With Two-way Connection From Unit To Receiver (e.g., For The Purpose Of Channel Selection) Patents (Class 725/120)
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Patent number: 12238357Abstract: A processing system may obtain a downscaled version of a reference copy of a video, comprising a plurality of downscaled versions of a plurality of frames of the reference copy of the video, obtain a first recorded frame of a first variant of a plurality of variants associated with the reference copy of the video, where the plurality of variants comprises a plurality of copies of the video encoded at different bitrates, generate a first downscaled version of the first recorded frame, calculate a first plurality of image distances between the first downscaled version of the first recorded frame and the plurality of downscaled versions of the plurality of frames of the reference copy of the video, and determine a first frame index of the first recorded frame in accordance with a first least image distance from among the first plurality of image distances that is calculated.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2022Date of Patent: February 25, 2025Assignees: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P., AT&T Mobolity II LLCInventors: Subhabrata Sen, Eric Petajan, Shichang Xu
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Patent number: 12190718Abstract: Systems and methods include providing a user with wireless control of electronic devices associated with a multi-tenant structure to enable a user to engage in wireless control of the electronic devices associated with permissions granted to the user. Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to receiving associated permissions granting wireless control of partitioned electronic devices to the user from a central aggregation control system. The partitioned electronic devices are associated with the multi-tenant structure that are under wireless control and have the associated permissions granting wireless control to the user. The electronic devices to provide the user with wireless control of the partitioned electronic devices are determined based on the associated permissions granted to the user. Wireless control of the partitioned electronic devices is automatically activated when the associated permissions for the user grant the user with the wireless control of the partitioned electronic devices.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2020Date of Patent: January 7, 2025Assignee: Xiber, LLCInventors: Stephen Hon, Timothy Hon
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Patent number: 12089295Abstract: A method for providing multiple virtual interfaces over a single physical interface of a gateway device includes configuring a first physical Wi-Fi interface with a first virtual interface for a WAN side and a second virtual interface for a LAN side by assigning SSIDs to the first virtual interface and the second virtual interface, and storing the SSIDs as virtual interface configuration data. The method further includes determining whether a packet is received over the first virtual interface or the second virtual interface based on the virtual interface configuration data, and performing virtual input processing to manage flow of the packet to a router, depending on the input virtual interface, by tagging the packet as WAN traffic associated with the first virtual interface based on the WAN SSID or as LAN traffic associated with the second virtual interface based on the LAN SSID, and forwarding the packet to the router.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2021Date of Patent: September 10, 2024Assignee: ARRIS ENTERPRISES LLCInventors: Gregory Nobutaka Nakanishi, Kwoktung Brian Lo, Ken Haase
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Patent number: 12058189Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for establishing a context-centric shared-viewing party. A processor in a network server may determine content for shared viewing based on inputs received from a user via a user device, and select a context participant group. Each of the user and participants in the selected group may share a commonality with the other participants in that group. The processor may receive complementary context from at least one or more of the user device or user devices of participants in the selected group. The processor may generate a context stream based on the received contextualized content, and send the context stream to the user device.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2021Date of Patent: August 6, 2024Assignee: Charter Communications Operating, LLCInventor: Toby Miller
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Patent number: 11863846Abstract: A method and apparatus for publishing multimedia data, and a device and a medium are provided. The method includes: acquiring multimedia data to be published; in response to acquiring a multimedia synchronous publishing request, sending the multimedia synchronous publishing request to a second multimedia platform indicated by the multimedia synchronous publishing request, such that the second multimedia platform publishes synchronous multimedia data that is generated on the basis of the multimedia data to be published, wherein the synchronous multimedia data includes identification information of a first multimedia platform. Thus, a user can synchronously publish multimedia data at another multimedia platform by means of an original multimedia platform, and add an identifier of the original multimedia platform to the multimedia data that is published at the other multimedia platform, so as to enable a user at the other multimedia platform to be aware of the original multimedia platform.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2022Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Inventor: Qihui Gong
