User-requested Video Program System Patents (Class 725/86)
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Patent number: 9027063Abstract: The present invention provides for closed loop multimedia content management systems and methods to ensure accurate and timely delivery of VOD content from multiple content providers using multiple distribution systems. The present invention provides for a method of distributing multimedia content using a VOD management system by receiving a multimedia asset data file and associated metadata from a content provider and/or a MSO, tracking the delivery of the multimedia asset data file to a MSO, tracking the upload of the multimedia asset data file to a VOD server maintained by the MSO, and providing usage reports relating to usage of multimedia asset data files by end users of the MSO. Usage reports are prepared by receiving data from the VOD servers regarding the files requested by end users, creating a master reporting database using that data, and generating the usage reports using the data contained in the master reporting database.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2003Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Deluxe Digital Distribution Inc.Inventors: Richard C. Fickle, José A. Róyo, Timothy Bruce Aron
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Patent number: 9015780Abstract: A video transmission system includes a video server module that selectively operates in a unicast mode and a multicast mode, wherein the video server module generates a video signal that includes a unicast video signal when the video server module is in the unicast mode and that includes a multicast video signal when the video server module is in the multicast mode. A wireless access device transmits the video signal to at least one mobile video device.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2008Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventors: Jeyhan Karaoguz, Sherman (Xuemin) Chen, Michael Dove, David Rosmann, Thomas J. Quigley, Stephen E. Gordon
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Patent number: 9015773Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving a broadcast signal. The method for receiving a broadcast signal comprises: generating a broadcast stream including at least one program; generating first program table information that represents the broadcast stream; receiving non-real time (NRT) service schedule information; generating second program table information that represents the NRT service, in accordance with the received NRT service schedule information; configuring a stream including the broadcast stream, the 1st program table information and the second program table information; and transmitting the stream.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2010Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventor: Kwansuk Kim
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Patent number: 9015778Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a system having a controller to present an overlay that is combined with a presentation of media content at each of a plurality of computing devices to illustrate a collection of one or more user-generated comments temporally associated with portions of the presented media content such as portions of a media on demand presentation, collect one or more user-generated comments from each of the plurality of computing devices, and present the one or more user-generated comments from each of the plurality of computing devices as part of a video on demand catalog. Other embodiments are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2009Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I. LPInventors: Linda Roberts, E-Lee Chang, Ja-Young Sung, Natasha Barrett Schultz, Robert Arthur King
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Patent number: 9009760Abstract: A system may send a request for video content to a server device; obtain, in response to the request, control information, associated with the video content, where the control information may include one or more digital versatile disc (DVD) features that correspond to one or more portions of the video content; and present the control information, for display, via a user interface, where presenting the control information for display may enable a user, of the video client device, to interact with the control information as though the video content was being played by a DVD player. The system may also receive selection of a DVD feature, of the one or more DVD features; and obtain, from the server device, a portion of the video content, of the one or more portions of the video content, that begins at a point that corresponds to the selected DVD feature.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2011Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.Inventors: Srirama Kalidindi, Sanjay Ahuja
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Patent number: 9008721Abstract: There is provided a broadcast reception mobile terminal capable of improving both electric power saving and user-friendliness includes a broadcast reception mobile terminal that is constructed to be foldable as a result of a lid body arranged to be rotated with respect to a main body, and includes a main LCD panel (202a) on an inner surface side of the lid body and a sub LCD panel (202b) on an outer surface side of the lid body. A CPU (209) detects that the lid body is opened or closed by a signal from an opening/closing detection switch. In addition, the CPU (209) obtains from an earphone connector (203) information indicating whether or not an earphone is connected. In a case that the CPU (209) detects the lid body being closed during television viewing on the main LCD panel (202a), and performing a TVOFF process if the earphone is not connected, and stopping video display but continuing output of received audio if the earphone is connected.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2014Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Kyocera CorporationInventor: Ichiro Kajitani
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Patent number: 9009764Abstract: Systems, methods, and receiver devices enable broadcasters with restricted content license areas (e.g., Designated Market Areas (“DMAs”) to distribute content via Over the Top (“OTT”) IP networks. Embodiments enable client reporting and authentication as well as broadcast content encryption. In an embodiment, information from the client may be reported back to the broadcasters, such as a view history/use report. In an embodiment, hand off between DMAs may be enabled. In an embodiment, local advertisement insertion in network content may be enabled. Embodiments may enable Multicast-Broadcast Single Frequency Network (“MBSFN”) operation across DMA boundaries.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Gordon Kent Walker, Charles N. Lo, Jun Wang, Daphna Zeilingold, Joseph P. Barone, Ed O. Tiongson
