Patents by Inventor Patrick Ladd

Patrick Ladd 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: 20220167027
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computing devices are described herein for request and transmission, to a computing device, of media content based on the importance of a portion of the media content. Media content may comprise baseline media content and enhancement data. Based on determining that an importance of a portion of the media content meets a threshold, the computing device may receive the enhancement data. The computing device may receive the enhancement data via a separate interface than the baseline media content. Information about baseline media content, enhancement data, and the importance of a portion of the media content may be contained in a manifest. The threshold for importance may be based on the media content, the enhancement data, an interface to be used, and/or user preferences.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2022
    Publication date: May 26, 2022
    Inventors: Yasser F. Syed, Patrick Ladd, Derik Yarnell
  • Patent number: 11287962
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing display elements such as GUI windows in a client device (e.g., consumer premises equipment in a cable network) running multiple related or unrelated applications. In one embodiment, an improved window management entity is provided within the device with which HAVi-compliant application(s) can interface in order to access display elements according to a priority structure or hierarchy. One or more privileged applications are designated and allowed to affect the priority structure, including requesting a new in-focus application to be placed atop the priority structure. The network operator can also optionally control the operation of the window manager remotely via a network agent. Improved client device and network configurations, as well as methods of operating these systems, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Ladd, Aaron James Kamienski, George W. Sarosi, Eric B. Miller
  • Patent number: 11284134
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computing devices are described herein for request and transmission, to a computing device, of media content based on the importance of a portion of the media content. Media content may comprise baseline media content and enhancement data. Based on determining that an importance of a portion of the media content meets a threshold, the computing device may retrieve the enhancement data. The computing device may retrieve the enhancement data via a separate interface than the baseline media content. Information about baseline media content, enhancement data, and the importance of a portion of the media content may be contained in a manifest. The threshold for importance may be based on the media content and/or user preferences.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Comcast Cable Communications, LLC
    Inventors: Yasser F. Syed, Patrick Ladd, Derik Yarnell
  • Patent number: 11252055
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for control of a client device (e.g., consumer premises equipment in a cable network) using applications. In one aspect, an improved hardware registry is provided within the device with which the application(s) can interface to both identify and control available hardware resources. In one exemplary embodiment, the client device comprises a digital set-top box having digital video recording (DVR) capability. An application downloaded to the device discovers the registry and software interfaces associated therewith, and then utilizes the interfaces to automatically control the requisite hardware capability. Improved client device, network and head end configurations, as well as methods of operating these systems, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Ladd, George Sarosi
  • Publication number: 20210344557
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for network management are described. A network device may provide a network that is accessible using at least one network credential. The network device may receive and/or determine an update to the at least one network credential. The network device may determine that a client device would be prevented from accessing the network without the update to the at least one network credential. The network device may send the update to the at least one network credential to the client device using a secure provisioning protocol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Nithya Rajagopal, Stephen Allinson, Vijay Anand Selvaraj, Soumya Munshi, Jacob Gladish, Patrick Ladd, David Wong
  • Publication number: 20200053398
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computing devices are described herein for request and transmission, to a computing device, of media content based on the importance of a portion of the media content. Media content may comprise baseline media content and enhancement data. Based on determining that an importance of a portion of the media content meets a threshold, the computing device may retrieve the enhancement data. The computing device may retrieve the enhancement data via a separate interface than the baseline media content. Information about baseline media content, enhancement data, and the importance of a portion of the media content may be contained in a manifest. The threshold for importance may be based on the media content and/or user preferences.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Publication date: February 13, 2020
    Inventors: Yasser F. Syed, Patrick Ladd, Derik Yarnell
  • Publication number: 20200019302
