Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC

United States of America

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H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof 31
H04N 7/173 - Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal 22
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H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data 17
H04N 21/262 - Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission or generating play-lists 16
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1.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ENTITLEMENT MANAGEMENT

      
Application Number 18545530
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-12-19
First Publication Date 2024-04-18
Owner Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Stappenbeck, Alfred Joseph
  • Lesh, Joseph

Abstract

Systems and methods for managing data are disclosed. One method can comprise receiving a first request for a service, wherein the first request is associated with a first rights package. The first rights package can be processed to determine access to the service. An evaluation key can be generated, wherein the evaluation key represents the determination of access relating to the processing of the first rights package. A second request for a service can be received, wherein the second request is associated with a second rights package. The second rights package can be processed using the evaluation key.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 21/12 - Protecting executable software
  • H04N 21/254 - Management at additional data server, e.g. shopping server or rights management server
  • H04N 21/6334 - Control signals issued by server directed to the network components or client directed to client for authorisation, e.g. by transmitting a key
  • H04N 21/658 - Transmission by the client directed to the server
  • G06F 21/10 - Protecting distributed programs or content, e.g. vending or licensing of copyrighted material
  • H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols

2.

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR STATUS DETERMINATION

      
Application Number 18480163
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-10-03
First Publication Date 2024-04-18
Owner Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Hsu, Chun
  • Horwitz, Michael
  • Orogvany, Chris
  • Stappenbeck, Alfred

Abstract

Methods and systems for status determination are disclosed. A computing device may determine a status of the computing device or another computing device. One or more actions may be taken based on the status of the computing device or the another computing device.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 11/34 - Recording or statistical evaluation of computer activity, e.g. of down time, of input/output operation
  • G06F 9/50 - Allocation of resources, e.g. of the central processing unit [CPU]
  • G06F 11/30 - Monitoring
  • H04L 67/10 - Protocols in which an application is distributed across nodes in the network
  • H04L 67/1029 - Protocols in which an application is distributed across nodes in the network for accessing one among a plurality of replicated servers using data related to the state of servers by a load balancer
  • H04L 67/1034 - Reaction to server failures by a load balancer
  • H04L 69/40 - Network arrangements, protocols or services independent of the application payload and not provided for in the other groups of this subclass for recovering from a failure of a protocol instance or entity, e.g. service redundancy protocols, protocol state redundancy or protocol service redirection

3.

ENHANCED SERVICE COMPATIBILITY WITH CLIENTS

      
Application Number 18374330
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-09-28
First Publication Date 2024-01-25
Owner Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Ramaley, Alan
  • Burkhart, Brian
  • Lester, George

Abstract

Methods and systems for enhancing service compatibility are described. A request for content can be received from a client (e.g., user device). A first resource locator for at least a portion of the content can be encoded with service information. A second resource locator indicating a redirect device can comprise the encoded first resource locator and the service information. The client can request at least the portion of the content from a redirect device using the second resource locator. The redirect device can process the request by decoding the first resource locator and service information and sending the service information to a service. The redirect device can send the first resource locator to the client. The client can request at least the portion of the content from a content device using the first resource locator.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 21/2347 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing of video streams or manipulating MPEG-4 scene graphs involving video stream encryption
  • H04N 21/845 - Structuring of content, e.g. decomposing content into time segments
  • H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
  • H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof
  • H04N 21/858 - Linking data to content, e.g. by linking an URL to a video object or by creating a hotspot
  • H04N 21/472 - End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification or for manipulating displayed content
  • H04L 67/02 - Protocols based on web technology, e.g. hypertext transfer protocol [HTTP]
  • H04N 21/6543 - Transmission by server directed to the client for forcing some client operations, e.g. recording
  • H04N 21/262 - Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission or generating play-lists
  • H04L 65/70 - Media network packetisation
  • H04L 65/612 - Network streaming of media packets for supporting one-way streaming services, e.g. Internet radio for unicast

4.

ADAPTIVE PUBLISHING FOR CONTENT DISTRIBUTION

      
Application Number 18345651
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-06-30
First Publication Date 2024-01-11
Owner Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Meijer, Paul
  • Hellkamp, Mark

Abstract

Provided are methods and systems for managing, distributing, and publishing content. An exemplary method can comprise receiving, in a content management system, an asset for distribution. The method can also comprise generating a metadata object according to a submission standard or requirement of a destination asset distribution platform. The destination asset distribution platform can be external to the content management system and the metadata object can comprise data indicative of or associated with the asset.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 21/858 - Linking data to content, e.g. by linking an URL to a video object or by creating a hotspot
  • H04N 21/2343 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing of video streams or manipulating MPEG-4 scene graphs involving reformatting operations of video signals for distribution or compliance with end-user requests or end-user device requirements
  • H04N 21/8543 - Content authoring using a description language, e.g. MHEG [Multimedia and Hypermedia information coding Expert Group] or XML [eXtensible Markup Language]
  • H04L 67/306 - User profiles
  • H04L 67/565 - Conversion or adaptation of application format or content

5.

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR COMMUNICATION MANAGEMENT

      
Application Number 18222254
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-07-14
First Publication Date 2023-11-02
Owner Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Hsu, Chun
  • Horwitz, Michael
  • Orogvany, Chris
  • Stappenbeck, Alfred

Abstract

Methods and systems for communication management are disclosed. A computing device may receive a computing request. The computing device may determine a timeout parameter associated with the computing request. A notification may be sent if the timeout parameter is predicted to be exceeded or if the timeout parameter is exceeded.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04W 4/00 - Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
  • H04W 76/18 - Management of setup rejection or failure
  • H04W 24/00 - Supervisory, monitoring or testing arrangements

6.

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR INTERFERENCE MANAGEMENT

      
Application Number 18203395
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-05-30
First Publication Date 2023-10-05
Owner Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Botchway, Erami
  • Chang, Phillip
  • Francisco, Mark
  • Poder, Jim
  • Salinger, Jorge

Abstract

Methods and systems for interference management are described. Methods and systems can be used for minimizing interference among communication and/or electronic devices. Interference data can be gathered/received from interference sources such as weather and natural patterns, various electronic devices, and one or more network protocols. The interference data can be used to generate interference patterns of each interference source in an interference map. The interference map can be used to determine how a particular interference pattern can affect a system. The interference map can also be used to evaluate a new source of interference (e.g., cordless phones, weather conditions) to determine how a system can be affected. The interference data can also be associated with an interference signature (e.g., an interference pattern, a fingerprint) for an interference source in a database. The database can be used based on the interference signature to identify known and/or unknown interference sources.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04B 1/10 - Means associated with receiver for limiting or suppressing noise or interference
  • H04W 52/24 - TPC being performed according to specific parameters using SIR [Signal to Interference Ratio] or other wireless path parameters

7.

Managing access rights to content using social media

      
Application Number 16853368
Grant Number 11741178
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-04-20
First Publication Date 2023-08-03
Grant Date 2023-08-29
Owner Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Petersen, Christian
  • Hertz, Adam
  • Dixon, John
  • Schwartz, Sam
  • Smalley, Preston

Abstract

Provided are methods and systems related to communications between a social media service or provider (e.g., Twitter®, Facebook®) or other resource (e.g., web page) and one or more content providers. In an aspect, provided are methods comprising receiving a request for content, wherein the request comprises a user agnostic identifier, determining user information associated with the request, determining time information associated with the request, determining media content associated with the user agnostic identifier based on the time information, determining one or more access rights to the media content based on the user information, and providing access to the media content based on the one or more access rights.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04L 29/06 - Communication control; Communication processing characterised by a protocol
  • G06F 16/955 - Retrieval from the web using information identifiers, e.g. uniform resource locators [URL]
  • G06F 21/10 - Protecting distributed programs or content, e.g. vending or licensing of copyrighted material

8.

In-band trick mode control

      
Application Number 17929176
Grant Number 11863838
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-09-01
First Publication Date 2023-03-30
Grant Date 2024-01-02
Owner Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (USA)
Inventor Mick, Jr., John Raymond

Abstract

A server may receive metadata associated with specific content in a transport signal stream from a content information service. The metadata may identify a point in time of the transport signal stream. The server may instruct an encoder to insert a marker into the transport signal stream corresponding to the point in time of the transport signal stream. The marker may indicate control of a trick mode to be enforced by a delivery platform subsequent to the point in time of the transport signal stream. The server may record the marker in a data store associated with the server.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 21/637 - Control signals issued by the client directed to the server or network components
  • H04N 21/658 - Transmission by the client directed to the server
  • H04N 21/274 - Storing end-user specific content or additional data in response to end-user request
  • H04N 21/858 - Linking data to content, e.g. by linking an URL to a video object or by creating a hotspot
  • H04N 21/236 - Assembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. transport stream, by combining a video stream with other content or additional data, e.g. inserting a URL [Uniform Resource Locator ] into a video stream, multiplexing software data into a video stream; Remultiplexing of multiplex streams; Insertion of stuffing bits into the multiplex stream, e.g. to obtain a constant bit-rate; Assembling of a packetised elementary stream
  • H04N 21/262 - Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission or generating play-lists
  • H04N 21/845 - Structuring of content, e.g. decomposing content into time segments
  • H04N 21/435 - Processing of additional data, e.g. decrypting of additional data or reconstructing software from modules extracted from the transport stream
  • H04N 21/654 - Transmission by server directed to the client
  • H04N 21/84 - Generation or processing of descriptive data, e.g. content descriptors
  • H04N 21/6379 - Control signals issued by the client directed to the server or network components directed to server directed to encoder
  • H04N 21/6587 - Control parameters, e.g. trick play commands or viewpoint selection
  • H04N 21/2747 - Remote storage of video programs received via the downstream path, e.g. from the server
  • H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof
  • H04N 21/6543 - Transmission by server directed to the client for forcing some client operations, e.g. recording
  • H04N 21/61 - Network physical structure; Signal processing

9.

Adaptive publishing for content distribution

      
Application Number 17889171
Grant Number 11736782
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-08-16
First Publication Date 2023-02-09
Grant Date 2023-08-22
Owner Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Meijer, Paul
  • Hellkamp, Mark

Abstract

Provided are methods and systems for managing, distributing, and publishing content. An exemplary method can comprise receiving, in a content management system, an asset for distribution. The method can also comprise generating a metadata object according to a submission standard or requirement of a destination asset distribution platform. The destination asset distribution platform can be external to the content management system and the metadata object can comprise data indicative of or associated with the asset.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 15/16 - Combinations of two or more digital computers each having at least an arithmetic unit, a program unit and a register, e.g. for a simultaneous processing of several programs
  • H04N 21/858 - Linking data to content, e.g. by linking an URL to a video object or by creating a hotspot
  • H04N 21/2343 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing of video streams or manipulating MPEG-4 scene graphs involving reformatting operations of video signals for distribution or compliance with end-user requests or end-user device requirements
  • H04N 21/8543 - Content authoring using a description language, e.g. MHEG [Multimedia and Hypermedia information coding Expert Group] or XML [eXtensible Markup Language]
  • H04L 67/306 - User profiles
  • H04L 67/565 - Conversion or adaptation of application format or content

10.

