Patents by Inventor Mark B. Hurst
Mark B. Hurst 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: 20200280595Abstract: An apparatus for multi-bitrate content streaming includes a receiving module configured to capture media content, a streamlet module configured to segment the media content and generate a plurality of streamlets, and an encoding module configured to generate a set of streamlets. The system includes the apparatus, wherein the set of streamlets comprises a plurality of streamlets having identical time indices and durations, and each streamlet of the set of streamlets having a unique bitrate, and wherein the encoding module comprises a master module configured to assign an encoding job to one of a plurality of host computing modules in response to an encoding job completion bid. A method includes receiving media content, segmenting the media content and generating a plurality of streamlets, and generating a set of streamlets.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2020Publication date: September 3, 2020Applicant: DISH Technologies L.L.C.Inventors: DAVID F. BRUECK, MARK B. HURST, R. DREW MAJOR
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Patent number: 10757156Abstract: An apparatus for adaptive-rate shifting of streaming content includes an agent controller module configured to simultaneously request at least portions of a plurality of streamlets. The agent controller module is further configured to continuously monitor streamlet requests and subsequent responses, and accordingly request higher or lower quality streamlets. A staging module is configured to stage the streamlets and arrange the streamlets for playback on a content player. A system includes a data communications network, a content server coupled to the data communications network and having a content module configured to process content and generate a plurality of high and low quality streams, and the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2019Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: DISH Technologies L.L.C.Inventors: Robert Drew Major, Mark B. Hurst
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Publication number: 20200204839Abstract: Systems and methods are described for providing trick play functions such as fast forward, rewind or slow motion during playback of streaming media content. Multiple sets of streamlets or other media files that represent the same media stream are encoded differently from each other (e.g., at different frame rates and/or frame directions), and each set of files is simultaneously maintained at a server. Files encoded at a first format are made available to the client device during regular playback, and files encoded at a different frame rate and/or a different direction of encoding are made available to support trick play.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2020Publication date: June 25, 2020Applicant: DISH Technologies L.L.C.Inventor: Mark B. Hurst
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Patent number: 10674131Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided to arbitrate network bandwidth that is shared between multiple video players executing concurrently on one or more client platforms that each have at least one video data stream supplied over a data network. An amount of bandwidth available from the data network is determined. An arbitration module calculates whether the selected video players can sustain a video playback quality above a pre-defined threshold using the determined amount of bandwidth available, and a modify playback message is sent to at least one video player when the video playback quality is not sustainable. Various implementations could prioritize bandwidth based upon the content presented so that high-bandwidth scenes (e.g., action sequences) receive more bandwidth than more static scenes.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2019Date of Patent: June 2, 2020Assignee: DISH Technologies L.L.C.Inventor: Mark B. Hurst
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Patent number: 10659513Abstract: An apparatus for multi-bitrate content streaming includes a receiving module configured to capture media content, a streamlet module configured to segment the media content and generate a plurality of streamlets, and an encoding module configured to generate a set of streamlets. The system includes the apparatus, wherein the set of streamlets comprises a plurality of streamlets having identical time indices and durations, and each streamlet of the set of streamlets having a unique bitrate, and wherein the encoding module comprises a master module configured to assign an encoding job to one of a plurality of host computing modules in response to an encoding job completion bid. A method includes receiving media content, segmenting the media content and generating a plurality of streamlets, and generating a set of streamlets.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2018Date of Patent: May 19, 2020Assignee: DISH Technologies L.L.C.Inventors: David F. Brueck, Mark B. Hurst, R. Drew Major
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Patent number: 10594752Abstract: A system and method are provided for managing multiple video players executing on a client software platform. The method includes the operation of displaying a plurality of video players viewable by an end user. Each video player can have at least one video data stream supplied over a data network. A priority value can be applied to selected video players. In addition, an amount of bandwidth available from the data network to supply the plurality of video players can then be determined. Another operation is calculating whether the selected video players can sustain a video playback quality above a pre-defined threshold using the determined amount of bandwidth available.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2017Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: DISH TECHNOLOGIES L.L.C.Inventors: Mark B. Hurst, David S. Anderson, Krysta L. Hurst
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Patent number: 10582233Abstract: Systems and methods are described for providing trick play functions such as fast forward, rewind or slow motion during playback of streaming media content. Multiple sets of streamlets or other media files that represent the same media stream are encoded differently from each other (e.g., at different frame rates and/or frame directions), and each set of files is simultaneously maintained at a server. Files encoded at a first format are made available to the client device during regular playback, and files encoded at a different frame rate and/or a different direction of encoding are made available to support trick play.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2018Date of Patent: March 3, 2020Assignee: DISH Technologies L.L.C.Inventor: Mark B. Hurst