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Patent number: 9003472Abstract: Method and arrangements for providing personal media content of a first user (A) to a device used by a second user (B). A personal TV channel is created (1:1) for the first user as a program with media content by an IPTV portal (100) in a device used by the first user. The created personal TV channel is published (1:2) and stored (1:3) at an IPTV server (104) serving the first and second users. Then, the personal TV channel is introduced (1:7) as an available channel in an electronic program guide (EPG) provided by the IPTV server to the device (104) of the second user. When the second user selects the personal TV channel from his/her electronic program guide, the program with media content is delivered (1:8) from the IPTV server to the second users device.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2009Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (publ)Inventor: Ola Andersson
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Patent number: 8997160Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for adapting playback bit rate in a content delivery system based on scene complexity of the video content as well as network conditions and other performance factors. A scene complexity map of the video content indicates the complexity levels of different scenes within the video content. Using the scene complexity map, a content player may download scenes of lower scene complexity levels from video streams encoded to lower bit rates to manage the bandwidth consumed to download the video content and allow for the downloading of scenes of higher complexity levels from video streams encoded to higher bit rates.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2011Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Netflix, Inc.Inventor: Neil D. Hunt
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Patent number: 8996409Abstract: Systems and methods for mediation of online trading services are provided. Supplemental content related to a content title may be listed in a market or store for content. A client device sends a mediated communication to a trading server; the mediated communication may include mediation data and a request concerning the transfer of supplemental content. A user account associated with the client device is identified and the supplemental content may then be assigned to the user account. A report regarding activity associated with the assignment of the supplemental content may be generated in accordance with mediation data.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2010Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.Inventors: Vivek Chopra, David Gaxiola, Nicholas Szeto, Hirotoshi Maegawa, Shin Iima
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Patent number: 8989561Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein in relation to notifications about alternative viewing opportunities for recording and playback of media programs. In particular, the systems and methods provide users with information related to alternative recorded programming viewing opportunities for programs scheduled for recording by a user.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2008Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.Inventor: Jon P. Radloff
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Patent number: 8990408Abstract: Control information may be provided to a server by a computing device before or while the computing device sends a media stream to the server. The control information is associated with processing of the media stream by the media server. When the computing device is not sending the media stream to the media server, the computing device may send the control information to the media server while establishing a connection with the media server. When the computing device is sending the media stream to the media server, the computing device may send the control information without interrupting communication of the media stream to the media server. For example, the control information may be embedded into the media stream or may be sent via a separate connection to the media server.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2014Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Wowza Media Systems, LLCInventor: Barry Owen
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Patent number: 8988495Abstract: A method for controlling an image display apparatus includes determining a type of a video signal included in an input signal, determining whether three-dimensional (3D) format information is included in the input signal, if the video signal is a 3D video signal, requesting 3D format information about the video signal to a server that stores 3D format information, if the input signal does not include the 3D format information about the video signal, and processing, upon receipt of 3D format information from the server in response to the 3D format information request, the video signal according to the 3D format information and displaying a 3D image based on the processed video signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2010Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: LG Eletronics Inc.Inventor: Jeongsim Kim
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Patent number: 8990870Abstract: While receiving content from a source via a first connection, a receiver determines the connection is interrupted, selects an alternative source, and continues to receive the content from the alternative source via a second connection. In some implementations, the alternative source may be a server. In implementations, the alternative source may be additional receivers configured in a peer-to-peer arrangement. In various implementations, after the receiver determines that the first connection is interrupted, the receiver may utilize the second connection until finished receiving the content, continue receiving the content utilizing the first connection once no longer interrupted, or determine that the second connection is interrupted and select an additional alternative source to continue receiving the content from via a third connection.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2011Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.Inventor: Mi Chen
