Patents by Inventor Nicholas A. Nicas

Nicholas A. Nicas 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).

  • Publication number: 20230179542
    Abstract: In one example, the present disclosure describes a device, computer-readable medium, and method for scaling network capacity predictively, based on customer interest. For instance, in one example, a method includes predicting an interest of a first customer in data content that will be available for consumption over a data network at a time in the future, wherein the predicting is based on customer data including at least a search pattern associated with the first customer, flagging the data content when the predicting indicates at least a threshold degree of likelihood that the first customer will be interested in the data content, and scaling an allocation of resources of the data network to the first customer, based on the flagging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2023
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Inventors: Nicholas Nicas, Todd Fryer, David Irvin
  • Patent number: 11570124
    Abstract: In one example, the present disclosure describes a device, computer-readable medium, and method for scaling network capacity predictively, based on customer interest. For instance, in one example, a method includes predicting an interest of a first customer in data content that will be available for consumption over a data network at a time in the future, wherein the predicting is based on customer data including at least a search pattern associated with the first customer, flagging the data content when the predicting indicates at least a threshold degree of likelihood that the first customer will be interested in the data content, and scaling an allocation of resources of the data network to the first customer, based on the flagging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Nicholas Nicas, Todd Fryer, David Irvin
  • Publication number: 20230028218
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method in which a processing system of a media server determines a number of media content playout periods in a media program to be presented at a client device, obtains a media content item for presentation during a playout period, and transmits the media content item for storage in a client device cache prior to presentation of the media program. The method also includes transmitting to the client device a time stamp associated with the transmitting of the media content item, and transmitting an instruction to the client device to perform buffering of streaming media during the playout period. The client device also transmits a first message indicating that the transmitting of the media content item has been performed, and a second message indicating that the presenting of the media content item has been completed. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2022
    Publication date: January 26, 2023
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Nicholas Nicas, Todd Fryer, David Irvin
  • Patent number: 11496796
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method in which a processing system of a media server determines a number of media content playout periods in a media program to be presented at a client device, obtains a media content item for presentation during a playout period, and transmits the media content item for storage in a client device cache prior to presentation of the media program. The method also includes transmitting to the client device a time stamp associated with the transmitting of the media content item, and transmitting an instruction to the client device to perform buffering of streaming media during the playout period. The client device also transmits a first message indicating that the transmitting of the media content item has been performed, and a second message indicating that the presenting of the media content item has been completed. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Nicholas Nicas, Todd Fryer, David Irvin
  • Publication number: 20220330244
    Abstract: A receiver control is configured to receive signal receive level data from a plurality of signal receivers. The receiver control determines if a signal receive level is lower than expected. In response to determining that the signal receive level is lower than expected, it is determined if an alternate signal is available via an alternate signal path. In response to determining that an alternate signal is available, an instruction is transmitted to one of the plurality of signal receivers with an indication that the alternate signal is to be received via the alternate signal path. The receiver control transmits the alternate signal via the alternate signal path to the one of the plurality of signal receivers experiencing lower than expected signal receive levels in one embodiment. The receiver can resume utilizing an original signal via an original signal path when the signal receive level of the original signal returns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Inventors: Nicholas Nicas, Todd Andrew Fryer, Douglas Medina
  • Patent number: 11416245
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method in which a processing system loads a software program into compilers associated with different programming languages to identify a language of the software program, determines whether the software program is executable in the identified language, and compiles the software program to generate executable code. The system retrieves executable programs in the identified language from a program database, analyzes a syntax of the executable code and the executable programs, compares attributes of the executable code and the executable programs, and determines similarity ratings for the executable programs with respect to the executable code. The system also generates a code module comprising the executable code and at least a portion of the executable programs, based at least in part on the similarity ratings. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: David Irvin, Nicholas Nicas, Todd Fryer
  • Patent number: 11405916