Data engine

      
Application Number 17553186
Grant Number 11954536
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-12-16
First Publication Date 2022-10-06
Grant Date 2024-04-09
Owner Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Lacivita, Jeremy
  • Niland, Daniel

Abstract

Systems and methods for processing and/or presenting data are disclosed. In an aspect, one method can comprise receiving a request for information and detecting a type of data representing the information requested. The data can be processed via a type-dependent agent and the processed data can be provided via an agnostic data engine.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 9/54 - Interprogram communication
  • G06F 9/50 - Allocation of resources, e.g. of the central processing unit [CPU]

11.

Methods and systems for interference management

      
Application Number 17716628
Grant Number 11705931
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-04-08
First Publication Date 2022-09-22
Grant Date 2023-07-18
Owner Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Botchway, Erami
  • Chang, Phillip
  • Francisco, Mark
  • Poder, Jim
  • Salinger, Jorge

Abstract

Methods and systems for interference management are described. Methods and systems can be used for minimizing interference among communication and/or electronic devices. Interference data can be gathered/received from interference sources such as weather and natural patterns, various electronic devices, and one or more network protocols. The interference data can be used to generate interference patterns of each interference source in an interference map. The interference map can be used to determine how a particular interference pattern can affect a system. The interference map can also be used to evaluate a new source of interference (e.g., cordless phones, weather conditions) to determine how a system can be affected. The interference data can also be associated with an interference signature (e.g., an interference pattern, a fingerprint) for an interference source in a database. The database can be used based on the interference signature to identify known and/or unknown interference sources.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04B 1/10 - Means associated with receiver for limiting or suppressing noise or interference
  • H04W 52/24 - TPC being performed according to specific parameters using SIR [Signal to Interference Ratio] or other wireless path parameters

12.

Upstream bandwidth management methods and apparatus

      
Application Number 17729812
Grant Number 11677683
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-04-26
First Publication Date 2022-08-18
Grant Date 2023-06-13
Owner Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Boucher, Antoine
  • Lodberg, Allan

Abstract

A system and method for managing bandwidth of an upstream communications channel in a communications system.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04L 47/70 - Admission control; Resource allocation
  • H04L 47/28 - Flow control; Congestion control in relation to timing considerations
  • H04L 47/78 - Architectures of resource allocation
  • H04L 12/28 - Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
  • H04N 7/173 - Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal
  • H04N 21/24 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. monitoring of server load, available bandwidth or upstream requests
  • H04L 47/2425 - Traffic characterised by specific attributes, e.g. priority or QoS for supporting services specification, e.g. SLA
  • H04L 47/10 - Flow control; Congestion control
  • H04L 12/18 - Arrangements for providing special services to substations for broadcast or conference

13.

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PROCESSING CONTENT RIGHTS

      
Application Number 17364458
Status Pending
Filing Date 2021-06-30
First Publication Date 2022-05-26
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor Stappenbeck, Alfred J.

Abstract

A system and method for processing content access rights and/or entitlement rights are disclosed. A method, in one aspect, provides for receiving a selection of a content option, requesting access information associated with the selected content option, receiving access information comprising location information relating to a compatible format, requesting access rights from a first service associated with the location information, wherein the first service requests an access decision relating to the selected content option from a second service based upon the access rights, and receiving the access rights.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 21/10 - Protecting distributed programs or content, e.g. vending or licensing of copyrighted material
  • G06F 21/60 - Protecting data
  • G06F 21/62 - Protecting access to data via a platform, e.g. using keys or access control rules

14.

Validation of content

      
Application Number 17586432
Grant Number 11765445
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-01-27
First Publication Date 2022-05-19
Grant Date 2023-09-19
Owner Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (USA)
Inventor Adams, Glenn

Abstract

A collection of well-formed, but possibly semantically invalid, binary encoded multimedia data components or packages as well as the binary encoded announcement, signaling, and interchange protocols used in their transmission are converted into one or more well-formed extensible markup language (XML) files. Such XML files may then be validated according to one or more pre-defined XML schemas, or similar schema languages, in order to verify that the data and protocol structures and substructures adhere to prior defined semantic constraints.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 21/8545 - Content authoring for generating interactive applications
  • H04N 21/235 - Processing of additional data, e.g. scrambling of additional data or processing content descriptors
  • H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
  • H04N 21/434 - Disassembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. demultiplexing audio and video streams or extraction of additional data from a video stream; Remultiplexing of multiplex streams; Extraction or processing of SI; Disassembling of packetised elementary stream
  • H04N 21/435 - Processing of additional data, e.g. decrypting of additional data or reconstructing software from modules extracted from the transport stream
  • H04N 21/443 - OS processes, e.g. booting an STB, implementing a Java virtual machine in an STB or power management in an STB
  • H04N 21/466 - Learning process for intelligent management, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies
  • H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof
  • H04N 21/84 - Generation or processing of descriptive data, e.g. content descriptors
  • G06F 40/226 - Validation
  • G06F 40/143 - Markup, e.g. Standard Generalized Markup Language [SGML] or Document Type Definition [DTD]
  • G06F 40/151 - Transformation
  • G06F 40/146 - Coding or compression of tree-structured data
  • H04N 7/173 - Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal

15.

Systems and methods for entitlement management

      
Application Number 17354836
Grant Number 11886547
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-06-22
First Publication Date 2022-05-19
Grant Date 2024-01-30
Owner Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Stappenbeck, Alfred Joseph
  • Lesh, Joseph

Abstract

Systems and methods for managing data are disclosed. One method can comprise receiving a first request for a service, wherein the first request is associated with a first rights package. The first rights package can be processed to determine access to the service. An evaluation key can be generated, wherein the evaluation key represents the determination of access relating to the processing of the first rights package. A second request for a service can be received, wherein the second request is associated with a second rights package. The second rights package can be processed using the evaluation key.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 21/10 - Protecting distributed programs or content, e.g. vending or licensing of copyrighted material
  • G06F 21/12 - Protecting executable software
  • H04N 21/254 - Management at additional data server, e.g. shopping server or rights management server
  • H04N 21/6334 - Control signals issued by server directed to the network components or client directed to client for authorisation, e.g. by transmitting a key
  • H04N 21/658 - Transmission by the client directed to the server
  • H04L 9/40 - Network security protocols

16.

Enhanced service compatibility with clients

      
Application Number 17208846
Grant Number 11812075
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-03-22
First Publication Date 2022-01-20
Grant Date 2023-11-07
Owner Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Ramaley, Alan
  • Burkhart, Brian
  • Lester, George

Abstract

Methods and systems for enhancing service compatibility are described. A request for content can be received from a client (e.g., user device). A first resource locator for at least a portion of the content can be encoded with service information. A second resource locator indicating a redirect device can comprise the encoded first resource locator and the service information. The client can request at least the portion of the content from a redirect device using the second resource locator. The redirect device can process the request by decoding the first resource locator and service information and sending the service information to a service. The redirect device can send the first resource locator to the client. The client can request at least the portion of the content from a content device using the first resource locator.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 21/2347 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing of video streams or manipulating MPEG-4 scene graphs involving video stream encryption
  • H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
  • H04N 21/845 - Structuring of content, e.g. decomposing content into time segments
  • H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof
  • H04N 21/858 - Linking data to content, e.g. by linking an URL to a video object or by creating a hotspot
  • H04N 21/472 - End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification or for manipulating displayed content
  • H04L 67/02 - Protocols based on web technology, e.g. hypertext transfer protocol [HTTP]
  • H04N 21/6543 - Transmission by server directed to the client for forcing some client operations, e.g. recording
  • H04N 21/262 - Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission or generating play-lists
  • H04L 65/70 - Media network packetisation
  • H04L 65/612 - Network streaming of media packets for supporting one-way streaming services, e.g. Internet radio for unicast
  • H04L 67/146 - Markers for unambiguous identification of a particular session, e.g. session cookie or URL-encoding
  • H04L 67/01 - Protocols

17.

Methods and systems for communication management

      
Application Number 17158821
Grant Number 11751004
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-01-26
First Publication Date 2021-12-23
Grant Date 2023-09-05
Owner Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Hsu, Chun
  • Horwitz, Michael
  • Orogvany, Chris
  • Stappenbeck, Alfred

Abstract

Methods and systems for communication management are disclosed. A computing device may receive a computing request. The computing device may determine a timeout parameter associated with the computing request. A notification may be sent if the timeout parameter is predicted to be exceeded or if the timeout parameter is exceeded.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04W 4/00 - Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
  • H04W 76/18 - Management of setup rejection or failure
  • H04W 24/00 - Supervisory, monitoring or testing arrangements
  • H04W 28/18 - Negotiating wireless communication parameters
  • H04L 67/145 - Termination or inactivation of sessions, e.g. event-controlled end of session avoiding end of session, e.g. keep-alive, heartbeats, resumption message or wake-up for inactive or interrupted session
  • H04L 67/10 - Protocols in which an application is distributed across nodes in the network
  • H04L 69/28 - Timers or timing mechanisms used in protocols

18.

Providing advanced playback and control functionality to video client

      
Application Number 17147138
Grant Number 11350184
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-01-12
First Publication Date 2021-05-06
Grant Date 2022-05-31
Owner Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Lacivita, Jeremy
  • Niland, Daniel
  • Fulton, Curtis

Abstract

Systems and methods for providing playback features to a device are disclosed. A manifest may be generated, which may comprise data associated with a content asset. A state file may be generated, which may comprise data associated with the manifest. Using one or more of the manifest and the state file, a device may modify segments of the content asset or may playback segments of the content asset.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 7/10 - Adaptations for transmission by electrical cable
  • H04N 7/025 - Systems for transmission of digital non-picture data, e.g. of text during the active part of a television frame
  • H04N 21/845 - Structuring of content, e.g. decomposing content into time segments
  • H04N 21/262 - Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission or generating play-lists
  • H04N 21/8547 - Content authoring involving timestamps for synchronizing content
  • H04L 67/06 - Protocols specially adapted for file transfer, e.g. file transfer protocol [FTP]
  • H04N 7/16 - Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
  • H04N 21/266 - Channel or content management, e.g. generation and management of keys and entitlement messages in a conditional access system or merging a VOD unicast channel into a multicast channel
  • H04N 21/43 - Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronizing decoder's clock; Client middleware
  • H04N 21/432 - Content retrieval operation from a local storage medium, e.g. hard-disk
  • H04N 21/4623 - Processing of entitlement messages, e.g. ECM [Entitlement Control Message] or EMM [Entitlement Management Message]
  • H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof
  • H04N 21/84 - Generation or processing of descriptive data, e.g. content descriptors

19.

