Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080253406 | TRANSPORT STREAM ENCAPSULATED TRICK MODES - A representation of an audiovisual asset is obtained and is processed to obtain at least one normal playback video elementary stream, (optionally, at least one audio elementary stream), and at least one trick mode video elementary stream. A transport stream is formed from the at least one normal playback video elementary stream, the at least one audio elementary stream (where present), and the at least one trick mode video elementary stream, with the at least one trick mode video elementary stream encapsulated in the transport stream. Streaming of the transport stream within a network is facilitated, for example, to a VOD server (for de-encapsulation), and in some approaches, to a set-top box. | 10-16-2008 |
20100058402 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TAILORED VIDEO-ON-DEMAND CATALOGS - A video-on-demand server, having a plurality of audiovisual assets stored in association therewith, and an application server module, are interconnected with a first group of consumer premises equipment associated with a first group of subscribers and a second group of consumer premises equipment associated with a second group of subscribers, different than the first group of subscribers, via a video content network. The application server module, the first group of consumer premises equipment, and the second group of consumer premises equipment are cooperatively configured to prepare a first video-on-demand catalog comprising a first group of the audiovisual assets and a second video-on-demand catalog comprising a second group of the audiovisual assets, different than the first group of the audiovisual assets. The application server module, the first group of consumer premises equipment, and the second group of consumer premises equipment are further cooperatively configured to make the first video-on-demand catalog available to the first group of subscribers and to make the second video-on-demand catalog available to the second group of subscribers. | 03-04-2010 |
20100088718 | EMERGENCY ALERT DATA DELIVERY APPARATUS AND METHODS - Apparatus and methods for efficiently and flexibly providing emergency alert data (e.g., EAS messages) to subscribers of a content-based network, such as for example Internet protocol television (IPTV) subscribers. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a server performing real-time receipt and encapsulation of the EAS data (which may comprise audio, video, and/or text), transport of the EAS data to client devices over the network, and use of one or more applications running on the client devices to decode and display/present the EAS data in a manner which effectively guarantees that it will be perceived by the viewer. In one variant, instant messaging (IM) infrastructure is used to authenticate clients and receive and display at least portion of the EAS data via a separate transport process. Server and client-side apparatus adapted for EAS data receipt, decoding and display are also disclosed. | 04-08-2010 |
20100242079 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR NETWORK VIDEO RECORDING - Apparatus and methods for the capture and delivery of content over a network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a cable television network, and the apparatus comprises a local server which stores, processes and assembles content prior to its delivery to a VOD server, thus obviating the need for superfluous VOD storage. This approach also facilitates various pre-streaming processing in a video recording (e.g., nPVR) system, and gives a network operator dynamic control over local playlists. In another embodiment, the local server of the improved system obviates the need for a VOD server in the nPVR system. One or more content libraries adapted to facilitate nPVR content access across one or more regions of a broadcast network are also disclosed. Secondary content (e.g., promotions, advertisements, etc.) can also be selectively inserted into nPVR content. Various access, business or operational rules and methods implementing the foregoing are also described. | 09-23-2010 |
20110103374 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PACKETIZED CONTENT DELIVERY OVER A CONTENT DELIVERY NETWORK - Methods and apparatus for delivery of packetized content (e.g., video, audio, data, etc.) over a content delivery network. In one embodiment, the content is packetized using an Internet Protocol (IP), and delivered by a service provider over both managed and unmanaged networks to subscribers of the provider, so as to provide delivery at any time, at any location, and via any designated user device. The delivered content may originate from the service provider, third-party content sources (e.g., networks or studios), the subscriber(s) themselves, or other sources including the Internet. Use of a common control and service functions within the network afford the ability to integrate or blend services together, thereby affording the service provider and subscriber new service and economic opportunities. Content delivery sessions may also be migrated from one device to another. A network-based user interface infrastructure, and gateway-based client-side architecture, are also disclosed. | 05-05-2011 |