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing display elements such as GUI windows in a client device (e.g., consumer premises equipment in a cable network) running multiple related or unrelated applications. In one embodiment, an improved window management entity is provided within the device with which HAVi-compliant application(s) can interface in order to access display elements according to a priority structure or hierarchy. One or more privileged applications are designated and allowed to affect the priority structure, including requesting a new in-focus application to be placed atop the priority structure. The network operator can also optionally control the operation of the window manager remotely via a network agent. Improved client device and network configurations, as well as methods of operating these systems, are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Publication date: January 16, 2020
    Inventors: Patrick Ladd, Aaron James Kamienski, George W. Sarosi, Eric B. Miller
  • Patent number: 10397657
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for perform association of stored content downloaded over a network with a unique identification. In one embodiment, the content is stored locally, and the association is performed in a secure manner using network or source-specific information (e.g., the organization identification or “orgID” of the bearer network or MSO). This association is used to ensure that the content stored on the playback device can be accessed for viewing only when the playback device is connected to the same network from which the content was obtained. Use of the orgID allows the content association and protection functionality to be implemented in existing networks with only minor software changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Ladd, George W. Sarosi
  • Patent number: 10359922
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing display elements such as GUI windows in a client device (e.g., consumer premises equipment in a cable network) running multiple related or unrelated applications. In one embodiment, an improved window management entity is provided within the device with which HAVi-compliant application(s) can interface in order to access display elements according to a priority structure or hierarchy. One or more privileged applications are designated and allowed to affect the priority structure, including requesting a new in-focus application to be placed atop the priority structure. The network operator can also optionally control the operation of the window manager remotely via a network agent. Improved client device and network configurations, as well as methods of operating these systems, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Ladd, Aaron James Kamienski, George W. Sarosi, Eric B. Miller
  • Publication number: 20190044933
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing one or more secure services are disclosed. One method can comprise authenticating and/or authorizing a user device to receive a security token. A request for information can be processed using the security token to facilitate the secure provision of services to the user device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Publication date: February 7, 2019
    Inventors: David de Andrade, Patrick Ladd, John Brzozowski, John Leddy
  • Publication number: 20180255353
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for perform association of stored content downloaded over a network with a unique identification. In one embodiment, the content is stored locally, and the association is performed in a secure manner using network or source-specific information (e.g., the organization identification or “orgID” of the bearer network or MSO). This association is used to ensure that the content stored on the playback device can be accessed for viewing only when the playback device is connected to the same network from which the content was obtained. Use of the orgID allows the content association and protection functionality to be implemented in existing networks with only minor software changes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2018
    Publication date: September 6, 2018
    Inventors: Patrick Ladd, George W. Sarosi
  • Patent number: 9948985
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for perform association of stored content downloaded over a network with a unique identification. In one embodiment, the content is stored locally, and the association is performed in a secure manner using network or source-specific information (e.g., the organization identification or “orgID” of the bearer network or MSO). This association is used to ensure that the content stored on the playback device can be accessed for viewing only when the playback device is connected to the same network from which the content was obtained. Use of the orgID allows the content association and protection functionality to be implemented in existing networks with only minor software changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Ladd, George W. Sarosi
  • Patent number: 9942213
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing one or more secure services are disclosed. One method can comprise authenticating and/or authorizing a user device to receive a security token. A request for information can be processed using the security token to facilitate the secure provision of services to the user device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS, LLC
    Inventors: David de Andrade, Patrick Ladd, John Brzozowski, John Leddy
  • Patent number: 9674287
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for logging, analysis, and reporting of events such as reboots in a client device (e.g., consumer premises equipment in a cable network) using applications. In one aspect, an improved event logging and monitoring system is provided within the device with which the application(s) can interface to record event or error data. In one exemplary embodiment, the client device comprises a digital set-top box having Java-enabled middleware adapted to implement the various functional aspects of the event logging system, which registers to receive event notifications (including resource exhaustion data) from other applications running on the device. The network operator can also optionally control the operation of the logging system remotely via a network agent. Improved client device and network configurations, as well as methods of operating these systems, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Ladd, George Sarosi