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Patent number: 8984570Abstract: A method and an apparatus for supporting time shift playback in an adaptive Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) streaming transmission solution are disclosed. The method includes: sending a live media presentation description (MPD) request message to a media server; receiving a response message that includes MPD for a current time period, where the MPD further includes media presentation information for another time period; determining that a moment of a media segment to be requested currently exceeds a time range corresponding to the MPD; acquiring the corresponding MPD according to the media presentation information corresponding to the media segment, and requesting, according to the acquired corresponding MPD, the media segment. In this manner, a client supports time shift playback of a larger time range, and at the same time, the size of the MPD is capable of remaining in an acceptable range.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2014Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.Inventors: Peiyu Yue, Weizhong Yuan, Teng Shi, Guangyuan Liu, Yuanyuan Zhang, Yonghui Tian, Renzhou Zhang, Lingyan Wu, Chuxiong Zhang
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Patent number: 8984569Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided to support multiple audio tracks in an adaptive media stream. Segments of the adaptive stream are encoded so that the player is able to locate and request a specific one of the available audio tracks using byte range requests or the like. Audio content can be removed from video segments, or at least moved to the end of the segments so that a byte range request obtains just the video content when the default audio is not desired. The audio content can be obtained from a separate audio segment. Indeed, multiple audio tracks can be packaged into a common audio segment so that byte range requests can obtain just the particular audio track desired.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.Inventor: Mark B. Hurst
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Patent number: 8970786Abstract: A system for controlling ambient light effects comprises a receiving device including at least one processor programmed to parse incoming video content to detect at least one portion of the incoming video content and determine at least one ambient light effect to be associated with the portion of the video content. The system further comprises a home automation controller in communication with the processor and at least one lighting device in communication with the receiving device and the home automation controller. The processor of the receiving device is programmed to send a command to the home automation controller specifying the ambient light effect determined by the processor to be associated with the portion of the video content. The lighting device generates the ambient light effect specified in the command when the portion of the video content is displayed to a user.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2014Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Adam Li, Megan Farrell, Aixin Liu, Djung Nguyen
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Patent number: 8973065Abstract: Off-path admission control signaling in the presence of a network address translation (NAT) device may be provided. In response to a request for a content asset, a placeholder classifier may be created. The placeholder classifier may be used to allocate resources for providing the content asset to the client from a content server. The content server may communicate with the client, traversing the NAT device to identify a destination address and port for the client to which the content will be provided. The placeholder classifier may then be updated with the destination address and port.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2009Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.Inventors: Xiaomei Liu, John Pickens
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Patent number: 8973027Abstract: An interactive information distribution system for providing secure distribution of video-on-demand content. The interactive information distribution system includes at least one programming source for storing at least one partially encrypted video program, and a distribution center including a remote server. The remote server stores the at least one partially encrypted video program received from the at least one programming source. The remote server also processes the partially encrypted video program corresponding to a subscriber requested video program to produce a fully encrypted video program. A subscriber-side distribution network, coupled to the distribution center, causes transmission of the fully encrypted video program to the requesting subscriber.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2013Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Comcast IP Holdings I, LLCInventors: Yong Ho Son, Christopher Goode
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Publication number: 20150058899Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a server, a retry request from a media device. The retry request requests a data packet associated with video content and includes an overhead bandwidth factor corresponding to a ratio between an overhead bandwidth to be used to send the data packet in response to the retry request and a nominal bandwidth used to send video content to the media device. The method further includes, in response to the retry request, sending the data packet to the media device based on the overhead bandwidth factor.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2014Publication date: February 26, 2015Inventors: Kuo-Hui Liu, Yongdong Zhao
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Patent number: 8966571Abstract: Systems and methods modifying a presentation of media content in response to a detected violation are provided. In particular, media content such as a media stream broadcasted by a user to other users can be monitored. The broadcasted media stream can be fingerprinted and compared to a fingerprint repository that includes entries associated with media content that is copyrighted or otherwise considered a violation. If the fingerprint matches entries included in the fingerprint repository, then the media stream can be modified such as modified to terminate.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2012Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Google Inc.Inventor: Johan Georg Granström
