Patents by Inventor Steven Riedl
Steven Riedl 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: 20230171449Abstract: A system and associated functionality are described for identifying, verifying, and replacing insertion opportunity information in content streams. A trigger replacement system (100) for use in an addressable advertising context includes a watermark detector (102) receives a video stream and detects triggers that indicate an insertion opportunity such as watermarks. Information from the watermarks is provided to a logic and decision server (104) that also receives a metadata feed relating to addressable insertion opportunities, assets, and targeting parameters. Once the logic and decision server (104) has processed the watermark information and the metadata feed, the server (104) generates replacement cue information identifying the addressable insertion opportunity.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2022Publication date: June 1, 2023Inventors: Robert Booth, Steven Riedl
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Publication number: 20220412594Abstract: A system and method include a computer processor, computer memory associated with the computer processor and a network interface. A plurality of temperature sensors are each associated with a respective electric heating element. Optionally, in one form, the plurality of sensors are associated with the computer processor wherein the temperature sensors send respective signals to the computer processor via the network interface. The computer processor is programmed to provide varying amounts of power to one or more of the electric heating elements based on signals sent to the computer processor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2022Publication date: December 29, 2022Inventors: Steven RIEDL, Rene JUNEAU
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Patent number: 11223860Abstract: Methods and apparatus for optimizing the distribution and delivery of multimedia or other content within a content-based network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a broadcast switched cable television network, which utilizes a Network optimization controller (NOC) that processes subscriber program viewing requests to identify options available to fulfill the request (including, e.g., the creation of one or more “microcasts” specifically targeting one or more users), and evaluate these options to determine one that optimizes network operation. The NOC performs these decisions by considering various parameters including network resource availability, type of CPE, subscriber's targeted advertisement profile, and business rules programmed by operator of the network.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2017Date of Patent: January 11, 2022Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Steven Riedl, Bryan Santangelo, Gabe Zimbelman
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Patent number: 11082723Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods that allow a user (e.g., cable or satellite network subscriber) to access content, such as a video program, from a location outside the subscriber's network, with dynamic or adaptive insertion of secondary content (e.g., advertisements or promotions) that are more relevant for that context. In one embodiment, a personal content server streams the content to the subscriber over a network connection from the local e.g., (subscription) network to a remote network upon authorization by a content manager process; secondary content is evaluated and selectively inserted or replaced depending on factors such as the user's remote location, the configuration of their platform, the date and time of their access request, and/or the subject matter of the primary content.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2016Date of Patent: August 3, 2021Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Michael L. LaJoie, Michael T. Hayashi, Steven Riedl
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Patent number: 10003852Abstract: Methods and apparatus for allowing parties, e.g., individuals, at different locations to participate in an on-demand content delivery session are described. Dynamically updateable playlists are used to control content delivery to the session participants in a synchronized manner. Content may be delivered to different session participants from different servers with a different playlist corresponding to each session participant being used to control content delivery to the session participant's host platform, e.g., set top box. Either party may update the playlist with, optionally, each of the content delivery servers being controlled by a different or local copy of the jointly updateable play list. Thus, an inviting party and one or more joining parties are able to participate together in an on-demand session. While the participants may be served by the same or different content delivery servers, the parties are able to share images, audio, and/or video in a synchronized manner.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2014Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Assignee: TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLCInventors: Steven Riedl, Bryan Santangelo, Craig Mahonchak
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Patent number: 9906827Abstract: When an advertisement break is detected on a program channel stream, demographic data is obtained which is descriptive of the subscribers who are currently watching material from the program channel stream, and one or more streams containing substitute advertisements are generated based on the demographic data. The substitute advertisements in each stream, thus generated, are targeted at a different demographic group of the subscribers. The number of substitute advertisement streams corresponds to the number of unused transmission channels allocated for transmission of such streams. Groups of subscribers' set-top terminals (STTs) are directed to tune to the allocated transmission channels during the advertisement break to receive the substitute advertisement streams, respectively. Consequently, the subscribers are shown the substitute, targeted advertisements instead of the regularly-scheduled advertisements.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2016Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventor: Steven Riedl
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Patent number: 9888212Abstract: A method of providing programming content from a video server to a client coupled to the video server by a video content network includes the steps of sending, to the client, a playlist describing an interrelationship between at least one program segment and at least one related segment; sending, from the video server to the client over the video content network, video content comprising the at least one program segment and the at least one related segment; and modifying the playlist via communication to the client. The steps of sending the playlist, sending the content, and modifying the playlist are all accomplished within a single video-on-demand session per user.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2017Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLCInventors: Steven Riedl, John Callahan, Bryan Santangelo, Craig Mahonchak
