Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for efficiently “catching-up” a user that is interested in a media asset when that user has missed a portion of the media asset while consuming the media asset together with other people. The system may detect that multiple people are consuming a media asset and may determine, based on a respective profile of each person, whether that person is interested in the media asset. When the system detects that the user is disregarding the media asset, the missed portion of the media asset is stored if the user is interested in the media asset, and is not stored if the user is not interested in the media asset.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a method of operating a local storage device (“LSD”) in a broadband communication network is disclosed. The LSD is within a local area network of at least one user device. At least one item of digital content is received by the LSD from at least some of a plurality of digital content providers, via the network, during an off peak time period of the network. The item of digital content is selected by a respective content provider for download to a respective user based on the respective user. The received digital content is stored in the local storage device. A selected one of the stored digital content is provided from the LSD to a user device in response to a request from the user device. A system for providing digital content and an LSD, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for streaming during unavailability of a content server. Upon determining that there are conditions indicating buffering issues during delivery of a media asset, a server determines a first group of devices suitable for receiving the media asset from the server and sharing the media asset on a peer-to-peer network. Then, the server determines a second group of devices suitable for receiving the media asset on a peer-to-peer network from a first group device. The server then determines groupings within which to share and receive the media asset. Next, the server transmits instructions to the devices in the first group to maintain in buffer and share certain portions of the media asset with the second group devices within their grouping. Finally, the server updates information detailing the media asset portions the devices are maintaining in buffer and sharing.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer storage media for providing a broadband data analytics object for a geographical region using a broadband data analytics engine in a data analytics system. The broadband data analytics object can be a computational object that is a representation of broadband service data for a geographical region, the broadband service data is associated with features of broadband availability and broadband expansion targeting constraints (e.g., geocoding, structure type, unit counts, and speed). The broadband data analytics engine is configured to generate the broadband analytics object for the geographical region based on a combination of broadband data analytics operations, data structures (e.g. targeted-building information model), and datasets (e.g., geospatial datasets, parcel data).

Abstract: In one embodiment, a cable distribution system that includes a head end and a remote fiber node that converts received data to analog data suitable to be provided on a coaxial cable for a plurality of customer devices. At least one of the head end and the remote fiber node including a set of commands that traverse a local file system where less than all of the set of commands that traverse the local file system are available to neither of a command line interface nor a graphical user interface. Also, it is configured to access a remote file system based upon a command that includes a label identifying an Internet Protocol address to the remote file system to obtain a file therefrom.

Abstract: Techniques for heterogenous video editing across storage platforms are disclosed, including: mapping a first mount in a local system to a first location in a first type of storage system, the first location including a first representation of the media object; mapping a second mount in the local system to a second location in a second type of file system, the second location including a second representation of the media object that is timecode-aligned with the first representation of the media object, the second representation being different from the first representation; and providing the first mount in the local system and the second mount in the local system to the media editing application, to enable the media editing application to switch between the first representation of the media object and the second representation of the media object via the local system.

Abstract: A satellite system may have a constellation of communications satellites that provides services to users with electronic devices such as portable electronic devices and home/office equipment. The satellites may support communications between the electronic devices of the users and gateways. Each gateway may have satellite transceiver circuitry that transmits and receives satellite signals. Each gateway may also have an optical add-drop multiplexer coupled to a fiber ring and radio-frequency-over-fiber circuitry coupled between the satellite transceiver circuitry and the optical add-drop multiplexer. A metropolitan point-of-presence may be in communication with the fiber ring and may have modems for centrally processing communications (received and transmitted in an intermediate frequency) in the satellite system.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method including presenting a playlist of media content generated by a predictive model of preferences of a user of a system based on first prior media consumption associated with a subscription television service and second prior media consumption associated with an internet-based service, receiving a first selection of first media content from the playlist, presenting a menu of viewing devices for viewing the first media content, receiving a second selection of a first companion device for the first media content from the menu of viewing devices, transmitting the first selection and the second selection to a content provider, receiving the first media content from the content provider, and presenting the first media content. The content provider can transmit, to the first companion device, supplementary content, including internet-based content associated with the first media content, for presentation at a display.

