Patents by Inventor William L. Helms

William L. Helms 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).

  • Patent number: 11924521
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing delivery of content to client devices of a network via both multicast and unicast mechanisms. In one embodiment, a system for use in a managed content delivery network is described to bridge multicast to unicast, so that the total network bandwidth consumption is significantly lower than a corresponding unicast-only delivery solution, yet which still provides improved quality of service and user viewing experience as compared to a multicast-only delivery solution. In addition, various exemplary aspects of the present disclosure are readily adapted for real-time multicast to unicast streaming of audio and data to, among other things, minimize network bandwidth usage, while maintaining the guaranteed delivery of unicast streams with little or no modification to the existing client device logic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLC
    Inventors: Tom Gonder, William L. Helms, Kenneth Gould, David Chen, John Chen, Jian Yu, Niem Dang, Vipul Patel
  • Patent number: 11641504
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for premises gateway functions that integrate or unify functions typically distributed across multiple devices within a content-based network. In one embodiment, the out-of-band (OOB) signaling functionality normally provided in each of a set-top-box (STB) and digital video recorder (DVR) are unified into a common OOB (e.g., DOCSIS) capable premises gateway device, thereby obviating OOB tuners and related components from each device. In another variant, the premises gateway is adapted for all-IP operation, such as for use with IP-based computers and IP set-top boxes, etc. Fully unified variants are also disclosed, wherein the DVR and/or STB functions are physically integrated within the premises gateway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLC
    Inventors: Chris Cholas, William L. Helms, Louis Williamson, Jeffrey P. Markley
  • Patent number: 11381549
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for control of data and content protection mechanisms across a network using a download delivery paradigm. In one embodiment, conditional access (CA), digital rights management (DRM), and trusted domain (TD) security policies are delivered, configured and enforced with respect to consumer premises equipment (CPE) within a cable television network. A trusted domain is established within the user's premises within which content access, distribution, and reproduction can be controlled remotely by the network operator. The content may be distributed to secure or non-secure “output” domains consistent with the security policies enforced by secure CA, DRM, and TD clients running within the trusted domain. Legacy and retail CPE models are also supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: William L. Helms, John B. Carlucci, Jason Kazmir Schnitzer
  • Patent number: 10848806
    Abstract: A technique for securely transferring content from a first device in a first layer to a second device in a second layer. In one embodiment, the first device is a device in a trusted domain and the second device is outside of the trusted domain. Transfer of protected content to another device may require authentication of the receiving device. A rights file which specifies the rights of the receiving device to use the protected content, according to its security level is also transferred. These rights may concern, e.g., the number of times the receiving device may transfer the protected content to other devices, the time period within which the receiving device may play the protected content, etc. The higher the security level of the receiving device, the more rights accorded thereto. A minimum security level requirement may be imposed in order for protected content to be transferred to a device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLC
    Inventors: William L. Helms, John B. Carlucci, Michael T. Hayashi, James W. Fahrny
  • Patent number: 10812866
    Abstract: A DVR controller in network communication with a digital video recorder receives an instruction from a user directing the digital video recorder to perform a function among a set of available functions. The set of available functions comprises a record function operative to cause the digital video recorder to record content and store that content on the digital video recorder, and a playback function operative to cause the digital video recorder to play back content stored on the digital video recorder. Subsequently, at least in part in response to the instructions from the user, the DVR controller issues a command to the digital video recorder to perform the function. The digital video recorder is operative to present content on a presentation device controlled by the user. The DVR controller, in turn, is remotely disposed from the digital video recorder in a facility of a content provider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLC
    Inventors: George Sarosi, Chris Cholas, David Bell, William L. Helms
  • Publication number: 20200162797
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing delivery of content to client devices of a network via both multicast and unicast mechanisms. In one embodiment, a system for use in a managed content delivery network is described to bridge multicast to unicast, so that the total network bandwidth consumption is significantly lower than a corresponding unicast-only delivery solution, yet which still provides improved quality of service and user viewing experience as compared to a multicast-only delivery solution. In addition, various exemplary aspects of the present disclosure are readily adapted for real-time multicast to unicast streaming of audio and data to, among other things, minimize network bandwidth usage, while maintaining the guaranteed delivery of unicast streams with little or no modification to the existing client device logic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2020
    Publication date: May 21, 2020
    Inventors: Tom Gonder, William L. Helms, Kenneth Gould, David Chen, John Chen, Jian Yu, Niem Dang, Vipul Patel
  • Patent number: 10652607
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for content, media and data delivery and access between devices of a premises and one or more portable media devices. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a media bridge between a portable media device (PMD) and a user's home network and/or home devices (e.g., set-top boxes, DVRs, etc.)). The apparatus is adapted to convert content stored on a PMD to a format capable of being rendered on a home device which may then store or playback the content. Control of the presentation is also provided by the bridging apparatus. The apparatus may also be adapted to transfer content from the home device to the PMD for storage or playback. In another embodiment, the apparatus may function within a home network having a trusted domain to provide content between a plurality devices on the network (and in the domain) and the PMD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLC
