Patents by Inventor Remi Rieger
Remi Rieger 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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Patent number: 11563995Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering content to a user so as to optimize and enhance the “experience” of the content. In one embodiment, an optimization and monitoring entity (OME) is used which determines, evaluates, and provides notification and/or recommendation of alternative content delivery platforms which are available to a user. The OME receives requests for content forwarded from a content server containing information identifying requesting devices and/or subscriber accounts. The OME examines the capabilities of the registered devices, and identifies/recommends alternative devices based on e.g., video/audio quality, picture size, bandwidth availability, and/or any other additional capabilities of the client devices. A notification is then sent to the client devices indicating which of the user's devices may receive the content alternatively, or in addition to, the requesting device. The notifications may be interactive, allowing the user to select one or more of the devices for delivery.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2019Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignee: TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLCInventors: Remi Rieger, Paul D. Brooks
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Patent number: 11057655Abstract: Apparatus and methods for handling situations where requested services require more network capacity than presently available, and notifying network users of an delay in providing such services. In one embodiment, the invention comprises apparatus and methods for the detection of capacity (e.g., bandwidth) shortage, determination of a delayed delivery mode and schedule for the delivery of the requested content, and notification of the availability of the content to the user via, e.g., on-screen display, e-mail, text message, or other mode. The user can also specify their own notification preferences and delivery time. Requests for and delivery of the content may be performed from/to different locations as well. Network server apparatus, consumer premises equipment (CPE), and a software architecture adapted to implement the foregoing functionality, are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2016Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Paul D. Brooks, Remi Rieger
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Patent number: 11039185Abstract: Methods and apparatus for optimizing bandwidth utilization in a cable network. In one embodiment, the method comprises predicting which content will be requested by a set of users based upon the exhibited viewing habits of those users (and/or others). A server process gathers viewership data comprising a listing of programs requested by users at various times of the day. The server process aggregates the viewership data, identifies patterns within the aggregated data, and extrapolates a schedule of programs likely to be requested. In certain embodiments, the server process additionally gathers the capabilities of each cable device in an associated subnetwork. Based upon these capabilities, and based upon the total bandwidth predicted to remain available in the network over a target broadcast period, the server process may also select an optimal compression scheme and video quality level before broadcasting a certain program.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2018Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Remi Rieger, Paul D. Brooks
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Patent number: 11032518Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enforcing physical or logical boundaries, and targeting specific subscribers or groups of subscribers with particular content, within a network. In an exemplary embodiment, the network comprises a cable network operating according to a broadcast switched architecture (BSA), with a BSA server and a plurality of subscriber premises devices. Individual ones of these devices are identified to the server (such as via a unique identifier), and this information is correlated with one or more other parameters in order to selectively identify physical or logical groups of subscribers within the broader subscriber base. These other parameters may comprise, e.g., the postal zip code or telephone area code/exchange where the premises device is located, or alternatively relate to anecdotal or statistical viewing habits of the subscriber(s). Anonymity of the subscriber's identity, and autonomy from other data bases or sources of subscriber information, is maintained using this approach as well.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2018Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Thomas M. Gaebel, Jr., Remi Rieger, Paul D. Brooks
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Patent number: 10911313Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dynamically adjusting capacity allocation; e.g., to a group of services in a multimedia distribution network. In one embodiment, bandwidth allocation is adjusted by predicting bandwidth utilization of the group of services based on historical bandwidth utilization information. Behavioral templates and statistical models may also be employed for the predictions. The invention provides more efficient use of available bandwidth compared to conventional bandwidth allocation schemes where the overall bandwidth for a group of services is set to a constant value that is not changed frequently. The present invention further provides a bandwidth allocation method in a switched distribution network. The bandwidth allocation method allocates bandwidth such that the bandwidth required by the number of services does not exceed the allocation, i.e., the total usage falls within the allocation.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2016Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Paul D. Brooks, Remi Rieger
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Publication number: 20200120372Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering content to a user so as to optimize and enhance the “experience” of the content. In one embodiment, an optimization and monitoring entity (OME) is used which determines, evaluates, and provides notification and/or recommendation of alternative content delivery platforms which are available to a user. The OME receives requests for content forwarded from a content server containing information identifying requesting devices and/or subscriber accounts. The OME examines the capabilities of the registered devices, and identifies/recommends alternative devices based on e.g., video/audio quality, picture size, bandwidth availability, and/or any other additional capabilities of the client devices. A notification is then sent to the client devices indicating which of the user's devices may receive the content alternatively, or in addition to, the requesting device. The notifications may be interactive, allowing the user to select one or more of the devices for delivery.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2019Publication date: April 16, 2020Inventors: Remi Rieger, Paul D. Brooks