Abstract: An indicator in a master AP from among a plurality of APs obtains communication quality of communication with an AP which is a communication partner. In the case where the obtained communication quality is less than a threshold, the indicator causes the plurality of APs including the master AP to perform cooperative operation to transmit data. In the case where the obtained communication quality is not less than the threshold, the indicator causes the plurality of APs including the master AP to stop the cooperative operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for rendering VR content at a VR rendering device include identifying, by a content facilitator, that that first content presented via a first device to a user includes metadata indicating availability of second content. The second content includes at least one of a three-dimensional (3D) video, 360° image, or virtual reality (VR) content. The content facilitator provides an interface element to the user at the first device responsive to the metadata indicating availability of the second content. The content facilitator receives a user selection of the interface element. The content facilitator provides access to the second content via a VR rendering device for the user responsive to the user selection. The VR rendering device is configured to render the second content.

Abstract: An operation request generating method, including a generation device generates a first operation request that requests to perform an operation on a first packet, where the first operation request includes first assignment content and information used to indicate a first assignment location, the first assignment location is a location in the first packet, the first assignment content is data used to assign a value to the first assignment location, and the information used to indicate the first assignment location includes an identifier of a type of a first packet header, a first offset, and a first length, where the first packet header is a packet header in the first packet, and the first offset is an offset relative to a start location of the first packet header, and the generation device sends the first operation request to a description device or a receiving device.

Abstract: A digital content recording network controller device determines a first content of a set of content to be more likely to be requested by a user of a content access device than a second content of the set of content based on monitored behavior of the user. The device stores the first content in a first storage device of a tiered group of storage devices and stores the second content in a second storage device of the tiered group of storage devices wherein the content access device is located closer to the first storage device than the second storage device. This balances storage load with accessibility, resulting in a faster responding system that does not require as much storage.

Abstract: Technologies for fulfilling service requests in an edge architecture include an edge gateway device to receive a request from an edge device or an intermediate tier device of an edge network to perform a function of a service by an entity hosting the service. The edge gateway device is to identify one or more input data to fulfill the request by the service and request the one or more input data from an edge resource identified to provide the input data. The edge gateway device is to provide the input data to the entity associated with the request.

Abstract: Described embodiments provide systems and methods for performing multi-stream routing. A device may determine that a server is capable of handling multi-stream protocol connections. The device may identify packets communicated between the client and the server via a first interface for a first connection between a client and the server. The device may estimate, based on the packets, a link quality for each second interface for communicating with the server. The device may identify a policy to apply to the packets. The device may select one of the second interfaces for communicating packets between the client and the server based on a configuration mapping, the link quality, and the policy. The configuration mapping may specify which second interface is to be selected using a mapping of the link quality and the policy. The device may establish a second connection between the client and the server using the selected interface.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a method and a device for transmitting and receiving service guide information. The service guide information transmission method, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises the steps of: generating service guide information including information on broadcast service and content; encoding the generated service guide information; and transmitting the encoded service guide information.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a method and a device for transmitting and receiving service guide information. The service guide information transmission method, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises the steps of: generating service guide information including information on broadcast service and content; encoding the generated service guide information; and transmitting the encoded service guide information.

Abstract: A system, method, and content provider server for creating a catalog of electronic content, wherein a customer accesses the catalog to browse and purchase electronic content, which is downloaded over a network to a customer premises where the electronic content is presented on a rendering device. Different pieces of the electronic content have different bandwidth requirements and impose different requirements for the rendering device. The server determines whether customer premises capabilities, including those of the rendering device, meet the requirements of each piece of electronic content, and populates the catalog only with pieces of electronic content for which the customer premises capabilities meet the requirements of the electronic content. Alternatively, the server may include all of the electronic content in the catalog while marking those pieces for which the customer premises capabilities do not meet the requirements of the electronic content.

Abstract: A datacenter has more computing power than a personal computer. The personal computer sends a request to perform an operation on a data set to the datacenter. The datacenter evaluates various inputs to determine if, despite the datacenter's computing power, the personal computer is likely to complete the operation faster. Based on the determination, the datacenter may perform the operation, send the data set to the personal computer for the personal computer to process, or start a competitive computation. As a result, a user interface can be more responsive. Machine learning processes can be used to improve predictions.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to the field of reporting network capabilities in a cellular communication network. The disclosure relates to a method, performed in a wireless device 1, for providing a network capability report to a radio network node 10, wherein the wireless device and the radio network node are comprised in a wireless communications network. The method comprises receiving S2 from a network node 10, 4 in the wireless communications network 20 information specifying features that the wireless communication network supports for the wireless device 1. The method further comprises determining S3 capabilities of the wireless device with regard to the specified features and sending S4 to the radio network node 10 a network capability report message defining the capabilities of the wireless device with respect to the specified features. The disclosure also relates to corresponding nodes and to a computer program.