    Inventors: Chris Cholas, William L. Helms, Jeffrey P. Markley
  • Publication number: 20200014675
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for control of data and content protection mechanisms across a network using a download delivery paradigm. In one embodiment, conditional access (CA), digital rights management (DRM), and trusted domain (TD) security policies are delivered, configured and enforced with respect to consumer premises equipment (CPE) within a cable television network. A trusted domain is established within the user's premises within which content access, distribution, and reproduction can be controlled remotely by the network operator. The content may be distributed to secure or non-secure “output” domains consistent with the security policies enforced by secure CA, DRM, and TD clients running within the trusted domain. Legacy and retail CPE models are also supported.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventors: William L. Helms, John B. Carlucci, Jason Kazmir Schnitzer
  • Patent number: 10531161
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing delivery of content to client devices of a network via both multicast and unicast mechanisms. In one embodiment, a system for use in a managed content delivery network is described to bridge multicast to unicast, so that the total network bandwidth consumption is significantly lower than a corresponding unicast-only delivery solution, yet which still provides improved quality of service and user viewing experience as compared to a multicast-only delivery solution. In addition, various exemplary aspects of the present disclosure are readily adapted for real-time multicast to unicast streaming of audio and data to, among other things, minimize network bandwidth usage, while maintaining the guaranteed delivery of unicast streams with little or no modification to the existing client device logic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Tom Gonder, William L. Helms, Kenneth Gould, David Chen, John Chen, Jian Yu, Niem Dang, Vipul Patel
  • Publication number: 20190349628
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for premises gateway functions that integrate or unify functions typically distributed across multiple devices within a content-based network. In one embodiment, the out-of-band (OOB) signaling functionality normally provided in each of a set-top-box (STB) and digital video recorder (DVR) are unified into a common OOB (e.g., DOCSIS) capable premises gateway device, thereby obviating OOB tuners and related components from each device. In another variant, the premises gateway is adapted for all-IP operation, such as for use with IP-based computers and IP set-top boxes, etc. Fully unified variants are also disclosed, wherein the DVR and/or STB functions are physically integrated within the premises gateway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Inventors: CHRIS CHOLAS, William L. Helms, Louis Williamson, Jeffrey P. Markley
  • Patent number: 10362018
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for control of data and content protection mechanisms across a network using a download delivery paradigm. In one embodiment, conditional access (CA), digital rights management (DRM), and trusted domain (TD) security policies are delivered, configured and enforced with respect to consumer premises equipment (CPE) within a cable television network. A trusted domain is established within the user's premises within which content access, distribution, and reproduction can be controlled remotely by the network operator. The content may be distributed to secure or non-secure “output” domains consistent with the security policies enforced by secure CA, DRM, and TD clients running within the trusted domain. Legacy and retail CPE models are also supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: William L. Helms, John B. Carlucci, Jason Kazmir Schnitzer
  • Patent number: 10306301
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for premises gateway functions that integrate or unify functions typically distributed across multiple devices within a content-based network. In one embodiment, the out-of-band (OOB) signaling functionality normally provided in each of a set-top-box (STB) and digital video recorder (DVR) are unified into a common OOB (e.g., DOCSIS) capable premises gateway device, thereby obviating OOB tuners and related components from each device. In another variant, the premises gateway is adapted for all-IP operation, such as for use with IP-based computers and IP set-top boxes, etc. Fully unified variants are also disclosed, wherein the DVR and/or STB functions are physically integrated within the premises gateway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Chris Cholas, William L. Helms, Louis Williamson, Jeffrey P. Markley
  • Publication number: 20180332359
    Abstract: A DVR controller in network communication with a digital video recorder receives an instruction from a user directing the digital video recorder to perform a function among a set of available functions. The set of available functions comprises a record function operative to cause the digital video recorder to record content and store that content on the digital video recorder, and a playback function operative to cause the digital video recorder to play back content stored on the digital video recorder. Subsequently, at least in part in response to the instructions from the user, the DVR controller issues a command to the digital video recorder to perform the function. The digital video recorder is operative to present content on a presentation device controlled by the user. The DVR controller, in turn, is remotely disposed from the digital video recorder in a facility of a content provider.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2018
    Publication date: November 15, 2018
    Inventors: George Sarosi, Chris Cholas, David Bell, William L. Helms
  • Publication number: 20180332327
    Abstract: A technique for securely transferring content from a first device in a first layer to a second device in a second layer. In one embodiment, the first device is a device in a trusted domain and the second device is outside of the trusted domain. Transfer of protected content to another device may require authentication of the receiving device. A rights file which specifies the rights of the receiving device to use the protected content, according to its security level is also transferred. These rights may concern, e.g., the number of times the receiving device may transfer the protected content to other devices, the time period within which the receiving device may play the protected content, etc. The higher the security level of the receiving device, the more rights accorded thereto. A minimum security level requirement may be imposed in order for protected content to be transferred to a device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Publication date: November 15, 2018