20110107364 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PACKETIZED CONTENT DELIVERY OVER A CONTENT DELIVERY NETWORK - Methods and apparatus for delivery of packetized content (e.g., video, audio, data, etc.) over a content delivery network. In one embodiment, the content is packetized using an Internet Protocol (IP), and delivered by a service provider over both managed and unmanaged networks to subscribers of the provider, so as to provide delivery at any time, at any location, and via any designated user device. The delivered content may originate from the service provider, third-party content sources (e.g., networks or studios), the subscriber(s) themselves, or other sources including the Internet. Use of a common control and service functions within the network afford the ability to integrate or blend services together, thereby affording the service provider and subscriber new service and economic opportunities. Content delivery sessions may also be migrated from one device to another. A network-based user interface infrastructure, and gateway-based client-side architecture, are also disclosed. | 05-05-2011 |
20110107379 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR PACKETIZED CONTENT DELIVERY OVER A CONTENT DELIVERY NETWORK - Methods and apparatus for delivery of packetized content (e.g., video, audio, data, etc.) over a content delivery network. In one embodiment, the content is packetized using an Internet Protocol (IP), and delivered by a service provider over both managed and unmanaged networks to subscribers of the provider, so as to provide delivery at any time, at any location, and via any designated user device. The delivered content may originate from the service provider, third-party content sources (e.g., networks or studios), the subscriber(s) themselves, or other sources including the Internet. Use of a common control and service functions within the network afford the ability to integrate or blend services together, thereby affording the service provider and subscriber new service and economic opportunities. Content delivery sessions may also be migrated from one device to another. A network-based user interface infrastructure, and gateway-based client-side architecture, are also disclosed. | 05-05-2011 |
20110126244 | POLICY MANAGEMENT ARBITRATION BY SERVICE GROUP - A request is received from one of a plurality of terminals in a service group of a video content network. The request is to establish a session with a head end of the network. The video content network provides at least first and second different categories of sessions to the service group. The request is evaluated against a policy. The policy specifies a maximum utilization threshold for sessions of the first category and a maximum utilization threshold for sessions of the second category. The request is granted if it is in conformance with the policy. The method may be carried out, for example, with a session resource manager apparatus. | 05-26-2011 |
20110131618 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR SUPPORTING VOD REQUESTS IN A SYSTEM WITH HIERARCHICAL CONTENT STORES - Methods and apparatus for supporting video on demand requests in a system supporting hierarchical content stores, e.g., program caches, is described. Requested content is requested by a local streaming device from a remote cache when it is not available in a local cache. Content, e.g., I, P and B frames, supplied by the remote cache is tracked and content delivery is initiated prior to receipt of the full program from the remote content store. Trick play content is requested as needed from the remote content store to respond to trick play commands. Frames which are received as part of the trick play content stream are tracked and not included in normal play data subsequently obtained from the remote cache. The storage of the trick play data along with subsequent normal play data results in a full set of the program content being received and stored in a local cache for streaming in response to a VOD request. | 06-02-2011 |
20120079531 | EMERGENCY ALERT DATA DELIVERY APPARATUS AND METHODS - Apparatus and methods for efficiently and flexibly providing emergency alert data (e.g., EAS messages) to subscribers of a content-based network, such as for example Internet protocol television (IPTV) subscribers. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a server performing real-time receipt and encapsulation of the EAS data (which may comprise audio, video, and/or text), transport of the EAS data to client devices over the network, and use of one or more applications running on the client devices to decode and display/present the EAS data in a manner which effectively guarantees that it will be perceived by the viewer. In one variant, instant messaging (IM) infrastructure is used to authenticate clients and receive and display at least portion of the EAS data via a separate transport process. Server and client-side apparatus adapted for EAS data receipt, decoding and display are also disclosed. | 03-29-2012 |
20130227283 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING CONTENT TO AN IP-ENABLED DEVICE IN A CONTENT DISTRIBUTION NETWORK - Apparatus and methods for providing content to IP-enabled devices in a content distribution network. In one embodiment, a network architecture is disclosed which enables delivery of content to such IP-enabled devices without the use of a high-speed data connection This capability allow the managed network operator to provide content services to an IP-enabled device associated with a non-data subscriber. In one implementation, requests for content from user IP-enabled devices are received, authenticated, and content processed into a series of encrypted segments. Once the requesting user/device is authenticated, the segments are provided with a playlist. The rendering device is also provided access to a decryption key (e.g., via a URL to a managed key server). Variants providing (i) user access to the MSO distribution network via an indigenous modem or gateway; and (ii) user access to the MSO core via a gateway and a third party unmanaged network are described. | 08-29-2013 |
