Buffering And Switching Patents (Class 725/94)
  • Patent number: 9021538
    Abstract: An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to select programs for recording on a remote media server. Programs may also be recorded on a local media server. The program guide provides users with VCR-like control over programs that are played back from the media servers and over real-time cached copies of the programs. The program guide also provides users with an opportunity to designate gift recipients for whom programs may be recorded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Ellis, William L. Thomas, Thomas R. Lemmons
  • Patent number: 9009765
    Abstract: An object with embodiments of the present invention is to achieve a solution for fast channel change that improves bandwidth utilization, wherein the fast channel change is accomplished by initiating a unicast stream until a multicast stream can provide the desired media. The bandwidth utilization is achieved by delaying the multicast session and by terminating the unicast session at the latest when the multicast session starts. The delay of the multicast session is dependent on the network latency. Latency in this context refers to the time passed from when the client sends an IGMP JOIN message until it receives the first packet of the multicast stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (publ)
    Inventors: Thomas Lundqvist, Mats Cedervall
  • Patent number: 9003459
    Abstract: Content sequence technology, in which a channel subscribed to by a user of a content delivery network is identified and a genre of the identified channel is determined. A play sequence policy is selected for the identified channel based on the determined genre. The play sequence policy defines one or more rules used in determining an order to play content files on the identified channel. Display of the identified channel is controlled based on the selected play sequence policy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: PurpleComm Inc.
    Inventors: Jack H. Chang, William H. Sheu, Sherman Tuan
  • Patent number: 9003468
    Abstract: An automatic performance device includes a performance data receiving unit that receives performance data transmitted from a storage device without passing through a moving image distribution server, the storage device configured to store the performance data having a combination of performance information and time information, the time information indicating the time when the performance indicated by the performance information was carried out; a synchronization signal receiving unit that receives a synchronization signal by using an audio signal transmission path for an audio via the moving image distribution server; and a reproducing unit that reproduces the performance information of the performance data in synchronization with a video distributed at the time when the synchronization signal is distributed, at the timing corresponding to the time indicated by the time information and the time indicated by the synchronization signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Yamaha Corporation
    Inventors: Haruki Uehara, Fukutaro Okuyama, Taro Yokoyama, Kenji Matahira
  • Patent number: 8997137
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed include a method and a system. The method includes receiving a first media stream, in a first network device from a remote network device, using a first network protocol. The may method include converting the first media stream in real-time to a second media stream according to a second network protocol and transmitting the second media stream to a user device. The method may include receiving a first trick-mode command according to a first trick-mode protocol from the user device, wherein the first trick-mode command includes rewind, fast forward, or pause. The method may include converting the first trick-mode command into a second trick-mode command according to a second trick-mode protocol and transmitting the second trick-mode command to the remote network device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: Robin Montague Mathews, Michael P. Ruffini
  • Patent number: 8997153
    Abstract: Arrangements detailed may cause a television channel received via the tuner to be recorded for a period of time to create a channel-specific file. The channel-specific file may include multiple television programs. User input that requests playback of a first television program of the plurality of television programs from the channel-specific file may be received. A front-end adjustment time period for playback of the first television program may be determined. A start time from which playback commences in the channel-specific file may be at least partially based on the front-end adjustment time period and a scheduled start time of the television program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventor: Mark Templeman
  • Patent number: 8990870
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventor: Mi Chen
  • Patent number: 8990869
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for selectively caching (and de-caching) video content in network so as to reduce content transformation requirements and also cache storage requirements. In one embodiment, a content caching controller associated with a content server differentiates content requests based on content attributes such as the requested codec format (e.g., MPEG or Windows Media), resolution, bitrate, and/or encryption type or security environment. If the content requested by a user is not available with the requested attribute(s), the content server transfers to content to the user by first transforming it. The content server also speculatively caches the transformed content locally, so that a future request for the same content with the same attributes can be filled by transferring without the intermediate transformation step. The controller allows the network operator to optimize use of available storage and transcoding resources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC
    Inventor: Charles A. Hasek
  • Patent number: 8989281
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a system having a controller to allocate between a video and audio quality in a multimedia presentation and to utilize a resultant bandwidth as a result of allocation to enhance an audio or video quality in the multimedia presentation in response to a user selection among levels of video quality and audio quality. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventors: Marc Sullivan, Keith Crowe, James Pratt
  • Patent number: 8978058
    Abstract: A placeshifting device handles content from a media source (e.g., a set-top box) that might incorporate a form of copy-protection such as HDCP. In one case, when a placeshifting mode is entered (as opposed to a pass-through mode), the copy-protection capability of the interface (e.g., an HDMI interface) is simply disabled. In another case in which the media source includes a copy protection “flag” or the like that can be interrogated by the placeshifting device, the placeshifting device determines whether the media source copy-protection is enabled, and only then disables the copy-protection capability of the interface. In another case in which selectable output control (SOC) is available in the media source, the placeshifting device determines whether alternate interfaces are available (e.g., component video, composite video, and the like), and if so, disables the interface having copy-protection capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Sling Media, Inc.