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Patent number: 11797262Abstract: Embodiments are described herein that provide a dedicated command device that is bonded to a zone player or zone to perform adjustments to the zone player or zone. In an example implementation, a command device receives an instruction to pair with a first playback device that is associated with a group of playback devices that includes the first playback device and at least one additional playback device. The group of playback devices is associated with at least one group variable controlling playback by the playback devices of the group. The command device receives an input to adjust a first group variable of the at least one group variable and transmits, via a wireless communications interface, a command that causes an adjustment of the first group variable for the group of playback devices.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2021Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: Sonos, Inc.Inventors: Stefan Reichert, David John McCaffree Amaranto
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Patent number: 11586415Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to generating outputs using a digital personal assistant computing control platform and machine learning. A computing platform may receive, from a digital personal assistant computing device, a first voice command input. The computing platform may then determine, via machine learning algorithms, an identifier output indicating a user associated with the first voice command input and a location output indicating a geographic location associated with the user. The computing platform may determine, via a stored calendar, an availability output indicating availability associated with the user. Based on the identifier output, the location output, and the availability output, a charitable opportunity output indicating a charitable opportunity may be determined by the computing platform and may be transmitted to a computing device associated with the charitable opportunity.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2018Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: Allstate Insurance CompanyInventors: Elizabeth C. Schreier, Jamie E. Grahn
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Patent number: 11556955Abstract: A method for identifying a simulated social media account history is provided. The method may include querying a social media account to obtain social media identification information. The querying may determine whether the account history includes one or more parameters that indicate whether the social media account is related to an automated entity or a human entity. The parameters may include at least one of less than a threshold number of friends on the account; more than a threshold frequency of historic ticket purchases per unit time; disparate location of historic ticket purchases per unit time and/or a historic record of less than a threshold reaction time to a plurality of ticket offers.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2021Date of Patent: January 17, 2023Assignee: Live Nation Entertainment, Inc.Inventors: Callum Merriman, Joshua C. Block
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Patent number: 11418359Abstract: In a packaging machine, a work station has an interior, which is surrounded by a wall and which has arranged therein a tool with at least one heating element or actor. The invention is characterized by a bus node assembly that is attached to the outside of the wall facing away from the interior and which comprises a housing cap, a circuit board and an interface connected to the circuit board and used for connection to a communication bus.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2017Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: MULTIVAC SEPP HAGGENMUELLER SE & CO. KGInventors: Elmar Ehrmann, Christian Lau, Thomas Pfalzer, Florian Felch, Claus Botzenhardt, Andreas Kurz, Michael Rädler, Thorsten Remmele
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Patent number: 11411889Abstract: A proactive networking system and method is disclosed. The network anticipates the user demands in advance and utilizes this predictive ability to reduce the peak to average ratio of the wireless traffic and yield significant savings in the required resources to guarantee certain Quality of Service (QoS) metrics. The system and method focuses on the existing cellular architecture and involves the design and analysis of learning algorithms, predictive resource allocation strategies, and incentive techniques to maximize the efficiency of proactive cellular networks. The system and method further involve proactive peer-to-peer (P2P) overlaying, which leverages the spatial and social structure of the network. Machine learning techniques are applied to find the optimal tradeoff between predictions that result in content being retrieved that the user ultimately never requests, and requests that are not anticipated in a timely manner.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2020Date of Patent: August 9, 2022Assignee: OHIO STATE INNOVATION FOUNDATIONInventors: Hesham El Gamal, Atilla Eryilmaz, Giuseppe Caire, Fei Sha, Margaret McLaughlin
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Patent number: 11140456Abstract: A communication network, comprising a video server, adapted to generate a multicast video signal, and a first router is provided. The communication network is operated by a first communication provider. The first router is adapted to receive the multicast video signal, generate a plurality of unicast video signals from the multicast video signal, and provide each of the plurality of unicast video signals to one of a plurality of user devices, connected to a first further communication network, through at least a first further router, which is part of the first further communication network. The first further communication network is operated by a second communication provider.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2019Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.Inventors: Fang Gao, Weidong Li, Minwei Jin
