Patents by Inventor Louis D. Williamson
Louis D. Williamson 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: 10631026Abstract: In accordance with aspects of the present invention, a technique is implemented to effectively receive streaming multimedia content in digital form, parse and segment the received transport stream and process the segmented content. Such treatment of received programming content provides for efficient storage of such programming content, and effectively provides for access to such content by administrators of a broadband system as well as users of such systems. In accordance with the invention, a technique enables, among other things: the creation of reference frames for, e.g.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2013Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: John B. Carlucci, Louis D. Williamson, Jon C. Honhart
-
Patent number: 10462797Abstract: Methods and apparatus for using communications channels corresponding to frequency bands subject to cellular network, e.g., LTE, interference and/or other interference are described. The methods are well suited for use of cable networks where communications over a coax cable or via cable device may be subject to LTE interference. In various embodiments data traffic is classified based on whether the traffic corresponds to a protocol that supports a retry communications mechanism in the event of a communication error, the type of traffic data and/or the priority of the traffic data. In some embodiments data being communicated using a protocol which supports a retry mechanism are routed over channels subject to interference even if, in some cases, the packets correspond to data which has a higher priority or QoS requirements than packets, e.g., best effort packets, which are transmitted using a protocol that does not support a packet retry mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2018Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Louis D. Williamson, Michael Kelsen
-
Publication number: 20180338314Abstract: Methods and apparatus for using communications channels corresponding to frequency bands subject to cellular network, e.g., LTE, interference and/or other interference are described. The methods are well suited for use of cable networks where communications over a coax cable or via cable device may be subject to LTE interference. In various embodiments data traffic is classified based on whether the traffic corresponds to a protocol that supports a retry communications mechanism in the event of a communication error, the type of traffic data and/or the priority of the traffic data. In some embodiments data being communicated using a protocol which supports a retry mechanism are routed over channels subject to interference even if, in some cases, the packets correspond to data which has a higher priority or QoS requirements than packets, e.g., best effort packets, which are transmitted using a protocol that does not support a packet retry mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2018Publication date: November 22, 2018Inventors: Louis D. Williamson, Michael Kelsen
-
Patent number: 10129577Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlled distribution of program content are described where program content for certain regions may be selectively blocked. The described methods and apparatus allow content distribution to authorized regions while providing control to the content provider to effectively block program content delivery to regions not entitled to receive the program content.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2017Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Louis D Williamson, Tom Gaebel
-
Patent number: 10091795Abstract: Methods and apparatus for using communications channels corresponding to frequency bands subject to cellular network, e.g., LTE, interference and/or other interference are described. The methods are well suited for use of cable networks where communications over a coax cable or via cable device may be subject to LTE interference. In various embodiments data traffic is classified based on whether the traffic corresponds to a protocol that supports a retry communications mechanism in the event of a communication error, the type of traffic data and/or the priority of the traffic data. In some embodiments data being communicated using a protocol which supports a retry mechanism are routed over channels subject to interference even if, in some cases, the packets correspond to data which has a higher priority or QoS requirements than packets, e.g., best effort packets, which are transmitted using a protocol that does not support a packet retry mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2016Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Louis D. Williamson, Michael Kelsen
-
Patent number: 10045070Abstract: Methods and apparatus for centralized content, media and data delivery and access within a premises such as, e.g., a residence. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a remotely manageable premises device that acts as a centralized client networking platform, providing gateway services such as network management as well as traditional content and high-speed data delivery functions. The device also acts as the shared internet connection for all devices in the premises via a cable modem, sharing personal and DVR content such as video, music and photos (and any associated metadata) throughout the premises, and providing both a wired and wireless network in the home. Telephony services utilizing e.g., embedded multimedia terminal adapter (eMTA) and/or Wi-Fi architectures may also be provided via the device. The device can also provide a trusted domain for content or data, as well as allowing a subscriber total mobility in the home.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2015Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLCInventors: Jeffrey P. Markley, Louis D. Williamson, John B. Carlucci