User customization of user interfaces for interactive television

      
Application Number 10635799
Grant Number 11070890
Status In Force
Filing Date 2003-08-05
First Publication Date 2021-05-06
Grant Date 2021-07-20
Owner Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Carney, John
  • De Andrade, David
  • Chu, Viva
  • Moreau, Samuel

Abstract

A user interface by which network operators, programmers, broadcasters and advertisers can deploy and make accessible libraries of available content and allow viewers of iTV services to customize the presentation and content of the information being presented thereto includes one or more screens each having one or more navigable and selectable elements through which the viewers are permitted to customize presentation and content of iTV application environments other than those associated with the user interface.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 21/485 - End-user interface for client configuration
  • H04N 21/472 - End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification or for manipulating displayed content
  • H04N 21/482 - End-user interface for program selection

20.

Multi-Component Content Asset Transfer

      
Application Number 17039408
Status Pending
Filing Date 2020-09-30
First Publication Date 2021-04-15
Owner Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (USA)
Inventor Benedict, Danny

Abstract

Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for multi-component asset transfer. A plurality of references can be generated from a manifest of a content asset. A monitoring agent can determine when a content item for the content asset is received and modify the state of the corresponding reference.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 16/174 - Redundancy elimination performed by the file system
  • G06F 16/16 - File or folder operations, e.g. details of user interfaces specifically adapted to file systems
  • H04L 29/08 - Transmission control procedure, e.g. data link level control procedure

21.

In-band trick mode control

      
Application Number 16915565
Grant Number 11463783
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-06-29
First Publication Date 2021-02-18
Grant Date 2022-10-04
Owner Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (USA)
Inventor Mick, Jr., John Raymond

Abstract

A server may receive metadata associated with specific content in a transport signal stream from a content information service. The metadata may identify a point in time of the transport signal stream. The server may instruct an encoder to insert a marker into the transport signal stream corresponding to the point in time of the transport signal stream. The marker may indicate control of a trick mode to be enforced by a delivery platform subsequent to the point in time of the transport signal stream. The server may record the marker in a data store associated with the server.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 21/637 - Control signals issued by the client directed to the server or network components
  • H04N 21/658 - Transmission by the client directed to the server
  • H04N 21/274 - Storing end-user specific content or additional data in response to end-user request
  • H04N 21/858 - Linking data to content, e.g. by linking an URL to a video object or by creating a hotspot
  • H04N 21/236 - Assembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. transport stream, by combining a video stream with other content or additional data, e.g. inserting a URL [Uniform Resource Locator ] into a video stream, multiplexing software data into a video stream; Remultiplexing of multiplex streams; Insertion of stuffing bits into the multiplex stream, e.g. to obtain a constant bit-rate; Assembling of a packetised elementary stream
  • H04N 21/262 - Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission or generating play-lists
  • H04N 21/845 - Structuring of content, e.g. decomposing content into time segments
  • H04N 21/435 - Processing of additional data, e.g. decrypting of additional data or reconstructing software from modules extracted from the transport stream
  • H04N 21/654 - Transmission by server directed to the client
  • H04N 21/84 - Generation or processing of descriptive data, e.g. content descriptors
  • H04N 21/6379 - Control signals issued by the client directed to the server or network components directed to server directed to encoder
  • H04N 21/6587 - Control parameters, e.g. trick play commands or viewpoint selection
  • H04N 21/2747 - Remote storage of video programs received via the downstream path, e.g. from the server
  • H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof
  • H04N 21/6543 - Transmission by server directed to the client for forcing some client operations, e.g. recording
  • H04N 21/61 - Network physical structure; Signal processing

22.

Systems and Methods for Advertising Continuity

      
Application Number 16808132
Status Pending
Filing Date 2020-03-03
First Publication Date 2021-01-28
Owner Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (USA)
Inventor Ramaley, Alan

Abstract

Methods and systems are described for generating content identification files, such as manifest files, for ensuring content and advertising continuity when changes occur during playback. A user device can request content at a particular bitrate, and a first manifest file comprising references to the content and selected associated content such as advertisements can be created in response to the request. While one of the advertisements is being displayed, the user device can request a change, such as for a different bitrate. A computing device, such as a manifest server can access the first manifest file to determine the content and the associated content, such as the advertisements, that were intended for the user. The manifest server can then create a second manifest file in response to the request, where the second manifest file can be created with the associated content, for example, the advertisements in the first manifest file.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 21/2662 - Controlling the complexity of the video stream, e.g. by scaling the resolution or bitrate of the video stream based on the client capabilities
  • G06Q 30/02 - Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
  • H04L 29/06 - Communication control; Communication processing characterised by a protocol
  • H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
  • H04N 21/6373 - Control signals issued by the client directed to the server or network components for rate control
  • H04N 21/643 - Communication protocols
  • H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof

23.

Application programming interface combining asset listings

      
Application Number 16890032
Grant Number 11336971
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-06-02
First Publication Date 2020-12-24
Grant Date 2022-05-17
Owner Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Hindle, James
  • Scheyen, Peter G. N.
  • Vickers, Mark A.

Abstract

A system, method and API for processing and providing a unified list of the content offerings of multiple content sources.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 16/00 - Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor
  • H04N 21/84 - Generation or processing of descriptive data, e.g. content descriptors
  • G06F 16/2457 - Query processing with adaptation to user needs
  • H04N 21/235 - Processing of additional data, e.g. scrambling of additional data or processing content descriptors
  • H04N 21/262 - Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission or generating play-lists
  • H04N 21/435 - Processing of additional data, e.g. decrypting of additional data or reconstructing software from modules extracted from the transport stream
  • H04N 21/482 - End-user interface for program selection
  • H04N 21/478 - Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification or shopping application

24.

Upstream bandwidth management methods and apparatus

      
Application Number 16910637
Grant Number 11349779
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-06-24
First Publication Date 2020-10-22
Grant Date 2022-05-31
Owner Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Boucher, Antoine
  • Lodberg, Allan

Abstract

A system and method for managing bandwidth of an upstream communications channel in a communications system.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04L 47/70 - Admission control; Resource allocation
  • H04L 47/28 - Flow control; Congestion control in relation to timing considerations
  • H04L 47/78 - Architectures of resource allocation
  • H04L 47/83 - Admission control; Resource allocation based on usage prediction
  • H04L 12/28 - Data switching networks characterised by path configuration, e.g. LAN [Local Area Networks] or WAN [Wide Area Networks]
  • H04N 7/173 - Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal
  • H04N 21/24 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. monitoring of server load, available bandwidth or upstream requests
  • H04L 47/2425 - Traffic characterised by specific attributes, e.g. priority or QoS for supporting services specification, e.g. SLA
  • H04L 47/10 - Flow control; Congestion control
  • H04L 12/18 - Arrangements for providing special services to substations for broadcast or conference

25.

Video preview during trick play

      
Application Number 16670661
Grant Number 11902703
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-10-31
First Publication Date 2020-10-01
Grant Date 2024-02-13
Owner Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (USA)
Inventor Lesh, Joseph

Abstract

Methods and systems are described for displaying a thumbnail preview of video content. In an aspect, one or more mosaic images made up of thumbnails corresponding to frames of the video content at multiple time points can be loaded into the system or created by the methods described. In an aspect, the selected thumbnail, as well as any other thumbnails, can be selected in response to receiving a command (e.g., trick play request) from the viewer. The command can dictate the direction from the selected thumbnail that the next thumbnails will be selected. The command can also dictate the frequency with which thumbnails will be selected from the mosaic image. In an aspect, frames comprised of thumbnails can be encoded to create the video content.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 5/783 - Adaptations for reproducing at a rate different from the recording rate
  • G11B 27/00 - Editing; Indexing; Addressing; Timing or synchronising; Monitoring; Measuring tape travel
  • G11B 27/10 - Indexing; Addressing; Timing or synchronising; Measuring tape travel
  • G11B 27/28 - Indexing; Addressing; Timing or synchronising; Measuring tape travel by using information detectable on the record carrier by using information signals recorded by the same method as the main recording
  • G11B 27/34 - Indicating arrangements
  • H04N 5/93 - Regeneration of the television signal or of selected parts thereof
  • H04N 9/82 - Transformation of the television signal for recording, e.g. modulation, frequency changing; Inverse transformation for playback the individual colour picture signal components being recorded simultaneously only

26.

Methods and systems for interference management

      
Application Number 16689809
Grant Number 11329679
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-11-20
First Publication Date 2020-09-10
Grant Date 2022-05-10
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Botchway, Erami
  • Chang, Phillip
  • Francisco, Mark
  • Poder, Jim
  • Salinger, Jorge

Abstract

Methods and systems for interference management are described. Methods and systems can be used for minimizing interference among communication and/or electronic devices. Interference data can be gathered/received from interference sources such as weather and natural patterns, various electronic devices, and one or more network protocols. The interference data can be used to generate interference patterns of each interference source in an interference map. The interference map can be used to determine how a particular interference pattern can affect a system. The interference map can also be used to evaluate a new source of interference (e.g., cordless phones, weather conditions) to determine how a system can be affected. The interference data can also be associated with an interference signature (e.g., an interference pattern, a fingerprint) for an interference source in a database. The database can be used based on the interference signature to identify known and/or unknown interference sources.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04B 1/10 - Means associated with receiver for limiting or suppressing noise or interference
  • H04W 52/24 - TPC being performed according to specific parameters using SIR [Signal to Interference Ratio] or other wireless path parameters

27.

Methods and systems for status determination

      
Application Number 16775003
Grant Number 11822453
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-01-28
First Publication Date 2020-07-23
Grant Date 2023-11-21
Owner Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Hsu, Chun
  • Horwitz, Michael
  • Orogvany, Chris
  • Stappenbeck, Alfred

Abstract

Methods and systems for status determination are disclosed. A computing device may determine a status of the computing device or another computing device. The status may be based on operational data. One or more actions may be taken based on the status of the computing device or the another computing device. For example, at least one computing task may be performed based on the status.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 9/50 - Allocation of resources, e.g. of the central processing unit [CPU]
  • G06F 11/07 - Responding to the occurrence of a fault, e.g. fault tolerance
  • G06F 11/34 - Recording or statistical evaluation of computer activity, e.g. of down time, of input/output operation
  • H04L 67/10 - Protocols in which an application is distributed across nodes in the network
  • H04L 67/1029 - Protocols in which an application is distributed across nodes in the network for accessing one among a plurality of replicated servers using data related to the state of servers by a load balancer
  • H04L 67/1034 - Reaction to server failures by a load balancer
  • H04L 69/40 - Network arrangements, protocols or services independent of the application payload and not provided for in the other groups of this subclass for recovering from a failure of a protocol instance or entity, e.g. service redundancy protocols, protocol state redundancy or protocol service redirection
  • G06F 11/30 - Monitoring

28.