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Publication number: 20170280101Abstract: A method of providing programming content from a video server to a client coupled to the video server by a video content network includes the steps of sending, to the client, a playlist describing an interrelationship between at least one program segment and at least one related segment; sending, from the video server to the client over the video content network, video content comprising the at least one program segment and the at least one related segment; and modifying the playlist via communication to the client. The steps of sending the playlist, sending the content, and modifying the playlist are all accomplished within a single video-on-demand session per user.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2017Publication date: September 28, 2017Inventors: Steven Riedl, John Callahan, Bryan Santangelo, Craig Mahonchak
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Publication number: 20170238025Abstract: Methods and apparatus for optimizing the distribution and delivery of multimedia or other content within a content-based network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a broadcast switched cable television network, which utilizes a Network optimization controller (NOC) that processes subscriber program viewing requests to identify options available to fulfill the request (including, e.g., the creation of one or more “microcasts” specifically targeting one or more users), and evaluate these options to determine one that optimizes network operation. The NOC performs these decisions by considering various parameters including network resource availability, type of CPE, subscriber's targeted advertisement profile, and business rules programmed by operator of the network.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2017Publication date: August 17, 2017Inventors: Steven Riedl, Bryan Santangelo, Gabe Zimbelman
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Patent number: 9621855Abstract: A method of providing programming content from a video server to a client coupled to the video server by a video content network includes the steps of sending, to the client, a playlist describing an interrelationship between at least one program segment and at least one related segment; sending, from the video server to the client over the video content network, video content comprising the at least one program segment and the at least one related segment; and modifying the playlist via communication to the client. The steps of sending the playlist, sending the content, and modifying the playlist are all accomplished within a single video-on-demand session per user.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2007Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLCInventors: Steven Riedl, John Callahan, Bryan Santangelo, Craig Mahonchak
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Patent number: 9584839Abstract: Methods and apparatus for optimizing the distribution and delivery of multimedia or other content within a content-based network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a broadcast switched cable television network, which utilizes a Network optimization controller (NOC) that processes subscriber program viewing requests to identify options available to fulfill the request (including, e.g., the creation of one or more “microcasts” specifically targeting one or more users), and evaluate these options to determine one that optimizes network operation. The NOC performs these decisions by considering various parameters including network resource availability, type of CPE, subscriber's targeted advertisement profile, and business rules programmed by operator of the network.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2015Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Steven Riedl, Bryan Santangelo, Gabe Zimbelman
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Publication number: 20170006317Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods that allow a user (e.g., cable or satellite network subscriber) to access content, such as a video program, from a location outside the subscriber's network, with dynamic or adaptive insertion of secondary content (e.g., advertisements or promotions) that are more relevant for that context. In one embodiment, a personal content server streams the content to the subscriber over a network connection from the local e.g., (subscription) network to a remote network upon authorization by a content manager process; secondary content is evaluated and selectively inserted or replaced depending on factors such as the user's remote location, the configuration of their platform, the date and time of their access request, and/or the subject matter of the primary content.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2016Publication date: January 5, 2017Inventors: Michael L. LaJoie, Michael T. Hayashi, Steven Riedl
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Publication number: 20160219322Abstract: When an advertisement break is detected on a program channel stream, demographic data is obtained which is descriptive of the subscribers who are currently watching material from the program channel stream, and one or more streams containing substitute advertisements are generated based on the demographic data. The substitute advertisements in each stream, thus generated, are targeted at a different demographic group of the subscribers. The number of substitute advertisement streams corresponds to the number of unused transmission channels allocated for transmission of such streams. Groups of subscribers' set-top terminals (STTs) are directed to tune to the allocated transmission channels during the advertisement break to receive the substitute advertisement streams, respectively. Consequently, the subscribers are shown the substitute, targeted advertisements instead of the regularly-scheduled advertisements.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2016Publication date: July 28, 2016Inventor: STEVEN RIEDL
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Patent number: 9386327Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods that allow a user (e.g., cable or satellite network subscriber) to access content, such as a video program, from a location outside the subscriber's network, with dynamic or adaptive insertion of secondary content (e.g., advertisements or promotions) that are more relevant for that context. In one embodiment, a personal content server streams the content to the subscriber over a network connection from the local e.g., (subscription) network to a remote network upon authorization by a content manager process; secondary content is evaluated and selectively inserted or replaced depending on factors such as the user's remote location, the configuration of their platform, the date and time of their access request, and/or the subject matter of the primary content.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2006Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLCInventors: Michael L. La Joie, Michael Hayashi, Steven Riedl