Abstract: Mechanisms for initiating a unicast video stream in response to a triggering event from a client node receiving a multicast video stream are disclosed. A distribution node communicatively coupled to a plurality of client nodes multicasts a first video stream of a program encoded in a first format to the plurality of client nodes. The distribution node detects a triggering event associated with a first client node of the plurality of client nodes that is receiving the first video stream. In response to the triggering event, a second video stream of the program encoded in a second format is unicasted.

Abstract: An extensible software defined network (SDN) controller is described that provides an application-aware framework that enable a variety of different user applications to communicate with the controller and that allows the controller to automatically configure devices in a network based on the needs of the applications. For example, the controller includes a plurality of different northbound interfaces that enable a variety of different user applications to communicate with the controller. The controller also includes multiple southbound protocols for configuring and enabling functionality in network devices based on the communications with the user applications.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a data store storing a first video and a second video that is associated with the first video; a computer processor coupled to the data store and programmed to: generate a first model fingerprint of the first video, based on pixels in a first model frame in a first model segment of the first video stored in the data store; generate a first test fingerprint of the second video based on pixels in a first test frame in the second video stored in the data store; determine a first closeness value between the first model fingerprint and the first test fingerprint; determine, based on the first closeness value, whether the first test frame is a first boundary of a first segment in the second video, wherein the first segment in the second video is similar to the first model segment in the first video.

Abstract: A method, system and program are disclosed for accelerating data storage by providing non-disruptive storage caching using clustered cache appliances with packet inspection intelligence. A cache appliance cluster that transparently monitors NFS and CIFS traffic between clients and NAS subsystems and caches files using dynamically adjustable cache policies provides low-latency access and redundancy in responding to both read and write requests for cached files, thereby improving access time to the data stored on the disk-based NAS filer (group).

Abstract: A system and method for filtering a stream of content based on the time available to a user is disclosed. A filter application includes a timing module, a determination module and a user interface engine. The timing module receives a request for a stream of content from a user. The determination module calculates a viewing time for each post in the stream of content and determines one or more posts from the stream of content based on the viewing time of each post and an available time for the user. The user interface engine provides the one or more posts to the user.

Abstract: A deadline-aware network protocol is described. In an example, data transfer at a transport layer entity of a packet-based communication network is controlled by receiving a request for network resources for a data flow from a network element and allocating network resources to the data flow. The data flow comprises a number of data packets associated with an application, and the request comprises a factor relating to a time deadline associated with the application. The network resources allocated depend on the factor relating to the time deadline. In examples, the network resource can be a bandwidth or data rate allocated to the data flow, and the factor can be a data rate sufficient to complete the data flow within the time deadline. In examples, the network resources are allocated greedily, such that requests are fully satisfied whenever possible, and the network resources are fully utilized.

Abstract: The present invention provides for closed loop multimedia content management systems and methods to ensure accurate and timely delivery of VOD content from multiple content providers using multiple distribution systems. The present invention provides for a method of distributing multimedia content using a VOD management system by receiving a multimedia asset data file and associated metadata from a content provider and/or a MSO, tracking the delivery of the multimedia asset data file to a MSO, tracking the upload of the multimedia asset data file to a VOD server maintained by the MSO, and providing usage reports relating to usage of multimedia asset data files by end users of the MSO. Usage reports are prepared by receiving data from the VOD servers regarding the files requested by end users, creating a master reporting database using that data, and generating the usage reports using the data contained in the master reporting database.

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.

Abstract: A system and method for providing content providers with network distribution nodes for distributing content to subscribers of a communications service provider may include maintaining multiple network nodes by the communications service provider, where the network nodes may be in communication with the Internet and be configured to enable subscribers of the communications service provider to access and download content over a controlled service provider network without the content having to be communicated over the Internet. Multiple respective content service providers may be enabled to store content at the network nodes for subscribers local to each respective network node to download the content. Multiple customer databases configured to store information associated with subscribers of the communications service provider may be operated.

