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).
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Publication number: 20240015348Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2023Publication date: January 11, 2024Applicant: Sling TV L.L.C.Inventor: R. Drew Major
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Patent number: 11778257Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 31, 2019Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: Sling TV L.L.C.Inventor: R. Drew Major
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Patent number: 11677798Abstract: 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: October 7, 2022Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: DISH Technologies L.L.C.Inventors: David F. Brueck, Mark B. Hurst, R. Drew Major
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Publication number: 20230128962Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2022Publication date: April 27, 2023Applicant: DISH Technologies L.L.C.Inventors: DAVID F. BRUECK, MARK B. HURST, R. DREW MAJOR
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Publication number: 20230041900Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2022Publication date: February 9, 2023Applicant: DISH Technologies L.L.C.Inventors: DAVID F. BRUECK, MARK B. HURST, R. DREW MAJOR
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Patent number: 11564002Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 17, 2019Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignee: Sling TV L.L.C.Inventor: R. Drew Major
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Patent number: 11470138Abstract: 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: May 18, 2020Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: DISH Technologies L.L.C.Inventors: David F. Brueck, Mark B. Hurst, R. Drew Major
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Patent number: 10951680Abstract: 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: May 18, 2020Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: DISH Technologies L.L.C.Inventors: David F. Brueck, Mark B. Hurst, R. Drew Major
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Publication number: 20200280594Abstract: 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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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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Publication number: 20200169773Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2019Publication date: May 28, 2020Applicant: Sling TV L.L.C.Inventor: R. Drew Major
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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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Publication number: 20200137448Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2019Publication date: April 30, 2020Applicant: Sling TV L.L.C.Inventor: R. Drew Major
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Publication number: 20190342607Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2019Publication date: November 7, 2019Applicant: SLING TV L.L.C.Inventor: R. Drew MAJOR
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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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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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Publication number: 20180295174Abstract: 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: June 8, 2018Publication date: October 11, 2018Applicant: DISH Technologies L.L.C.Inventors: DAVID F. BRUECK, MARK B. HURST, R. DREW MAJOR
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Patent number: 9998516Abstract: 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 24, 2017Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: DISH TECHNOLOGIES L.L.C.Inventors: David F. Brueck, Mark B. Hurst, R. Drew Major