Patents by Inventor Thomas L. Du Breuil
Thomas L. Du Breuil 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: 20160112773Abstract: A method and apparatus for an adaptive bit rate system. The method may include streaming media content at a server, determining a discontinuity in the streaming media content based on boundaries corresponding to changes in the streaming media content, and dividing the streaming media content into a plurality of variable duration segments, wherein a duration of one of the plurality of variable duration segments is to be adjusted based on the determined discontinuity to cause the one of the plurality of variable duration segments to end at the determined discontinuity in the streaming media content. The method may further include transmitting the plurality of variable duration segments of the streaming media content from the server.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2015Publication date: April 21, 2016Inventors: Sean T. Zukerman, Thomas L. Du Breuil, Gary Hughes, Mark R. Magee, Wendell Sun
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Publication number: 20160092663Abstract: There is a performing of digital rights management (DRM), operable in an offline mode with respect to a communications network. The performing includes identifying a stored rights object associated with a stored asset. The stored rights object includes reporting duration information associated with the stored asset. The performing also includes determining, utilizing a processor, whether a transmission of an early status message is a successful communication based on an early status message determination. If a failure in communicating the early status message is determined, utilizing the stored asset. The performing may also include transmitting an early status message and/or later status message after identifying the stored rights object. There is also a performing of digital rights management (DRM) associated with a DRM system and operable in an offline mode with respect to a communications network. There are also client devices, communicating systems, computer readable mediums and protocols.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2015Publication date: March 31, 2016Inventors: Nicol C. So, Thomas L. Du Breuil, Barry P. Falvo, Rama Raju Kaldindi, Ambikacharan P. Makam, Geetha Mangalore, Paul Moroney
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Publication number: 20160078198Abstract: There is a performing of digital rights management (DRM), operable in an offline mode with respect to a communications network. The performing includes identifying a stored rights object associated with a stored asset. The stored rights object includes reporting duration information associated with the stored asset. The performing also includes determining, utilizing a processor, whether a transmission of an early status message is a successful communication based on an early status message determination. If a failure in communicating the early status message is determined, utilizing the stored asset. The performing may also include transmitting an early status message and/or later status message after identifying the stored rights object. There is also a performing of digital rights management (DRM) associated with a DRM system and operable in an offline mode with respect to a communications network. There are also client devices, communicating systems, computer readable mediums and protocols.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2014Publication date: March 17, 2016Inventors: Nicol C. So, Thomas L. Du Breuil, Barry P. Falvo, Rama Raju Kaldindi, Ambikacharan P. Makam, Geetha Mangalore, Paul Moroney
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Patent number: 9160978Abstract: A method and apparatus for an adaptive bit rate system (300) that includes a media segmenter (304). The media segmenter divides a streaming media content into a plurality of variable duration segments wherein a first of the plurality of variable duration segments has a duration different from a second of the plurality of variable duration segments so that one of the plurality of variable duration segments ends at a determined discontinuity in the streaming media content. The system also can include an encoder (302) for encoding the variable duration segments of the streaming media content. In addition, the system includes an adaptive bit rate server (306) for storing and transmitting the variable duration segments of the streaming media content.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2011Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: GOOGLE TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS LLCInventors: Sean T. McCarthy, Thomas L. Du Breuil, Gary Hughes, Mark R. Magee, Wendell Sun
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Publication number: 20150281800Abstract: In embodiments of broadcast content to HTTP client conversion, a client converter receives video content as an input of broadcast content data streams from a content distribution system. The client converter can join a content data stream of the broadcast input, and convert the content data stream to unicast HTTP data, such as video content segments that are buffered for communication to a client device or to a media player of a client device. An HTTP server of the client converter can then communicate the unicast HTTP data to the client device or to the media player for playback of the video content.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2015Publication date: October 1, 2015Inventors: Ajay K. Luthra, Praveen N. Moorthy, Mark S. Schmidt, Haifeng Xu, Thomas L. du Breuil, Glen Peter Goffin, II
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Patent number: 9124905Abstract: A method includes: storing, via a network storage device, information related to the playback history of a content playing device; receiving, via a network digital video recorder scheduler, a request to record requested content; receiving, via a network digital video recorder, the requested content in a first format and the requested content in a second format; and storing, via the network digital video recorder, only one of the requested content in the first format or the requested content in a second format based on the information related to the playback history.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2013Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: ARRIS Technology, Inc.Inventors: David M Bjordammen, Thomas L Du Breuil