    Abstract: A receiver control is configured to receive signal receive level data from a plurality of signal receivers. The receiver control determines if a signal receive level is lower than expected. In response to determining that the signal receive level is lower than expected, it is determined if an alternate signal is available via an alternate signal path. In response to determining that an alternate signal is available, an instruction is transmitted to one of the plurality of signal receivers with an indication that the alternate signal is to be received via the alternate signal path. The receiver control transmits the alternate signal via the alternate signal path to the one of the plurality of signal receivers experiencing lower than expected signal receive levels in one embodiment. The receiver can resume utilizing an original signal via an original signal path when the signal receive level of the original signal returns to expected levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: Nicholas Nicas, Todd Andrew Fryer, Douglas Medina
  • Publication number: 20210306702
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method in which a processing system of a media server determines a number of media content playout periods in a media program to be presented at a client device, obtains a media content item for presentation during a playout period, and transmits the media content item for storage in a client device cache prior to presentation of the media program. The method also includes transmitting to the client device a time stamp associated with the transmitting of the media content item, and transmitting an instruction to the client device to perform buffering of streaming media during the playout period. The client device also transmits a first message indicating that the transmitting of the media content item has been performed, and a second message indicating that the presenting of the media content item has been completed. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2021
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Nicholas Nicas, Todd Fryer, David Irvin
  • Patent number: 11064249
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method in which a processing system of a media server determines a number of media content playout periods in a media program to be presented at a client device, obtains a media content item for presentation during a playout period, and transmits the media content item for storage in a client device cache prior to presentation of the media program. The method also includes transmitting to the client device a time stamp associated with the transmitting of the media content item, and transmitting an instruction to the client device to perform buffering of streaming media during the playout period. The client device also transmits a first message indicating that the transmitting of the media content item has been performed, and a second message indicating that the presenting of the media content item has been completed. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Nicholas Nicas, Todd Fryer, David Irvin
  • Publication number: 20210173640
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method in which a processing system loads a software program into compilers associated with different programming languages to identify a language of the software program, determines whether the software program is executable in the identified language, and compiles the software program to generate executable code. The system retrieves executable programs in the identified language from a program database, analyzes a syntax of the executable code and the executable programs, compares attributes of the executable code and the executable programs, and determines similarity ratings for the executable programs with respect to the executable code. The system also generates a code module comprising the executable code and at least a portion of the executable programs, based at least in part on the similarity ratings. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2019
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: David Irvin, Nicholas Nicas, Todd Fryer
  • Patent number: 10985971
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, determining a satellite service channel that provides a first media content item for processing by a media processor for presentation by equipment of a user. A terrestrial service source is identified that provides a second media content item via a terrestrial service. A portion of the second version of the media content item is buffered for subsequent processing by the media processing device for presentation in place of the first version of the media content item responsive to an unavailability of the satellite service channel Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Douglas Medina, Todd Andrew Fryer, Nicholas Nicas
  • Patent number: 10833790
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a process that encodes a number of digital signals representing image data captured by a video camera, the image data being provided by the video camera in accordance with a 4K ultra-high definition (4K-UHD) standard. The number of digital signals are provided to a multiplexing unit that outputs a multiplexed signal including a number of optical wavelengths, the multiplexed signal being transmitted on a single fiber-optic cable unidirectionally from the multiplexing unit to a presentation device. The multiplexed signal is transmitted on the single cable unidirectionally from the proximal end to the distal end. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Nicholas Nicas, Todd Andrew Fryer, David Irvin
  • Patent number: 10834447
    Abstract: A satellite digital broadcast systems transmits signals from a geosynchronous satellite to a plurality of geographically dispersed receivers. Each receiver measures a receive signal level and transmits a value representing the level to a data center. The data center analyses data received from a plurality of receivers in order to determine a size, shape, and velocity of propagation of an obstruction. The data center then predicts which receivers will experience signal disruptions based on the obstruction and the velocity of propagation of the obstruction. The data center transmits instructions to receivers that will be affected by the obstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: Nicholas Nicas, Todd Andrew Fryer, Douglas Medina
  • Patent number: 10771831
