Control Process Patents (Class 725/93)
  • Patent number: 10331862
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for protecting video content is implemented on at least one computing device and includes: receiving the video content as encrypted video data on the at least one computing device, determining a viewport within the encrypted video data, where the viewport represents a subset of a larger amount of video that is presentable at a specific point in time in the video content, decrypting at least a portion of the encrypted video data corresponding to the viewport, where at least a remaining portion of the video that is time synchronized with the viewport remains encrypted, rendering viewport video from the viewport, and playing the viewport video.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Yoav Glazner, Eyal Wasserman
  • Patent number: 10298714
    Abstract: A mapping service in the mobile core network located after a packet data network gateway examines content requests from user equipment across a first PDN connection to determine if content associated with the content request is cached at an edge server outside of the packet data network. If the content from the packet data network is cached at the edge server, the mapping service redirects the user equipment to request the content from the edge server across a second PDN connection. By using a mapping service located after the packet data network gateway, the content requests may have already passed restrictions such as parental controls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Convida Wireless, LLC
    Inventors: Michael F. Starsinic, Qing Li, John L. Tomici
  • Patent number: 10262208
    Abstract: A method is presented for making an automatic selection of a media file type. The method comprises receiving a sequence of digital images of a scene; performing object classification in at least one of the received digital images to determine the presence and class of an object in the scene. The method also comprises performing motion detection in the received sequence of digital images to determine the presence and salience of motion in the scene. A media file type is automatically selected on the basis of the above analysis, and is selected from a still image and a cinemagraph. In some embodiments, the selection also includes a living image. A media file of the selected type is then created.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: Gustav Träff
  • Patent number: 10219017
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing persistent multicast delivery of content to devices within a network. In one embodiment, a webserver is provided to determine whether requested content is to be provided via a persistent multicast. If a multicast is not to be provided, the requesting device is instructed to query a unicast server. If a multicast is to be provided, the requesting device is instructed to query an entity for joining the multicast. After joining the multicast, the entity processes and provides the content to the requesting device as a unicast stream. In one variant, a web persistent port which is assigned by the entity to receive the multicast comprises a Web Socket compatible TCP port and the requesting device runs a WebSocket compatible media player. The webserver tracks requests to identify “popular” content to be delivered as a multicast. Content protection schemes and trick mode functions are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC
    Inventor: Howard Pfeffer
  • Patent number: 10212559
    Abstract: Providing network device selection for broadcast content is disclosed. Changes to a LTE or LTE-B network can be propagated in real-time, or near-real-time, to a mapping profile representative of the LTE or LTE-B network. This mapping profile can be employed in updating the LTE or LTE-B network. Further, the mapping profile can be employed in establishing a new LTE-B session, adapting an existing LTE-B session, maintaining an existing LTE-B session, etc. Access to a selection rule can enable the LTE or LTE-B network to rank a determined bearer path of the LTE or LTE-B network. LTE-B network and service management can be performed by the LTE-B network or components thereof, such as, at a BMSC component. Moreover, network device selection for broadcast content can be virtualized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventor: Rajendra Prasad Kodaypak
  • Patent number: 10200526
    Abstract: There is provided an information processing device, including a processing unit configured to associate, based on a captured image obtained by imaging a remote controller including an operation device and an operation signal transmitted from the remote controller in response to an operation on the operation device, the operated operation device with the operation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: SONY MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS INC.