Abstract: An improved optical fiber management bridge 100 can comprise an optical hinge 152 for an electronics communications device 112 which is especially useful for a broadband network 104. The electronics communications device can have a housing 120 for enclosing an electronics package 114 comprising at least one optical module 118 and optical fibers 108. The optical bridge can have optical surfaces 156 for supporting portions of the optical fibers 108 which are routed and extend between the top 128 and base 122 of the housing 120. The optical bridge can have an intermediate portion 163 for accommodating safe transition of the optical fibers 108 over the hinge line 129 of the housing 120.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering data over extant infrastructure within a content-based network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a cable network, and the infrastructure comprises that nominally used for on-demand (OD) services such as VOD. The method includes the allocation of dedicated end-to-end network resources via a “session request, as well as data flow control and packet size adaptation, by a data server based on feedback from the requesting/receiving client device (e.g., DSTB) within the network. Mechanisms for retransmission requests for error recovery are also provided.

Abstract: A method can include initiating a video request via an application operating on a smart device. The method can also include transmitting the video request to a service provider from the smart device via a network to enable transmission of configuration information to a one-way set-top box and to enable transmission of video content corresponding to media content associated with the video request to the one-way set-top box based on the configuration information.

Abstract: The invention involves local media rendering of a multi-party call, performed by a Client User Equipment (1). The media is encoded by each party in the call, and sent as a media stream to a Media server (2), and the media server receives a request for media streams from each Client User Equipment, each media stream in the request associated with a client priority. The Media server selects the media streams to send to each Client User Equipment, based on the request, and further such that the number of streams does not exceed a determined maximum number, which is based e.g. on the available bandwidth.

Abstract: A system is described that consists of a variable modulation unicast system that utilizes multiple modulation schemes in a cable network for unicast applications and is capable of assigning users to different channels of differing modulation schemes in the network based on a feedback signal received in response to a transmitted probe signal. The system may also, in response to the feedback signal from a remote device in the network, assign a channel from a plurality of channels having differing carrier frequencies and modulation schemes to the remote device and may also modify the carrier frequencies of the channels.

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.

Abstract: A wireless receiver, in the form of a mobile telephone, includes a DAB receiver and a GSM/GPRS transceiver which enables bi-directional point-to-point data communications via a service provider. The DAB receiver is arranged to receive media data from an over-the-air broadcast channel, the media data primarily representing television and radio streams. In order that the streams can be decoded and decrypted by media playing software on the wireless receiver, a provisioning operation is employed to provide NSC header files and DRM licenses to users in response to them making content requests. The header files and licenses are sent over a separate data channel and in advance of the broadcast content.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for adding or extracting metadata for video streams. The system receives a video stream compressed according to a video encoding standard, and generates a packet for transmission across a packet-switched network. The system inserts at least one compressed segment of the video stream into a payload of the packet. The system also receives metadata that describes content within the video stream and is not compressed according to the standard, inserts the metadata into the packet without compressing the metadata according to the standard, and transmits the packet across the packet-switched network to a target device.

Abstract: In accordance with one implementation, a computer-implemented method is provided for inserting spot content into a media stream. The method includes receiving, at a client system, a media stream that includes one or more media content units and at least one spot marker. The at least one spot marker designates a spot location for inserting one or more spot content units and includes a category of a media content unit. The method further includes detecting the at least one spot marker in the received stream, and selecting at least one spot content unit based on the category of the media content unit. In response to the detection, the selected at least one spot content unit is inserted into the stream at the spot location, thereby generating a stream including the one or more media content units and the selected spot content unit.

Abstract: A system supporting the remote management of options related to media consumption in a media exchange network. A system may comprise a set top box communicatively coupled to a television display and storage. The set top box may be used for the consumption of media via a communication network. In such a system, server software may enable the remote modification, via a communication network, of options related to the consumption of media by a user of the set top box. The media consumed may be one or more of digital audio, a digital still image, digital video, and digital data. Other aspects may be seen in a personal computer monitor and personal computer circuitry, communicatively coupled to a storage and a communication network. A system may also enable the modification of TV viewing options via a telephone voice response system.

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.