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system that predicts an interest of a viewer in a media program that will be available for consumption over a content delivery network, determines a first advertisement that may be shown to the viewer during a broadcast of the media program, and transmits the first advertisement to a local device of the viewer in advance of the broadcast of the media program. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Todd Andrew Fryer, Nicholas Nicas, David Irvin
  • Publication number: 20200275153
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method in which a processing system of a media server determines a number of media content playout periods in a media program to be presented at a client device, obtains a media content item for presentation during a playout period, and transmits the media content item for storage in a client device cache prior to presentation of the media program. The method also includes transmitting to the client device a time stamp associated with the transmitting of the media content item, and transmitting an instruction to the client device to perform buffering of streaming media during the playout period. The client device also transmits a first message indicating that the transmitting of the media content item has been performed, and a second message indicating that the presenting of the media content item has been completed. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2019
    Publication date: August 27, 2020
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Nicholas Nicas, Todd Fryer, David Irvin
  • Patent number: 10757479
    Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a media interface device, a media selection command from a user device. The media selection command identifies first media content, the media content available from a first content source in a first format. The media interface device is configured to provide the first media content to the user device as second media content in a second format different than the first format. The method includes selecting a particular module of a plurality of modules of the media interface device to process the first media content based on the media selection command. The method includes receiving the first media content at the particular module, where the particular module converts the first media content in the first format to the second media content in the second format. The method also includes sending the second media content from an interface coupled to the particular module to the user device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Brian Wilson, Douglas Alman, Todd Andrew Fryer, Nicholas Nicas, Charles D. Turner, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20200162183
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a process that encodes a number of digital signals representing image data captured by a video camera, the image data being provided by the video camera in accordance with a 4K ultra-high definition (4K-UHD) standard. The number of digital signals are provided to a multiplexing unit that outputs a multiplexed signal including a number of optical wavelengths, the multiplexed signal being transmitted on a single fiber-optic cable unidirectionally from the multiplexing unit to a presentation device. The multiplexed signal is transmitted on the single cable unidirectionally from the proximal end to the distal end. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2020
    Publication date: May 21, 2020
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Nicholas Nicas, Todd Andrew Fryer, David Irvin
  • Patent number: 10581550
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a device that encodes digital signals representing image data captured by a video camera and provided according to a 4K ultra-high definition (4K-UHD) standard. The digital signals are transmitted as serial digital interface (SDI) streams to a wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) unit; the WDM unit performs electrical-to-optical conversion of the SDI streams and outputs a multiplexed signal to a single fiber-optic cable. The video camera, encoding unit, and WDM unit form a combined module within a housing; the device connects to a proximal end of a single fiber-optic cable, and a distal end of the single fiber-optic cable is configurable for connection to a demultiplexer of a 4K-UHD video presentation device. The multiplexed signal is transmitted on the single fiber-optic cable unidirectionally from the proximal end to the distal end. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Nicholas Nicas, Todd Fryer, David Irvin
  • Publication number: 20190364304
    Abstract: A satellite digital broadcast systems transmits signals from a geosynchronous satellite to a plurality of geographically dispersed receivers. Each receiver measures a receive signal level and transmits a value representing the level to a data center. The data center analyses data received from a plurality of receivers in order to determine a size, shape, and velocity of propagation of an obstruction. The data center then predicts which receivers will experience signal disruptions based on the obstruction and the velocity of propagation of the obstruction. The data center transmits instructions to receivers that will be affected by the obstruction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2019
    Publication date: November 28, 2019
    Applicant: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Nicholas Nicas, Todd Andrew Fryer, Douglas Medina
  • Patent number: 10491645
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method in which a connection is initiated to an adaptive bit rate (ABR) content delivery network delivering ABR data streams at different bit rates. A manifest associated with the network includes a profile of each data stream and its associated bit rate. The method also includes requesting delivery of content and downloading the content. If the download speed is greater than the delivery bit rate, the manifest is queried for a higher bit rate. If a higher bit rate is not available, a recommendation is received from the content delivery network to obtain additional content via an alternate content stream delivered by a second network. The method further includes selecting the profile for the alternate content stream from the manifest, and receiving the alternate content stream from the second network in accordance with the selecting. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: Darren Kaufman, Nicholas Nicas, Frank Coppa