Data engine

      
Application Number 16534829
Grant Number 11231971
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-08-07
First Publication Date 2020-07-02
Grant Date 2022-01-25
Owner Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Lacivita, Jeremy John
  • Niland, Daniel

Abstract

Systems and methods for processing and/or presenting data are disclosed. In an aspect, one method can comprise receiving a request for information and detecting a type of data representing the information requested. The data can be processed via a type-dependent agent and the processed data can be provided via an agnostic data engine.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 9/54 - Interprogram communication
  • G06F 9/50 - Allocation of resources, e.g. of the central processing unit [CPU]

29.

Extending data records for dynamic data and selective acceptance based on hardware profile

      
Application Number 16674917
Grant Number 11962822
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-11-05
First Publication Date 2020-07-02
Grant Date 2024-04-16
Owner Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Hindle, James
  • Scheyen, Peter G. N.
  • Vickers, Mark A.

Abstract

A system, method and data structure for processing basic client application data types to add thereto extension types and priority levels adapted for use by each of a plurality of set top box classes.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 21/23 - Processing of content or additional data; Elementary server operations; Server middleware
  • H04N 21/235 - Processing of additional data, e.g. scrambling of additional data or processing content descriptors
  • H04N 21/262 - Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission or generating play-lists
  • H04N 21/435 - Processing of additional data, e.g. decrypting of additional data or reconstructing software from modules extracted from the transport stream
  • H04N 21/478 - Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification or shopping application
  • H04N 21/482 - End-user interface for program selection
  • H04N 21/84 - Generation or processing of descriptive data, e.g. content descriptors

30.

Validation of content

      
Application Number 16740921
Grant Number 11272265
Status In Force
Filing Date 2020-01-13
First Publication Date 2020-06-25
Grant Date 2022-03-08
Owner Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (USA)
Inventor Adams, Glenn

Abstract

A collection of well-formed, but possibly semantically invalid, binary encoded multimedia data components or packages as well as the binary encoded announcement, signaling, and interchange protocols used in their transmission are converted into one or more well-formed extensible markup language (XML) files. Such XML files may then be validated according to one or more pre-defined XML schemas, or similar schema languages, in order to verify that the data and protocol structures and substructures adhere to prior defined semantic constraints.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 21/235 - Processing of additional data, e.g. scrambling of additional data or processing content descriptors
  • H04N 21/8545 - Content authoring for generating interactive applications
  • H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
  • H04N 21/434 - Disassembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. demultiplexing audio and video streams or extraction of additional data from a video stream; Remultiplexing of multiplex streams; Extraction or processing of SI; Disassembling of packetised elementary stream
  • H04N 21/435 - Processing of additional data, e.g. decrypting of additional data or reconstructing software from modules extracted from the transport stream
  • H04N 21/443 - OS processes, e.g. booting an STB, implementing a Java virtual machine in an STB or power management in an STB
  • H04N 21/466 - Learning process for intelligent management, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies
  • H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof
  • H04N 21/84 - Generation or processing of descriptive data, e.g. content descriptors
  • G06F 40/226 - Validation
  • G06F 40/143 - Markup, e.g. Standard Generalized Markup Language [SGML] or Document Type Definition [DTD]
  • G06F 40/151 - Transformation
  • G06F 40/146 - Coding or compression of tree-structured data
  • H04N 7/173 - Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal

31.

Methods and systems for communication management

      
Application Number 16431467
Grant Number 10945091
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-06-04
First Publication Date 2020-04-23
Grant Date 2021-03-09
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Hsu, Chun
  • Horwitz, Michael
  • Orogvany, Chris
  • Stappenbeck, Alfred

Abstract

Methods and systems for communication management are disclosed. A computing device may receive a computing request. The computing device may determine a timeout parameter associated with the computing request. A notification may be sent if the timeout parameter is predicted to be exceeded or if the timeout parameter is exceeded.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04W 4/00 - Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
  • H04W 76/18 - Management of setup rejection or failure
  • H04W 24/00 - Supervisory, monitoring or testing arrangements
  • H04W 28/18 - Negotiating wireless communication parameters
  • H04L 29/08 - Transmission control procedure, e.g. data link level control procedure
  • H04L 29/06 - Communication control; Communication processing characterised by a protocol

32.

Methods and systems for processing content rights

      
Application Number 16272886
Grant Number 11080370
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-02-11
First Publication Date 2019-09-12
Grant Date 2021-08-03
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor Stappenbeck, Alfred J.

Abstract

A system and method for processing content access rights and/or entitlement rights are disclosed. A method, in one aspect, provides for receiving a selection of a content option, requesting access information associated with the selected content option, receiving access information comprising location information relating to a compatible format, requesting access rights from a first service associated with the location information, wherein the first service requests an access decision relating to the selected content option from a second service based upon the access rights, and receiving the access rights.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 21/10 - Protecting distributed programs or content, e.g. vending or licensing of copyrighted material
  • G06F 21/60 - Protecting data
  • G06F 21/62 - Protecting access to data via a platform, e.g. using keys or access control rules

33.

Systems and methods for entitlement management

      
Application Number 16150034
Grant Number 11074321
Status In Force
Filing Date 2018-10-02
First Publication Date 2019-09-05
Grant Date 2021-07-27
Owner Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Stappenbeck, Alfred Joseph
  • Lesh, Joseph

Abstract

Systems and methods for managing data are disclosed. One method can comprise receiving a first request for a service, wherein the first request is associated with a first rights package. The first rights package can be processed to determine access to the service. An evaluation key can be generated, wherein the evaluation key represents the determination of access relating to the processing of the first rights package. A second request for a service can be received, wherein the second request is associated with a second rights package. The second rights package can be processed using the evaluation key.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 21/10 - Protecting distributed programs or content, e.g. vending or licensing of copyrighted material
  • H04N 21/254 - Management at additional data server, e.g. shopping server or rights management server
  • G06F 21/12 - Protecting executable software
  • H04N 21/6334 - Control signals issued by server directed to the network components or client directed to client for authorisation, e.g. by transmitting a key
  • H04N 21/658 - Transmission by the client directed to the server
  • H04L 29/06 - Communication control; Communication processing characterised by a protocol

34.

Managing access rights to content using social media

      
Application Number 16143131
Grant Number 10671687
Status In Force
Filing Date 2018-09-26
First Publication Date 2019-08-29
Grant Date 2020-06-02
Owner Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Petersen, Christian
  • Hertz, Adam
  • Dixon, John
  • Schwartz, Sam
  • Smalley, Preston

Abstract

Provided are methods and systems related to communications between a social media service or provider (e.g., Twitter®, Facebook®) or other resource (e.g., web page) and one or more content providers. In an aspect, provided are methods comprising receiving a request for content, wherein the request comprises a user agnostic identifier, determining user information associated with the request, determining time information associated with the request, determining media content associated with the user agnostic identifier based on the time information, determining one or more access rights to the media content based on the user information, and providing access to the media content based on the one or more access rights.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04L 29/06 - Communication control; Communication processing characterised by a protocol
  • G06F 16/955 - Retrieval from the web using information identifiers, e.g. uniform resource locators [URL]
  • G06F 21/10 - Protecting distributed programs or content, e.g. vending or licensing of copyrighted material

35.

Adaptive publishing for content distribution

      
Application Number 16252290
Grant Number 11463790
Status In Force
Filing Date 2019-01-18
First Publication Date 2019-05-23
Grant Date 2022-10-04
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Meijer, Paul
  • Hellkamp, Mark

Abstract

Provided are methods and systems for managing, distributing, and publishing content. An exemplary method can comprise receiving, in a content management system, an asset for distribution. The method can also comprise generating a metadata object according to a submission standard or requirement of a destination asset distribution platform. The destination asset distribution platform can be external to the content management system and the metadata object can comprise data indicative of or associated with the asset.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 15/16 - Combinations of two or more digital computers each having at least an arithmetic unit, a program unit and a register, e.g. for a simultaneous processing of several programs
  • H04N 21/858 - Linking data to content, e.g. by linking an URL to a video object or by creating a hotspot
  • H04N 21/2343 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing of video streams or manipulating MPEG-4 scene graphs involving reformatting operations of video signals for distribution or compliance with end-user requests or end-user device requirements
  • H04N 21/8543 - Content authoring using a description language, e.g. MHEG [Multimedia and Hypermedia information coding Expert Group] or XML [eXtensible Markup Language]
  • H04L 67/306 - User profiles
  • H04L 67/565 - Conversion or adaptation of application format or content

36.

Methods and Systems For Redirecting Content Players

      
Application Number 15812867
Status Pending
Filing Date 2017-11-14
First Publication Date 2019-05-16
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor Ramaley, Alan

Abstract

Methods and systems for redirecting content players are described. A request for content may be received by a network device from a user device. A session ID may be generated to track both the current and subsequent request for the content. The network device may redirect the user device to an initial segment of an advertisement. For an initial request by the content player that requests a segment of the content not associated with an initial segment of the advertisement, the content player can be redirected to the initial segment of the advertisement. For subsequent request for the content, the content player can be provided the particular segment of the content initially requested without redirection.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 21/239 - Interfacing the upstream path of the transmission network, e.g. prioritizing client requests
  • H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof
  • H04N 21/845 - Structuring of content, e.g. decomposing content into time segments
  • H04N 21/858 - Linking data to content, e.g. by linking an URL to a video object or by creating a hotspot

37.

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR REDIRECTING CONTENT PLAYERS

      
Document Number 03023923
Status Pending
Filing Date 2018-11-13
Open to Public Date 2019-05-14
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor Ramaley, Alan

Abstract

Methods and systems for redirecting content players are described. A request for content may be received by a network device from a user device. A session ID may be generated to track both the current and subsequent request for the content. The network device may redirect the user device to an initial segment of an advertisement. For an initial request by the content player that requests a segment of the content not associated with an initial segment of the advertisement, the content player can be redirected to the initial segment of the advertisement. For subsequent request for the content, the content player can be provided the particular segment of the content initially requested without redirection.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 21/262 - Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission or generating play-lists
  • H04N 21/458 - Scheduling content for creating a personalised stream, e.g. by combining a locally stored advertisement with an incoming stream; Updating operations, e.g. for OS modules
  • H04N 21/6377 - Control signals issued by the client directed to the server or network components directed to server

38.

Systems and methods for advertising continuity

      
Application Number 15991904
Grant Number 10623795
Status In Force
Filing Date 2018-05-29
First Publication Date 2019-05-02
Grant Date 2020-04-14
Owner Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (USA)
Inventor Ramaley, Alan

Abstract

Methods and systems are described for generating content identification files, such as manifest files, for ensuring content and advertising continuity when changes occur during playback. A user device can request content at a particular bitrate, and a first manifest file comprising references to the content and selected associated content such as advertisements can be created in response to the request. While one of the advertisements is being displayed, the user device can request a change, such as for a different bitrate. A computing device, such as a manifest server can access the first manifest file to determine the content and the associated content, such the advertisements, that were intended for the user. The manifest server can then create a second manifest file in response to the request, where second manifest file can be created with the associated content, for example, the advertisements in the first manifest file.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 21/2662 - Controlling the complexity of the video stream, e.g. by scaling the resolution or bitrate of the video stream based on the client capabilities
  • G06Q 30/02 - Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
  • H04L 29/06 - Communication control; Communication processing characterised by a protocol
  • H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
  • H04N 21/6373 - Control signals issued by the client directed to the server or network components for rate control
  • H04N 21/643 - Communication protocols
  • H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof

39.