    Inventor: Tetsuya Naruse
  • Patent number: 10110830
    Abstract: A multiple streaming camera interface system includes a data processor and a network interface that establishes a data link to a streaming server. The streaming server is in communication with one or more camera streams generated by corresponding ones of imaging devices capturing footage from specific locations. A streaming client is connectible to the streaming server over the data link. The one or more camera streams are selectively relayed by the streaming server to the streaming client. A graphical interface is executed by the data processor, and a first one of the one or more camera streams, which includes a hotspot to a second one of the one or more camera streams, is displayed on the graphical interface. In response to an activation of the hotspot, the second one of the one or more camera streams is displayed on the graphical interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: ADTILE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventor: Nils Forsblom
  • Patent number: 10097789
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, methods and systems are disclosed for converting multi-media content to multiple deliverable formats using a conversion workflow. For example, a single source content file can be captured and a plurality of deliverable content files can be derived from the single source content file. Each of the plurality of deliverable content files can be in a format specific to a different distribution channel. That is, a single source media file can be used to automatically build one or more distribution files for a particular channel or channels. Furthermore, the distribution files can be built including logos, branding, open/close graphics, ratings, promo material, etc. The inclusion of these elements can be based on a common set of business rules defining, for example, what elements should be included in different types of distribution files.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Starz Entertainment, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen David Smith, James Porter, Ray Milius
  • Patent number: 10091629
    Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method, including routing, by a system comprising a processor, session status information from a content server to a first media gateway device, the first media gateway device initiating first communicative couplings according to the session status information for transmission of a first media stream from the content server to a group of wireless communication nodes over a multicast-broadcast single frequency network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Rajendra Prasad Kodaypak
  • Patent number: 10075305
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for remapping IP addresses of a network to endpoints within a different network. A provider network may allocate IP addresses and resources to a customer. The provider network may allow the customer to remap an IP address to an endpoint on the customer's network. When a packet is received from a client addressed to the IP address, the provider network may determine that the IP address has been remapped to the endpoint. The provider network may translate the source and destination addresses of the packet and encode the packet for transmission over a private communications channel. The encoded packet may be sent to the endpoint via the private communications channel over an intermediate network. Response traffic may be routed to the client through the provider network, or may be directly routed to the client by the customer network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Jason Brandwine, Andrew Bruce Dickinson
  • Patent number: 10026611
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a lower insulation layer, a plurality of base layer patterns separated from each other on the lower insulation layer, a separation layer pattern between the base layer patterns, a plurality of channels extending in a vertical direction with respect to top surfaces of the base layer patterns, and a plurality of gate lines surrounding outer sidewalls of the channels, being stacked in the vertical direction and spaced apart from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae-Duk Lee, Young-Woo Park
  • Patent number: 10021462
    Abstract: According to one configuration, to test an encoder resource, a user controls operation of both a mobile communication device and a corresponding video management device. For example, the user inputs a command to a test control application executing on the mobile communication device to test encoding of content by the encoder resource. In response to receiving the input command to test a target encoder resource, the test control application on the mobile communication device transmits video information from the mobile communication device to in the video management device. The video management device processes the video information received from the mobile communication device. Using the video information, the video management device derives and outputs a corresponding coded video stream to the encoder resource under test. As its name suggests, the encoder resource encodes the received video stream and transmits it over an assigned channel in a shared communication link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC
    Inventor: Peter Keys
  • Patent number: 10015640
    Abstract: Providing network device selection for broadcast content is disclosed. Changes to a LTE or LTE-B network can be propagated in real-time, or near-real-time, to a mapping profile representative of the LTE or LTE-B network. This mapping profile can be employed in updating the LTE or LTE-B network. Further, the mapping profile can be employed in establishing a new LTE-B session, adapting an existing LTE-B session, maintaining an existing LTE-B session, etc. Access to a selection rule can enable the LTE or LTE-B network to rank a determined bearer path of the LTE or LTE-B network. LTE-B network and service management can be performed by the LTE-B network or components thereof, such as, at a BMSC component. Moreover, network device selection for broadcast content can be virtualized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventor: Rajendra Prasad Kodaypak
  • Patent number: 10002195
    Abstract: System and method for providing time-based content. In one embodiment, time-based offers are presented to viewers of broadcast content, and may be presented on the same display device being used to display broadcast programming. In another embodiment, time-based offers are commercial offers inviting the viewer to purchase goods or services at a special rate for a limited time. Time-based offers may also be customized based on programming content being viewed and/or viewer profile data. Responses to presented time-based offers may be used to update viewer profile data and/or merchant conversion profile data, which is a measure of how effective the particular offer is.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: OATH INC.