    Inventor: Nino Marino
  • Patent number: 8978079
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for managing provision of content to devices in a content delivery network. In one exemplary embodiment, content with a high probability of viewership is sent to consumer premises equipment (CPE) during off-peak periods and stored prior to viewing. An application is utilized to manage decisions related to content provision. The computer program will identify content that is likely to be of interest users associated with respective CPE, and schedule provision of that content in advance of viewing. Then, the system will develop a plan for optimal scheduling of transmission of content to CPEs, often including the use of trickle downloads. The scheduling plan is based collected statistical and historical data on network resource demand to make scheduling decisions. The system allows for the shifting of bandwidth utilization from periods of high demand to those of low demand, and increased performance with regard to user experienced latency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Howard Pfeffer, Daniel Stoller, Christopher Stengrim
  • Patent number: 8978077
    Abstract: Systems and methods to present video content are disclosed. According to an embodiment, a method of processing video data is disclosed. The method includes receiving timing information associated with the video data. The received timing information is indicative of a start time to start presentation of video content corresponding to the video data. The method includes starting presentation of the video content at a time prior to the start time. The method also includes increasing a presentation rate of the video content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Qualcomm Incorporated
    Inventors: Constantine Elster, Ron Keidar, Nela Gurevich, Stephen Verrall
  • Patent number: 8978078
    Abstract: A particular method includes detecting a channel change request at a set-top box. The channel change request specifies a requested channel that is associated with a plurality of multimedia streams, where each multimedia stream has a corresponding content format. A particular multimedia stream is selected based on an available bandwidth of a service to a premises of the set-top box. Alternately, or in addition, the particular multimedia stream may be selected based on an output setting of the set-top box, scheduled recordings at a digital video recorder associated with the set-top box, available storage space at the digital video recorder, and other factors. In one example, the method may implement channel proxy functionality, reducing redundancy and complexity at an electronic program guide and simplifying a channel selection process for a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventor: Lee Friedman
  • Patent number: 8978076
    Abstract: Methods and system for providing content are disclosed. One method can comprise receiving a request for data at a first time, wherein the data comprises a first time duration, determining a buffer size based upon the first time duration, and determining a playback window based upon the determined buffer size and the first time. The method can also comprise synchronizing presentation of content on a plurality of devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Comcast Cable Communications, LLC
    Inventor: Ross Gilson
  • Patent number: 8966555
    Abstract: A method and system for performance monitoring of a multimedia content distribution network (MCDN) includes a probe device configured to capture input and output data with respect to a network terminal device at an MCDN client premises. The input data, representing network data sent to the MCDN client for display, may be buffered along with the output data, representing audio and video data generated using the input data. When an anomaly event, such as a display error, occurs, the probe device may record the buffered input and output data, including data acquired prior to the anomaly event. The input and output data may be analyzed to determine a source or origin of the anomaly event. The probe device may also certify that the MCDN and/or the network terminal device was operating normally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Hung John Pham, John Clayton Clark, IV
  • Patent number: 8955027
    Abstract: A method including receiving an input media stream and splitting a video portion of a received portion of the input media stream into input video chunks, while receiving a remaining portion of the input media stream. For each input video chunk of the video portion of the input media stream, the method includes assigning the input video chunk to one or more slave transcoders, splitting the input video chunk into video subchunks, and separately feeding each input video subchunk to each of the one or more slave transcoders. The method includes separately receiving output video subchunks from the one or more slave transcoders. Each output video subchunk respectively corresponds to one of the input video subchunks. The method also includes assembling the output video subchunks into an output video chunk corresponding to the input video chunk and assembling the output video chunks into an output media stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Jianpeng Dong, Krishnan Eswaran, Jiening Zhan, Vijnan Shastri
  • Patent number: 8949915
    Abstract: A method of providing video-on-demand content includes receiving a request from a set-top box, and determining the video-on-demand content is not stored locally. The request includes a content identifier for the video-on-demand content. The method further includes identifying a peer likely to have the video-on-demand content, receiving at least a first portion of the video-on-demand content from the peer, and providing the video-on-demand content to the set-top box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property II, LP
    Inventors: Kadangode Ramakrishnan, Vijay Gopalakrishnan
  • Patent number: 8949914
