coordination between two or more different media distribution channels. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a server and associated client processes disposed ob various components of a managed content distribution network (e.g., cable or satellite network). The server process coordinates with the client processes to obtain user interactivity data useful is assessing the efficacy of certain secondary content (e.g., advertisements). In one variant, input is received from, and provided to, other associated media campaigns (e.g., print, online, and/or telephonic) so as to allow rapid and effective coordination between the campaigns. Mechanisms for improving user engagement to the secondary content are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2012Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: Time Warner Cable Inc.Inventors: Vipul Patel, Kenneth Gould, David Chen
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Publication number: 20140146815Abstract: Methods and apparatus for assigning physical channels in a content-based network. In an exemplary embodiment, the network comprises a cable television network having a plurality of cable modems, and the physical channels are assigned to the cable modems based at least in part on any multicast transmissions that may exist on the system. When two cable modems are receiving the same multicast transmission, the invention causes tuning of one or more of the cable modems to the same physical channel in order to limit the total number multicast transmissions on the network. Multicast transmissions typically comprise video or audio information, but other types of information may also be multicast according to the invention. In another embodiment, a multicast transmission list (containing a list of multicast transmissions and the corresponding physical channels) is sent to the set of cable modems. This list is used by the modems (or associated CPE) to manage channel allocation and tuning.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2013Publication date: May 29, 2014Applicant: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventor: Kenneth Gould
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Patent number: 8732734Abstract: A user recovers and records multiple programs communicated simultaneously using a communications channel, e.g., QAM communications channel. The simultaneous communication may be by communicating, e.g., an MPEG-2 transport stream including data corresponding to multiple programs through a corresponding to QAM communications channel. Thus a user device, e.g., a set top box, is able to receive and record programs corresponding to multiple simultaneously broadcast programs using a single tuner. This allows a device to receive and record or display more programs at any given time, than the number of QAM tuners and/or receivers in the user device. Novel user interface features which facilitate a user's ability to identify and record multiple programs corresponding to a QAM channel are also described. Methods and apparatus for determining program to communication channel mappings based on user program recordation information are also described.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2007Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Howard Pfeffer, Kenneth Gould
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Publication number: 20140130073Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are provided for communicating multimedia content over a service provider network. A network server may receive an audio-video stream from a content provider server, relaying the audio-video stream to a receiver device via the service provider network, receive an operating mode notification identifying a user behavior from the receiver device, and ceasing the relaying of the audio-video stream to the receiver device based on the user behavior. The network server may also alter the audio-video stream based on the received operating mode notification and send the altered audio-video stream to the receiver device via the service provider network.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2012Publication date: May 8, 2014Inventors: Jian Yu, David Chen, Vipul Patel, Kenneth Gould
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Patent number: 8713620Abstract: Methods and apparatus for supporting on-demand content services, using conventional non-IP based VOD servers are described. The methods and apparatus of the present invention, through the use of a protocol converter and/or a content redirector, can be used to enable a conventional VOD server to supply content to a customer premise equipment (CPE) device which supports IP based content delivery and/or RSTP control of content delivery. The protocol converter of the invention can be implemented as an RTSP-ISA PROXY. The RTSP Proxy converts messages between RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol) to the appropriate ISA protocol signal or another protocol format. The proxy module handles the conversion between these formats and converts a received signal, e.g. message, into the format required by the device which responds by implementing the operation requested by the signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2012Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Charles Hasek, Kenneth Gould
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Publication number: 20140109132Abstract: Apparatus and methods for efficiently and flexibly providing caption data (e.g., closed captioning) to subscribers of a content-based network, such as for example Internet protocol television (IPTV) subscribers. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a server performing real-time extraction and encapsulation of caption data, transport of caption data to client devices over the network, and use of one or more applications running on the client devices to decode and display the caption data consistent with the multimedia (audio/video) content with which it is associated. In one variant, instant messaging (IM) infrastructure is used to authenticate clients and receive and display the caption data via a separate transport process. Server and client-side apparatus adapted for caption data receipt, decoding and display are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Inventors: Charles Hasek, Kenneth Gould
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Patent number: 8701138Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing control over targeted secondary content based on a zone associated with a user. In one exemplary embodiment, a user request for primary content from a non-legacy device results in the delivery of the same secondary content which would have been provided had the request been generated at a legacy device (so-called “zone preservation”). To accomplish this, the devices are associated with a user's zone at a zone preservation server in communication with the server providing content to the devices. The zone preservation server associates each user with an advertisement zone identifier, and utilizes the identifier to direct the delivery of primary and secondary content. In another embodiment, a prescribed rule set for one or more zones is employed, such as where certain types of advertisements or secondary content are inserted given a particular device or user context.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2010Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Peter Stern, Kenneth Gould
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Patent number: 8683038Abstract: A system and method for quarantining IP service devices (ISDs). When an ISD is placed into a quarantined environment, any request from the ISD will be re-directed to a quarantine alert server in a quarantine sub-system. In response to the request, the quarantine alert server may provide the user with information about the quarantine and may redirect, or instruct the user to redirect, the request to a quarantine response server. The quarantine response server may provide additional information that is not in the quarantine video message as to how the user may end the quarantine.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2010Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Time Warner Cable Inc.Inventors: John Anthony Chen, Kenneth Gould, Christopher R. Roosenraad, Geoff Filippi