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Publication number: 20200007840Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided to arbitrate network bandwidth that is shared between multiple video players executing concurrently on one or more client platforms that each have at least one video data stream supplied over a data network. An amount of bandwidth available from the data network is determined. An arbitration module calculates whether the selected video players can sustain a video playback quality above a pre-defined threshold using the determined amount of bandwidth available, and a modify playback message is sent to at least one video player when the video playback quality is not sustainable. Various implementations could prioritize bandwidth based upon the content presented so that high-bandwidth scenes (e.g., action sequences) receive more bandwidth than more static scenes.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2019Publication date: January 2, 2020Applicant: DISH Technologies L.L.C.Inventor: MARK B. HURST
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Patent number: 10469555Abstract: An apparatus for multi-bitrate content streaming includes a receiving module configured to capture media content, a streamlet module configured to segment the media content and generate a plurality of streamlets, and an encoding module configured to generate a set of streamlets. The system includes the apparatus, wherein the set of streamlets comprises a plurality of streamlets having identical time indices and durations, and each streamlet of the set of streamlets having a unique bitrate, and wherein the encoding module comprises a master module configured to assign an encoding job to one of a plurality of host computing modules in response to an encoding job completion bid. A method includes receiving media content, segmenting the media content and generating a plurality of streamlets, and generating a set of streamlets.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2019Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: DISH Technologies L.L.C.Inventors: David F. Brueck, Mark B. Hurst, R. Drew Major
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Patent number: 10469554Abstract: An apparatus for multi-bitrate content streaming includes a receiving module configured to capture media content, a streamlet module configured to segment the media content and generate a plurality of streamlets, and an encoding module configured to generate a set of streamlets. The system includes the apparatus, wherein the set of streamlets comprises a plurality of streamlets having identical time indices and durations, and each streamlet of the set of streamlets having a unique bitrate, and wherein the encoding module comprises a master module configured to assign an encoding job to one of a plurality of host computing modules in response to an encoding job completion bid. A method includes receiving media content, segmenting the media content and generating a plurality of streamlets, and generating a set of streamlets.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2019Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: DISH Technologies L.L.C.Inventors: David F. Brueck, Mark B. Hurst, R. Drew Major
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Patent number: 10412464Abstract: Various systems, methods and devices adaptively manage the multicast delivery of multiple media programs. Each of the media programs is encoded into multiple media streams, each stream having a different bitrate, frame rate, resolution or other encoding parameter. A computer receives feedback about the delivery of the multiple streams and automatically adapts the number of streams available for at least one of the multiple media programs in response to the received feedback. This allows resources to be applied to those multicast streams having the greatest user demand.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2017Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: Dish Technologies L.L.C.Inventors: Robert Drew Major, Mark B. Hurst, Herrick Muhlestein
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Patent number: 10412357Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided to arbitrate network bandwidth that is shared between multiple video players executing concurrently on one or more client platforms that each have at least one video data stream supplied over a data network. An amount of bandwidth available from the data network is determined. An arbitration module calculates whether the selected video players can sustain a video playback quality above a pre-defined threshold using the determined amount of bandwidth available, and a modify playback message is sent to at least one video player when the video playback quality is not sustainable. Various implementations could prioritize bandwidth based upon the content presented so that high-bandwidth scenes (e.g., action sequences) receive more bandwidth than more static scenes.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2017Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: DISH Technologies L.L.C.Inventor: Mark B. Hurst
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Publication number: 20190215350Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are described to improve the performance of adaptive media streaming sessions. A media player device proactively requests segment data representing a media stream over multiple simultaneous network connections. Delivery of the requested segment data on each of the plurality of simultaneous connections is monitored, and subsequent requests for segment data are adapted based upon the monitored delivery of the requested segments on each of the plurality of simultaneous connections.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2019Publication date: July 11, 2019Applicant: DISH Technologies L.L.C.Inventors: MARK B. HURST, HERRICK MUHLESTEIN