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Patent number: 11044440Abstract: A Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) gateway splitter that includes a directional coupler (including a first transmission path and a second transmission path), a gateway port and a cable television (CATV) input port each electrically connected to the first transmission path, and a MoCA port electrically connected to the second transmission path such that the MoCA port is isolated from the CATV input port and coupled to the gateway port. Multiple MoCA ports may be electrically connected to the second transmission path (e.g., via a resistive splitter). The second transmission path may be electrically connected to ground. The MoCA gateway splitter may include multiple (e.g., two or three) gateway ports, each electrically connected to the CATV input port via a directional coupler (and, e.g., one or more hybrid splitters). In those embodiments, each directional coupler may be electrically connected to the MoCA port(s), for example, via a common microstrip node.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2020Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: Times Fiber Communications, Inc.Inventors: Brian J. Shapson, Robert L. Romerein, Rong Hui Li, Hai Qun Hong
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Patent number: 11019215Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a communication device having a controller to retrieve from an address book a communication identifier for each of a plurality of participants, determine from the address book a conferencing type for each of the plurality of participants, and initiate according to the conference type and the communication identifier of each participant a Voice over Internet Protocol conference call directed to communication devices of the plurality of participants. Other embodiments are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2019Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: Lyft, Inc.Inventors: Anup D. Karnalkar, R. Tyler Wallis, William S. Robbins, Susan Steele, Mark Ryan
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Patent number: 10979270Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for transmitting signals with a high data rate. In some implementations, an apparatus includes a first digital signal processor outputting first data at a first data rate. A second digital signal processor outputting second data at a second data rate. A filter circuitry receiving and up-sampling the first and second data. Additionally, the apparatus includes a combiner circuit that receives the first up-sampled data and the second up-sampled data, the combiner circuit combining the first and second up-sampled data to provide a multiplexed output, the multiplexed output having a third data rate that is greater than the first data rate or the second data rate.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2019Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: Infinera CorporationInventors: Han Sun, Avid Lemus, Ahmed Awadalla, Kuang-Tsan Wu
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Patent number: 10812865Abstract: Embodiments described herein enable a media device to be controlled from any location via a network-based device. For example, a user, using a control device, initiates a command that identifies media content to be streamed by the media device. The command is transmitted to a proxy device coupled to the media device and a network-based device. The proxy device transmits the command to the network-based device, which translates the command into a format compatible with the media device. The translated command is transmitted to the proxy device, which transmits the translated command to the media device. The media device streams the media content based on the received translated command. Alternatively, the control device and the proxy device are integrated as a single device, which generates and transmits the command to the network-based device, receives the translated command from the network-based device, and transmits the translated command to the media device.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2018Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: Caavo IncInventors: Ashish D. Aggarwal, Vinod K. Gopinath, Sharath H. Satheesh, Bitto Niclavose
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Patent number: 10484903Abstract: A method for providing a bearer service in a communications system is disclosed. The method includes establishing a radio bearer service between a network apparatus and a user terminal, for transmitting messages over an air interface, such that a point-to-point radio bearer is to be used for transmitting unicast messages and its associated shared point-to-multipoint broadcast radio bearer in downlink is to be used for transmitting one or more of broadcast and multicast messages from a local IP network via the network apparatus to user terminals. Messages received from the point-to-point radio bearer and its associated point-to-multipoint broadcast radio bearer in downlink are combinable in the user terminal to a single connection emulating one or more of a broadcast and multicast capable media respectively over the air interface.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2011Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: Nokia Solutions and Networks OyInventors: Matti Einari Laitila, Seppo Ilmari Vesterinen
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Patent number: 10484190Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for managing channels in an open data ecosystem. A method includes providing one or more graphical user interfaces to a first user of an open data ecosystem. The open data ecosystem includes a plurality of public channels and a plurality of private channels. The users of the open data ecosystem are able to receive messages on each of the plurality of public channels. The method also includes receiving first user input from the first user via the one or more graphical user interfaces. The method further includes configuring one or more channels of the plurality of public channels or the plurality of private channels based on the first user input received from the first user via the one or more graphical user interfaces.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2018Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: SATORI WORLDWIDE, LLCInventors: Gabriel Leydon, Francois Orsini, Steven Brooks, Winnie Tseng-Mueller, Boaz Sedan, Cynthia Chu, Anton Koinov, Sarit Arcushin-Yaakobovitz