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Patent number: 9071853Abstract: In embodiments of broadcast content to HTTP client conversion, a client converter (118) receives video content (108) as an input (204) of broadcast content data streams from a content distribution system (102). The client converter can join a content data stream of the broadcast input, and convert the content data stream to unicast HTTP data, such as video content segments (124) that are buffered for communication to a client device (120) or to a media player (138) of a client device (134). An HTTP server (122) of the client converter can then communicate the unicast HTTP data to the client device or to the media player for playback of the video content.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2012Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: GOOGLE TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS LLCInventors: Ajay K. Luthra, Praveen N. Moorthy, Mark S. Schmidt, Haifeng Xu, Thomas L. du Breuil, Glen Peter Goffin, II
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Patent number: 9032442Abstract: The present invention is a method, system, and computer-readable medium for acquiring a channel map in a cable receiver. The channel map associates physical analog and digital channels in an RF spectrum to channel identification data, where the channel identification data includes physical RF channel numbers, modulation type, virtual channels, and channel names. The method obtains a list of available channels from an electronic program guide service provider, and initializes the channel map based on the list of available channels. The method performs a channel scan to detect clear channels, and collect identification information for each detected clear channel. Based on the identification information, the method updates the channel map for each detected channel. The method receives changes to the channel map from a user of the cable receiver device, updates the channel map based on the changes to the channel map from the user, and uploads the channel map to the electronic program guide service provider.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2008Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: ARRIS Technology, Inc.Inventor: Thomas L. Du Breuil
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Publication number: 20140282761Abstract: A method includes: storing, via a network storage device, information related to the playback history of a content playing device; receiving, via a network digital video recorder scheduler, a request to record requested content; receiving, via a network digital video recorder, the requested content in a first format and the requested content in a second format; and storing, via the network digital video recorder, only one of the requested content in the first format or the requested content in a second format based on the information related to the playback history.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: General Instrument CorporationInventors: David M. Bjordammen, Thomas L Du Breuil
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Publication number: 20140282762Abstract: A method includes: storing, via a network storage device, information related to the playback history of a content playing device; receiving, via a network digital video recorder scheduler, a request to record requested content; receiving, via a network digital video recorder, the requested content in a first format and the requested content in a second format; and storing, via the network digital video recorder, only one of the requested content in the first format or the requested content in a second format based on the information related to the playback history.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: General Instrument CorporationInventors: David M Bjordammen, Thomas L Du Breuil
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Patent number: 8813238Abstract: There is a performing of digital rights management (DRM), operable in an offline mode with respect to a communications network. The performing includes identifying a stored rights object associated with a stored asset. The stored rights object includes reporting duration information associated with the stored asset. The performing also includes determining, utilizing a processor, whether a transmission of an early status message is a successful communication based on an early status message determination. If a failure in communicating the early status message is determined, utilizing the stored asset. The performing may also include transmitting an early status message and/or later status message after identifying the stored rights object. There is also a performing of digital rights management (DRM) associated with a DRM system and operable in an offline mode with respect to a communications network. There are also client devices, communicating systems, computer readable mediums and protocols.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2011Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Google Technology Holdings LLCInventors: Nicol C. So, Thomas L. Du Breuil, Barry P. Falvo, Rama Raju Kaldindi, Ambikacharan P. Makam, Geetha Mangalore, Paul Moroney
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Publication number: 20140068690Abstract: In embodiments of broadcast content to HTTP client conversion, a client converter (118) receives video content (108) as an input (204) of broadcast content data streams from a content distribution system (102). The client converter can join a content data stream of the broadcast input, and convert the content data stream to unicast HTTP data, such as video content segments (124) that are buffered for communication to a client device (120) or to a media player (138) of a client device (134). An HTTP server (122) of the client converter can then communicate the unicast HTTP data to the client device or to the media player for playback of the video content.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2012Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: GENERAL INSTRUMENT CORPORATIONInventors: Ajay K. Luthra, Praveen N. Moorthy, Mark S. Schmidt, Haifeng Xu, Thomas L. du Breuil, Glen Peter Goffin, II
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Patent number: 8509601Abstract: A method and computing system for seamlessly inserting a local audio clip into a primary audio stream. The method sends the primary audio stream to an audio output port, and determines main parameters for the primary audio stream. The method receives a request to insert an encoded local audio clip, locates an insertion point in the primary audio stream that coincides with an end of a frame boundary, and identifies a best matching encoded local audio clip for the main parameters. The method receives and sends the best matching encoded local audio clip to the audio output port, stores the primary audio stream in a buffer while sending the best matching encoded local audio clip, and resumes the sending of the primary audio stream when the sending of the best matching encoded local audio clip is complete.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2009Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: General Instrument CorporationInventors: Dinkar N. Bhat, Christopher S. Del Sordo, Thomas L. Du Breuil, Glen P. Goffin