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Patent number: 8966015Abstract: A system supporting the remote management of options related to media consumption in a media exchange network. A system may comprise a set top box communicatively coupled to a television display and storage. The set top box may be used for the consumption of media via a communication network. In such a system, server software may enable the remote modification, via a communication network, of options related to the consumption of media by a user of the set top box. The media consumed may be one or more of digital audio, a digital still image, digital video, and digital data. Other aspects may be seen in a personal computer monitor and personal computer circuitry, communicatively coupled to a storage and a communication network. A system may also enable the modification of TV viewing options via a telephone voice response system.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2013Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventors: Jeyhan Karaoguz, James D. Bennett
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Publication number: 20150052567Abstract: An apparatus for requesting black box images over a digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) network, and an apparatus and method for searching black box images are disclosed. The apparatus for requesting black box images over a DMB network includes a request generation unit, an encoding unit, and a request transmission unit. The request generation unit generates information about a request for black box images to be collected. The encoding unit encodes the generated image request information into format suitable for transmission via a DMB data broadcast. The request transmission unit transmits the encoded image request information to apparatuses for searching black box images mounted on one or more vehicles through DMB broadcasting centers.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2014Publication date: February 19, 2015Inventor: Juwan KIM
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Patent number: 8959099Abstract: Techniques described herein enable searching for multimedia content and for downloading or scheduling the recording of the multimedia content. The multimedia content may have been previously stored on one or more databases. The client device may download or schedule the recording of multimedia content in one step, for example, in one touch. When desired multimedia content is not available, the multimedia content is added to the client device's wish list. When the client device's does not have a wish list, the client device's wish list may be created on the spot. During the scheduling of the recording, a tag associated with the multimedia content is checked to determine whether the multimedia content is live or delayed. When the tag indicates the multimedia content is live or delayed, the client device prompts with a suggestion to add extra time to the end of the recording of the multimedia content.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2012Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: TiVo Inc.Inventors: Robert F. Poniatowski, Shelly Glennon, Brian Beach, Marcel Dubois
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Patent number: 8959244Abstract: In a system for streaming data over a network, the type and rate of streaming are automatically varied based on available network bandwidth. Video media is transcoded into different bit rate encodings that are divided into segment files. Segments are sent from a network-aware adaptive streaming (NAAS) server and reassembled and presented to a media player at a client device. The system may download additional segment files ahead of time from multiple NAAS servers to increase throughput. A playback status (“bookmark”) may be maintained to keep track of what the user has viewed and to allow the user to continue playing from where the user left off. The user may continue watching from the bookmark point on the same device or on a different device.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2011Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (Publ)Inventors: IChang Lin, Raj Nair, Chin-Cheng Wu
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Patent number: 8959557Abstract: A device and method for playing desired multimedia content when a mobile terminal (DMC) gives a command for a display device (DMR) to play a desired multimedia content in a home network service, in case that the display device is already playing a different multimedia content. The method includes searching for one or more multimedia contents, selecting one of the found multimedia contents via a user input unit, searching for at least one or more external display devices via a wireless communication unit, selecting a first display device from the found external display devices via the user input unit, and determining whether the selected multimedia content is to be played by the first display device in accordance with an ongoing or reserved job schedule of the first display device.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2011Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Jisoo Bae, Jaephil Ki
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Patent number: 8949380Abstract: A method and system for distributing images for display by client systems. A distribution system includes an image server system that is connected to image client systems via a communications link, such as the Internet. The image server system is responsible for providing image packages to the image client systems and for collecting information from the image client systems. Each image client system periodically sends a heartbeat communication to the image server system. Upon receiving a heartbeat communication, the image server system determines the state of the image client system that sent the heartbeat communication and responds appropriately. The response may include instructions for the image client system to retrieve new images, to retrieve software updates, to send usage data, and so on.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2003Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Eqapez Foundation, L.L.C.Inventors: Scott E. Lipsky, Paul Brownlow
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Patent number: 8943529Abstract: Systems, methods, and media for inhibiting the presentation of spoiler content based on requested content are provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2012Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Google Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey Arthur Kardatzke
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Patent number: 8938763Abstract: Personal content server 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. 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. Various access, business or operational rules are applied depending on the content and delivery mode; e.g., to live video broadcast, video-on-demand (VOD), or archived content from the subscriber's digital video recorder (DVR) or networked PVR. In another variant, reservation information (for example program or asset ID information) is cached at a headend or hub server, thereby obviating the subscriber (or the network) having to access the subscriber's premises device. In yet another variant, a “virtual” CPE experience is provided for the remote user.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2012Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventor: Charles A. Hasek