Validation of content

      
Application Number 16119184
Grant Number 10575070
Status In Force
Filing Date 2018-08-31
First Publication Date 2019-05-02
Grant Date 2020-02-25
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor Adams, Glenn

Abstract

A collection of well-formed, but possibly semantically invalid, binary encoded multimedia data components or packages as well as the binary encoded announcement, signaling, and interchange protocols used in their transmission are converted into one or more well-formed extensible markup language (XML) files. Such XML files may then be validated according to one or more pre-defined XML schemas, or similar schema languages, in order to verify that the data and protocol structures and substructures adhere to prior defined semantic constraints.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 17/20 - Handling natural language data
  • H04N 21/8545 - Content authoring for generating interactive applications
  • H04N 21/235 - Processing of additional data, e.g. scrambling of additional data or processing content descriptors
  • H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
  • H04N 21/434 - Disassembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. demultiplexing audio and video streams or extraction of additional data from a video stream; Remultiplexing of multiplex streams; Extraction or processing of SI; Disassembling of packetised elementary stream
  • H04N 21/435 - Processing of additional data, e.g. decrypting of additional data or reconstructing software from modules extracted from the transport stream
  • H04N 21/443 - OS processes, e.g. booting an STB, implementing a Java virtual machine in an STB or power management in an STB
  • H04N 21/466 - Learning process for intelligent management, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies
  • H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof
  • H04N 21/84 - Generation or processing of descriptive data, e.g. content descriptors
  • H04N 7/173 - Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal
  • G06F 17/22 - Manipulating or registering by use of codes, e.g. in sequence of text characters

40.

In-band trick mode control

      
Application Number 16046473
Grant Number 10735824
Status In Force
Filing Date 2018-07-26
First Publication Date 2019-04-25
Grant Date 2020-08-04
Owner Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (USA)
Inventor Mick, Jr., John Raymond

Abstract

A server may receive metadata associated with specific content in a transport signal stream from a content information service. The metadata may identify a point in time of the transport signal stream. The server may instruct an encoder to insert a marker into the transport signal stream corresponding to the point in time of the transport signal stream. The marker may indicate control of a trick mode to be enforced by a delivery platform subsequent to the point in time of the transport signal stream. The server may record the marker in a data store associated with the server.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 21/6379 - Control signals issued by the client directed to the server or network components directed to server directed to encoder
  • H04N 21/6587 - Control parameters, e.g. trick play commands or viewpoint selection
  • H04N 21/2747 - Remote storage of video programs received via the downstream path, e.g. from the server
  • H04N 21/236 - Assembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. transport stream, by combining a video stream with other content or additional data, e.g. inserting a URL [Uniform Resource Locator ] into a video stream, multiplexing software data into a video stream; Remultiplexing of multiplex streams; Insertion of stuffing bits into the multiplex stream, e.g. to obtain a constant bit-rate; Assembling of a packetised elementary stream
  • H04N 21/262 - Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission or generating play-lists
  • H04N 21/435 - Processing of additional data, e.g. decrypting of additional data or reconstructing software from modules extracted from the transport stream
  • H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof
  • H04N 21/858 - Linking data to content, e.g. by linking an URL to a video object or by creating a hotspot
  • H04N 21/845 - Structuring of content, e.g. decomposing content into time segments
  • H04N 21/6543 - Transmission by server directed to the client for forcing some client operations, e.g. recording
  • H04N 21/61 - Network physical structure; Signal processing
  • H04N 21/84 - Generation or processing of descriptive data, e.g. content descriptors

41.

Multi-component content asset transfer

      
Application Number 15723053
Grant Number 10838924
Status In Force
Filing Date 2017-10-02
First Publication Date 2019-04-04
Grant Date 2020-11-17
Owner Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (USA)
Inventor Benedict, Danny

Abstract

Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for multi-component asset transfer. A plurality of references can be generated from a manifest of a content asset. A monitoring agent can determine when a content item for the content asset is received and modify the state of the corresponding reference.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 16/00 - Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor
  • G06F 16/174 - Redundancy elimination performed by the file system
  • G06F 16/16 - File or folder operations, e.g. details of user interfaces specifically adapted to file systems
  • H04L 29/08 - Transmission control procedure, e.g. data link level control procedure

42.

Application programming interface combining asset listings

      
Application Number 15940339
Grant Number 10708672
Status In Force
Filing Date 2018-03-29
First Publication Date 2019-03-21
Grant Date 2020-07-07
Owner Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Hindle, James
  • Scheyen, Peter G. N.
  • Vickers, Mark A.

Abstract

A system, method and API for processing and providing a unified list of the content offerings of multiple content sources.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 16/00 - Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor
  • H04N 21/84 - Generation or processing of descriptive data, e.g. content descriptors
  • G06F 16/2457 - Query processing with adaptation to user needs
  • H04N 21/235 - Processing of additional data, e.g. scrambling of additional data or processing content descriptors
  • H04N 21/262 - Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission or generating play-lists
  • H04N 21/435 - Processing of additional data, e.g. decrypting of additional data or reconstructing software from modules extracted from the transport stream
  • H04N 21/482 - End-user interface for program selection
  • H04N 21/478 - Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification or shopping application

43.

Video preview during trick play

      
Application Number 15877130
Grant Number 10511800
Status In Force
Filing Date 2018-01-22
First Publication Date 2018-12-27
Grant Date 2019-12-17
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor Lesh, Joseph

Abstract

Methods and systems are described for displaying a thumbnail preview of video content. In an aspect, one or more mosaic images made up of thumbnails corresponding to frames of the video content at multiple time points can be loaded into the system or created by the methods described. In an aspect, the selected thumbnail, as well as any other thumbnails, can be selected in response to receiving a command (e.g., trick play request) from the viewer. The command can dictate the direction from the selected thumbnail that the next thumbnails will be selected. The command can also dictate the frequency with which thumbnails will be selected from the mosaic image. In an aspect, frames comprised of thumbnails can be encoded to create the video content.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 5/783 - Adaptations for reproducing at a rate different from the recording rate
  • H04N 9/82 - Transformation of the television signal for recording, e.g. modulation, frequency changing; Inverse transformation for playback the individual colour picture signal components being recorded simultaneously only
  • H04N 5/93 - Regeneration of the television signal or of selected parts thereof
  • G11B 27/28 - Indexing; Addressing; Timing or synchronising; Measuring tape travel by using information detectable on the record carrier by using information signals recorded by the same method as the main recording
  • G11B 27/34 - Indicating arrangements
  • G11B 27/10 - Indexing; Addressing; Timing or synchronising; Measuring tape travel
  • G11B 27/00 - Editing; Indexing; Addressing; Timing or synchronising; Monitoring; Measuring tape travel

44.

Data engine

      
Application Number 15862426
Grant Number 10430256
Status In Force
Filing Date 2018-01-04
First Publication Date 2018-12-13
Grant Date 2019-10-01
Owner Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Lacivita, Jeremy John
  • Niland, Daniel

Abstract

Systems and methods for processing and/or presenting data are disclosed. In an aspect, one method can comprise receiving a request for information and detecting a type of data representing the information requested. The data can be processed via a type-dependent agent and the processed data can be provided via an agnostic data engine.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 9/54 - Interprogram communication
  • G06F 9/50 - Allocation of resources, e.g. of the central processing unit [CPU]

45.

Providing advanced playback and control functionality to video client

      
Application Number 15829355
Grant Number 10924821
Status In Force
Filing Date 2017-12-01
First Publication Date 2018-10-18
Grant Date 2021-02-16
Owner Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Lacivita, Jeremy
  • Niland, Daniel
  • Fulton, Curtis

Abstract

Systems and methods for providing playback features to a device are disclosed. A manifest may be generated, which may comprise data associated with a content asset. A state file may be generated, which may comprise data associated with the manifest. Using one or more of the manifest and the state file, a device may modify segments of the content asset or may playback segments of the content asset.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 21/845 - Structuring of content, e.g. decomposing content into time segments
  • H04N 21/262 - Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission or generating play-lists
  • H04N 21/8547 - Content authoring involving timestamps for synchronizing content
  • H04L 29/08 - Transmission control procedure, e.g. data link level control procedure
  • H04N 7/16 - Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
  • H04N 21/266 - Channel or content management, e.g. generation and management of keys and entitlement messages in a conditional access system or merging a VOD unicast channel into a multicast channel
  • H04N 21/43 - Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronizing decoder's clock; Client middleware
  • H04N 21/432 - Content retrieval operation from a local storage medium, e.g. hard-disk
  • H04N 21/4623 - Processing of entitlement messages, e.g. ECM [Entitlement Control Message] or EMM [Entitlement Management Message]
  • H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof
  • H04N 21/84 - Generation or processing of descriptive data, e.g. content descriptors

46.

Methods and systems for interference management

      
Application Number 15783842
Grant Number 10530406
Status In Force
Filing Date 2017-10-13
First Publication Date 2018-09-27
Grant Date 2020-01-07
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Botchway, Erami
  • Chang, Phillip
  • Francisco, Mark
  • Poder, Jim
  • Salinger, Jorge

Abstract

Methods and systems for interference management are described. Methods and systems can be used for minimizing interference among communication and/or electronic devices. Interference data can be gathered/received from interference sources such as weather and natural patterns, various electronic devices, and one or more network protocols. The interference data can be used to generate interference patterns of each interference source in an interference map. The interference map can be used to determine how a particular interference pattern can affect a system. The interference map can also be used to evaluate a new source of interference (e.g., cordless phones, weather conditions) to determine how a system can be affected. The interference data can also be associated with an interference signature (e.g., an interference pattern, a fingerprint) for an interference source in a database. The database can be used based on the interference signature to identify known and/or unknown interference sources.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04W 52/24 - TPC being performed according to specific parameters using SIR [Signal to Interference Ratio] or other wireless path parameters
  • H04B 1/10 - Means associated with receiver for limiting or suppressing noise or interference

47.

Remote Access to Personal Video Profile

      
Application Number 15711392
Status Pending
Filing Date 2017-09-21
First Publication Date 2018-08-16
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Schwartz, Samuel
  • Hertzfeld, Bruce
  • Budin, Eric

Abstract

A system for providing a user-specific list of programs for online viewing based on a user profile stored in a DVR of a user, said system comprising: (a) a preference server linked to a wide area network and in communication with said DVR and at least one content server having a library of programs available for online delivery to a remote device; and (b) a User Menu hosted by said preference server and particular to said user, said User Menu providing said user-specific list of programs based on said user profile stored in said DVR.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 7/173 - Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal
  • H04N 21/414 - Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
  • H04N 21/482 - End-user interface for program selection
  • H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
  • H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof
  • H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies 
  • H04N 21/472 - End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification or for manipulating displayed content
  • H04N 21/658 - Transmission by the client directed to the server
  • H04N 21/25 - Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication or learning user preferences for recommending movies

48.