  • Publication number: 20170104644
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for control of a client device (e.g., consumer premises equipment in a cable network) using applications. In one aspect, an improved hardware registry is provided within the device with which the application(s) can interface to both identify and control available hardware resources. In one exemplary embodiment, the client device comprises a digital set-top box having digital video recording (DVR) capability. An application downloaded to the device discovers the registry and software interfaces associated therewith, and then utilizes the interfaces to automatically control the requisite hardware capability. Improved client device, network and head end configurations, as well as methods of operating these systems, are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Publication date: April 13, 2017
    Inventors: Patrick Ladd, George Sarosi
  • Patent number: 9479404
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for control of a client device (e.g., consumer premises equipment in a cable network) using applications. In one aspect, an improved hardware registry is provided within the device with which the application(s) can interface to both identify and control available hardware resources. In one exemplary embodiment, the client device comprises a digital set-top box having digital video recording (DVR) capability. An application downloaded to the device discovers the registry and software interfaces associated therewith, and then utilizes the interfaces to automatically control the requisite hardware capability. Improved client device, network and head end configurations, as well as methods of operating these systems, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Ladd, George W. Sarosi
  • Patent number: 9473827
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for improved software programming interface functionality in a network. In one exemplary embodiment, the network comprises an HFC cable network with CPE in which network-specific programming interfaces (e.g., APIs) may be downloaded to the CPE, registered, authenticated, stored and executed in a software protocol stack implementing OpenCable Application Platform (OCAP) or Multimedia Home Platform (MHP) standards. The host device software comprises a “manager” module that registers APIs identified by the OCAP Monitor Application, such that all applications launched thereafter on the device can use these communications APIs, provided they have the appropriate permission(s). This relieves individual applications from having to support details regarding network-specific protocols and APIs. In an alternate embodiment, class and data files associated with the API functionality are downloaded along with an application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Ladd, George W. Sarosi, William Helms
  • Patent number: 9414116
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for extending the capabilities of a client device (e.g., consumer premises equipment in a cable network) using one or more on-demand applications. In one aspect, an improved media handling extension is provided within the device with which the various application(s) can interface to facilitate on-demand interaction between the CPE and the head end or other network entity. In one exemplary embodiment, the client device comprises a digital set-top box (DSTB) having Java-enabled middleware adapted to implement the OCAP/ACAP/MHP mandated Java Media Framework (JMF) APIs. A specially configured application is downloaded to the DSTB and run, the application configuring the paths within the device to provide, inter cilia, media access to the on-demand application(s) according to one or more network specific protocols. Accordingly, the network MSO can also uniquely configure the CPE within its network for on-demand capability according to its own specific protocols from the head-end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Timer Warner Cable Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Ladd, George W. Sarosi
  • Publication number: 20160170622
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing display elements such as GUI windows in a client device (e.g., consumer premises equipment in a cable network) running multiple related or unrelated applications. In one embodiment, an improved window management entity is provided within the device with which HAVi-compliant application(s) can interface in order to access display elements according to a priority structure or hierarchy. One or more privileged applications are designated and allowed to affect the priority structure, including requesting a new in-focus application to be placed atop the priority structure. The network operator can also optionally control the operation of the window manager remotely via a network agent. Improved client device and network configurations, as well as methods of operating these systems, are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Patrick Ladd, Aaron James Kamienski, George W. Sarosi, Eric B. Miller
  • Patent number: 9213538
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing display elements such as GUI windows in a client device (e.g., consumer premises equipment in a cable network) running multiple related or unrelated applications. In one embodiment, an improved window management entity is provided within the device with which HAVi-compliant application(s) can interface in order to access display elements according to a priority structure or hierarchy. One or more privileged applications are designated and allowed to affect the priority structure, including requesting a new in-focus application to be placed atop the priority structure. The network operator can also optionally control the operation of the window manager remotely via a network agent. Improved client device and network configurations, as well as methods of operating these systems, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLC
    Inventors: Patrick Ladd, Aaron James Kamienski, George W. Sarosi, Eric B. Miller