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Patent number: 10455262Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering content to a user so as to optimize and enhance the “experience” of the content. In one embodiment, an optimization and monitoring entity (OME) is used which determines, evaluates, and provides notification and/or recommendation of alternative content delivery platforms which are available to a user. The OME receives requests for content forwarded from a content server containing information identifying requesting devices and/or subscriber accounts. The OME examines the capabilities of the registered devices, and identifies/recommends alternative devices based on e.g., video/audio quality, picture size, bandwidth availability, and/or any other additional capabilities of the client devices. A notification is then sent to the client devices indicating which of the user's devices may receive the content alternatively, or in addition to, the requesting device. The notifications may be interactive, allowing the user to select one or more of the devices for delivery.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2016Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Remi Rieger, Paul D. Brooks
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Publication number: 20190014356Abstract: Methods and apparatus for optimizing bandwidth utilization in a cable network. In one embodiment, the method comprises predicting which content will be requested by a set of users based upon the exhibited viewing habits of those users (and/or others). A server process gathers viewership data comprising a listing of programs requested by users at various times of the day. The server process aggregates the viewership data, identifies patterns within the aggregated data, and extrapolates a schedule of programs likely to be requested. In certain embodiments, the server process additionally gathers the capabilities of each cable device in an associated subnetwork. Based upon these capabilities, and based upon the total bandwidth predicted to remain available in the network over a target broadcast period, the server process may also select an optimal compression scheme and video quality level before broadcasting a certain program.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2018Publication date: January 10, 2019Inventors: Remi Rieger, Paul D. Brooks
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Publication number: 20180288369Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enforcing physical or logical boundaries, and targeting specific subscribers or groups of subscribers with particular content, within a network. In an exemplary embodiment, the network comprises a cable network operating according to a broadcast switched architecture (BSA), with a BSA server and a plurality of subscriber premises devices. Individual ones of these devices are identified to the server (such as via a unique identifier), and this information is correlated with one or more other parameters in order to selectively identify physical or logical groups of subscribers within the broader subscriber base. These other parameters may comprise, e.g., the postal zip code or telephone area code/exchange where the premises device is located, or alternatively relate to anecdotal or statistical viewing habits of the subscriber(s). Anonymity of the subscriber's identity, and autonomy from other data bases or sources of subscriber information, is maintained using this approach as well.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2018Publication date: October 4, 2018Inventors: Thomas M. Gaebel, JR., Remi Rieger, Paul D. Brooks
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Patent number: 10057609Abstract: Methods and apparatus for optimizing bandwidth utilization in a cable network. In one embodiment, the method comprises predicting which content will be requested by a set of users based upon the exhibited viewing habits of those users (and/or others). A server process gathers viewership data comprising a listing of programs requested by users at various times of the day. The server process aggregates the viewership data, identifies patterns within the aggregated data, and extrapolates a schedule of programs likely to be requested. In certain embodiments, the server process additionally gathers the capabilities of each cable device in an associated subnetwork. Based upon these capabilities, and based upon the total bandwidth predicted to remain available in the network over a target broadcast period, the server process may also select an optimal compression scheme and video quality level before broadcasting a certain program.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2015Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLCInventors: Remi Rieger, Paul D. Brooks
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Patent number: 9706234Abstract: Methods and apparatus for utilizing information (e.g., metadata) relating to content in a multimedia distribution network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) cable network, and the information comprises metadata relating to the bitrate profile of deterministic content such as stored video. Content sources, or the network operator themselves, generate the metadata which may then be used by the operator to adjust or optimize the operation of the network; e.g., more efficiently allocate the program to a multiplex. Network apparatus adapted to implement the metadata functionality and related business methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2014Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Remi Rieger, Paul D. Brooks
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Publication number: 20170155941Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering content to a user so as to optimize and enhance the “experience” of the content. In one embodiment, an optimization and monitoring entity (OME) is used which determines, evaluates, and provides notification and/or recommendation of alternative content delivery platforms which are available to a user. The OME receives requests for content forwarded from a content server containing information identifying requesting devices and/or subscriber accounts. The OME examines the capabilities of the registered devices, and identifies/recommends alternative devices based on e.g., video/audio quality, picture size, bandwidth availability, and/or any other additional capabilities of the client devices. A notification is then sent to the client devices indicating which of the user's devices may receive the content alternatively, or in addition to, the requesting device. The notifications may be interactive, allowing the user to select one or more of the devices for delivery.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2016Publication date: June 1, 2017Inventors: Remi Rieger, Paul D. Brooks
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Publication number: 20170019307Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dynamically adjusting capacity allocation; e.g., to a group of services in a multimedia distribution network. In one embodiment, bandwidth allocation is adjusted by predicting bandwidth utilization of the group of services based on historical bandwidth utilization information. Behavioral templates and statistical models may also be employed for the predictions. The invention provides more efficient use of available bandwidth compared to conventional bandwidth allocation schemes where the overall bandwidth for a group of services is set to a constant value that is not changed frequently. The present invention further provides a bandwidth allocation method in a switched distribution network. The bandwidth allocation method allocates bandwidth such that the bandwidth required by the number of services does not exceed the allocation, i.e., the total usage falls within the allocation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2016Publication date: January 19, 2017Inventors: Paul D. Brooks, Remi Rieger