Managing access rights to content using social media

      
Application Number 15459727
Grant Number 10127326
Status In Force
Filing Date 2017-03-15
First Publication Date 2018-02-01
Grant Date 2018-11-13
Owner Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Petersen, Christian
  • Hertz, Adam
  • Dixon, John
  • Schwartz, Sam
  • Smalley, Preston

Abstract

Provided are methods and systems related to communications between a social media service or provider (e.g., Twitter®, Facebook®) or other resource (e.g., web page) and one or more content providers. In an aspect, provided are methods comprising receiving a request for content, wherein the request comprises a user agnostic identifier, determining user information associated with the request, determining time information associated with the request, determining media content associated with the user agnostic identifier based on the time information, determining one or more access rights to the media content based on the user information, and providing access to the media content based on the one or more access rights.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04L 29/06 - Communication control; Communication processing characterised by a protocol
  • G06F 17/30 - Information retrieval; Database structures therefor
  • G06F 21/10 - Protecting distributed programs or content, e.g. vending or licensing of copyrighted material
  • G06F 7/04 - Identity comparison, i.e. for like or unlike values
  • H04N 7/16 - Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems

49.

Server side adaptive bit rate reporting

      
Application Number 15452140
Grant Number 10038925
Status In Force
Filing Date 2017-03-07
First Publication Date 2018-01-25
Grant Date 2018-07-31
Owner Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Mick, Jr., John Raymond
  • Sherwin, Jeffrey
  • Santangelo, Bryan David

Abstract

A server receives metadata associated with an advertisement in a transport signal stream from an encoder, the metadata identifying a specified frame of the transport signal stream corresponding to a point in time of the advertisement. The server instructs an encoder, by a server, to insert a marker into the specified frame of the transport signal stream, the marker identifying the point in time of the advertisement. The server receives data from a smart appliance. The server detects the marker in the data. The server identifies the marker as the specified frame of the transport signal stream played by the smart appliance. The server maps the marker to the identified point in time of the advertisement.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 7/10 - Adaptations for transmission by electrical cable
  • H04N 21/24 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. monitoring of server load, available bandwidth or upstream requests
  • H04N 21/235 - Processing of additional data, e.g. scrambling of additional data or processing content descriptors
  • H04N 21/2343 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing of video streams or manipulating MPEG-4 scene graphs involving reformatting operations of video signals for distribution or compliance with end-user requests or end-user device requirements
  • H04N 21/234 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing of video streams or manipulating MPEG-4 scene graphs
  • H04N 21/845 - Structuring of content, e.g. decomposing content into time segments
  • H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof
  • H04N 21/8352 - Generation of protective data, e.g. certificates involving content or source identification data, e.g. UMID [Unique Material Identifier]
  • H04N 21/84 - Generation or processing of descriptive data, e.g. content descriptors
  • H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk

50.

Methods And Systems For Queuing Events

      
Application Number 15586034
Status Pending
Filing Date 2017-05-03
First Publication Date 2017-12-21
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Meijer, Paul
  • Hellkamp, Mark

Abstract

This disclosure relates to methods and systems for queuing events. In one aspect, a method is disclosed that receives or creates an event and inserts the event into a queue. The method determines at least one property of the event and associates a priority with the event based on the property. The method then processes the event in accordance with its priority.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 9/46 - Multiprogramming arrangements
  • H04N 21/231 - Content storage operation, e.g. caching movies for short term storage, replicating data over plural servers or prioritizing data for deletion
  • H04N 21/241 - Operating system [OS] processes, e.g. server setup
  • H04L 29/08 - Transmission control procedure, e.g. data link level control procedure

51.

Systems and methods for advertising continuity

      
Application Number 15079831
Grant Number 10009642
Status In Force
Filing Date 2016-03-24
First Publication Date 2017-09-28
Grant Date 2018-06-26
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor Ramaley, Alan

Abstract

Methods and systems are described for generating content identification tiles, such as manifest files, for ensuring content and advertising continuity when changes occur during playback. A user device can request content at a particular bitrate, and a first manifest file comprising references to the content and selected associated content such as advertisements can be created in response to the request. While one of the advertisements is being displayed, the user device can request a change, such as for a different bitrate. A computing device, such as a manifest server can access the first manifest file to determine the content and the associated content, such the advertisements, that were intended for the user. The manifest server can then create a second manifest file in response to the request, where second manifest file can be created with the associated content, for example, the advertisements in the first manifest file.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 7/025 - Systems for transmission of digital non-picture data, e.g. of text during the active part of a television frame
  • H04N 21/2662 - Controlling the complexity of the video stream, e.g. by scaling the resolution or bitrate of the video stream based on the client capabilities
  • H04L 29/06 - Communication control; Communication processing characterised by a protocol
  • H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
  • H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof
  • H04N 21/643 - Communication protocols
  • H04N 21/6373 - Control signals issued by the client directed to the server or network components for rate control

52.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ADVERTISING CONTINUITY

      
Document Number 02962029
Status Pending
Filing Date 2017-03-24
Open to Public Date 2017-09-24
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor Ramaley, Alan

Abstract

Methods and systems are described for generating content identification files, such as manifest files, for ensuring content and advertising continuity when changes occur during playback. A user device can request content at a particular bitrate, and a first manifest file comprising references to the content and selected associated content such as advertisements can be created in response to the request. While one of the advertisements is being displayed, the user device can request a change, such as for a different bitrate. A computing device, such as a manifest server can access the first manifest file to determine the content and the associated content, such the advertisements, that were intended for the user. The manifest server can then create a second manifest file in response to the request, where second manifest file can be created with the associated content, for example, the advertisements in the first manifest file.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 21/6373 - Control signals issued by the client directed to the server or network components for rate control
  • H04N 21/478 - Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification or shopping application

53.

Systems and methods for expedited entitlement checks

      
Application Number 15583634
Grant Number 10839049
Status In Force
Filing Date 2017-05-01
First Publication Date 2017-08-17
Grant Date 2020-11-17
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Stappenbeck, Alfred Joseph
  • Lesh, Joseph

Abstract

Systems and methods for managing access data are disclosed. One method can comprise receiving prediction information relating to one or more content options and requesting access information associated with the prediction information. At least a portion of the received access information can be processed to provide a preliminary access decision. A request for access relating to the one or more data options can be received and an access decision based at least in part on the preliminary access decision can be provided.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 12/14 - Protection against unauthorised use of memory
  • G06F 21/10 - Protecting distributed programs or content, e.g. vending or licensing of copyrighted material
  • H04L 29/06 - Communication control; Communication processing characterised by a protocol
  • G06F 21/31 - User authentication

54.

Providing advanced playback and control functionality to video client

      
Application Number 14976535
Grant Number 09930427
Status In Force
Filing Date 2015-12-21
First Publication Date 2017-06-22
Grant Date 2018-03-27
Owner Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Lacivita, Jeremy
  • Niland, Daniel
  • Fulton, Curtis

Abstract

Systems and methods for providing playback features to a device are disclosed. In an aspect, one method can comprise transmitting a manifest and a state file to a recipient device, wherein processing of the manifest facilitates access to content and wherein processing of the state file facilitates one or more playback features associated with the content.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 7/10 - Adaptations for transmission by electrical cable
  • H04N 7/025 - Systems for transmission of digital non-picture data, e.g. of text during the active part of a television frame
  • H04N 21/845 - Structuring of content, e.g. decomposing content into time segments
  • H04L 29/08 - Transmission control procedure, e.g. data link level control procedure
  • H04N 7/16 - Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
  • H04N 21/266 - Channel or content management, e.g. generation and management of keys and entitlement messages in a conditional access system or merging a VOD unicast channel into a multicast channel
  • H04N 21/43 - Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronizing decoder's clock; Client middleware
  • H04N 21/432 - Content retrieval operation from a local storage medium, e.g. hard-disk
  • H04N 21/4623 - Processing of entitlement messages, e.g. ECM [Entitlement Control Message] or EMM [Entitlement Management Message]
  • H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof
  • H04N 21/84 - Generation or processing of descriptive data, e.g. content descriptors
  • H04N 21/262 - Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission or generating play-lists
  • H04N 21/8547 - Content authoring involving timestamps for synchronizing content

55.

PROVIDING ADVANCED PLAYBACK AND CONTROL FUNCTIONALITY TO VIDEO CLIENT

      
Document Number 02952486
Status Pending
Filing Date 2016-12-20
Open to Public Date 2017-06-21
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Lacivita, Jeremy
  • Niland, Daniel
  • Fulton, Curtis

Abstract

Systems and methods for providing playback features to a device are disclosed. In an aspect, one method can comprise transmitting a manifest and a state file to a recipient device, wherein processing of the manifest facilitates access to content and wherein processing of the state file facilitates one or more playback features associated with the content.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 21/2343 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing of video streams or manipulating MPEG-4 scene graphs involving reformatting operations of video signals for distribution or compliance with end-user requests or end-user device requirements
  • H04N 21/2387 - Stream processing in response to a playback request from an end-user, e.g. for trick-play
  • H04N 19/46 - Embedding additional information in the video signal during the compression process
  • H04N 19/70 - Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals characterised by syntax aspects related to video coding, e.g. related to compression standards

56.

SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PREAUTHORIZING CONTENT

      
Application Number 14940731
Status Pending
Filing Date 2015-11-13
First Publication Date 2017-05-18
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Browne, David
  • Fuller, Wayne
  • Colwell, Jonathan

Abstract

A system and method for managing timely delivery of content is disclosed wherein, to prevent delays caused by pre-delivery processing, such as entitlement or payment processing, the system can initiate delivery of at least a portion of the content. In an aspect, an authorization system can receive a request for content. The authorization system can queue an authorization request and/or an entitlement check for processing in response to the request for content. The authorization system can pre-authorize the request and initiate delivery of at least the portion of content prior to processing the authorization request and/or the entitlement check.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04L 29/06 - Communication control; Communication processing characterised by a protocol
  • G06Q 20/40 - Authorisation, e.g. identification of payer or payee, verification of customer or shop credentials; Review and approval of payers, e.g. check of credit lines or negative lists

57.