    Abstract: A method of delivering video content is disclosed and includes sending data from a set-top box device to a video head-end of a video distribution network. The data indicates that the set-top box device has received a channel change command and identifies a requested channel. The method includes receiving video content associated with a program provided via the requested channel at the set-top box device, beginning at a set-top box receipt time, and retrieving a portion of backfill content from a digital video recorder (DVR) in response to a reverse command received at the set-top box device. The backfill content includes video content associated with the program extending from a start time of the program to the set-top box receipt time. The backfill content is sent from a buffer server at the video head-end to the DVR in response to the data sent by the set-top box device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, LP
    Inventors: Steven Belz, Marc A. Sullivan, James Pratt
  • Patent number: 8949912
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a method, apparatus, and computer program product for simplifying the process of creating a video-on-demand system. For example, in one embodiment, a method for creating a video-on-demand (VOD) system is disclosed that includes dynamically capturing segments of an adaptive bit rate (ABR) live stream of the program at time of broadcasting and storing the captured segments of the ABR live stream of the program as a VOD file. The method also includes creating a manifest file comprising information for playing back the VOD file. The method further includes playing back, using the manifest, the VOD file by transmitting the captured ABR segments to a client device in response to receiving a subscriber request for the program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: CenturyLink Intellectual Property LLC
    Inventors: Steven Casey, Felipe Castro, Kevin McBride, Ronnie Dhaliwal
  • Patent number: 8935735
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing playback devices with trick play functionality are described. The system includes a playback device, e.g., without recording capability, and a gateway device with multiple tuner-demodulators and/or a cable modem and recording capability. During normal playback, in some embodiments, both the playback device and gateway receive content in parallel with the gateway recording content at the request of the playback device and supplying the content over the local network when a user of the playback device requests a trick play operation. A single gateway, with multiple tuner demodulator pairs and/or a cable modem, supports trick play functions. In some embodiments if the number of playback devices exceeds the number of tuner-demodulator pairs in the gateway, the playback device can stream content to the gateway for recording and to be returned via the local network in the event of a request for a trick play operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Eric D. Hybertson, Robert Taylor, Edward P. Galt, III, Thomas Harrison Reed, Ernest Joseph Biancarelli
  • Patent number: 8935736
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Peilin Yang, Jun Li, Xia Qin
  • Patent number: 8931019
    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: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Europe Limited
    Inventors: Kazumi Hirano, Toru Domukai, Samuel Aran Masham
  • Patent number: 8931021
    Abstract: A display apparatus and image playing method thereof, are provided. The display apparatus includes a broadcasting receiver which receives a broadcasting signal; a communication unit which communicates with an external device comprising a storage medium; a first buffer which buffers the broadcasting signal to store the received broadcasting signal in the storage medium; a second buffer which buffers a broadcasting signal input from the external device to play the broadcasting signal stored in the storage medium; and a controller which outputs a control signal to the external device to control a broadcasting signal reception volume received from the external device based on at least one buffer volume of the first buffer and the second buffer upon execution of a broadcasting recording and playing function which stores the broadcasting signal in the storage medium and plays the stored broadcasting signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Deok-ho Kim
  • Patent number: 8918823
    Abstract: A digital decoder for television receiver, comprises an input (E) for receiving a digital audio/video signal (SAV), means for demodulating and decoding the input signal into an output signal intended for the television receiver, and a first buffer memory (8) into which the input signal is diverted after demodulation (SO) when the decoder is placed in a so-called “live” mode of operation. In a so-called “replay” mode of operation, the signal recorded in the first buffer memory constitutes the output signal. This decoder comprises a second buffer memory (9) into which the demodulated input signal (SO) is diverted when the decoder is placed in the “replay” mode, the signal recorded in the second buffer memory (9) constituting the output signal when the decoder is switched from the “replay” mode to another so-called “return to live” mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Sébastien Fraleu, André Magras, Thierry Quere
  • Patent number: 8914833
    Abstract: A method includes receiving a request for a video program from a user device. A user account associated with the user device is identified. The method may also include identifying a latest viewing point for the video program based on the user account. A video segment playlist may be generated based on the latest viewing point. The video segment playlist identifies one or more video segments of the video program. The video segment playlist may be provided to the user device. The user device is operable to request the one or more video segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: Xuefeng Yao, Jack Jianxiu Hao, Yuhui Qian, Zhiying Jin
  • Patent number: 8904458