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Publication number: 20190199768Abstract: An apparatus for adaptive-rate shifting of streaming content includes an agent controller module configured to simultaneously request at least portions of a plurality of streamlets. The agent controller module is further configured to continuously monitor streamlet requests and subsequent responses, and accordingly request higher or lower quality streamlets. A staging module is configured to stage the streamlets and arrange the streamlets for playback on a content player. A system includes a data communications network, a content server coupled to the data communications network and having a content module configured to process content and generate a plurality of high and low quality streams, and the apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2019Publication date: June 27, 2019Applicant: DISH Technologies L.L.C.Inventors: Robert Drew Major, Mark B. Hurst
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Publication number: 20190158561Abstract: An apparatus for multi-bitrate content streaming includes a receiving module configured to capture media content, a streamlet module configured to segment the media content and generate a plurality of streamlets, and an encoding module configured to generate a set of streamlets. The system includes the apparatus, wherein the set of streamlets comprises a plurality of streamlets having identical time indices and durations, and each streamlet of the set of streamlets having a unique bitrate, and wherein the encoding module comprises a master module configured to assign an encoding job to one of a plurality of host computing modules in response to an encoding job completion bid. A method includes receiving media content, segmenting the media content and generating a plurality of streamlets, and generating a set of streamlets.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2019Publication date: May 23, 2019Applicant: DISH Technologies L.L.C.Inventors: DAVID F. BRUECK, MARK B. HURST, R. DREW MAJOR
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Publication number: 20190158560Abstract: An apparatus for multi-bitrate content streaming includes a receiving module configured to capture media content, a streamlet module configured to segment the media content and generate a plurality of streamlets, and an encoding module configured to generate a set of streamlets. The system includes the apparatus, wherein the set of streamlets comprises a plurality of streamlets having identical time indices and durations, and each streamlet of the set of streamlets having a unique bitrate, and wherein the encoding module comprises a master module configured to assign an encoding job to one of a plurality of host computing modules in response to an encoding job completion bid. A method includes receiving media content, segmenting the media content and generating a plurality of streamlets, and generating a set of streamlets.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2019Publication date: May 23, 2019Applicant: DISH Technologies L.L.C.Inventors: DAVID F. BRUECK, MARK B. HURST, R. DREW MAJOR
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Patent number: 10250655Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are described to improve the performance of adaptive media streaming sessions. A media player device proactively requests segment data representing a media stream over multiple simultaneous network connections. Delivery of the requested segment data on each of the plurality of simultaneous connections is monitored, and subsequent requests for segment data are adapted based upon the monitored delivery of the requested segments on each of the plurality of simultaneous connections.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: DISH TECHNOLOGIES L.L.C.Inventors: Mark B. Hurst, Herrick Muhlestein
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Publication number: 20190082000Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for maintaining a programming lineup of adaptive-bitrate content streaming is provided. The apparatus includes a timeline module configured to maintain a programming lineup of media content available over a network. The media content may comprise a plurality of streamlets. The apparatus also includes at least one data module configured to maintain multi-bitrate streamlet information. The system includes the apparatus and a client module configured to acquire content based upon the programming lineup provided by the timeline module. The method includes maintaining a programming lineup of media content available over a network, and maintaining multi-bitrate streamlet information.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2018Publication date: March 14, 2019Applicant: DISH Technologies L.L.C.Inventors: Mark B. Hurst, David F. Bruek
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Patent number: 10225305Abstract: Systems, devices and processes are described to adapt segment requests placed by an autonomous media player during media streaming to compensate for fluctuations in the bandwidth consumed by the requested segments due to variances in the underlying video content. By providing predictive data about the bandwidth consumption of upcoming video segments, client devices can adapt requests for future segments accordingly. Further, predictive consumption data can be shared between players operating within shared bandwidth to assist players needing additional bandwidth for upcoming video sequences.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2018Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: DISH TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventor: Mark B. Hurst
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Patent number: 10225304Abstract: An apparatus for adaptive-rate shifting of streaming content includes an agent controller module configured to simultaneously request at least portions of a plurality of streamlets. The agent controller module is further configured to continuously monitor streamlet requests and subsequent responses, and accordingly request higher or lower quality streamlets. A staging module is configured to stage the streamlets and arrange the streamlets for playback on a content player. A system includes a data communications network, a content server coupled to the data communications network and having a content module configured to process content and generate a plurality of high and low quality streams, and the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2016Date of Patent: March 5, 2019Assignee: DISH TECHNOLOGIES LLCInventors: Robert Drew Major, Mark B. Hurst