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Patent number: 9519728Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering content to a user so as to optimize and enhance the “experience” of the content. In one embodiment, an optimization and monitoring entity (OME) is used which determines, evaluates, and provides notification and/or recommendation of alternative content delivery platforms which are available to a user. The OME receives requests for content forwarded from a content server containing information identifying requesting devices and/or subscriber accounts. The OME examines the capabilities of the registered devices, and identifies/recommends alternative devices based on e.g., video/audio quality, picture size, bandwidth availability, and/or any other additional capabilities of the client devices. A notification is then sent to the client devices indicating which of the user's devices may receive the content alternatively, or in addition to, the requesting device. The notifications may be interactive, allowing the user to select one or more of the devices for delivery.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2009Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Remi Rieger, Paul D. Brooks
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Patent number: 9491498Abstract: Method and apparatus for optimizing network bandwidth utilization by delivering to users only the minimum number of programs required by service provider policies. In one embodiment, the method comprises switching some users from lower quality versions of programs to higher quality versions of the same programs, and removing those lower quality versions of programs from a given service group. In another embodiment, some users are switched from higher quality versions of programs to lower quality versions of those same programs, and the higher quality versions of programs removed from a given service group.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2012Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Paul D. Brooks, Remi Rieger
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Publication number: 20160255378Abstract: Apparatus and methods for handling situations where requested services require more network capacity than presently available, and notifying network users of an delay in providing such services. In one embodiment, the invention comprises apparatus and methods for the detection of capacity (e.g., bandwidth) shortage, determination of a delayed delivery mode and schedule for the delivery of the requested content, and notification of the availability of the content to the user via, e.g., on-screen display, e-mail, text message, or other mode. The user can also specify their own notification preferences and delivery time. Requests for and delivery of the content may be performed from/to different locations as well. Network server apparatus, consumer premises equipment (CPE), and a software architecture adapted to implement the foregoing functionality, are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2016Publication date: September 1, 2016Inventors: Paul D. Brooks, Remi Rieger
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Patent number: 9398346Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dynamically adjusting capacity allocation; e.g., to a group of services in a multimedia distribution network. In one embodiment, bandwidth allocation is adjusted by predicting bandwidth utilization of the group of services based on historical bandwidth utilization information. Behavioral templates and statistical models may also be employed for the predictions. The invention provides more efficient use of available bandwidth compared to conventional bandwidth allocation schemes where the overall bandwidth for a group of services is set to a constant value that is not changed frequently. The present invention further provides a bandwidth allocation method in a switched distribution network. The bandwidth allocation method allocates bandwidth such that the bandwidth required by the number of services does not exceed the allocation, i.e., the total usage falls within the allocation.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2007Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLCInventors: Paul D. Brooks, Remi Rieger
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Patent number: 9270944Abstract: Apparatus and methods for handling situations where requested services require more network capacity than presently available, and notifying network users of an delay in providing such services. In one embodiment, the invention comprises apparatus and methods for the detection of capacity (e.g., bandwidth) shortage, determination of a delayed delivery mode and schedule for the delivery of the requested content, and notification of the availability of the content to the user via, e.g., on-screen display, e-mail, text message, or other mode. The user can also specify their own notification preferences and delivery time. Requests for and delivery of the content may be performed from/to different locations as well. Network server apparatus, consumer premises equipment (CPE), and a software architecture adapted to implement the foregoing functionality, are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2007Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Assignee: TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLCInventors: Paul D. Brooks, Remi Rieger
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Publication number: 20150382030Abstract: Methods and apparatus for optimizing bandwidth utilization in a cable network. In one embodiment, the method comprises predicting which content will be requested by a set of users based upon the exhibited viewing habits of those users (and/or others). A server process gathers viewership data comprising a listing of programs requested by users at various times of the day. The server process aggregates the viewership data, identifies patterns within the aggregated data, and extrapolates a schedule of programs likely to be requested. In certain embodiments, the server process additionally gathers the capabilities of each cable device in an associated subnetwork. Based upon these capabilities, and based upon the total bandwidth predicted to remain available in the network over a target broadcast period, the server process may also select an optimal compression scheme and video quality level before broadcasting a certain program.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2015Publication date: December 31, 2015Inventors: Remi Rieger, PAUL D. BROOKS
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Patent number: 9060208Abstract: Methods and apparatus for optimizing bandwidth utilization in a cable network. In one embodiment, the method comprises predicting which content will be requested by a set of users based upon the exhibited viewing habits of those users (and/or others). A server process gathers viewership data comprising a listing of programs requested by users at various times of the day. The server process aggregates the viewership data, identifies patterns within the aggregated data, and extrapolates a schedule of programs likely to be requested. In certain embodiments, the server process additionally gathers the capabilities of each cable device in an associated subnetwork. Based upon these capabilities, and based upon the total bandwidth predicted to remain available in the network over a target broadcast period, the server process may also select an optimal compression scheme and video quality level before broadcasting a certain program.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2008Date of Patent: June 16, 2015Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Remi Rieger, Paul D. Brooks