    Abstract: A method of pre-caching video content is provided and includes measuring an available bandwidth of a data connection to a set top box. The available bandwidth measurement can be an average available bandwidth of the data connection to the set top box or a minimum available bandwidth of the data connection to the set top box. Each of a plurality of video files is divided into a first portion and a second portion and the size of each first portion is based on the available bandwidth measurement. The first portion of each of the plurality of video files is downloaded over the data connection and stored in a memory within the set top box. A list is displayed at a display device and includes a list of video titles that correspond to the plurality of video files that have only a first portion downloaded to the memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Philip Ted Kortum, Marc Andrew Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8904455
    Abstract: PVR functionality is enabled on a media player of a placeshifting system, which allows a user to record media programs from locations that are physically remote from a source of the media programs. The media player may receive program schedule information and present the program schedule information to the user. Based on user input, the media player identifies a media program and associated schedule information. When the media program is scheduled to play, the placeshifting device directs a media recording device to receive the media program and to store the program. The placeshifting device may digitize, transcode, and/or transrate the media program, if necessary, and transmit the media program to the remote device for playback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Sling Media Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Gary Krikorian
  • Patent number: 8902362
    Abstract: A prediction means for predicting a maximum delayed change time, which is the longest in a change time which allows a next program to be displayed, if a channel is selected to change the current program to the next program; and a display control means, by which, from a reception completion time when the reception of the current program has been completed, a relevant program is displayed on the basis of original program data remaining in a buffer at the relevant reception completion time, and at the same time, the reproduction speed of the display is based on a speed at which the current program is displayed during the period between the reception completion time and a maximum delayed change time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masakazu Maehara
  • Patent number: 8897622
    Abstract: A media recording element having capabilities to facilitate recording media for subsequent playback. The recording element further including features associated with limiting operations of a hard drive or other similarly mechanical memory under certain operating conditions so as to limit power consumption and/or memory degradation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Comcast Cable Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Richard Kirsche
  • Patent number: 8898713
    Abstract: Techniques for providing personalized presentations of aggregated content items are described herein. These techniques may aggregate individual content items from multiple sources, filter the content items based on the preferences of a user, and create an ordered presentation of the content items. A different presentation may be available to the user at different times, for example, a new presentation may be available each day. The new presentation may include more recent or more relevant content items than previous presentations of content items. Each presentation may combine the multiple individual content items together in such a way that each individual content item appears to the user as part of a single content item. User interaction with the aggregation of content items may be analyzed and that analysis may be used to modify subsequent selection and ordering of content items in future presentations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Roy F. Price
  • Patent number: 8893165
    Abstract: A system and method for cleaning television viewing behavior data collected from set top boxes by detecting and correcting various problems that can occur in the viewing data. Three problems that may be detected and corrected by the system include: overflows of memory buffers; inclusion of non-human generated tuning events; and presence of clock offsets. After cleaning the television viewing behavior data, the cleaned data may be used to analyze audience viewing behavior in a manner that achieves a higher degree of accuracy than can be achieved by using uncleaned television viewing behavior data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Rentrak Corporation
    Inventors: Kim Hadfield, Amir Yazdani, Aaron Harsh, Maria Loper, Michael Vinson
  • Patent number: 8892763
    Abstract: In embodiments of live television playback optimizations, streaming video content is received for distribution to a client device that is implemented to playback a video content stream for display. The video content stream is associated with a content manifest file that identifies video segments of the video content stream. An input can be received from the client device to switch from the video content stream to a new video content stream, and video segments of the new video content stream are buffered. A new content manifest file that correlates to the buffered video segments of the new video content stream is generated. The new content manifest file can then be published to the client device to indicate that a minimum of buffered video segments have been buffered for distribution to the client device before the minimum of buffered video segments have been buffered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility LLC
    Inventor: Praveen N. Moorthy
  • Patent number: 8893196
    Abstract: A media switch enables a terminal to access content by receiving a content request from a terminal for a first piece of content to be distributed over a cable system, identifying a personal channel within resources available in the cable system to distribute the first piece of content to the terminal, transmitting access information to the terminal to enable the terminal to access the first piece of content through the personal channel, and interfacing with a cable headend to provide the first piece of content on the personal channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: AOL Inc.
