| Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
|---|
| 725097000 | Scheduling (e.g., grouping users together) | 39 |
| 20080313684 | Determining a Transmission Order for Frames Based on Bit Reversals of Sequence Numbers - In an embodiment, frames are received in an arrival order. Each of the frames has a target client and a sequence number that represents a relative position of the frame in the arrival order. A transmission order is determined based on bit reversals of the sequence numbers. Then frames are then sent to the respective target client in the transmission order. A frame is sent to the target client from its slot during a respective time period that is associated with the slot. If the slot is empty, no data is sent during the respective time period. In this way, the transmission of frames is spread over the available time. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20090144784 | On demand system and method using dynamic broadcast scheduling - A system and method for broadcasting content includes a content provider which interfaces with one or more clients through a network. The content provider includes a scheduler responsive to requests for content from clients. The scheduler provides the content in blocks by making the blocks available to requesters by a plurality of streams wherein a subsequent requester accesses blocks from previous requester's streams complemented by a subset of blocks as a stream for this requester to complete an entire set of blocks for the subsequent requester. By manipulating the scheduler as a function of user requests, this system and method is able to provide a video on demand service at a fractional bandwidth usage of a conventional VOD system. | 06-04-2009 |
| 20090217330 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SCHEDULING BROADCAST INFORMATION - Methods and apparatus are disclosed for efficiently scheduling incoming information objects so that timely objects from a variety of content classes are scheduled for broadcast. The incoming information objects are preferably received from one or more information sources, and are tagged with attributes that associate each object with one or more classes of information (e.g., sports, news, etc.), and provide a gauge of the timeliness or ‘age’ of the object. The tags can be used to select and broadcast objects from a variety of classes, and to identify the most timely objects at any give time. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090300693 | METHOD, APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR DYNAMIC GROUPING AND CONTENT DISTRIBUTION - In one embodiment of the present invention, a system for dynamic content distribution and grouping includes a server for providing a plurality of content channels, at least one tuning/decoding means for receiving/decoding at least one of the plurality of content channels, and at least one respective display means for displaying the at least one received/decoded content channel. In such embodiments of the present invention, the server is configured to dynamically configure the at least one tuning/decoding means to receive/decode at least one of the plurality of content channels. More specifically, in embodiments of the present invention, the server dynamically configures the at least one tuning/decoding means by communicating a channel change command to the at least one tuning/decoding means over a dedicated radio-frequency channel or, in an alternate embodiment, using an internet protocol. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20100043036 | MULTISTREAM VIDEO COMMUNICATION WITH STAGGERED ACCESS POINTS - A system and method that provide reduced latency in a video signal processing system. Various aspects of the present invention may comprise transmitting a first video information stream representative of a unit of video information. For example, the transmitted first video information stream may correspond to a video channel. A second video information stream representative of the unit of video information may be transmitted simultaneously with the first video information stream. The second video information stream may also, for example, correspond to the video channel. Various aspects of the present invention may comprise receiving a plurality of simultaneously transmitted video information streams. A video information stream of the plurality of received video information streams may be identified that, when processed, is expected to result in the lowest latency in presenting the unit of video information to the user. The identified video information stream may then be so processed. | 02-18-2010 |
| 20100058405 | Systems and Methods for Distributing Video on Demand - A method of receiving content includes joining an in-progress multicast stream to receive a first portion of a content. The method further includes sending a request to a peer for a catch-up portion of the content, the request including a deadline for delivery of the content, and receiving the catch-up portion of the content from the peer prior to the deadline. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100058406 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTENT COMMUNICATION - A system such as a multicast VOD system communicates content, e.g., delivers content or receives content, responsive to a user request for content and according to a schedule adapted to a user-specified acceptable latency for content delivery. The schedule may be modified to minimize initiation of delivery of content in response to the user's request. The schedule may also be modified to delay delivery of subsequent portions of the content as late as possible to allow subsequent requests to share a content stream while not exceeding the acceptable latency parameter specified by the user. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100199318 | META CHANNEL NETWORK-BASED CONTENT DOWNLOAD TECHNOLOGY - Content download technology, in which a network-based video scheduled to be played at a particular time is identified, and multiple sources from which the network-based video is available for downloading are identified. An initial source from which to download the network-based video is selected from among the multiple sources, and a first process to download the network-based video from the initial source is initiated. Progress of the download of the network-based video is monitored. When an estimated amount of time remaining for the download of the network-based video from the initial source to complete does not enable viewing of the network-based video at the particular time without interruption, an alternative source from which to download at least a portion of the network-based video is selected from among the multiple sources, and a second process to download at least the portion the network-based video from the alternative source is initiated. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100235870 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PUSHING VIDEO ON DEMAND CONTENT BASED UPON VIEWING HABITS - A system and method for delivering video content over a network comprises providing a network server and a database, receiving a request for video content at the network server, querying the database to determine subscribers likely interested in the video content, and delivering the video content to network devices associated with subscribers likely interested in the video content. The database stores data associated with the viewing habits of network subscribers. The querying step results in the identification of a subset of subscribers likely interested in the video content. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100325675 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR UTILIZING A SECURED SERVICE PROVIDER MEMORY - A system and method for utilizing a secured service provider memory are disclosed. An electronic device is associated with a subscriber and is in communication with a data distribution network configured to deliver data by a service provider to the subscriber. The data distribution network comprises a server in communication with the data distribution network and the server configured to deliver a stream of data over the data distribution network. The electronic device comprises a first memory communicatively connected to the server. The first memory is configured to receive and store data from the server and it is accessible by the subscriber. A second memory is also communicatively connected to the server. The second memory is configured to receive and store data from the server, though the second memory is accessible only by the service provider. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100333152 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTENT DISTRIBUTION TO AND PLAYOUT WITH A DIGITAL CINEMA SYSTEM - The present principles relate to a technique for distributing content destined to be played out on digital cinema systems. The content is preferably distributed compact, but non-digital-cinema-ready encodings. Upon receipt in the theatre, the content is transcoded as needed and played out on theatre systems. The system provides for miscellaneous pieces of content (separate picture and sound elements) to be automatically organized into a multimedia presentation along with other synchronized picture and sound content. The organization of this content may employ heuristics to optimize for revenue while considering aesthetics and showmanship. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20100333153 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TRANSFORMING CONTENT FOR EXECUTION ON MULTIPLE PLATFORMS - A method and system are disclosed for acquiring and transforming existing content (e.g., Hyper Text Markup Language HTML content) for display and execution on multiple platforms and architectures. In one embodiment, capture templates are created to harvest content from disparate content sources on multiple platforms. Data is extracted from the content from the disparate content sources using the created capture templates that drives extracting process. A standardized data stream is generated from the extracted data. The standardized data stream is provided for display on one or more different type of platforms. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20120047542 | System and method for rule based dynamic server side streaming manifest files - There is provided a system and method for rule-based dynamic server-side streaming manifest files. There is provided a method comprising receiving a request to provide a first video content for playback, evaluating a plurality of rules for the first video content, generating a dynamic manifest file referencing the first video content, and providing the dynamic manifest file in response to the request, thereby enabling an application to playback the first video content for output on a display by interpreting the dynamic manifest file. The rules may implement various features such as dynamic advertisement insertion, load balancing, client customization, user and device targeting, enhanced security mechanisms, global announcements, and others. As streaming protocols are widely supported by default on many client platforms, the dynamic manifest files can be utilized in a user friendly and transparent manner compared to client-side solutions requiring cumbersome client software installations. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120084824 | INFORMATION PROCESSOR, INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD AND PROGRAM - An information processor includes: a content acquisition section adapted to acquire linked content that includes a plurality of scenarios, each made up of content data and control information used to control the reproduction of the content data; a control information acquisition section adapted to acquire the control information; and a reproduction control section adapted to control the reproduction of the linked content by reproducing the content data according to the control information, wherein the control information acquisition section acquires, as an event adapted to allow a move from the current scenario to another scenario, the control information including an absolute time-of-day event that occurs at a specific date and time on the scenario time axis, and the reproduction control section allows a move from the current scenario to another scenario if the absolute time-of-day event occurs. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120131623 | UNDER-THE-BOTTOM TIME-SHIFTED DELIVERY OF VIDEO CONTENT - One or more devices, in a video content delivery network, provide real time video content to one or more devices located at a customer premise. The one or more devices also provide non-real time video content to at least one of the customer premise devices during idle time periods associated with the network and using lower effort Internet protocol (IP) transport. The non-real time video content may be broadcast, at a time after the idle time periods, by at least one of the customer premise devices. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120198506 | MULTICAST ADAPTIVE STREAM SWITCHING FOR DELIVERY OF OVER THE TOP VIDEO CONTENT - Multicast adaptive stream switching for delivery of video content over an IP-based packet network is provided. A network device obtains multiple synchronized multicast streams of the same video content, where each of the multiple synchronized multicast streams includes a different bit-rate encoding. The network device receives, from a user device, a request to join a multicast group for one of the multiple synchronized multicast streams and provides, to the user device, the one of the multiple synchronized multicast streams corresponding to the requested multicast group. The user device detects a congestion level associated with the current multicast stream. The network device receives, from the user device, a request to join a different multicast group for a different one of the multiple synchronized multicast streams and provides, to the user device, the different one of the multiple synchronized multicast streams corresponding to the requested different multicast group. | 08-02-2012 |
| 20120311649 | MEDIA INSERTION SYSTEM - In a substitutional media system, one of a set of media items is selected at a programme receiver for output within a predefined programming slot, based on profile data available at the receiver. Sets of the media items are scheduled to slots according to one or more constraints pertaining to that slot and/or to media items scheduled to other slots. The receiver may select a media item for output in a slot by resolving constraints with media items scheduled to other slots, or selected for output in other slots. | 12-06-2012 |
| 20120331514 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING IMAGE-ASSOCIATED INFORMATION - A method of providing image-associated information by an image-associated information providing apparatus includes receiving broadcasting image information from a mobile device, searching an object that matches the broadcasting image information, extracting image-associated information that matches the found object and transmitting the extracted image-associated information to the mobile device. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20130014188 | PERSONAL ACCESS AND CONTROL OF MEDIA PERIPHERALS ON A MEDIA EXCHANGE NETWORK - Methods are disclosed for indirectly monitoring and controlling at least one media peripheral device in a media exchange network by accessing a media management system (MMS) via a first media peripheral (MP) device (e.g., a TV screen) using a user control device (e.g., a remote control). An operation corresponding to a second media peripheral (MP) device (e.g., a digital camera) may be selected via the MMS using the first MP device and the user control device. The operation is then carried out (i.e., performed) by the second MP device. A status of the second MP device may be selected via the MMS using the first MP device and the user control device. The selected status is then displayed on the first MP device. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130074137 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO SYNCHRONIZE COMMUNICATION OF CONTENT TO A PRESENTATION DEVICE AND A MOBILE DEVICE - A programming communication synchronizer embodiment communicates a portion of a program to a receiving device during a first time period, communicates a corresponding portion of the program to a mobile device during a second time period, and coordinates the first time period with the second time period so that the portion of the program is deliverable to a presentation device coupleable to the receiving device at approximately the same time the corresponding portion of the program is deliverable to the mobile device. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130139208 | Systems and Methods for Processing Media Content Requests - A method includes sending a unicast transmission including at least a portion of media content to a media device in response to determining, at a media distribution computing device, that a request for a media stream to be provided to the media device does not indicate a scheduled recording of the media content associated with the media stream and joining the media device to a multicast group associated with the media stream without sending the unicast transmission to the media device in response to determining, at the media distribution computing device, that the request indicates the scheduled recording of the media content. | 05-30-2013 |