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Patent number: 10477279Abstract: A method and system for providing a content notification for a set-top box is disclosed. An embodiment is disclosed that receives security information at a web portal and the security information has identification information for a user assigned to a set-top box, services a request to create a content notification preference for the set-top box at the web portal in response to successful entry of security information, determines media content received by the set-top box and the media content selected for display, determines the content notification preference associated with the set-top box, the content notification preference has a content notification rule to monitor media content received by the set-top box, and sends a content notification to a recipient based on the content notification preference.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2017Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLCInventors: Michael Goergen, Gary W. LaFreniere, David Emerson, David Rondeau
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Patent number: 10476917Abstract: A system includes: a computerized appliance having a processor; and software executing on the computerized appliance from a non-transitory physical medium, the software providing: establishment of a communication session over a network between two or more end communications appliances; detection and recording of at least media channel capabilities on individual end communications appliances connected in the session; service of media channel toggle options to end communications appliances; detection of media channel toggle option selections made by users operating the end communications appliances; and implementation of the media channel toggle option or options selected for individual communications sessions.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2016Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Inventors: Vincent Pirat, Frederic Thomas, Boris Nicolas, Herbert W. A. Ristock, Philippe Rais
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Patent number: 10299005Abstract: Linear content holds great value to consumers, and by delivering it to consumers on demand, service providers can improve the user experience for their consumers. A consumer requests linear on demand content by selecting channels and time ranges or content items, or bundles thereof, which the service provider broadcasts as linear content. The requested content is broadcast, and repackaged as an unbroken block of content for the consumer during the requested time range or the duration of the content item. By repackaging the linear on demand content, the service provider may provide greater options to consumers without significantly increasing the amount of bandwidth used in its network to deliver that content. Channel guides and viewing features are tailored for the requested content to further improve the user experience.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2016Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: COX COMMUNICATIONS, INC.Inventors: Ray Killick, Muhammad Asif Raza
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Patent number: 10187167Abstract: A system and method for testing multiple set-top boxes. One of the multiple set-top boxes is engaged in a testing platform of the test fixture. The testing platform includes an adapter for interfacing the set-top box with the test fixture. The multiple set-top boxes are automatically tested in parallel. Test results for each of the multiple set-top boxes are measured. The test results for each of the multiple set-top boxes are displayed to a user.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2011Date of Patent: January 22, 2019Assignee: FEDEX SUPPLY CHAIN LOGISTICS & ELECTRONICS, INC.Inventor: Jimmie Paul Partee
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Patent number: 10142387Abstract: In one embodiment, an encapsulator device receives a source stream of encoded packets in a first transport format and converts the source stream to packets of an output stream in a second transport format for communication over a data network. The encapsulator device generates a mapping stream with information indicating which packets in the source stream are used to generate the output stream. The output stream of the encapsulator device is coordinated with the output stream of other encapsulator devices by sending the mapping stream to the other encapsulator devices in the network. The other encapsulator devices use the mapping stream to generate identical output streams.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2015Date of Patent: November 27, 2018Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.Inventors: Ali C. Begen, William C. Ver Steeg
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Patent number: 10121512Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for generating a coordinated presentation. Content selected by a user is curated, and a plurality of images are captured for inclusion. A first data stream for the curated content and a second data stream for the captured images are received. A portion of a subject within each second data stream image is defined. An appearance of movement is tracked, and at least some of the plurality of images in the second data stream is modified. The respective content associated with the two data streams is integrated, including the modified at least some of the plurality of images, to generate the coordinated presentation that is capable of transmission to and receipt by one or more remote devices, and wherein the coordinated presentation is configured to enable interaction with at least a portion of the curated content at each of the one or more remote devices.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2017Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: TOUCHCAST LLCInventors: Edo Segal, Dmytro Panin
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Patent number: 10097418Abstract: Discovering nodes of a network is disclosed. A multicast group of the network is sent an Internet Protocol multicast packet that requires a receiver of the packet to provide a response packet. One or more Internet Control Message Protocol replies from one or more nodes that belong to the multicast group are received. A listing of nodes of the network is determined using the one or more received replies.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2016Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: Palo Alto Networks, Inc.Inventor: Robert Seger