    Inventor: Gilbert G. Weigand
  • Patent number: 8887217
    Abstract: System and method embodiments for joint scheduling of buffered video on demand (VoD) and best effort flows within the same band enable improved quality of experience for VoD receiving mobile devices without resource partitioning or sacrificing FSS gains. In an embodiment, a method for scheduling video on demand flows and best effort flows within the same band includes determining with a transmission point (TP) a buffer vacancy for each of the ones of a plurality of mobile devices wirelessly coupled to a transmission point that are receiving VoD flows, calculating, with the TP, buffer vacancy scheduling weights for the plurality of mobile devices using the buffer vacancy, and determining, with the TP, a joint schedule of VoD flows and best effort flows based on the buffer vacancy scheduling weights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: FutureWei Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mohamed Salem, Jianglei Ma, Petar Djukic
  • Patent number: 8887216
    Abstract: A method includes receiving data from a set-top box device at an access system via an access network, the data indicating a selection of a channel at the set-top box device, the data including a multicast group address. The method also includes sending copies of video data packets of the channel from the access system for storage in a first-in first-out cache associated with the channel. The method further includes automatically connecting the set-top box device to a multicast stream of the selected channel after a particular number of video data packets are sent to the set-top box device from the cache. The particular number of video data packets corresponds to a time period between communicating successive random access point packets of the channel and is less than a capacity of the cache.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Kuo-Hui Liu, Yongdong Zhao
  • Patent number: 8875175
    Abstract: A digital video viewing system including methods for user selection of video advertisement content and time of display of video advertisements during a live video content stream. The digital video viewing system includes modules for receiving, evaluating and transmitting data within the digital video viewing system and to Internet protocol content providers. Also shown are methods for recording and re-playing live internet protocol content in conjunction with the video advertisement display methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Network Entertainment International LLC
    Inventors: Charles McCoy, True Xiong, Stewart Stremler
  • Patent number: 8875203
    Abstract: A method of data management for efficiently storing and retrieving data in response to user access requests. The method includes receiving a request from at least one client for a title not resident in a storage server, where the title includes a play track having a plurality of chapters. The retrieval from a secondary storage device of play track portions proximate chapter delineation points is initiated, and bandwidth capacity and quality-of-service (QoS) parameters associated with the secondary storage device is determined. In the case of a client request to begin presentation of the title at one of the chapters, streaming of retrieved portions of the play track chapter to the client is initiated, masking latency associated with the secondary storage device is provided, and retrieval of at least unretrieved portions of the play track chapter and subsequent play track portions from the secondary storage device is initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Comcast IP Holdings I, LLC
    Inventors: Clement G. Taylor, Danny Chin, Jesse S. Lerman, Christopher W. B. Goode
  • Patent number: 8875201
    Abstract: A method, a device and a system for implementing seeking play of stream media are provided. The method for implementing seeking play of stream media includes: sending a seeking play request to a stream media server; receiving preview key frames for seeking play sent from the stream media server according to a predefined buffer capacity range and storing the preview key frames for seeking play; displaying the preview key frames for seeking play; and initiating a stream media play according to preview key frames selected by a seeking of a user. This invention can improve the seeking operation experience of the user, control the downloading time of the extracted program, and reduce requirements of storage capability of the stream media terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hua Li, Yunsong Fan
  • Patent number: 8856823
    Abstract: An exemplary method includes processing a first program stream representative of media content having a first resolution and a second program stream representative of the media content having a second resolution, generating a single advertisement stream representative of advertisement content having a third resolution, detecting a transmission lag between the first and second program streams, dynamically synchronizing the first and second program streams to substantially remove the detected transmission lag, transmitting the synchronized first program stream by way of a first content channel, the synchronized second program stream by way of a second content channel, and the advertisement stream by way of an advertisement channel, and directing a media content access device to switch from being tuned to the second content channel to being tuned to the advertisement channel during an advertising break in the media content. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: Harpal S. Bassali, Armando P. Stettner, Michael P. Ruffini, Marcelo D. Lechner