20130260796 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR ENSURING DELIVERY OF GEOGRAPHICALLY RELEVANT CONTENT - Apparatus and methods for ensuring delivery of geographically relevant content to IP-enabled user devices associated with a content distribution network. In one embodiment, the network (or designated content source) determines a geographic context or location of the user device, and uses this information to manage the packaging and delivery of content thereto so as to obey blackout restrictions and/or provide content which is relevant to the geographic context/location. In one variant, the user device comprises a mobile device such as a tablet computer or smartphone, and the content is delivered thereto over either a managed or unmanaged network infrastructure. | 10-03-2013 |
20130347031 | EMERGENCY ALERT DATA DELIVERY APPARATUS AND METHODS - Apparatus and methods for efficiently and flexibly providing emergency alert data (e.g., EAS messages) to subscribers of a content-based network, such as for example Internet protocol television (IPTV) subscribers. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a server performing real-time receipt and encapsulation of the EAS data (which may comprise audio, video, and/or text), transport of the EAS data to client devices over the network, and use of one or more applications running on the client devices to decode and display/present the EAS data in a manner which effectively guarantees that it will be perceived by the viewer. In one variant, instant messaging (IM) infrastructure is used to authenticate clients and receive and display at least portion of the EAS data via a separate transport process. Server and client-side apparatus adapted for EAS data receipt, decoding and display are also disclosed. | 12-26-2013 |
20140020036 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DEVICE CAPABILITIES DISCOVERY AND UTILIZATION WITHIN A CONTENT-BASED NETWORK - Methods and apparatus for determining and selecting digital coding and/or decoding technology, delivery bitrates, and resolution parameters for programming and data delivery over, e.g., a content-based network. In one embodiment, the network comprises an HFC cable or satellite network that includes a server process interfacing with a plurality of customer premises equipment (CPE), and/or associated client devices, each having different display resolution, bitrate, and/or decoding capabilities profiles. The server determines the one or more capabilities possessed by the CPE or client device, and evaluates one or more program or content choices for possible delivery to that CPE or device based on its profile. The selection process may also take into consideration network and/or CPE operational considerations, such as conservation of downstream bandwidth, CPE uprating capability, client device power consumption, and the like. | 01-16-2014 |
20140089995 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR SUPPORTING VOD REQUESTS IN A SYSTEM WITH HIERARCHICAL CONTENT STORES - Methods and apparatus for supporting video on demand requests in a system supporting hierarchical content stores, e.g., program caches, is described. Requested content is requested by a local streaming device from a remote cache when it is not available in a local cache. Content, e.g., I, P and B frames, supplied by the remote cache is tracked and content delivery is initiated prior to receipt of the full program from the remote content store. Trick play content is requested as needed from the remote content store to respond to trick play commands. Frames which are received as part of the trick play content stream are tracked and not included in normal play data subsequently obtained from the remote cache. The storage of the trick play data along with subsequent normal play data results in a full set of the program content being received and stored in a local cache for streaming in response to a VOD request. | 03-27-2014 |
20140109132 | CAPTION DATA DELIVERY APPARATUS AND METHODS - Apparatus and methods for efficiently and flexibly providing caption data (e.g., closed captioning) to subscribers of a content-based network, such as for example Internet protocol television (IPTV) subscribers. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a server performing real-time extraction and encapsulation of caption data, transport of caption data to client devices over the network, and use of one or more applications running on the client devices to decode and display the caption data consistent with the multimedia (audio/video) content with which it is associated. In one variant, instant messaging (IM) infrastructure is used to authenticate clients and receive and display the caption data via a separate transport process. Server and client-side apparatus adapted for caption data receipt, decoding and display are also disclosed. | 04-17-2014 |
20150040176 | METHODS AND APPARATUS THAT FACILITATE CHANNEL SWITCHING DURING COMMERCIAL BREAKS AND/OR OTHER PROGRAM SEGMENTS - Methods and apparatus that facilitate watching of programming content on a secondary channel during a program segment, e.g., commercial break or program portion which is not of interest to a user, on a primary channel are described. In various embodiments when a user switches to a secondary channel during a program segment, the switch is detected and the program on the primary channel continues to be received and buffered while the content from the secondary channel is output to the display. The program segment on the primary channel may be a commercial break including one or more commercials or a portion of a program identified as a segment in information communicated with the program or via out of band signaling. The end of the segment on the primary channel is