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Patent number: 8938765Abstract: Methods and apparatus for supporting content delivery service are described. In accordance with the invention content can be supplied to temporary storage of a regional or local server used to supply the content to a customer's premises when the requested content is not already available in the regional or local server. A content server hierarchy may be implemented with servers higher up in the hierarchy including more content, e.g., titles, than the number of titles stored in the lower level servers. By storing less frequently accessed content in servers higher in the hierarchy and frequently requested titles lower in the hierarchy, a vast number of titles can be supported without overburdening the storage available at local and regional servers. In addition, a national or other server high in the hierarchy can be used to store, move, and distribute local or other content as part of an on demand service.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2006Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLCInventors: Robert Benya, James Kasanin, Glen Hardin
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Publication number: 20150020124Abstract: Provided are a method and an apparatus for providing broadcast contents and broadcasting service provision information by employing a cloud storage control server using a cloud storage, in which the broadcast contents and the broadcasting service provision information may be provided through a communications network and a broadcasting network operated by a broadcaster and thus, various broadcast contents may be effectively provided to a broadcast content receiver, the broadcast contents may also be stored in the cloud storage and thus, security for the broadcast contents may be improved and a bulk local storage may not be required.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2014Publication date: January 15, 2015Inventors: Byung Jun BAE, Woo Suk KIM, Hun Hee LEE, Hyun Jeong YIM, Hyoung Soo LIM, Heung Mook KIM, Nam Ho HUR
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Publication number: 20150020125Abstract: The present disclosure is related to methods and systems relating to analyzing of media, such that a user may request to view additional content related to content from the analyzed media on secondary or mobile devices capable of receiving or displaying the additional content.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2014Publication date: January 15, 2015Inventor: Monica A. Adjemian
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Patent number: 8935716Abstract: A system includes a content management system having a first set of business rules for a first content including a first target and a second set of business rules for a second content including a second target. The system also includes a workflow system that receives the first and second targets. The work flow system obtains first content with a first business rule identification and second content with a second business rule identification. The content management system associates the first content with the first set of business rules and associates the second content with the second set of business rules. A processing system processes the first content to form first processed content in response to the first business rules and processes the second content to form second processed content in response to the second business rules. A content repository stores the first and second processed content.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2012Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.Inventor: Ranny Q. Sue
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Patent number: 8935736Abstract: A channel switching method, a channel switching device, and a channel switching system are provided. The method includes that: a network buffer apparatus determines whether a buffered video stream burst in unicast is synchronous with a channel video stream pushed by a network node to a client in multicast; notifies the client of sending a request for joining a multicast group, so as to implement fast channel switching; and dynamically adjusts the speed of pushing the video stream in unicast, so that the number of concurrent connections of the client and the channel switching efficiency are increased, and the deployment and operation cost of an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) system is decreased. In this case, the channel switching scheme achieves universality and expandability, and the level of user experience is improved.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2011Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.Inventors: Peilin Yang, Jun Li, Xia Qin
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Patent number: 8935363Abstract: A system and method that transmits multimedia content over a long distance through network for prompt display of the transmitted multimedia content, wherein multimedia content are encoded into streaming format data files that enables smooth transmission and continuous display of multimedia content, said streaming format reflects inherent temporal characteristic of multimedia content, said streaming data files are arranged in a way that allows access and retrieval through hypertext transfer protocol, or HTTP, and the transmission of multimedia content is regulated in a way that adapts to the inherent characteristics and/or real-time traffic condition of the network or display progress.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2009Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: Streamocean, Inc.Inventors: Joanna Zang, Qiang Huang, Xuelin Cao, Bo Tian
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Patent number: 8935425Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure generally relate to a method of retrieving video data of multimedia content. In an example, the method includes determining a first interval between switch points for a first representation of the multimedia content and a second interval between switch points for a second representation of the multimedia content, wherein the first interval is less than the second interval. The method also includes, based on the determination, submitting one or more network requests for an amount of video data from the first representation that has a playback time that is at least equal to a playback time between switch points in the second representation. The method also includes, after submitting the request for the amount of video data from the first representation, retrieving video data from the second representation.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2012Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Lorenz Christoph Minder, Michael George Luby