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Publication number: 20160182960Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the capture and delivery of content over a network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a cable television network, and the apparatus comprises a local server which stores, processes and assembles content prior to its delivery to a VOD server, thus obviating the need for superfluous VOD storage. This approach also facilitates various pre-streaming processing in a video recording (e.g., nPVR) system, and gives a network operator dynamic control over local playlists. In another embodiment, the local server of the improved system obviates the need for a VOD server in the nPVR system. One or more content libraries adapted to facilitate nPVR content access across one or more regions of a broadcast network are also disclosed. Secondary content (e.g., promotions, advertisements, etc.) can also be selectively inserted into nPVR content. Various access, business or operational rules and methods implementing the foregoing are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 29, 2016Publication date: June 23, 2016Inventors: Steven Riedl, Bryan Santangelo, Charles Hasek, Craig Mahonchak
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Patent number: 9277266Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the capture and delivery of content over a network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a cable television network, and the apparatus comprises a local server which stores, processes and assembles content prior to its delivery to a VOD server, thus obviating the need for superfluous VOD storage. This approach also facilitates various pre-streaming processing in a video recording (e.g., nPVR) system, and gives a network operator dynamic control over local playlists. In another embodiment, the local server of the improved system obviates the need for a VOD server in the nPVR system. One or more content libraries adapted to facilitate nPVR content access across one or more regions of a broadcast network are also disclosed. Secondary content (e.g., promotions, advertisements, etc.) can also be selectively inserted into nPVR content. Various access, business or operational rules and methods implementing the foregoing are also described.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2009Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLCInventors: Steven Riedl, Bryan Santangelo, Charles Hasek, Craig Mahonchak
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Publication number: 20150237383Abstract: Methods and apparatus for optimizing the distribution and delivery of multimedia or other content within a content-based network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a broadcast switched cable television network, which utilizes a Network optimization controller (NOC) that processes subscriber program viewing requests to identify options available to fulfill the request (including, e.g., the creation of one or more “microcasts” specifically targeting one or more users), and evaluate these options to determine one that optimizes network operation. The NOC performs these decisions by considering various parameters including network resource availability, type of CPE, subscriber's targeted advertisement profile, and business rules programmed by operator of the network. Business methods based on such network optimization are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2015Publication date: August 20, 2015Inventors: Steven Riedl, Bryan Santangelo, Gabe Zimbelman
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Patent number: 9094140Abstract: Methods and apparatus for accurate, secure and uniform exchange of audience research data. In one embodiment, viewership data is provided in real-time and offers the ability to monitor audience activities regarding, among others, broadcast, VOD or DVR content. A standardized message configuration is optionally used also to permit maximum uniformity and accessibility of the data. Accuracy of data exchange is enforced by implementing a method of detecting system failures, and the transmission of incomplete messages. Subscriber privacy and anonymity is also maintained via e.g., hashing or encrypting data relating to the CPE and/or subscriber, thus ensuring that stored data is not traceable to a specific user account. The methods and apparatus may also be utilized in conjunction with systems enabling the insertion and/or recommendation of content or advertising based on data collected regarding user actions or events. Business methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2008Date of Patent: July 28, 2015Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Justin Tidwell, Forrest Murphy, Bryan Santangelo, Steven Riedl
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Publication number: 20150135242Abstract: Methods and apparatus for allowing parties, e.g., individuals, at different locations to participate in an on-demand content delivery session are described. Dynamically updateable playlists are used to control content delivery to the session participants in a synchronized manner. Content may be delivered to different session participants from different servers with a different playlist corresponding to each session participant being used to control content delivery to the session participant's host platform, e.g., set top box. Either party may update the playlist with, optionally, each of the content delivery servers being controlled by a different or local copy of the jointly updateable play list. Thus, an inviting party and one or more joining parties are able to participate together in an on-demand session. While the participants may be served by the same or different content delivery servers, the parties are able to share images, audio, and/or video in a synchronized manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2014Publication date: May 14, 2015Inventors: Steven Riedl, Bryan Santangelo, Craig Mahonchak
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Patent number: 8959563Abstract: Methods and apparatus for optimizing the distribution and delivery of multimedia or other content within a content-based network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a broadcast switched cable television network, which utilizes a Network optimization controller (NOC) that processes subscriber program viewing requests to identify options available to fulfill the request (including, e.g., the creation of one or more “microcasts” specifically targeting one or more users), and evaluate these options to determine one that optimizes network operation. The NOC performs these decisions by considering various parameters including network resource availability, type of CPE, subscriber's targeted advertisement profile, and business rules programmed by operator of the network. Business methods based on such network optimization are also described.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2012Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Steven Riedl, Bryan Santangelo, Gabe Zimbelman