detected and the user is notified or automatically switched back to the primary channel at the end of the segment. | 02-05-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080201748 | Methods and apparatus for device capabilities discovery and utilization within a content-based network - Methods and apparatus for determining and selecting digital coding and/or decoding technology, delivery bitrates, and resolution parameters for programming and data delivery over, e.g., a content-based network. In one embodiment, the network comprises an HFC cable or satellite network that includes a server process interfacing with a plurality of customer premises equipment (CPE), and/or associated client devices, each having different display resolution, bitrate, and/or decoding capabilities profiles. The server determines the one or more capabilities possessed by the CPE or client device, and evaluates one or more program or content choices for possible delivery to that CPE or device based on its profile. The selection process may also take into consideration network and/or CPE operational considerations, such as conservation of downstream bandwidth, CPE uprating capability, client device power consumption, and the like. | 08-21-2008 |
20080209491 | Personal content server apparatus and methods - Personal content server apparatus and associated methods that allow a user (e.g., cable or satellite network subscriber) to access content, such as a video program, from a location outside the subscriber's network. In one embodiment, a personal content server streams the content to the subscriber over a network connection from the local e.g., (subscription) network to a remote network upon authorization by a content manager process. Various access, business or operational rules are applied depending on the content and delivery mode; e.g., to live video broadcast, video-on-demand (VOD), or archived content from the subscriber's digital video recorder (DVR) or networked PVR. In another variant, reservation information (for example program or asset ID information) is cached at a headend or hub server, thereby obviating the subscriber (or the network) having to access the subscriber's premises device. In yet another variant, a “virtual” CPE experience is provided for the remote user. | 08-28-2008 |
20080235746 | Methods and apparatus for content delivery and replacement in a network - Methods and apparatus for providing an alternate content delivery mechanism available to content-based network users. In one embodiment, the network comprises a cable television network, and subscribers are able to retrieve requested content from one or more other subscriber's storage medium and without going outside the cable network (or accessing the network core in any significant capacity) using a peer-to-peer (P2P) network protocol. Using this approach, bandwidth consumption is advantageously pushed out to the edge of the network from the core, also obviating content requests outside the network (e.g., to third-party servers on the Internet). Methods of operating the aforementioned P2P network, and various business paradigms relating thereto, are also disclosed. | 09-25-2008 |
20090083279 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTENT CACHING IN A VIDEO NETWORK - 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. | 03-26-2009 |
20090207866 | Apparatus and methods for utilizing statistical multiplexing to ensure quality of service in a network - Methods and apparatus for utilizing bitrate or other data associated with statistically multiplexed video (e.g., programs) or other content within a network to ensure quality of service (QoS) at a subscriber premises or local network. In one embodiment, the present invention provides improved multiplexing apparatus and methods that allow a consumer premises device to obtain QoS data and employ that data to enforce and maintain one or more QoS policies. In another embodiment of the present invention, an improved consumer premises device is provided which is adapted to receive a multiplexed program stream and subsequently demultiplex and time stamp the resulting single program streams. The time stamps are then utilized to generate QoS data which is utilized to enforce and maintain a QoS policy. Business methods associated with the various features described above are also disclosed. | 08-20-2009 |
20090217326 | Methods and apparatus for business-based network resource allocation - Methods and apparatus for optimizing the distribution and delivery of content within a content-based network based on e.g., business or revenue considerations. In one embodiment, the network comprises a cable television network that utilizes a Global Session Resource Manager (GSRM). The GSRM processes subscriber program viewing requests to identify options available to fulfill the request (including, e.g., providing free on-demand (FOD), standard definition on-demand (SVOD), and/or high definition on-demand (HDVOD) content), and evaluate these options to determine the one that optimizes network revenue or profit. The GSRM performs this identification and evaluation process by considering various parameters including network resource (e.g., bandwidth) availability, and different revenue and profit implications for different classes of service, the individual or collective demographic or other profile of network subscribers, and other business or operational rules programmed by the operator of the network. Business methods based on such network optimization are also described. | 08-27-2009 |