In-band trick mode control

      
Application Number 15361989
Grant Number 10063935
Status In Force
Filing Date 2016-11-28
First Publication Date 2017-03-16
Grant Date 2018-08-28
Owner Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (USA)
Inventor Mick, Jr., John Raymond

Abstract

A server may receive metadata associated with specific content in a transport signal stream from a content information service. The metadata may identify a point in time of the transport signal stream. The server may instruct an encoder to insert a marker into the transport signal stream corresponding to the point in time of the transport signal stream. The marker may indicate control of a trick mode to be enforced by a delivery platform subsequent to the point in time of the transport signal stream. The server may record the marker in a data store associated with the server.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 21/235 - Processing of additional data, e.g. scrambling of additional data or processing content descriptors
  • H04N 21/262 - Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission or generating play-lists
  • H04N 21/462 - Content or additional data management e.g. creating a master electronic program guide from data received from the Internet and a Head-end or controlling the complexity of a video stream by scaling the resolution or bit-rate based on the client capabi
  • H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof
  • H04N 21/6379 - Control signals issued by the client directed to the server or network components directed to server directed to encoder
  • H04N 21/6587 - Control parameters, e.g. trick play commands or viewpoint selection
  • H04N 21/2747 - Remote storage of video programs received via the downstream path, e.g. from the server
  • H04N 21/858 - Linking data to content, e.g. by linking an URL to a video object or by creating a hotspot
  • H04N 21/236 - Assembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. transport stream, by combining a video stream with other content or additional data, e.g. inserting a URL [Uniform Resource Locator ] into a video stream, multiplexing software data into a video stream; Remultiplexing of multiplex streams; Insertion of stuffing bits into the multiplex stream, e.g. to obtain a constant bit-rate; Assembling of a packetised elementary stream
  • H04N 21/845 - Structuring of content, e.g. decomposing content into time segments
  • H04N 21/435 - Processing of additional data, e.g. decrypting of additional data or reconstructing software from modules extracted from the transport stream
  • H04N 21/6543 - Transmission by server directed to the client for forcing some client operations, e.g. recording
  • H04N 21/61 - Network physical structure; Signal processing
  • H04N 21/84 - Generation or processing of descriptive data, e.g. content descriptors

58.

Validation of content

      
Application Number 15147336
Grant Number 10110973
Status In Force
Filing Date 2016-05-05
First Publication Date 2017-03-09
Grant Date 2018-10-23
Owner Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (USA)
Inventor Adams, Glenn

Abstract

A collection of well-formed, but possibly semantically invalid, binary encoded multimedia data components or packages as well as the binary encoded announcement, signaling, and interchange protocols used in their transmission are converted into one or more well-formed extensible markup language (XML) files. Such XML files may then be validated according to one or more pre-defined XML schemas, or similar schema languages, in order to verify that the data and protocol structures and substructures adhere to prior defined semantic constraints.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 21/8545 - Content authoring for generating interactive applications
  • H04N 7/173 - Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal
  • H04N 21/235 - Processing of additional data, e.g. scrambling of additional data or processing content descriptors
  • H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
  • H04N 21/434 - Disassembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. demultiplexing audio and video streams or extraction of additional data from a video stream; Remultiplexing of multiplex streams; Extraction or processing of SI; Disassembling of packetised elementary stream
  • H04N 21/435 - Processing of additional data, e.g. decrypting of additional data or reconstructing software from modules extracted from the transport stream
  • H04N 21/443 - OS processes, e.g. booting an STB, implementing a Java virtual machine in an STB or power management in an STB
  • H04N 21/466 - Learning process for intelligent management, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies
  • H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof
  • H04N 21/84 - Generation or processing of descriptive data, e.g. content descriptors
  • G06F 17/22 - Manipulating or registering by use of codes, e.g. in sequence of text characters

59.

IN-BAND TRICK MODE CONTROL

      
Document Number 02938484
Status In Force
Filing Date 2016-08-10
Open to Public Date 2017-02-13
Grant Date 2024-03-19
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor Mick, John Raymond, Jr.

Abstract

A server may receive metadata associated with specific content in a transport signal stream from a content information service. The metadata may identify a point in time of the transport signal stream. The server may instruct an encoder to insert a marker into the transport signal stream corresponding to the point in time of the transport signal stream. The marker may indicate control of a trick mode to be enforced by a delivery platform subsequent to the point in time of the transport signal stream. The server may record the marker in a data store associated with the server.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 21/6543 - Transmission by server directed to the client for forcing some client operations, e.g. recording
  • H04N 21/472 - End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification or for manipulating displayed content
  • H04N 21/6587 - Control parameters, e.g. trick play commands or viewpoint selection

60.

In-band trick mode control

      
Application Number 14825691
Grant Number 09510062
Status In Force
Filing Date 2015-08-13
First Publication Date 2016-11-29
Grant Date 2016-11-29
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor Mick, Jr., John Raymond

Abstract

A server may receive metadata associated with specific content in a transport signal stream from a content information service. The metadata may identify a point in time of the transport signal stream. The server may instruct an encoder to insert a marker into the transport signal stream corresponding to the point in time of the transport signal stream. The marker may indicate control of a trick mode to be enforced by a delivery platform subsequent to the point in time of the transport signal stream. The server may record the marker in a data store associated with the server.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04H 20/14 - Arrangements for monitoring, testing or troubleshooting for monitoring programmes
  • H04H 60/29 - Arrangements for monitoring broadcast services or broadcast-related services
  • H04N 21/6587 - Control parameters, e.g. trick play commands or viewpoint selection
  • H04N 21/2747 - Remote storage of video programs received via the downstream path, e.g. from the server
  • H04N 21/235 - Processing of additional data, e.g. scrambling of additional data or processing content descriptors
  • H04N 21/8547 - Content authoring involving timestamps for synchronizing content
  • H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof
  • H04N 21/858 - Linking data to content, e.g. by linking an URL to a video object or by creating a hotspot

61.

Methods and systems for interference management

      
Application Number 14680651
Grant Number 09843347
Status In Force
Filing Date 2015-04-07
First Publication Date 2016-10-13
Grant Date 2017-12-12
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Botchway, Erami
  • Chang, Phillip
  • Francisco, Mark
  • Poder, Jim
  • Salinger, Jorge

Abstract

Methods and systems for Interference management are described. Methods and systems can be used for minimizing interference among communication and/or electronic devices. Interference data can be gathered/received from interference sources such as weather and natural patterns, various electronic devices, and one or more network protocols. The interference data can be used to generate interference patterns of each interference source in an interference map. The interference map can be used to determine how a particular interference pattern can affect a system. The interference map can also be used to evaluate a new source of interference (e.g., cordless phones, weather conditions) to determine how a system can be affected. The interference data can also be associated with an interference signature (e.g., an interference pattern, a fingerprint) for an interference source in a database. The database can be used based on the interference signature to identify known and/or unknown interference sources.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04W 52/24 - TPC being performed according to specific parameters using SIR [Signal to Interference Ratio] or other wireless path parameters
  • H04B 1/10 - Means associated with receiver for limiting or suppressing noise or interference

62.

Methods And Systems For Content Presentation Optimization

      
Application Number 14661317
Status Pending
Filing Date 2015-03-18
First Publication Date 2016-09-22
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor Reichert, Jr., Harry J.

Abstract

Methods and systems for content presentation optimization are disclosed. A content and/or service provider can receive a data sample relating to a content item presented via a device. One or more configuration settings to be applied to the device can be determined based on the data sample. The one or more determined configuration settings of the device can be automatically or manually adjusted. In an aspect, a content and/or service provider can receive a content item from a content presentation device. The received content item can be analyzed against reference data. A modified content item can be generated based on the analysis. The modified content item can be transmitted to the content presentation device for content presentation.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04L 12/24 - Arrangements for maintenance or administration

63.

Server side adaptive bit rate reporting

      
Application Number 14994768
Grant Number 09615115
Status In Force
Filing Date 2016-01-13
First Publication Date 2016-08-25
Grant Date 2017-04-04
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Mick, Jr., John Raymond
  • Sherwin, Jeffrey
  • Santangelo, Bryan David

Abstract

A server receives metadata associated with an advertisement in a transport signal stream from an encoder, the metadata identifying a specified frame of the transport signal stream corresponding to a point in time of the advertisement. The server instructs an encoder, by a server, to insert a marker into the specified frame of the transport signal stream, the marker identifying the point in time of the advertisement. The server receives data from a smart appliance. The server detects the marker in the data. The server identifies the marker as the specified frame of the transport signal stream played by the smart appliance. The server maps the marker to the identified point in time of the advertisement.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 7/10 - Adaptations for transmission by electrical cable
  • H04N 21/24 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. monitoring of server load, available bandwidth or upstream requests
  • H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof
  • H04N 21/2343 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing of video streams or manipulating MPEG-4 scene graphs involving reformatting operations of video signals for distribution or compliance with end-user requests or end-user device requirements
  • H04N 21/84 - Generation or processing of descriptive data, e.g. content descriptors
  • H04N 21/845 - Structuring of content, e.g. decomposing content into time segments
  • H04N 21/234 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing of video streams or manipulating MPEG-4 scene graphs
  • H04N 21/235 - Processing of additional data, e.g. scrambling of additional data or processing content descriptors
  • H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
  • H04N 21/8352 - Generation of protective data, e.g. certificates involving content or source identification data, e.g. UMID [Unique Material Identifier]

64.

Type agnostic data engine

      
Application Number 15007984
Grant Number 09898353
Status In Force
Filing Date 2016-01-27
First Publication Date 2016-07-28
Grant Date 2018-02-20
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Lacivita, Jeremy John
  • Niland, Daniel

Abstract

Systems and methods for processing and/or presenting data are disclosed. In an aspect, one method can comprise receiving a request for information and detecting a type of data representing the information requested. The data can be processed via a type-dependent agent and the processed data can be provided via an agnostic data engine.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 9/54 - Interprogram communication
  • G06F 9/50 - Allocation of resources, e.g. of the central processing unit [CPU]

65.

Video preview during trick play

      
Application Number 14562142
Grant Number 09918040
Status In Force
Filing Date 2014-12-05
First Publication Date 2016-06-09
Grant Date 2018-03-13
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMUNICATIONS MAGAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor Lesh, Joseph

Abstract

Methods and systems are described for displaying a thumbnail preview of video content. In an aspect, one or more mosaic images made up of thumbnails corresponding to frames of the video content at multiple time points can be loaded into the system or created by the methods described. In an aspect, the selected thumbnail, as well as any other thumbnails, can be selected in response to receiving a command (e.g., trick play request) from the viewer. The command can dictate the direction from the selected thumbnail that the next thumbnails will be selected. The command can also dictate the frequency with which thumbnails will be selected from the mosaic image. In an aspect, frames comprised of thumbnails can be encoded to create the video content.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 5/783 - Adaptations for reproducing at a rate different from the recording rate
  • G11B 27/10 - Indexing; Addressing; Timing or synchronising; Measuring tape travel
  • H04N 5/93 - Regeneration of the television signal or of selected parts thereof
  • G11B 27/34 - Indicating arrangements
  • G11B 27/28 - Indexing; Addressing; Timing or synchronising; Measuring tape travel by using information detectable on the record carrier by using information signals recorded by the same method as the main recording
  • G11B 27/00 - Editing; Indexing; Addressing; Timing or synchronising; Monitoring; Measuring tape travel
  • H04N 9/82 - Transformation of the television signal for recording, e.g. modulation, frequency changing; Inverse transformation for playback the individual colour picture signal components being recorded simultaneously only

66.