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Patent number: 10057617Abstract: A video aggregation system presents video contents items to multiple users. A first feed, a second feed, and a third feed are acquired. The aggregation system presents content items of the first feed, the second feed, and the third feed in a first sequence to a first user. The aggregation system presents content items of the first feed, the second feed, and the third feed in a second sequence to a second user. In some embodiments, the first sequence and/or the second sequence are based on subscription to content of the first user and/or the second user.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2016Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: Frequency IP Holdings, LLCInventors: Michael M. Gordon, Blair R. R. Harrison, Adrian K. Roston
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Patent number: 10021437Abstract: A method and system for suspending channel signals includes a network, a plurality of terminals in communication with the network and a receiving unit in communication with the plurality of terminals through the network. The receiving unit receives a channel signal and communicates the channel signal to the plurality of terminals through the network. The receiving unit monitors inactivity at the plurality of user terminals. The receiving unit discontinues distributing the channel signal when channel inactivity is determined by monitoring the plurality of user terminals.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2008Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventor: Richard B. Tatem
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Patent number: 10021454Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, receiving reaction information from one or more sensors located at a second location that is representative of a reaction by a second user at the second location to the presentation of the personalized content, analyzing the reaction information to determine a response based at least in part on trait information associated with different first users, selecting a second portion of the recorded segments based on a comparison of the determined response with a context identified for each of received recorded segments, and adjusting personalized content to include the selected second portion of the recorded segments. Other embodiments are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2016Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventors: James Fan, David Feng-Lin Chen, Richard Kuo, Jennifer K. Lam
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Patent number: 9912997Abstract: Methods and systems for toggling between media content that is provided from a content service provider and displayed on a display. The systems and methods prospectively determine a variety of content that may be of interest to the user and that will air at some point in the future. This includes different content that will be available at the same time. The systems and methods also determine toggle types and toggle triggers for the content. The occurrence of a toggle trigger while first content is being displayed results in switching the display to a different second content. The prospective content and associated toggle types and triggers are determined based on gathered information about the user.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2015Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Inventor: Darryl Adderly
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Patent number: 9763061Abstract: Router nodes of a wireless network deliver layer-3 multicast packets to subscribing end devices. In an embodiment, upon receiving a layer-3 multicast packet, a router determines a source that originated the layer-3 multicast packet. The router broadcasts at L2-level, the layer-3 multicast packet only if either one of a first condition and a second condition is satisfied. The first condition is satisfied only if (A) the source is not a descendant node of the router node according to the hierarchy, (B) the layer-3 multicast packet is received from a parent node, and (C) the layer-3 multicast address is subscribed to by a descendant of the router node. The second condition is satisfied only if (A) the source is a descendant of the router node, and (B) the layer-3 multicast packet is received from a child node according to the hierarchy, the source being reachable from the child node.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2015Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: GainSpan CorporationInventor: Sibasis Purohit
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Patent number: 9716984Abstract: A router node according to an aspect of the present disclosure maintains multicast information indicating child nodes registered for respective multicasts, while operating in a non-storing mode along with other router nodes of a wireless network for processing unicast packets. Upon receiving a layer-3 multicast packet, the router node examines the multicast information to identify a set of child nodes registered for the corresponding multicast. The router node thereafter unicasts, at L2-level, the layer-3 multicast packet to each child node of the set of child nodes. In an embodiment, the router node participates in a routing protocol (e.g., RPL) to form a hierarchy of nodes constituting the wireless network, with the hierarchy containing a root node and a set of end devices as leaf nodes.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2015Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: GainSpan CorporationInventor: Sibasis Purohit
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Patent number: 9666231Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for generating a coordinated presentation. Content selected by a user is curated for inclusion in the coordinated presentation, and a plurality of images are captured for inclusion in the coordinated presentation. A first data stream associated with the curated content and a second data stream associated with the captured images are received, and a first arrangement of content associated with at least some of the first and second data streams are output. Telemetry information associated with at least one of a gyroscope and accelerometer is processed and at least some of the curated content is modified in accordance with at least some of the telemetry information and/or at least one of the plurality of images comprised in the second data stream. Further, respective content associated the two data streams are integrated to generate the coordinated presentation.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2015Date of Patent: May 30, 2017Assignee: TOUCHCAST LLCInventors: Edo Segal, Dmytro Panin