    Inventors: William L. Helms, John B. Carlucci, Michael T. Hayashi, James W. Fahrny
  • Publication number: 20180278597
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for control of data and content protection mechanisms across a network using a download delivery paradigm. In one embodiment, conditional access (CA), digital rights management (DRM), and trusted domain (TD) security policies are delivered, configured and enforced with respect to consumer premises equipment (CPE) within a cable television network. A trusted domain is established within the user's premises within which content access, distribution, and reproduction can be controlled remotely by the network operator. The content may be distributed to secure or non-secure “output” domains consistent with the security policies enforced by secure CA, DRM, and TD clients running within the trusted domain. Legacy and retail CPE models are also supported.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Inventors: William L. Helms, John B. Carlucci, Jason Kazmir Schnitzer
  • Patent number: 10034059
    Abstract: A DVR controller in network communication with a digital video recorder receives an instruction from a user directing the digital video recorder to perform a function among a set of available functions. The set of available functions comprises a record function operative to cause the digital video recorder to record content and store that content on the digital video recorder, and a playback function operative to cause the digital video recorder to play back content stored on the digital video recorder. Subsequently, at least in part in response to the instructions from the user, the DVR controller issues a command to the digital video recorder to perform the function. The digital video recorder is operative to present content on a presentation device controlled by the user. The DVR controller, in turn, is remotely disposed from the digital video recorder in a facility of a content provider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLC
    Inventors: George Sarosi, Chris Cholas, David Bell, William L. Helms
  • Patent number: 10015022
    Abstract: A video content system includes a head end server module and a content-sharing server coupled to a video content network. Also included is a converged premises gateway module coupled to the video content network at a location remote from the head end server module and the content-sharing server. The converged premises gateway module includes a processor and a video content network interface coupled to the processor and the video content network and configured for communication with the head end server module over the video content network. The gateway module also includes a memory module having a predetermined storage location for content to be shared with the content-sharing server and a local area network configured at least for distribution of video content within the remote location. The system further includes an upload module configured to cause the content in the predetermined storage location to be uploaded to the content-sharing server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: TIME WARNER CABLE ENTERPRISES LLC
    Inventors: William L. Helms, George Sarosi, Chris Cholas, Jeffrey P. Markley
  • Patent number: 9992520
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing content to IP-enabled devices in a content distribution network. In one embodiment, a network architecture is disclosed which enables delivery of content to such IP-enabled devices without the use of a high-speed data connection This capability allow the managed network operator to provide content services to an IP-enabled device associated with a non-data subscriber. In one implementation, requests for content from user IP-enabled devices are received, authenticated, and content processed into a series of encrypted segments. Once the requesting user/device is authenticated, the segments are provided with a playlist. The rendering device is also provided access to a decryption key (e.g., via a URL to a managed key server). Variants providing (i) user access to the MSO distribution network via an indigenous modem or gateway; and (ii) user access to the MSO core via a gateway and a third party unmanaged network are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Louis D. Williamson, William L. Helms, Howard Pfeffer, Noah Paci, Tushar Nakhre, Andrew Danforth, Charles Hasek, Shan Huang
  • Patent number: 9973798
    Abstract: A technique for securely transferring content from a first device in a first layer to a second device in a second layer. In one embodiment, the first device is a device in a trusted domain and the second device is outside of the trusted domain. Transfer of protected content to another device may require authentication of the receiving device. A rights file which specifies the rights of the receiving device to use the protected content, according to its security level is also transferred. These rights may concern, e.g., the number of times the receiving device may transfer the protected content to other devices, the time period within which the receiving device may play the protected content, etc. The higher the security level of the receiving device, the more rights accorded thereto. A minimum security level requirement may be imposed in order for protected content to be transferred to a device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignees: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: William L. Helms, John B. Carlucci, Michael T. Hayashi, James W. Fahrny
  • Patent number: 9923883
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for control of data and content protection mechanisms across a network using a download delivery paradigm. In one embodiment, conditional access (CA), digital rights management (DRM), and trusted domain (TD) security policies are delivered, configured and enforced with respect to consumer premises equipment (CPE) within a cable television network. A trusted domain is established within the user's premises within which content access, distribution, and reproduction can be controlled remotely by the network operator. The content may be distributed to secure or non-secure “output” domains consistent with the security policies enforced by secure CA, DRM, and TD clients running within the trusted domain. Legacy and retail CPE models are also supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: William L. Helms, John B. Carlucci, Jason Kazmir Schnitzer