Patents by Inventor R. Drew Major

R. Drew Major 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: 20240015348
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and automated processes allow automatic replacement of advertisements or other content in media programs. A content management system, another computer system, or the like operating on a digital network receives indicia from playback devices that have encountered identified advertisements in a media program. The encounters may be recorded in a database for subsequent analysis. If desired, for example if the identified advertisement become saturated for a viewer or particular playback device, the advertisements may be replaced with more relevant or engaging advertisements prior to playback of the advertisement to the viewer, thereby allowing a fresher, more relevant and more engaging experience for the viewer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2023
    Publication date: January 11, 2024
    Applicant: Sling TV L.L.C.
    Inventor: R. Drew Major
  • Patent number: 11778257
    Abstract: Systems, devices and automated process allow automatic replacement of advertisements or other content in previously-broadcast television programs. A content management system or the like operating on a digital network receives indicia from playback devices that have encountered identified advertisements that are stored in digital video recorders or that are otherwise contained within previously-broadcast television programs. The encounters are recorded in a database for subsequent analysis. If desired, the previously-broadcast advertisements may be replaced with more relevant or engaging advertisements prior to playback to the viewer, thereby allowing a fresher, more relevant and more engaging experience for the viewer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Sling TV L.L.C.
    Inventor: R. Drew Major
  • Patent number: 11677798
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: DISH Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: David F. Brueck, Mark B. Hurst, R. Drew Major
  • Publication number: 20230128962
    Abstract: An apparatus for multi-bit rate 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 bit rate, 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: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2022
    Publication date: April 27, 2023
    Applicant: DISH Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: DAVID F. BRUECK, MARK B. HURST, R. DREW MAJOR
  • Publication number: 20230041900
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2022
    Publication date: February 9, 2023
    Applicant: DISH Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: DAVID F. BRUECK, MARK B. HURST, R. DREW MAJOR
  • Patent number: 11564002
    Abstract: Advertisements in broadcast television programming are digitally replaced with different ads prior to viewing. Replacement can occur in time and/or place shifted content, and can be used to promote a particular advertisement that the viewer has not yet seen, thereby improving the reach of the ad without oversaturation. Data reporting by the playback devices is collected in a database of viewed ads. The information in the database can be used to refresh previously-viewed ads, to increase saturation of particular ads, to replace previously-broadcast but no longer relevant ads, or for other purposes as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Sling TV L.L.C.
    Inventor: R. Drew Major
  • Patent number: 11470138
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: DISH Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: David F. Brueck, Mark B. Hurst, R. Drew Major
  • Patent number: 10951680
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: DISH Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: David F. Brueck, Mark B. Hurst, R. Drew Major
  • Publication number: 20200280594
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Publication date: September 3, 2020
    Applicant: DISH Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: DAVID F. BRUECK, MARK B. HURST, R. DREW MAJOR
  • Publication number: 20200280595
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Publication date: September 3, 2020
    Applicant: DISH Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: DAVID F. BRUECK, MARK B. HURST, R. DREW MAJOR
  • Publication number: 20200169773
    Abstract: Systems, devices and automated process allow automatic replacement of advertisements or other content in previously-broadcast television programs. A content management system or the like operating on a digital network receives indicia from playback devices that have encountered identified advertisements that are stored in digital video recorders or that are otherwise contained within previously-broadcast television programs. The encounters are recorded in a database for subsequent analysis. If desired, the previously-broadcast advertisements may be replaced with more relevant or engaging advertisements prior to playback to the viewer, thereby allowing a fresher, more relevant and more engaging experience for the viewer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2019
    Publication date: May 28, 2020
    Applicant: Sling TV L.L.C.
    Inventor: R. Drew Major
  • Patent number: 10659513
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: DISH Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: David F. Brueck, Mark B. Hurst, R. Drew Major
  • Publication number: 20200137448
    Abstract: Systems, devices and automated process allow automatic replacement of advertisements or other content in previously-broadcast television programs. A content management system or the like operating on a digital network receives indicia from playback devices that have encountered identified advertisements that are stored in digital video recorders or that are otherwise contained within previously-broadcast television programs. The encounters are recorded in a database for subsequent analysis. If desired, the previously-broadcast advertisements may be replaced with more relevant or engaging advertisements prior to playback to the viewer, thereby allowing a fresher, more relevant and more engaging experience for the viewer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Applicant: Sling TV L.L.C.
    Inventor: R. Drew Major
  • Publication number: 20190342607
    Abstract: Advertisements in broadcast television programming are digitally replaced with different ads prior to viewing. Replacement can occur in time and/or place shifted content, and can be used to promote a particular advertisement that the viewer has not yet seen, thereby improving the reach of the ad without oversaturation. Data reporting by the playback devices is collected in a database of viewed ads. The information in the database can be used to refresh previously-viewed ads, to increase saturation of particular ads, to replace previously-broadcast but no longer relevant ads, or for other purposes as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Applicant: SLING TV L.L.C.
    Inventor: R. Drew MAJOR
  • Patent number: 10469555
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: DISH Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: David F. Brueck, Mark B. Hurst, R. Drew Major
  • Patent number: 10469554
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: DISH Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: David F. Brueck, Mark B. Hurst, R. Drew Major
  • Publication number: 20190158561
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Applicant: DISH Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: DAVID F. BRUECK, MARK B. HURST, R. DREW MAJOR
  • Publication number: 20190158560
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2019
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Applicant: DISH Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: DAVID F. BRUECK, MARK B. HURST, R. DREW MAJOR
  • Publication number: 20180295174
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Applicant: DISH Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: DAVID F. BRUECK, MARK B. HURST, R. DREW MAJOR
  • Patent number: 9998516
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: DISH TECHNOLOGIES L.L.C.
    Inventors: David F. Brueck, Mark B. Hurst, R. Drew Major