| 20130219441 | METHOD, SERVER AND TERMINAL FOR AUDIO AND VIDEO ON DEMAND - The present invention discloses a method, a server and a terminal of audio-video on demand (AVOD). The method comprises: receiving an audio-video resource request from an AVOD terminal; determining an assigned network the AVOD terminal. belonging to in accordance with the audio-video resource request; determining resource nodes having the audio-video resource in the assigned network; generating a resource list according to the resource nodes having the audio-video resource in the assigned network; transmitting the resource list to the AVOD terminal so that the AVOD terminal acquires the audio-video resource according to the resource list. The present invention achieves both a smooth multiuser concurrent online AVOD and a reducing cost consumption of a network system. | 08-22-2013 |
| 20130227623 | identifying a signal route for delivery of video-on-demand to a subscriber terminal - “A set top box includes an interface to a video on demand system, the interface adapted to receive communications from one or more modulators of a modulator group of the video on demand system. The set top further includes a decoder configured to extract a modulator group identifier periodically inserted into communications directed the set top box from the one or more modulators, the modulator group identifier unique to a physical transmission path from a headend of the video on demand system to the one or more modulators. The set top includes a video-on-demand request interface to the video on demand system, the video on demand request interface configured to output a request for video on demand data including the modulator group identifier.” | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130227624 | Meta Channel Network-Based Content Download Technology - Content download technology, in which a network-based video scheduled to be played at a particular time is identified, and multiple sources from which the network-based video is available for downloading are identified. An initial source from which to download the network-based video is selected from among the multiple sources, and a first process to download the network-based video from the initial source is initiated. Progress of the download of the network-based video is monitored. When an estimated amount of time remaining for the download of the network-based video from the initial source to complete does not enable viewing of the network-based video at the particular time without interruption, an alternative source from which to download at least a portion of the network-based video is selected from among the multiple sources, and a second process to download at least the portion the network-based video from the alternative source is initiated. | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130312047 | Transmitting Timing Information for Content in a Data Stream - The invention provides a method and apparatus that addresses and resolves the issues currently affecting the ability to offer Enhanced TV, in particular, those issues concerning timing and synchronization, interaction with other modules in the STB, and distribution. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20140007170 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SYNCHRONIZING PLAYBACK AT MULTIPLE LOCATIONS | 01-02-2014 |
| 20140013368 | MANAGING COMMON CONTENT ON A DISTRIBUTED STORAGE SYSTEM - A method and apparatus for managing content on a distributed storage system are described including receiving a request to schedule recording of the managed content from at least one of a plurality of networked recording device, the request including a reference for the managed content, determining a replication factor, selecting a number and selecting which of the plurality of networked recording devices are to record the managed content, determining actual program start time and one of starting content ingest and instructing the selected plurality of networked recording devices to start content ingest, fragmenting the requested content and distributing the fragmented content to the selected plurality of networked recording devices and transmitting at least unique content playback reference required to access the content on the distributed storage system. | 01-09-2014 |
| 20140089999 | METHOD FOR VIEWING VIDEO AND AUDIO CLIPS ON A WEBSITE - Provides is a computer implemented method for viewing video and audio clips on a website. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140096169 | PLAYBACK SYNCHRONIZATION IN A GROUP VIEWING A MEDIA TITLE - A method and apparatus for synchronizing the playback of a media title to a group of client device platforms is disclosed. A synchronizer may make adjustments to the playback modes of one or more client device platforms within a group watching the same media title in order to ensure synchronized playback. When a client device platform is behind the group its playback mode may be changed to a fast playback mode. When a client device platform is ahead of the group its playback mode may be changed to a slow playback mode. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140137173 | REAL-TIME DVR POLLING SYSTEM - Techniques for real-time DVR usage and reporting enable using instant message protocol in a DVR environment to obtain real-time DVR usage data and to report data reflecting such usage in real-time. An example of DVR usage data comprises data reflecting that a viewer is viewing a video program which is R-rated. Another example of DVR usage data comprises a viewer entering a password, such as a kids zone password, to exit kids zone operational mode. | 05-15-2014 |