    Inventors: David Zito, Joseph Essas
  • Patent number: 9980353
    Abstract: Proposed is a device management apparatus and method for use in a device management network including a remote device management system. The device management apparatus comprises a communication interface (6) adapted to receive device management commands of differing nature from the remote device management system and to transmit a feedback signal to said remote device management system if requested by said device management commands, wherein the differing nature of a device management command comprises a differing level of power required to process the device management command, wherein the differing level of power required to process the device management command further relates to whether or not the device management command requires the communication interface (6) to transmit the feedback signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: PHILIPS LIGHTING HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Qi Zhang, Lin Wang, Liwen Zhou
  • Patent number: 9936251
    Abstract: An Internet Protocol television system includes a set-top box that receives requests to display video streams being transmitted to a household. In response to the request, the set-top box provides a list of the video streams to a display device. The list includes options to terminate transmission of one or more of the streams. This allows a user to determine which video streams should be transmitted when bandwidth limitations are reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Marc Sullivan, Gregory W. Edwards, Joan Pearl
  • Patent number: 9900642
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for distributing content using a spectrum generation device. In one embodiment, digital content is received via a time-multiplexed network transport (such as Gigabit Ethernet), and converted to frequency channels suitable for transmission over a content distribution (e.g., Hybrid Fiber Coaxial (HFC)) network. In one variant, the conversion is performed using digital domain processing performed by a full spectrum generation device. Additionally, methods and apparatus for selectively adding, removing, and/or changing digital content from the full spectrum device are also disclosed. Various aspects of the present invention enable physical (infrastructure) consolidation, and software-implemented remote management of content distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC
    Inventor: Glen Hardin
  • Patent number: 9900646
    Abstract: A method comprising: receiving, via a distribution channel, video data having an identifier that identifies a position within a video and an address defining a location of a stored playlist. The method also comprises obtaining from a server a playlist in response to a user input, where the playlist includes location information identifying a location of a stored transport stream. The method also comprises receiving the transport stream from the location identified in the playlist over a network, and displaying the obtained transport stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Europe Limited
    Inventors: Kazumi Hirano, Toru Domukai, Samuel Aran Masham
  • Patent number: 9894127
    Abstract: A media backend server deployed within an IPTV system and operated by a hosting operator enables tiered reselling of IPTV services to a hosted operator. The media backend server receives a web service call for a plurality of media content from a branch server operated by the hosted operator. The media backend server proxies the web service call to a head end server to retrieve media metadata for at least a portion of the media content. In addition, the media backend server provides filtered media metadata corresponding to media content purchased by the hosted operator from the hosting operator to the branch server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Michael J. Brehm, Corey F. Adams, Brian C. Westmoreland
  • Patent number: 9854317
    Abstract: An example process includes: storing a profile of a user of an interactive video system; receiving a selection from a computing device of the user to watch a channel of video that is available through the interactive video system; adding, based on the selection, at least some of the identifying information to a data structure; identifying, based on the data structure, a group of users, which includes the user, who are watching the channel of video during a same time period; generating data representing graphical objects associated with the users in the group who are watching the channel of video during the same time period and available to interact via the interactive video system; and outputting the data to the video device of the user to enable rendering the graphical objects on a display screen of the video device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: WEW Entertainment Corporation
    Inventors: Kwabena Benoni Abboa-Offei, Maurice Courtois
  • Patent number: 9838741
    Abstract: Provided is a method of a receiver to receive a broadcast service. The method includes: receiving a content; obtaining information on an adjunct service of the broadcast service from the content; transmitting a trigger request according to the information on the adjunct service; receiving at least one trigger in response to the request; and performing a trigger action on a trigger target object at a trigger time on the basis of the received at least one trigger, wherein the received at least one trigger is located in a specific time segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Kyoungsoo Moon, Hyeonjae Lee, Kyungho Kim, Joonhui Lee
  • Patent number: 9788048
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide methods for use in playing back content. Some of these methods access a content package comprising media content to be locally played back; detect, as defined by the content package, whether a remote secondary device is available with which a connection can be established; determine whether an authorization to establish the connection has been confirmed; establish, when the authorization is confirmed, a communication connection; determine, as instructed by the content package and when the communication with the secondary device is established, whether one or more commands are received from the secondary device; and implement, as instructed by the content package and when it is determined that the one or more commands are received from the secondary device, the one or more commands in controlling playback experience of the media content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Deluxe Media Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Collart, Allan Lamkin