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Patent number: 8935718Abstract: System and method for managing distribution of content such as television programs to portable multi-media devices which are capable of using such content and communicating includes a broadcast management system arranged to manage delivery of content from content sources to the devices, an account management system arranged to manage requests for use of the content from the devices and manage communications to and from the devices, and a processor coupled to the account management system and arranged to analyze requests to use content relative to information about users of the devices in order to determine whether use of the content by the users can be sponsored. If so, an advertisement is delivered to that user's device and the device presents the advertisement to the user as a condition for use of the content.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2008Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: Apple Inc.Inventor: Janne Aaltonen
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Patent number: 8930492Abstract: A content item may be identified at a first electronic device with selection for the content item to be “opened” at a second electronic device. The first electronic device may instruct that the content item be displayed or otherwise made available for further interaction at the second electronic device. A web protocol session may be established between the first electronic device and the second electronic device to allow for an instruction message from the first electronic device to the second electronic device. Upon receiving a user interface command at the first electronic device, the user interface command indicating that the content item should be displayed at the second electronic device, the instruction message is sent to the second electronic device, via the web protocol session. As a result, the content item is caused to be displayed at the second electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2012Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: BlackBerry LimitedInventors: Michael Stephen Brown, Herbert Anthony Little
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Patent number: 8930991Abstract: A system for generating an optimized video including in-stream events for video content and advertising content selected at the time of playback. The system includes a manifest generating module configured to retrieve video content from a content repository for listing in a content manifest in response to a received request from a mobile device, the content manifest including at least one advertisement insertion point. The system further includes an advertising event correlation module configured to retrieve one or more advertisements based on a correlation between advertisement properties and playback properties and an advertisement serving module configured to provide the retrieved one or more advertisement for insertion into the at least one advertisement event insertion point.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2010Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Inventors: Gregory Philpott, Indravadan Patel
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Patent number: 8925022Abstract: A method and apparatus for downloading content within a video-on-demand system is provided herein. During operation a Video Home Office (VHO) will cache a subset of the Video Service Office (VSO) content. When a user requests content that is not stored on the VHO, the VHO will request that content from another VHO or the VSO. In order to reduce the additional network load imposed during item forwarding while attempting to balance the total load on all the links interconnecting the VSO and VHOs, recorded traffic history metrics are used to predict their future or current traffic. A VHO or VSO is chosen for fetching the content that will result in the lowest predicted traffic on the interconnecting links.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2011Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLCInventors: Bogdan O. Carbunar, Michael D. Pearce, Venugopal Vasudevan, Loren J. Rittle, Michael L. Needham
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Patent number: 8924998Abstract: A system and method for session management of streaming media are provided. The system and method authenticate and validate any request for live or streaming video and manage the streaming session in a manner that continues to verify the validity of existing video streams with respect to new requests. The system and method provide for receiving a first request for a first video stream from a client, generating a token based on the first request and at least one parameter associated with the client, validating the token based on at least one predetermined rule associated with the client, and upon validation, providing the first video stream to the client. Upon receiving a subsequent second request for a second video stream, the system and method validate a second token based on the first video stream, terminate the first video stream and provide the second video stream to the client.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2008Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Thomson LicensingInventors: Peter Tadeusz Matuchniak, Bryan Bledstein, Lance Walter Lance
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Patent number: 8925021Abstract: A method for trick play (fast forward, rewind, etc.) in video streams using adaptive bitrate HTTP delivery protocols includes playing only portions of a video at a current bitrate to achieve the initial trick play functionality. A new trick play bitrate is selected based on a trick play playout rate, the trick play bitrate for the duration of the trick play is retrieved, and operation is switched back to a previous bitrate when normal playback resumes. A system is also specified for implementing a client and server infrastructure in accordance with the method.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2012Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (Publ)Inventors: Kevin J. Ma, Radim Bartos