-
Patent number: 9992520Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing content to IP-enabled devices in a content distribution network. In one embodiment, a network architecture is disclosed which enables delivery of content to such IP-enabled devices without the use of a high-speed data connection This capability allow the managed network operator to provide content services to an IP-enabled device associated with a non-data subscriber. In one implementation, requests for content from user IP-enabled devices are received, authenticated, and content processed into a series of encrypted segments. Once the requesting user/device is authenticated, the segments are provided with a playlist. The rendering device is also provided access to a decryption key (e.g., via a URL to a managed key server). Variants providing (i) user access to the MSO distribution network via an indigenous modem or gateway; and (ii) user access to the MSO core via a gateway and a third party unmanaged network are described.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2015Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Louis D. Williamson, William L. Helms, Howard Pfeffer, Noah Paci, Tushar Nakhre, Andrew Danforth, Charles Hasek, Shan Huang
-
Patent number: 9942590Abstract: Segmentation messages indicative of locations of upcoming events, such as the start and end of programs and program portions, and/or rights related to the programs and program portions, are used by cable systems and the like to store programs and program portions for later retrieval and transmission to customers on request. Storage, retrieval and management of programming is thereby facilitated. Methods and systems are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2016Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: John B. Carlucci, Louis D. Williamson, John W. Callahan, Erik G. Urdang, David M. Kimble, Thomas Gonder, Joseph Buehl
-
Patent number: 9723267Abstract: A method and apparatus to create and transmit transport multiplexes comprising one or more levels of service over a network. In one embodiment, the level of service comprises high definition (HD) content or programs, and the transmitted multiplexes are distributed over a plurality of downstream RF carriers in a cable network simultaneously. A head-end architecture for performing the multiplexing and distribution of multiple HD programs over the multiple carriers (i.e., in a “wideband” configuration) is disclosed. CPE having one or more wideband tuners is also disclosed, the CPE being adapted to receive the multiplexed HD content from the various RF carriers, and demultiplex it in order to permit decoding and subsequent viewing by the user. The use of multiple HD source programs with the multiplex advantageously provides for enhanced statistical multiplexing by providing a larger “pool” of constituent inputs and available carriers.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2004Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLCInventors: John B. Carlucci, William Helms, Louis D. Williamson
-
Patent number: 9706238Abstract: Segmentation messages indicative of locations of upcoming events, such as the start and end of programs and program portions, and/or rights related to the programs and program portions, are used by cable systems and the like to store programs and program portions for later retrieval and transmission to customers on request. Storage, retrieval and management of programming is thereby facilitated. Methods and systems are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2016Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: John B. Carlucci, Louis D. Williamson, John W. Callahan, Erik G. Urdang, David M. Kimble, Thomas Gonder, Joseph Buehl
-
Publication number: 20170118497Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlled distribution of program content are described where program content for certain regions may be selectively blocked. The described methods and apparatus allow content distribution to authorized regions while providing control to the content provider to effectively block program content delivery to regions not entitled to receive the program content.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2017Publication date: April 27, 2017Inventors: Louis D. Williamson, Tom Gaebel
-
Patent number: 9578353Abstract: In accordance with aspects of the present invention, a technique is implemented to effectively receive streaming multimedia content in digital form, parse and segment the received transport stream and process the segmented content. Such treatment of received programming content provides for efficient storage of such programming content, and effectively provides for access to such content by administrators of a broadband system as well as users of such systems. In accordance with the invention, a technique enables, among other things: the creation of reference frames for, e.g.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2013Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: John B. Carlucci, Louis D. Williamson, Jon C. Honhart
-
Publication number: 20170048873Abstract: Methods and apparatus for using communications channels corresponding to frequency bands subject to cellular network, e.g., LTE, interference and/or other interference are described. The methods are well suited for use of cable networks where communications over a coax cable or via cable device may be subject to LTE interference. In various embodiments data traffic is classified based on whether the traffic corresponds to a protocol that supports a retry communications mechanism in the event of a communication error, the type of traffic data and/or the priority of the traffic data. In some embodiments data being communicated using a protocol which supports a retry mechanism are routed over channels subject to interference even if, in some cases, the packets correspond to data which has a higher priority or QoS requirements than packets, e.g., best effort packets, which are transmitted using a protocol that does not support a packet retry mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2016Publication date: February 16, 2017Inventors: Louis D. Williamson, Michael Kelsen