  • Patent number: 9781485
    Abstract: Master element for a distributed playback architecture for a media data, having: a payload data source for providing payload data packets; a beacon packet creator for creating beacon packets useable for synchronizing a playback process of the payload data packets at, at least one, slave element in the distributed playback architecture; and a network interface for transmitting an interleaved packet stream to the at least one slave element, the interleaved packet stream having the payload data packets provided by the payload data source and the beacon packets created by the beacon packet creator. A corresponding slave element, the distributed playback architecture, a method, and a computer program product are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Cinemo GmbH
    Inventor: Ivan Russell
  • Patent number: 9730137
    Abstract: A network core with a software defined networking (“SDN”) controller is provided to control routing of traffic within the network and between the network and the traffic destination. The SDN controller is merged with existing 3rd Generation Partnership Project (“3GPP”) network architecture to enable service deliveries via open application programming interfaces (“APIs”) and move the network core towards an all internet protocol (“IP”), cloud based, and software driven telecom network. The SDN controller can work with, or take the place of policy and charging rules function (“PCRF”) network elements, so that policies such as quality of service and traffic management and routing can be synchronized and managed end to end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: Qingmin Hu, Farooq Bari
  • Patent number: 9681185
    Abstract: A method comprising receiving a presentation providing the presentation to a plurality of viewers, receiving feedback information regarding the presentation from each of the plurality of viewers; and generating a report for a user based on the received feedback information is herein described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Spot Trender Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher South, Hiep L. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 9648096
    Abstract: A distribution control system is connected to a plurality of communication terminals that output image and/or sound data indicating at least either one of an image and sound and transmits the image and/or sound data to the communication terminals. The distribution control system includes a browser management unit is configured to start up a browser appropriate for the communication terminals; a browser configured to generate the image and/or sound data by rendering content data; a transmitter configured to transmit the image and/or sound data to the communication terminals; and a receiver configured to receive input information from the communication terminals. The transmitter is configured to transmit the image and/or sound data updated by the browser in accordance with the input information to the communication terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Kasatani
  • Patent number: 9584861
    Abstract: A method for redirecting video content includes receiving a video signal at the set-top box and decoding the video signal to produce unrendered video data. The unrendered video data is encoded and provided to the remote device via a wide area network. By encoding unrendered, rather than rendered, video data for transmission to the remote device, the need for an encoding device external to the set-top box is obviated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Jian Li, Zhi Li, Sun-Uk Park
  • Patent number: 9578373
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are provided for measuring the performance of display images received on a remote computer display. One method includes an operation for detecting calls from an application to an application programming interface (API), which is provided for rendering images on a display image, each call causing an update of the display image. Further, the method includes an operation for embedding data for measuring performance in display frames of the display image based on the detecting. The embedding results in modified displayed frames with respective data for measuring performance. The modified displayed frames are transmitted to a remote client, which results in received modified display frames having respective received data for measuring the performance. In addition, the method includes an operation for calculating the remote display quality for the given application based on the received modified display frames and the respective received data for measuring performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: VMware, Inc.
    Inventors: Banit Agrawal, Rishi Bidarkar, Uday Kurkure, Tariq Magdon-Ismail, Hari Sivaraman, Lawrence Andrew Spracklen
  • Patent number: 9508738
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a lower insulation layer, a plurality of base layer patterns separated from each other on the lower insulation layer, a separation layer pattern between the base layer patterns, a plurality of channels extending in a vertical direction with respect to top surfaces of the base layer patterns, and a plurality of gate lines surrounding outer sidewalls of the channels, being stacked in the vertical direction and spaced apart from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae-Duk Lee, Young-Woo Park
  • Patent number: 9503529
    Abstract: Method to transport HTPP over XMPP, including: forming a first two-level URI template to identify web resources accessible by use of HTTP in an XMPP network, wherein a first level is XMPP-formatted and a second level is HTTP-formatted; binding HTTP to XMPP <message> and <iq> stanzas; transmitting the HTTP messages in those stanzas; receiving a HTTP messages in those stanzas; and a XMPP mechanism to discover if an XMPP entity supports transporting HTTP over XMPP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Avaya Inc.