  • Patent number: 8854555
    Abstract: Systems and methods for toggling between television channels that appear on a display. A listing of channels is received from a user, with the channels being prioritized in an order of preference. One or more toggle types are also received from the user, with each toggle type further including a toggle trigger. In use, a channel is displayed on the display until a toggle trigger is detected. Once detected, the channel on the display is changed to another channel from the list of channels. This process may continue with the detection of another toggle trigger causing another changing of the displayed channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventors: Darryl Adderly, Brian Murray, Wenjian Qiao, Prasad Kashyap
  • Patent number: 8850500
    Abstract: Presented herein is a method of presenting alternative audio content for an audio/visual content segment, such as a television program or a motion picture. In the method, the audio/visual content segment is received into a media content receiver. The audio/visual content segment includes primary visual content and primary audio content. A request to receive alternative audio content for the audio/visual content segment is transmitted. After transmitting the request, the alternative audio content is received into the media content receiver. The primary audio content is replaced with the alternative audio content to generate a revised audio/visual content segment. The revised audio/visual content is transferred for presentation to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventors: Steven M. Casagrande, Anthony F. Kozlowski
  • Patent number: 8843977
    Abstract: An exemplary method includes receiving, by a media content delivery subsystem from an end-user media content processing device via a network, a request to record a live transmission of a media content instance, recording, by the media content delivery subsystem, the live transmission of the media content instance, and transmitting, by the media content delivery subsystem, data representative of the recorded live transmission of the media content instance to the end-user media content processing device via the network for local storage by the end-user media content processing device. In certain embodiments, the recording includes generating at least one media data file containing the data representative of the recorded live transmission of the media content instance, and the transmitting includes transferring the at least one media data file from the media content delivery subsystem to the end-user media content processing device via the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Ruffini, Harpal S. Bassali, John K Trimper, Armando P Stettner
  • Patent number: 8842175
    Abstract: A system and method that provide reduced latency in a video signal processing system. Various aspects of the present invention may comprise receiving a current request from a user for first video information. Such a request may, for example, be received with a user interface module. A first video stream and a second video stream may be received simultaneously, where the first video stream comprises the first video information currently requested by the user, and the second video stream comprises second video information not currently requested by the user. A video receiver module may, for example, perform such receiving. The first video stream may be processed to present the first video information to the user at the current time. Further, the second video stream may be pre-processed in preparation for being presented to the user in the future. A video processing module may, for example, perform such video stream processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Alexander G. MacInnis
  • Publication number: 20140282769
    Abstract: System and method embodiments for joint scheduling of buffered video on demand (VoD) and best effort flows within the same band enable improved quality of experience for VoD receiving mobile devices without resource partitioning or sacrificing FSS gains. In an embodiment, a method for scheduling video on demand flows and best effort flows within the same band includes determining with a transmission point (TP) a buffer vacancy for each of the ones of a plurality of mobile devices wirelessly coupled to a transmission point that are receiving VoD flows, calculating, with the TP, buffer vacancy scheduling weights for the plurality of mobile devices using the buffer vacancy, and determining, with the TP, a joint schedule of VoD flows and best effort flows based on the buffer vacancy scheduling weights.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: FUTUREWEI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Mohamed Salem, Jianglei Ma, Petar Djukic
  • Publication number: 20140282770