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Patent number: 9565481Abstract: A method for notifying a viewer of content relevant to the viewer's interests is provided. A computer identifies an identity of a viewer of a display device, wherein the display device is displaying a first video feed. A computer retrieves a profile of the viewer, wherein the profile includes a plurality of preferences of the viewer. A computer, in response to a determination that a content of a second video feed that is available for viewing on the display device matches at least one of the plurality of preferences of the viewer, generates a notification of the second video feed. A computer, in response to receiving an acceptance of the notification, sends a command to the display device to display the second video feed.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2015Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: James E. Bostick, John M. Ganci, Jr., Martin G. Keen, Sarbajit K. Rakshit, Craig M. Trim
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Patent number: 9544259Abstract: An apparatus and method for dynamic streaming of multimedia files are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a computer-implemented method comprises receiving a list of multimedia files meeting one or more criteria. One or more priority processes are applied to the list. The priority processes include time constraint filtering and bandwidth constraint filtering. A playlist is dynamically generated from the list according to the one or more priority processes, wherein the playlist is a single virtual multimedia file.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2007Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: Open Invention Network, LLCInventors: Geetha Chaney, Scirocco M. Six, Sterling Mace, Rajeev Raman
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Patent number: 9473819Abstract: A method for notifying a viewer of content relevant to the viewer's interests is provided. A computer identifies an identity of a viewer of a display device, wherein the display device is displaying a first video feed. A computer determines a plurality of preferences of the viewer. A computer retrieves a profile of the viewer, wherein the profile includes the plurality of preferences of the viewer. In response to a determination that a content of a second video feed that is available for viewing on the display device matches at least one of the plurality of preferences of the viewer, a computer generates a notification of the second video feed. In response to receiving an acceptance of the notification, a computer sends a command to the display device to display the second video feed.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2016Date of Patent: October 18, 2016Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: James E. Bostick, John M. Ganci, Jr., Martin G. Keen, Sarbajit K. Rakshit, Craig M. Trim
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Patent number: 9465868Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a technique that can facilitate setting of an object, such as a favorite team. An information output device includes a database that associates and stores a region on a map and a sport team related to the region, a position acquisition unit that acquires a position of a self-vehicle, and a favorite team setting processing unit that sets a favorite team from among sport teams. Moreover, the information output device includes a determination processing unit that specifies the region corresponding to the self-vehicle position acquired by the position acquisition unit and determines the sport team associated with the specified region in the database as an object to be set by the favorite team setting processing unit or a candidate for the object.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2012Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATIONInventors: Kazushi Uotani, Masahito Matsumoto, Makoto Oi, Mitsuo Shimotani
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Patent number: 9419862Abstract: A method in an example embodiment can include polling a first cable modem in a cable network and receiving a first response message from the first cable modem identifying a downstream frequency detected by the first cable modem. The method further includes determining the downstream frequency is split between at least two fiber nodes and determining a cable modem termination system (CMTS) service group topology, where the topology includes the at least two fiber nodes. In specific embodiments, determining that the downstream frequency is split is based on at least the first response message from the first cable modem and a second response message from a second cable modem. In more specific embodiments, the method includes constructing a hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) topology map of the cable network based on at least the first and second response messages, where the HFC topology map indicates the CMTS service group topology.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2015Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Rajiv Asati, Alon Bernstein, John T. Chapman
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Patent number: 9398336Abstract: Methods and apparatus for selecting digital (network) interface technology for programming and data delivery over, e.g., a content-based network. In one embodiment, the network comprises an HFC cable or satellite network that includes a server process interfacing with a plurality of customer premises equipment (CPE), and/or associated client devices, each having different capabilities profiles. The server determines the one or more capabilities possessed by the CPE, and evaluates one or more program or content choices for possible delivery to that CPE based on its profile. The server generates a list of programs or content based on this evaluation, and transmits this list to the CPE, which displays the list for viewing by a user. The user is therefore offered a list of available content that is compatible with their specific configuration.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2014Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Jeffrey P. Markley, Charles A. Hasek