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Method and apparatus for optimizing home network interface selection in home networking applications
Patent number: 8159962Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide a method and apparatus for optimizing home networking interface selection in home networking applications. One embodiment of a method for selecting, at a set top box in a network, an active home networking interface from among a plurality of home networking interfaces includes activating the best performing home networking interface and deactivating the remainder of the home networking interfaces.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2007Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: General Instrument CorporationInventors: Jay W. Strater, Thomas L. Du Breuil, Gerald R. Johnson -
Publication number: 20120042091Abstract: A method and apparatus for an adaptive bit rate system (300) that includes a media segmenter (304). The media segmenter divides a streaming media content into a plurality of variable duration segments wherein a first of the plurality of variable duration segments has a duration different from a second of the plurality of variable duration segments so that one of the plurality of variable duration segments ends at a determined discontinuity in the streaming media content. The system also can include an encoder (302) for encoding the variable duration segments of the streaming media content. In addition, the system includes an adaptive bit rate server (306) for storing and transmitting the variable duration segments of the streaming media content.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2011Publication date: February 16, 2012Applicant: GENERAL INSTRUMENT CORPORATIONInventors: Sean T. McCarthy, Thomas L. Du Breuil, Gary Hughes, Mark R. Magee, Wendell Sun
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Publication number: 20110289592Abstract: There is a performing of digital rights management (DRM), operable in an offline mode with respect to a communications network. The performing includes identifying a stored rights object associated with a stored asset. The stored rights object includes reporting duration information associated with the stored asset. The performing also includes determining, utilizing a processor, whether a transmission of an early status message is a successful communication based on an early status message determination. If a failure in communicating the early status message is determined, utilizing the stored asset. The performing may also include transmitting an early status message and/or later status message after identifying the stored rights object. There is also a performing of digital rights management (DRM) associated with a DRM system and operable in an offline mode with respect to a communications network. There are also client devices, communicating systems, computer readable mediums and protocols.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2011Publication date: November 24, 2011Applicant: GENERAL INSTRUMENT CORPORATIONInventors: Nicol C. So, Thomas L. Du Breuil, Barry P. Falvo, Rama Raju Kaldindi, Ambikacharan P. Makam, Geetha Mangalore, Paul Moroney
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Patent number: 8018872Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide a method and apparatus for mitigating layer-2 loops in home networking applications. One embodiment of a method for mitigating layer-2 loops in a network includes detecting a loop between a first terminal in the network and a second terminal in the network, and deactivating at least one active home networking interface at the first terminal.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2007Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: General Instrument CorporationInventors: Jay W. Strater, Thomas L. Du Breuil, Gerald R. Johnson
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Publication number: 20110142427Abstract: A method and computing system for seamlessly inserting a local audio clip into a primary audio stream. The method sends the primary audio stream to an audio output port, and determines main parameters for the primary audio stream. The method receives a request to insert an encoded local audio clip, locates an insertion point in the primary audio stream that coincides with an end of a frame boundary, and identifies a best matching encoded local audio clip for the main parameters. The method receives and sends the best matching encoded local audio clip to the audio output port, stores the primary audio stream in a buffer while sending the best matching encoded local audio clip, and resumes the sending of the primary audio stream when the sending of the best matching encoded local audio clip is complete.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2009Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: GENERAL INSTRUMENT CORPORATIONInventors: Dinkar N. Bhat, Christopher S. Del Sordo, Thomas L. Du Breuil, Glen P. Goffin
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Publication number: 20110134991Abstract: A method of processing a video transport stream includes receiving a video transport stream and identifying at least one portion of the video transport stream that is not to undergo modification when processed by a rate shaping device. An indicator is inserted into the video transport stream. The indicator is used to signal the statistical multiplexer that the at least one portion of the video transport stream is not to be modified when the video transport stream is processed by the rate shaping device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2009Publication date: June 9, 2011Applicant: GENERAL INSTRUMENT CORPORATIONInventors: Mark E. Gregotski, Thomas L. Du Breuil, Fabrice M. Quinard
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Patent number: 7769370Abstract: A method and system for facilitating communication, generally called pairing, between a wireless handheld device and a electronic communication device is disclosed. The method includes transmitting a line-of-sight signal from the wireless handheld device to a electronic communication device. The line-of-sight signal serves to identify the wireless handheld device. This transmission results in a received line-of-sight signal at the electronic communication device. The method also includes enabling a non-line-of-sight communication between the wireless handheld device and the electronic communication device. The non-line-of-sight communication is enabled on the basis of the received line-of-sight signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2006Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventors: Thomas L. Du Breuil, David C. Goodwin, Allen Lee