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention: provide, from a first VOD server having a first cache, a first media presentation to a first group of user devices and a second media presentation to a second group of user devices; provide, from a second VOD server having a second cache, a third content to a third group of user devices; measure a first popularity corresponding to the first media presentation and a second popularity corresponding to the second media presentation; store a copy of the first media presentation on the second cache based on the first popularity and the second popularity; determine when the first VOD server fails to continue to provide the first media presentation; and provide, from the second VOD server, the first media presentation to the first group of user devices, wherein the first cache has the first media presentation stored therein, and wherein the second cache has the second media presentation stored therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: MOTOROLA MOBILITY LLC
    Inventors: Brittain S. McKinley, Sathyam Ganesan, Yaron Eli Presente, Brian J. Tarbox
  • Patent number: 8839324
    Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include a method and an apparatus for digital content transmission that comprise: (a) partitioning the digital content into a plurality of sequential segments; (b) selecting a plurality of transmission time instants for each of the sequential segments as a function of their order; (c) generating a plurality of linear combinations of the plurality of sequential segments during the plurality of transmission time instants resulting in a plurality of linearly combined coded segments; and (c) transmitting the plurality of linearly combined coded segments from a server to a plurality of clients. In particular embodiments, the method and apparatus further comprise performing error correction based on an implicit error correction (IEC) method that employs the redundancy present in the linearly combined coded segments to perform error correction at the client side without extra bandwidth cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Gradiant, Centro Tecnolóxico de Telecomunicacións de Galicia
    Inventors: Francisco Javier Gonzalez-Castaño, Rafael Asorey Cacheda
  • Patent number: 8832758
    Abstract: Methods and systems provide a selected video segment to customer premises equipment. A request is received from the customer premises equipment for transmission of the selected video segment. A copy of the selected video segment is transferred to one of a plurality of buffers. One of the plurality of buffers is mapped through a routing network to a port interfaced with the customer premises equipment. The selected video segment is transmitted from the one of the plurality of buffers through the routing network and port to the customer premises equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Qwest Communications International Inc.
    Inventors: Charles I Cook, Bruce A Phillips, Kurt A Campbell, Donald L Brodigan, Steven M Casey
  • Patent number: 8830405
    Abstract: A DC/DC converter 10 has a high-side transistor QH as a switching element and a low-side transistor QL as a synchronous rectifier element. A first primary electrode D and secondary primary electrode S of the high-side transistor QH are connected to an input voltage VIN and an external terminal T1, respectively. A detection transistor QD is provided in a row with the high-side transistor QH, and the ON voltage of the high-side transistor QH when ON is output as detection voltage VQD from the detection transistor QD. The output detection voltage VQD is added to a feedback voltage VFB1 by an adder CB, and inputted to a comparator CMP1. The ON period of a one-shot pulse PS1 outputted from the comparator CMP1 is regulated so as to be in direct proportion to the sum of the detection voltage VQD and the feedback voltage VFB1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Murakami
  • Patent number: 8832759
    Abstract: A resource scheduling apparatus, a resource scheduling method, a program requesting method, a program requesting system, and a Set Top Box (STB) are provided. The resource scheduling method includes: distributing bandwidth greater than an inherent code rate of a program respectively requested by a user to a Video On Demand (VOD) program of the user within available bandwidth of a frequency point according to a received VOD user request; and reducing the bandwidth distributed to at least one VOD program to which bandwidth has been distributed according to the received VOD user request for currently requesting the program when the available bandwidth of the frequency point is smaller than an inherent code rate of a currently requested program, so that the available bandwidth of the frequency point is greater than or equal to the inherent code rate of the currently requested program. Thus, a transmission speed of the program and a utilization ratio of the bandwidth are increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiangyang Ji, Yongxiong Liao, Wei Luo, Zengli Jia
  • Patent number: 8826344
    Abstract: A method, a device, and a non-transitory storage medium to receive a streaming program, calculate a delay time that occurs between an instant in time when a trick play input is received and an instant in time proximate to an onset of executing the trick play input, and calculate a predicted position of the streaming program based on the delay time, the type of trick play input, the speed of the trick play input, and a difference in the streaming program progress resulting from the delay to execute the trick play input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Inc.
    Inventors: Sameer Vasant Gavade, Venkata S. Adimatyam