    Inventors: Li Li, Wu Chou
  • Patent number: 9497231
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems are provided for placeshifting a media program. An exemplary method involves a media device storing identification information for a client device coupled to a network and receiving a request to transfer a media program available for presentation on a primary display device in a first format via the media device. In response to the request, a peer-to-peer communication session with the client device over the network is established using the identification information and an encoded content stream corresponding to the media program is transferred to the client device via the peer-to-peer communication session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventor: Girish Shankarraman
  • Patent number: 9454650
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a system and method for updating information capable of providing media content, wherein when a service restriction is generated in a DMS in a home network system based on DLNA. The system include a DMS configured to send service limitation information to DMPs when service limitation is generated and to send an unable content list to a specific DMP of the DMPs when a request for the unable content list is received from the specific DMP and the DMPs each configured to request the unable content list from the DMS when receiving the service limitation information from the DMS, receive the unable content list from the DMS, and update a content list by applying the received unable content list to the content list.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: HUMAX CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Dong Hwan Kim
  • Patent number: 9408041
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed for dynamically detecting and updating occupancy of a predefined space based on the presence of smartphones carried by people. In some embodiments, smartphones may include an app that transmits a unique identification used to adjust a count automatically maintained by a remote or local computer to determine the number of people entering or leaving a predefined area. The occupancy level may allow the determination of whether the capacity of the predefined space has been exceeded. Such determinations may be indicated by generating an alarm. Detection of occupancy is useful in many applications such as space monitoring in schools or other buildings, fire evacuation, burglary detection, security purposes, detection of unauthorized presence, starting video cameras in a space to start recording events, calling security staff, space preparation (turning on lights, heat, etc.), space overflow estimation, and other applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Inventors: Ilan Abehassera, Etienne Castanie, Jocelyn Masserot, Dan Attali, Olivier Costier, Nellie Alimi
  • Patent number: 9338488
    Abstract: A system and method configured to selectively broadcast channelized video contents between multicasting sessions and/or uni-casting sessions are disclosed. In one embodiment, a process of media broadcast transmits channelized video content over a uni-casting session from a content provider to first user equipment (“UE”) via a base station. The channelized video content and number of UEs receiving the channelized video content are tracked and accounted. Upon receiving a second request for the channelized video content from a second UE via the base station, a multicasting session capable of broadcasting the channelized video content is established. The process allows the first UE and the second UE to receive the channelized video content via the multicasting session.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Tellabs, Inc.
    Inventor: Ramesh Venkataraman
  • Patent number: 9319755
    Abstract: A system and method for are provided for common distribution and rendering of communications capability for emergency alert services. A zone headend device, for a local zone, receives a local emergency alert service (EAS) message that is intended for a particular geographic locality. The zone headend device processes the local EAS message for delivery over a television conditional access system and sends the local EAS message to a regional headend device for a region of multiple zones including the local zone. The regional headend device receives the local EAS message and another local EAS message from another zone headend device. The regional headend device processes the local EAS message and the other local EAS message for in-band delivery with regional programming for broadcast quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) and over-the-top streaming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: VERIZON PATENT AND LICENSING INC.
    Inventors: Daniel C. Fusco, Michael J. Talbert, William S. Downey
  • Patent number: 9319740
    Abstract: An automatic content recognition (ACR)-enabled connected TV device may be operable to identify, utilizing an ACR system, a network which is being tuned to. An authentication may be performed by the ACR-enabled connected TV device for receiving content through a TV everywhere service associated with the identified network based on information identified by the ACR system. The ACR-enabled connected TV device may be operable to pair with a paired device utilizing a companion application downloaded in the paired device. The paired device may communicate with the ACR-enabled connected TV device using near field communication (NFC). In instances when the ACR-enabled connected TV device has been authenticated for receiving the content through the TV everywhere (TVE) service, the paired device may also be authenticated. The performing of the authentication may comprise identifying a set-top box (STB) coupled to the ACR-enabled connected TV device as well as determining a service provider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: TURNER BROADCASTING SYSTEM, INC.