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Patent number: 8925025Abstract: A system and method of providing access to content of an interrupted digital broadcast is disclosed. A digital broadcast connection is established between a digital broadcast provider and at least one receiver. The digital broadcast connection is monitored and upon detecting an interruption in the digital broadcast connection, content of the interrupted digital broadcast signal is stored. A message is sent to the at least one receiver to indicate that the content of the interrupted digital broadcast signal is available.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2008Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventors: Dale Rathbun, II, Christopher Charles Detering, Conley Miller
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Publication number: 20140380383Abstract: A system incorporating teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a server having a controller to monitor for a first adjustment made by a first communication device associated with a user where the first communication device is capable of presenting media content and where the first adjustment is associated with the presentation of the media content, determine a second adjustment to be made to a second communication device associated with the user where the determination is based at least in part on the monitored first adjustment where the second adjustment is associated with the presentation of the media content and where the second communication device is a battery-operated mobile device, and wirelessly communicate adjustment information to the second communication device that is representative of the second adjustment, where the adjustment information is adapted for allowing the second communication device to perform the second adjustment. Other embodiments are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2014Publication date: December 25, 2014Inventors: Harry E. Blanchard, Jeffrey L. Brandt, Aaron Bangor
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Patent number: 8918825Abstract: A system for presenting media programming guides is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a media processor having a controller to transmit to a media source a request to access media content of a personal television (TV) channel composed by a subscriber of a media communication system, transmit to the media source a communication identifier, and receive from the media source media content in the personal TV channel adapted according to the communication identifier. Other embodiments are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2014Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LPInventors: Ankur Mukerji, Charles V. Scott, Scott White
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Patent number: 8914831Abstract: According to one embodiment, a communication controller includes: an output module; a transmitter; and a receiver. The output module is configured to control output of image information to a display. The transmitter is configured to transmit the image information to a first communication device by unicast. The receiver configured to receive a transmission request of the image information from a second communication device. If the receiver receives the transmission request from the second communication device, the transmitter stops transmission of the image information to the first communication device by unicast, and transmits the image information to the first communication device and the second communication device by multicast.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2012Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Hitoshi Oitaira, Tomohiro Kanda
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Patent number: 8913189Abstract: Audio data and video data are processed to determine one or more audible events and visual events, respectively. Contemporaneous presentation of the video data with audio data may be synchronized based at least in part on the audible events and the visual events. Audio processing functions, such as filtering, may be initiated for audio data based at least in part on the visual events.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2013Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Richard William Mincher, Todd Christopher Mason
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Patent number: 8910219Abstract: A method includes receiving at a set-top box device first video content associated with a requested channel from a first source. The method includes, in response to receiving the first content, requesting second video content associated with the requested channel from a second source. The method includes, in response to receiving the second video content, determining whether at least one data packet associated with the requested channel was not received based on a comparison of first data packets corresponding to the first video content and second data packets corresponding to the second video content. In response to a determination that at least one data packet was not received, sending a retry request to the first source. The retry request includes an overhead bandwidth factor.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2012Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.Inventors: Kuo-Hui Liu, Yongdong Zhao
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Patent number: 8909754Abstract: A system and method support the exchange of media between friends, family members, and 3rd party media providers over a closed and secure media exchange network. The media may include, for example, digital video, digital audio, digital images, digital data, or any form of digital information.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2013Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Broadcom CorporationInventors: Jeyhan Karaoguz, James D. Bennett
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Patent number: RE45472Abstract: A data stream may be processed using a computer system by receiving the data stream using a browser application, detecting a content type of data in the data stream, temporarily overriding a default rendering process otherwise associated with the content type detected for the data in the data stream by associating a particular rendering process with the data stream based on the type of data in the data stream, and routing the data stream to the particular rendering process. The default rendering process may be identified in a registry of the computer system. It may be temporarily overridden by discriminating among internal and external instances of the browser application used to receive the data stream, and temporarily overriding the default rendering process only if the browser application is an internal instance.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2012Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Facebook, Inc.Inventor: John Robinson