Abstract: A channel selective information transmitting device is provided for making it possible to carry out the collection of viewing information more accurately even if there is dispersion of viewing channels while suppressing useless facility arrangements. The present invention is directed to a channel selective information transmitting device that transmits channel selective information to inform channels of broadcast signals selected by the users to a viewing information receiving server. The channel selective information transmitting device is provided with a channel change detecting section for detecting channel changes, a transmission waiting time acquiring section for acquiring a transmission waiting time until channel selective information in connection with the changes is transmitted, and a transmitting section for transmitting the channel selective information after a lapse of the acquired transmission waiting time.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a communication controller includes: an output module; a transmitter; and a receiver. The output module is configured to control output of image information to a display. The transmitter is configured to transmit the image information to a first communication device by unicast. The receiver configured to receive a transmission request of the image information from a second communication device. If the receiver receives the transmission request from the second communication device, the transmitter stops transmission of the image information to the first communication device by unicast, and transmits the image information to the first communication device and the second communication device by multicast.

Abstract: In a cable television system, a specific carrier is assigned to deliver programming content of a program channel to a service area for a period, defined as a function of viewership of the program channel during that period. For example, the program channel is assigned the specific carrier during the time when it has a generally strong viewership. Otherwise, the program channel is assigned a carrier on an as needed basis, i.e., only when one or more subscribers in the service area request such a program channel. Viewing statistics are generated to identify viewership patterns or viewing habits of the subscribers in the service area with respect to a given program channel. In another embodiment, based on the viewing statistics, popular and unpopular programs, program elements, program lineups, program channels are identified on a temporal and/or regional basis.

Abstract: A method and system of ID based content delivery where the selection and transmission of content is facilitated with use of version IDs associated with each available version of each particular piece of content. A relationship may be generated between the available versions in the version IDs to facilitate determining the version ID associated with a version desired for rendering at a particular type of terminal.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to broadcasting/multicasting of media content over a communication network using shared bandwidth available from peer-to-peer networking. The system of the present invention includes a plurality of broadcast devices, a plurality of receiving devices, a plurality of databases, and a control center. The control center is the central nerve of the network, and provides a number of services, including but not limited to channel control, ad insertion, conditional access, program guide services, and the like. The broadcast device converts media content, which can be television, radio, and other data, received from various content providers, into digital data packets, having a suitable format for transmission over the Internet. Each receiving device will request the relevant packets, decode the received packets, and display or present the media content contained in the packets via an associated device.

Abstract: The techniques related to providing a live program over the Internet are described. According to one aspect of the techniques, a data stream representing a live program is preprocessed to produce a plurality of substreams, each of the substreams comprising decimated samples of the data stream. The number of substreams is relatively large so that the bandwidth requirement for delivering one of the substreams is relatively low. With a group of seeding boxes receiving the substreams, a group of boxes in services are designated to receive the substreams from the seeding boxes, each of these boxes including the seeding boxes is able to support multiple outbound streams (e.g., greater than 2) so that there are enough data suppliers to service the ordering boxes or colonize more boxes to become the data suppliers. As a result, a live program can be timely serviced by peer boxes, significantly reducing the computation and bandwidth burdens on a server(s).

Abstract: A projector includes: an image processing section adapted to perform image processing based on image information; a image projection section adapted to project an image based on an image signal output from the image processing section; a communication section adapted to connect to a network; and a control section adapted to transmit usage information including one of an image content of the image information and a projection environment for projecting the image to an information provision server via the communication section and the network, then receive operation setting information, which is prepared by the information provision server in accordance with the usage information, from the information provision server, and then adjust a projection operation, which is performed by the image processing section and the image projection section, based on the operation setting information.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for enhancing delivery of media services is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a set-top box that can have a controller element to present at a media device a first satellite program of a number of satellite programs. A first request is received from a cell phone for content associated with the number of satellite programs. A second request is transmitted over a broadband Ethernet connection to a media system that is separate from equipment of the satellite service provider, to cause the media system to submit a fee to the multimedia satellite provider related to the content information. Content information is received over the Ethernet connection without interrupting the presenting of the first satellite program. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are method and apparatus for generating a digital multimedia broadcasting application format. The apparatus includes: generating metadata for DMB contents; and combining the generated metadata and the DMB contents, wherein the metadata includes copyright information for the metadata, user information for a user who consumes the DMB contents, and package table information for describing a package related to the DMB contents.

Abstract: A TV control device, for an external TV device includes a storage unit storing a user identification code and user setting data corresponding to the user identification code, and a wireless communication unit transmitting a control signal to the external TV device according to the user identification code and the user setting data, wherein the external TV device determines a TV setting of the external TV device according to the user identification code and the user setting data when the external TV device receives the control signal.