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Patent number: 9351018Abstract: A method for receiving a viewing-restricted channel is disclosed. In one embodiment of the present invention, if a user makes a request for receiving a viewing-restricted channel, a command requesting decoding and transmitting broadcast signals of the viewing-restricted channel is generated and transmitted to a broadcast receiver equipped with a CAS module through a network, and broadcast data decoded at the broadcast receiver is received through the network and played after being processed as audio/video signals. If broadcast signals transcoded in a different bit rate at the broadcast receiver is received, the transcoded broadcast data can be decoded in an appropriate way and played.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2011Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: Humax Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jungmin Lyu
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Patent number: 9344760Abstract: Provided is an information processing apparatus including a communication unit for receiving, from an external device, degree-of-attention information including information on a degree of attention, for each part of first content, calculated based on a state of viewing of a user, and a priority information generation unit for generating, using the degree-of-attention information, priority information including information on a priority for viewing for each part of second content. The communication unit transmits the priority information to the external device.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2015Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: SONY CORPORATIONInventor: Shingo Tsurumi
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Patent number: 9225940Abstract: With regard to the exemplary method, a first communication is received from an IPTV subscriber at an IPTV application server via the subscriber's Web-accessible device. The server accesses level of service data for the subscriber and displays a new Web page based on the level of service data. The Web page includes a list of applicable channels. The server also determines whether the subscriber has a set-top box that is powered on. Where the subscriber does have a set-top box and the set-top box is powered off, data received from the subscriber is saved in the database. Where the subscriber does have a set-top box and the set-top box is powered on, the subscriber is allowed to perform a switching function for each applicable and currently viewable channel on a search result list. Finally, a signal to the set-top box to change the channel.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2008Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: Alcatel LucentInventors: Suzann Hua, Ahmed Zaki
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Patent number: 9113211Abstract: Various methods, systems, and apparatuses can be used to consolidate unicast video streams into multicast video streams. In some implementations, a skewing window associated with multiple unicast video streams for a video can be identified using a maximum skewing rate and a program duration, and a multicast stream for the video can be generated based on the skewing window. The unicast video streams can then be skewed and merged with the multicast stream.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2012Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: ARRIS Technology, Inc.Inventor: William Turner Hanks
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Patent number: 9043854Abstract: A method of provisioning a set-top box (STB) with a provisioning server is disclosed. In the method, a provisioning request is received from a STB, where the provisioning request includes a provisioning stream identifier, an authorization server identifier, and a STB address. The provisioning server requests a provisioning system generate a configuration for the STB, where the configuration includes a channel map and basic code. The provisioning server receives the configuration from the provisioning system. The provisioning server prepares provisioning information, including the configuration for the STB and sends the provisioning information to the STB using the identifier for the STB.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2009Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: ARRIS Technology, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Poli, David H. Brouda, Glen P. Goffin, Robert E. Mack
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Patent number: 9032453Abstract: A multiplexed transport interface (MTSIF) may be utilized during communication between a demodulation module and a video processing system-on-chip (SoC). The MTSIF may enable concurrent demodulation of a plurality of input modulated video streams, via a plurality of demodulator chips within the demodulation module, by multiplexing data generated by the demodulator chips via the MTSIF during communication between the demodulator module and the video processing SoC. The MTSIF may also be utilized for communicating control signals, which may be used in controlling and/or managing operations of the demodulation module, the video processing SoC, and/or the MTSIF. Communication via the MTSIF may be synchronized. Packets communicated via the MTSIF may be timestamped. Timestamp counters may be used in the demodulation module and the video processing SoC to generate and/or track timestamps in communicated packets. The timestamp counter may be synchronized, using control signals communicated via the MTSIF.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2013Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventors: Rajesh Mamidwar, Stephen Edward Krafft