-
Patent number: 9538224Abstract: Segmentation messages indicative of locations of upcoming events, such as the start and end of programs and program portions, and/or rights related to the programs and program portions, are used by cable systems and the like to store programs and program portions for later retrieval and transmission to customers on request. Storage, retrieval and management of programming is thereby facilitated. Methods and systems are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2014Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: John B. Carlucci, Louis D. Williamson, John W. Callahan, Erik G. Urdang, David M. Kimble, Thomas Gonder, Joseph Buehl
-
Patent number: 9538206Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlled distribution of program content are described where program content for certain regions may be selectively blocked. The described methods and apparatus allow content distribution to authorized regions while providing control to the content provider to effectively block program content delivery to regions not entitled to receive the program content.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2014Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLCInventors: Louis D Williamson, Tom Gaebel
-
Patent number: 9503767Abstract: Segmentation messages indicative of locations of upcoming events, such as the start and end of programs and program portions, and/or rights related to the programs and program portions, are used by cable systems and the like to store programs and program portions for later retrieval and transmission to customers on request. Storage, retrieval and management of programming is thereby facilitated. Methods and systems are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2014Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: John B. Carlucci, Louis D. Williamson, John W. Callahan, Erik G. Urdang, David M. Kimble, Thomas Gonder, Joseph Buehl
-
Patent number: 9479452Abstract: Methods and apparatus for using communications channels corresponding to frequency bands subject to cellular network, e.g., LTE, interference and/or other interference are described. The methods are well suited for use of cable networks where communications over a coax cable or via cable device may be subject to LTE interference. In various embodiments data traffic is classified based on whether the traffic corresponds to a protocol that supports a retry communications mechanism in the event of a communication error, the type of traffic data and/or the priority of the traffic data. In some embodiments data being communicated using a protocol which supports a retry mechanism are routed over channels subject to interference even if, in some cases, the packets correspond to data which has a higher priority or QoS requirements than packets, e.g., best effort packets, which are transmitted using a protocol that does not support a packet retry mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2014Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLCInventors: Louis D Williamson, Michael Kelsen
-
Publication number: 20160234546Abstract: Segmentation messages indicative of locations of upcoming events, such as the start and end of programs and program portions, and/or rights related to the programs and program portions, are used by cable systems and the like to store programs and program portions for later retrieval and transmission to customers on request. Storage, retrieval and management of programming is thereby facilitated. Methods and systems are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2016Publication date: August 11, 2016Inventors: John B. CARLUCCI, Louis D. WILLIAMSON, John W. CALLAHAN, Erik G. URDANG, David M. KIMBLE, Thomas GONDER, Joseph BUEHL
-
Publication number: 20160219314Abstract: Segmentation messages indicative of locations of upcoming events, such as the start and end of programs and program portions, and/or rights related to the programs and program portions, are used by cable systems and the like to store programs and program portions for later retrieval and transmission to customers on request. Storage, retrieval and management of programming is thereby facilitated. Methods and systems are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2016Publication date: July 28, 2016Inventors: John B. CARLUCCI, Louis D. WILLIAMSON, John W. CALLAHAN, Erik G. URDANG, David M. KIMBLE, Thomas GONDER, Joseph BUEHL
-
Publication number: 20160165268Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing content to IP-enabled devices in a content distribution network. In one embodiment, a network architecture is disclosed which enables delivery of content to such IP-enabled devices without the use of a high-speed data connection This capability allow the managed network operator to provide content services to an IP-enabled device associated with a non-data subscriber. In one implementation, requests for content from user IP-enabled devices are received, authenticated, and content processed into a series of encrypted segments. Once the requesting user/device is authenticated, the segments are provided with a playlist. The rendering device is also provided access to a decryption key (e.g., via a URL to a managed key server). Variants providing (i) user access to the MSO distribution network via an indigenous modem or gateway; and (ii) user access to the MSO core via a gateway and a third party unmanaged network are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2015Publication date: June 9, 2016Inventors: LOUIS D. WILLIAMSON, WILLIAM L. HELMS, HOWARD PFEFFER, NOAH PACI, TUSHAR NAKHRE, ANDREW DANFORTH, CHARLES HASEK, SHAN HUANG