20110131619 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR SELECTING DIGITAL CODING/DECODING TECHNOLOGY FOR PROGRAMMING AND DATA DELIVERY - Methods and apparatus for selecting digital coding and/or decoding technology for programming and data delivery over, e.g., a content-based network. In one embodiment, the network comprises an HFC cable or satellite network that includes a server process interfacing with a plurality of customer premises equipment (CPE), and/or associated client devices, each having different capabilities profiles. The server determines the one or more capabilities possessed by the CPE, and evaluates one or more program or content choices for possible delivery to that CPE based on its profile. The server generates a list of programs or content based on this evaluation, and transmits this list to the CPE, which displays the list for viewing by a user. The user is therefore offered a list of available content that is compatible with their specific configuration. A business and operational rules engine is also optionally employed to control the operation of the foregoing processes to accomplish particular business or operational goals. | 06-02-2011 |
20120278841 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR SELECTING DIGITAL ACCESS TECHNOLOGY FOR PROGRAMMING AND DATA DELIVERY - Methods and apparatus for selecting digital access technology for programming and data delivery over, e.g., a content-based network. In one embodiment, the network comprises an HFC cable or satellite network that includes a server process interfacing with a plurality of customer premises equipment (CPE), and/or associated client devices, each having different capabilities profiles. The server determines the one or more capabilities possessed by the CPE, and evaluates one or more program or content choices for possible delivery to that CPE based on its profile. The server generates a list of programs or content based on this evaluation, and transmits this list to the CPE, which displays the list for viewing by a user. The user is therefore offered a list of available content that is compatible with their specific configuration. A business and operational rules engine is also optionally employed to control the operation of the foregoing processes to accomplish particular business or operational goals. | 11-01-2012 |
20120291104 | PERSONAL CONTENT SERVER APPARATUS AND METHODS - Personal content server apparatus and associated methods that allow a user (e.g., cable or satellite network subscriber) to access content, such as a video program, from a location outside the subscriber's network. In one embodiment, a personal content server streams the content to the subscriber over a network connection from the local e.g., (subscription) network to a remote network upon authorization by a content manager process. Various access, business or operational rules are applied depending on the content and delivery mode; e.g., to live video broadcast, video-on-demand (VOD), or archived content from the subscriber's digital video recorder (DVR) or networked PVR. In another variant, reservation information (for example program or asset ID information) is cached at a headend or hub server, thereby obviating the subscriber (or the network) having to access the subscriber's premises device. In yet another variant, a “virtual” CPE experience is provided for the remote user. | 11-15-2012 |
20140115090 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTENT CACHING IN A VIDEO NETWORK - 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. | 04-24-2014 |
20140331245 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR SELECTING DIGITAL INTERFACE TECHNOLOGY FOR PROGRAMMING AND DATA DELIVERY - Methods and apparatus for selecting digital (network) interface technology for programming and data delivery over, e.g., a content-based network. In one embodiment, the network comprises an HFC cable or satellite network that includes a server process interfacing with a plurality of customer premises equipment (CPE), and/or associated client devices, each having different capabilities profiles. The server determines the one or more capabilities possessed by the CPE, and evaluates one or more program or content choices for possible delivery to that CPE based on its profile. The server generates a list of programs or content based on this evaluation, and transmits this list to the CPE, which displays the list for viewing by a user. The user is therefore offered a list of available content that is compatible with their specific configuration. A business and operational rules engine is also optionally employed to control the operation of the foregoing processes to accomplish particular business or operational goals. | 11-06-2014 |
20150082362 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR BUSINESS-BASED NETWORK RESOURCE ALLOCATION - Methods and apparatus for optimizing the distribution and delivery of content within a content-based network based on e.g., business or revenue considerations. In one embodiment, the network comprises a cable television network that utilizes a Global Session Resource Manager (GSRM). The GSRM processes subscriber program viewing requests to identify options available to fulfill the request (including, e.g., providing free on-demand (FOD), standard definition on-demand (SVOD), and/or high definition on-demand (HDVOD) content), and evaluate these options to determine the one that optimizes network revenue or profit. The GSRM performs this identification and evaluation process by considering various parameters including network resource (e.g., bandwidth) availability, and different revenue and profit implications for different classes of service, the individual or collective demographic or other profile of network subscribers, and other business or operational rules programmed by the operator of the network. Business methods based on such network optimization are also described. | 03-19-2015 |