    Inventors: Nishith Kumar Sinha, Donald Jude Loheide, Matthew Paul Giles
  • Patent number: 9253241
    Abstract: A personal media broadcasting system enables video distribution over a computer network and allows a user to view and control media sources over a computer network from a remote location. A personal broadcaster receives an input from one or more types of media sources, digitizes and compresses the content, and streams the compressed media over a computer network to a media player running on any of a wide range of client devices for viewing the media. The system may allow the user to issue control commands (e.g., “channel up”) from the media player to the broadcaster, causing the source device to execute the commands. The broadcaster and the media player may employ several techniques for buffering, transmitting, and viewing the content to improve the user's experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: Sling Media Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Gary Krikorian, Blake Gary Krikorian, Bhupendra Natwerlal Shah, Raghuveer Tarra, Parimal Bajpai, Vijayachandran Velliyan Mariappan
  • Patent number: 9185444
    Abstract: A video playback system with multiple video decoders includes a content provider server for providing video signals of a target video; a first video decoder; a first display for displaying video content outputted from the first video decoder; a second video decoder; a second display for displaying video content outputted from the second video decoder; a playback control server for controlling the first and the second video decoders; and a mobile communication device for transmitting selection messages to the playback control server via internet and then transmitting modification messages to the playback control server via internet. The playback control server opts to utilize the first video decoder to receive a portion of video signals of the target video according to the selection message, and opts to utilize the second video decoder to receive subsequent video signals of the target video according to the modification message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: GEMTEK TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hung-Wen Chen
  • Patent number: 9178926
    Abstract: A system and method employs an online site for making stored digital video recordings available for selection and download to a wireless communications device. Upon receipt of a selection for a digital video recording, the system and method causes the selected digital video recording to be wirelessly transmitted to the wireless communications device. The selected digital video recording is also made available to a personal computer associated with the user who made the selection. At least a title of the selected digital video recording is stored in a personal storage account of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: GoFigure Media, LLC
    Inventor: Devon A. Rolf
  • Patent number: 9167210
    Abstract: A method of operating a communications system storing assets for later transmission, is disclosed. The assets have respective expiration dates beyond which a right to transmit expires. The method comprises checking an expiration date of an asset and deleting the asset from storage based, at least in part, on the expiration date, a predetermined period of time added to or subtracted from the expiration date and/or whether the asset has been selected for later viewing. The predetermined period of time may provide a grace period for completing viewing of a selected asset by a user, either after or before the expiration date, depending on the rights to the asset granted by the source of the asset. The period of time may depend on a playtime of the asset and may be added to the expiration date only if the asset has been selected for viewing. Systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Zhongming Chen, Jay Thomas
  • Patent number: 9158586
    Abstract: Systems and methods for managing cloud computing resources are provided. A plurality of available cloud computing servers may be identified by a cloud computing resource manager (“CCRM”). The CCRM may include one or more computers. The initiation of one or more processes on one or more servers included in the plurality of cloud computing servers may be directed by the CCRM. Operational data associated with the operation of the one or more processes and network data associated with network timing delays between the one or more servers and one or more client devices in communication with the one or more servers may be obtained by the CCRM. Based at least in part upon the operational data and the network data, the distribution of resources among the plurality of cloud computing servers may be managed by the CCRM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Cox Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith Alan Rothschild
  • Patent number: 9152719
    Abstract: A system and method for improving the relevance of search results is disclosed. Voters who may be human searchers or guides may review search results or other review items associated with a search request or other reference item. A review may be activated based on a usage indicator(s) which may improve utilization of guides. A vote by a voter may be weighted based on a voting history associated with the voter and one or more reference voters who may be designated by the system. A voter may be presented with a group of items for review including simultaneously. A number of comparison voting sessions or elections may be used to determine a rating or ranking of a review item associated with a reference item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: CHACHA SEARCH, INC.