| 20140165120 | CLIENT DEVICE WITH VIDEO PLAYLIST TRANSLATION VIA CLIENT-SIDE PROXY AND METHODS FOR USE THEREWITH - A client device includes a client-side proxy that is operable to receive server playlist data corresponding to the selected one of the plurality of video programs, to generate proxy playlist data corresponding to the selected one of the plurality of video programs based on the server playlist data and to send the proxy playlist data to the video player. In particular, the client-side proxy generates the proxy playlist data by translating the server playlist data from a first playlist format, such as a sliding window format of the HLS protocol, to a second playlist format, such as an event playlist format. | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140245364 | Systems and Methods for Distributing Video on Demand - A method of receiving content includes joining an in-progress multicast stream to receive a first portion of a content. The method further includes sending a request to a peer for a catch-up portion of the content, the request including a deadline for delivery of the content, and receiving the catch-up portion of the content from the peer prior to the deadline. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140282772 | TV PLAYLIST - A playlist server application is provided on a server at a first network node. A playlist local application is provided for a remote device. An indication of a change to a playlist on one of the server and the remote device is obtained from a corresponding one of the playlist server application and the playlist local application. The change is synchronized to another one of the server and the remote device. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140366072 | MULTI-USER MEDIA DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR SYNCHRONIZING CONTENT ON MULTIPLE MEDIA PLAYERS - An interactive, multi-user media delivery system having a number of media storage mediums, each of containing a particular media selection, and a number of media players structured to selectively deliver the media selection to users. Each of the media players includes a control assembly structured to selectively control and regulate delivery of the media selection to the user, and at least one of the media players is selectively designatable as a slave unit. A master control assembly is further provided and is operatively associated with the media players, a connectivity assembly being included to establish a communicative link at least between the slave unit(s) and the master control assembly. The master control assembly is further structured to receive synchronization data from each of the media players, and to simultaneously and uniformly control the delivery of the media selection by the media players. | 12-11-2014 |
| 20140373081 | PLAYBACK SYNCHRONIZATION IN A GROUP VIEWING A MEDIA TITLE - A method and apparatus for synchronizing the playback of a media title to a group of client device platforms is disclosed. A synchronizer may make adjustments to the playback modes of one or more client device platforms within a group watching the same media title in order to ensure synchronized playback. When a client device platform is behind the group its playback mode may be changed to a fast playback mode. When a client device platform is ahead of the group its playback mode may be changed to a slow playback mode. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20150358662 | SYSTEM FOR FILTERING MEDIA MANIFESTS USING MANIFEST ATTRIBUTES - A method includes acts for providing a VOD or streaming video manifest. The method includes at a server, receiving a request for a manifest from a client device. The request for a manifest includes an identification of one or more filters to be applied to a returned manifest. The method further includes, at the server, identifying the manifest. The manifest identifies different portions of a multimedia asset that can be delivered to client devices. The method further includes applying the one or more identified filters to the manifest to generate a filtered manifest that excludes one or more items as dictated by the one or more filters. The filtered manifest is returned to the client device. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20160088324 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT SYNCHRONIZED TO MEDIA PRESENTATION - A computer system provides a method for distribution of a video stream together with associated media content. | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160088334 | AUTOMATIC SUGGESTION FOR SWITCHING BROADCAST MEDIA CONTENT TO ON-DEMAND MEDIA CONTENT - A device obtains an on-demand catalog associated with an on-demand media service, a broadcast schedule associated with a broadcast media service, and a status associated with a media client. Based on information contained in the status and information contained in the broadcast schedule, the device identifies a media content being played by the media client using the broadcast media service. Based information contained in the on-demand catalog, the device further identifies an on-demand option for playing the media content using the on-demand media service. The device provides, to the media client, a suggestion, identifying the on-demand option, which permits a user, of the media client, to play the media content using the on-demand media service. | 03-24-2016 |
| 20190149870 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BANDWIDTH OPTIMIZATION USING STAGGERCAST | 05-16-2019 |