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Patent number: 9032460Abstract: A method of operating a first networking device includes receiving, from a media server, a cable length request message. The cable length request message includes data indicative of a length of a first networking cable arranged between the media server and the first networking device. The method includes determining a cumulative cable length based on the length of the first networking cable and a length of a second networking cable arranged between the first networking device and a media client. The method includes, in response to presence of a second networking device between the first networking device and the media client, sending a further cable length request message to the second networking device indicating the cumulative cable length. The method includes, in response to absence of the second networking device, sending a cable length response message to the media server indicating the cumulative cable length.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2013Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.Inventor: Raghu Kondapalli
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Patent number: 9032452Abstract: An approach is provided for simulating a connection to a head-end system to enable execution of content and features of a set-top box. A simulation platform stores a plurality of control data signals associated with a head-end system. In response to a determined loss of connectivity to the head-end system, the platform invokes a head-end simulation process using the control data signals, including timing information, dynamic data and channel map data.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2011Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.Inventors: Arjun Baskaran, Padmakumar Rajan, Mariappan Chellam, Brian E. Bond
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Patent number: 9009755Abstract: The disclosure provides a match-rule based service message transfer method and system in the IPTV, to address the problems in the IPTV message system of message storing and backlog, low push efficiency and poor usability. In the disclosure, match fields are arranged in a set-top box and a service message to be sent, the service message is sent by means of broadcast or multicast, the set-top box performs matching for the match fields based on the match rule, and filters the message. The disclosure avoids sending a service message by means of unicast, increases the push efficiency and can greatly reduce the storage load of offline messages in a message system. The formed message may be sent according to a single or combined policy which depends on a specific service attribute, thereby greatly facilitating the service operation.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2011Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: ZTE CorporationInventors: Jianhua Kong, Bin Yang, Liming Zhou
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Patent number: 9003470Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying received data, analyze the quality of the displayed data formulating a media-parameter suggestion for the encoder to alter the characteristics of data to be sent to the receiver, and sending from the receiver, the formulated suggestion.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2013Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, L.P.Inventors: Andrea Basso, Erich Haratsch, Barin Geoffry Haskell, Joern Ostermann
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Publication number: 20150089563Abstract: A communication management apparatus is provided which includes: a start request acceptance unit configured to accept a request to start a program from a terminal; a query unit configured to query the program whether communication with the terminal is available upon acceptance of the start request; and a response transmission unit configured to transmit to the terminal, in response to the start request therefrom, a message indicating whether communication is available between the program and the terminal as a result of the query about the availability of communication therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2014Publication date: March 26, 2015Inventors: Daisuke Kurata, Shunichi Soma
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Patent number: 8990850Abstract: A system and method for providing personal broadcast channels are provided. In one embodiment, one or more users interact with a local broadcast agent hosted by a local server to define profiles for a number of personal broadcast channels. The profiles include information identifying types of content to be broadcast on the personal broadcast channels and optionally formats for the personal broadcast channels. Based on the profiles for the personal broadcast channels, the local broadcast agent generates a request for content types desired for the personal broadcast channels and provides the request to a content distribution agent hosted by a master server. Based on content provided to the local server in response to the request and the profiles of the personal broadcast channels, the local broadcast agent generates the local broadcast channels.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2013Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Qurio Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Gregory M. Evans, James Evans, Richard J. Walsh
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Patent number: 8984555Abstract: There is provided a display device including a signal receiving unit for receiving a video signal from an external device via a transmission path through a plurality of channels using a differential signal, an information receiving unit for receiving program information from the external device using a bidirectional communication path including predetermined lines of the transmission path, an image display unit for displaying images on image display elements based on the video signal received by the signal receiving unit, and a program information display unit for displaying the program information on the image display elements based on the program information received by the information receiving unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignees: Sony Espana S.A., Sony CorporationInventors: Ichiro Sato, Yasuhisa Nakajima