    Inventors: Scott A Jones, Thomas E Cooper
  • Patent number: 9143835
    Abstract: A preview and playback method of video streams is provided for a video playback device having network function. The method includes defining a virtual channel and a preview channel corresponding to the virtual channel. A video stream list of the virtual channel is established for linking a plurality of video streams. A preview list is established and description information of each of the preview data corresponding to the video streams is recorded in the preview list. When the video playback device receives a preview channel selection instruction, the preview data is obtained automatically and played continuously. When the video playback device receives a preview data selection instruction, the video stream corresponding to the preview data being selected is recognized as a selected video stream. The preview channel is switched to the virtual channel, and the selected video stream is obtained from a video stream service and played automatically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Fang-Wen Kuo, Po-Hsu Chen
  • Patent number: 9124852
    Abstract: A low-cost portable digital video player receives proprietary compressed data from a source such as a personal video recorder (PVR), and displays the data on an integral display. A rewritable non-volatile memory of the player stores the data and a media decoder of the player transforms and decompresses the data. According to one embodiment the decoder transforms the data to a non-proprietary format, prior to storing the data. According to a second embodiment, the memory stores the data in the proprietary format, and decoder transforms and decompresses the data in response to an instruction from a user input device, and transfers the decoded data to a display. A cradle for the player provides communications to the PVR, a power supply and optionally further storage capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Mantrose Group Limited Liability Company
    Inventor: Brett Bilbrey
  • Patent number: 9100725
    Abstract: A recording and reproducing apparatus for displaying a content file list, a content file list displaying method and a recording medium storing a program performing the method, which are capable of easily identifying a paused content file and memorizing a point of the content file which reproducing is paused and content of the content file at the paused point, are provided. The method includes: determining whether or not a paused content file exists; creating a content file list capable of identifying the paused content file with reference to the result of the determination; and displaying the created content file list.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tae-wook Nam
  • Patent number: 9094258
    Abstract: Optimizing a set of graphical display elements on a client device. A first set of graphical display elements may be transmitted from a first server to a client device. A second set of graphical display elements may be generated on a second server. The second set of graphical display elements may be transmitted from the second server to the client device. A third set of graphical display elements may be created in a first window including the first set of graphical display elements and the second set of graphical display elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Oracle International Corporation
    Inventor: Tal Broda
  • Patent number: 9088807
    Abstract: A data communication architecture delivers a wide variety of content, including audio and video content, to consumers. The architecture employs channel bonding to deliver more bandwidth than any single communication channel can carry. The architecture includes intermediate network devices that may receive content and send content using different groups of communication channels. The network device may process content received across a first set of communication channels for transmission across a second set of communication channels different from the first set. Such processing may preserve a program order of the content during delivery to a destination device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Rajesh Shankarrao Mamidwar, Xuemin Chen, Victor Hou
  • Patent number: 9071872
    Abstract: An interactive television system is provided in which an interactive television application is used to support network-based or local personal video recorder capabilities. A user may use this application to view lists of program listings. The user may select a program listing of interest. The interactive television application may allow the user to set a reminder for the selected program at the scheduled broadcast time. This application may also allow the user to set a reminder for the selected program at a later time at which the program is not scheduled to be broadcast. The user may be provided with a reminder at this later time. In response, the user may direct the network-based or local personal video recorder to play back the program or may defer the reminder again. The interactive television application may collect information on program usage and popularity to determine how long to retain certain programming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael D. Ellis
  • Patent number: 9055316
    Abstract: A system and apparatus for generating an output signal includes a receiving system 160 generating a plurality of signals having a first format, an encoder 182 encodes the plurality of signals into a plurality of transport streams and a multiplexer 210. A local area network 130 routes the plurality of transport streams to the multiplexer 210. The multiplexer 210 combines the transport streams to form a combined signal and inserts a digital video effect into the combined signal. A modulator 214 modulates the combined signal to form a modulated signal. A system 202 forms the output signal from the modulated signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Munsell, Carl Ostrom, Mitchell B. Wasden
  • Patent number: 9043827
    Abstract: A method and system of providing conditional access to encrypted content includes receiving unsolicited multiply encrypted video content and first decryption data over a broadcast network. Partially decrypted video content is obtained by decrypting a first layer of encryption of the encrypted video content using the first decryption data. The partially decrypted video content is stored. A request for viewing the encrypted video content is transmitted and second decryption data is received. A second layer of encryption of the encrypted video content is decrypted using the second decryption data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: PRIME RESEARCH ALLIANCE E, INC.
    Inventors: Maxim Rapoport, Charles A. Eldering