Methods and systems for status determination

      
Application Number 14546418
Grant Number 10592379
Status In Force
Filing Date 2014-11-18
First Publication Date 2016-05-19
Grant Date 2020-03-17
Owner Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Hsu, Chun
  • Horwitz, Michael
  • Orogvany, Chris
  • Stappenbeck, Alfred

Abstract

Methods and systems for status determination are disclosed. Operational status of a node can be considered based on operational rates of a plurality of nodes in a system. An example method can comprise determining a first operational rate of a first node and determining a second operational rate of a second node. A difference between the first operational rate and the second operational rate can be analyzed. For example, the difference can be compared to a threshold to determine an operational status of the first node. If the difference is above the threshold, the operational status can be given a first value, but if the difference is below the threshold, the operational status can be given a second value. The operational status can be sent to a load balancer.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 11/34 - Recording or statistical evaluation of computer activity, e.g. of down time, of input/output operation
  • G06F 11/30 - Monitoring
  • H04L 29/08 - Transmission control procedure, e.g. data link level control procedure
  • H04L 29/14 - Counter-measures to a fault
  • G06F 9/50 - Allocation of resources, e.g. of the central processing unit [CPU]
  • G06F 11/07 - Responding to the occurrence of a fault, e.g. fault tolerance

67.

Methods and systems for communication management

      
Application Number 14529737
Grant Number 10362434
Status In Force
Filing Date 2014-10-31
First Publication Date 2016-05-05
Grant Date 2019-07-23
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Hsu, Chun
  • Horwitz, Michael
  • Orogvany, Chris
  • Stappenbeck, Alfred

Abstract

Methods and systems for communication management are disclosed. Services and/or clients in a system can specify or determine timeout parameters in communication requests. A timeout parameter can be a time allocated to process a request and/or fulfill a task associated with a request. Tasks can be delegated to other devices or services, and the tasks can be sent with additional timeout parameters based on the first timeout parameter. A notification can be sent when a time to process a request or fulfill a task is predicted to exceed one or more of the timeout parameters.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04W 4/00 - Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
  • H04W 76/16 - Setup of multiple wireless link connections involving different core network technologies, e.g. a packet-switched [PS] bearer in combination with a circuit-switched [CS] bearer
  • H04W 76/18 - Management of setup rejection or failure
  • H04W 24/00 - Supervisory, monitoring or testing arrangements
  • H04W 76/02 - Connection set-up
  • H04W 28/18 - Negotiating wireless communication parameters

68.

Methods and systems for resource allocation

      
Application Number 14488904
Grant Number 09419915
Status In Force
Filing Date 2014-09-17
First Publication Date 2016-03-17
Grant Date 2016-08-16
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor Meijer, Paul

Abstract

An example method according to the disclosure can comprise receiving a requested number of slots from a user at a computing system. The computing system can be associated with a plurality of slots for processing one or more jobs. Each of the plurality of slots can be associated with a status (e.g., used, available, idle). A user can request a requested number of slots from the computing system. A quantity of slots can be allocated to the user based on the request, user category (e.g., under-served, adequately served), slot status and other factors. Only idle slots can be allocated to the adequately served user, whereas both available slots and idle slots can be allocated to the under-served user. One or more slots allocated to a user can be re-allocated to other users.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 15/16 - Combinations of two or more digital computers each having at least an arithmetic unit, a program unit and a register, e.g. for a simultaneous processing of several programs
  • H04L 12/911 - Network admission control and resource allocation, e.g. bandwidth allocation or in-call renegotiation
  • H04L 29/08 - Transmission control procedure, e.g. data link level control procedure
  • H04L 29/06 - Communication control; Communication processing characterised by a protocol

69.

Methods and systems for processing content rights

      
Application Number 14859939
Grant Number 10248768
Status In Force
Filing Date 2015-09-21
First Publication Date 2016-03-17
Grant Date 2019-04-02
Owner Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (USA)
Inventor Stappenbeck, Alfred J.

Abstract

A system and method for processing content access rights and/or entitlement rights are disclosed. A method, in one aspect, provides for receiving a selection of a content option, requesting access information associated with the selected content option, receiving access information comprising location information relating to a compatible format, requesting access rights from a first service associated with the location information, wherein the first service requests an access decision relating to the selected content option from a second service based upon the access rights, and receiving the access rights.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 21/10 - Protecting distributed programs or content, e.g. vending or licensing of copyrighted material
  • G06F 21/60 - Protecting data
  • G06F 21/62 - Protecting access to data via a platform, e.g. using keys or access control rules

70.

Providing Access To Content Via Social Media

      
Application Number 14333289
Status Pending
Filing Date 2014-07-16
First Publication Date 2016-01-21
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Peterson, Christian
  • Hertz, Adam
  • Dixon, John
  • Schwartz, Sam
  • Smalley, Preston

Abstract

Provided are methods and systems related to communications between a social media service or provider (e.g., Twitter®, Facebook®) or other resource (e.g., web page) and one or more content providers. In an aspect, provided are methods comprising receiving user input, suggesting one or more user agnostic identifiers for association with an interface element based on the user input, receiving a selection of the one or more user agnostic identifiers, packaging the user input, the interface element, and the selected one or more user agnostic identifiers into a message, and transmitting the message.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04L 12/58 - Message switching systems
  • G06F 3/0482 - Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
  • G06F 3/0484 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] for the control of specific functions or operations, e.g. selecting or manipulating an object, an image or a displayed text element, setting a parameter value or selecting a range
  • G06F 17/30 - Information retrieval; Database structures therefor

71.

Managing access rights to content using social media

      
Application Number 14333294
Grant Number 09633124
Status In Force
Filing Date 2014-07-16
First Publication Date 2016-01-21
Grant Date 2017-04-25
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Peterson, Christian
  • Hertz, Adam
  • Dixon, John
  • Schwartz, Sam
  • Smalley, Preston

Abstract

Provided are methods and systems related to communications between a social media service or provider (e.g., Twitter®, Facebook®) or other resource (e.g., web page) and one or more content providers. In an aspect, provided are methods comprising receiving a request for content, wherein the request comprises a user agnostic identifier, determining user information associated with the request, determining time information associated with the request, determining media content associated with the user agnostic identifier based on the time information, determining one or more access rights to the media content based on the user information, and providing access to the media content based on the one or more access rights.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04L 29/06 - Communication control; Communication processing characterised by a protocol
  • G06F 17/30 - Information retrieval; Database structures therefor
  • G06F 21/10 - Protecting distributed programs or content, e.g. vending or licensing of copyrighted material
  • G06F 7/04 - Identity comparison, i.e. for like or unlike values
  • H04N 7/16 - Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems

72.

Tracking content use via social media

      
Application Number 14333296
Grant Number 11558480
Status In Force
Filing Date 2014-07-16
First Publication Date 2016-01-21
Grant Date 2023-01-17
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Petersen, Christian
  • Hertz, Adam
  • Dixon, John
  • Schwartz, Sam
  • Smalley, Preston

Abstract

Provided are methods and systems related to communications between a social media service or provider (e.g., Twitter®, Facebook®) or other resource (e.g., web page) and one or more content providers. In an aspect, provided are methods, comprising receiving user information and a user agnostic identifier, providing an access element configured to provide access to content from a content provider based on the user information and the user agnostic identifier, receiving, from the content provider, a notification indicative of a user interaction with the content based on a user accessing the content, and tracking user behavior based on at least one of the user information, the user agnostic identifier, the access element, and the notification.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04L 67/50 - Network services
  • G06Q 30/02 - Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
  • G06Q 50/00 - Systems or methods specially adapted for specific business sectors, e.g. utilities or tourism

73.

Systems and methods for expedited entitlement checks

      
Application Number 14297300
Grant Number 09692767
Status In Force
Filing Date 2014-06-05
First Publication Date 2015-12-10
Grant Date 2017-06-27
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Stappenbeck, Jr., Alfred Joseph
  • Lesh, Joseph

Abstract

Systems and methods for managing access data are disclosed. One method can comprise receiving prediction information relating to one or more content options and requesting access information associated with the prediction information. At least a portion of the received access information can be processed to provide a preliminary access decision. A request for access relating to the one or more data options can be received and an access decision based at least in part on the preliminary access decision can be provided.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 12/14 - Protection against unauthorised use of memory
  • H04L 29/06 - Communication control; Communication processing characterised by a protocol
  • G06F 21/10 - Protecting distributed programs or content, e.g. vending or licensing of copyrighted material

74.

Type agnostic data engine

      
Application Number 14151451
Grant Number 09280401
Status In Force
Filing Date 2014-01-09
First Publication Date 2015-07-09
Grant Date 2016-03-08
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Lacivita, Jeremy John
  • Niland, Daniel

Abstract

Systems and methods for processing and/or presenting data are disclosed. In an aspect, one method can comprise receiving a request for information and detecting a type of data representing the information requested. The data can be processed via a type-dependent agent and the processed data can be provided via an agnostic data engine.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 13/00 - Interconnection of, or transfer of information or other signals between, memories, input/output devices or central processing units
  • G06F 9/54 - Interprogram communication

75.

Managing Fairness In Task Bundling Of A Queue

      
Application Number 14069911
Status Pending
Filing Date 2013-11-01
First Publication Date 2015-05-07
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Meijer, Paul
  • Burkhart, Brian
  • Orogvany, Chris

Abstract

Methods and systems for managing a queue are disclosed. In one aspect, an example method can comprise accessing at least a portion of a queue comprising a plurality of tasks. Each task of the plurality of tasks can be associated with a property, and the property associated with each task can comprise a respective value. An exclusion value can be determined based on a distribution of the respective values. A group of tasks that comprises respective values of the property that do not match the exclusion value can be selected from the queue, and the selected group of tasks can be processed.

IPC Classes  ?

76.

Systems and methods for entitlement management

      
Application Number 14048678
Grant Number 10133855
Status In Force
Filing Date 2013-10-08
First Publication Date 2015-04-09
Grant Date 2018-11-20
Owner Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Stappenbeck, Alfred Joseph
  • Lesh, Joseph

Abstract

Systems and methods for managing data are disclosed. One method can comprise receiving a first request for a service, wherein the first request is associated with a first rights package. The first rights package can be processed to determine access to the service. An evaluation key can be generated, wherein the evaluation key represents the determination of access relating to the processing of the first rights package. A second request for a service can be received, wherein the second request is associated with a second rights package. The second rights package can be processed using the evaluation key.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 21/10 - Protecting distributed programs or content, e.g. vending or licensing of copyrighted material
  • G06F 21/12 - Protecting executable software
  • H04N 21/254 - Management at additional data server, e.g. shopping server or rights management server
  • H04N 21/6334 - Control signals issued by server directed to the network components or client directed to client for authorisation, e.g. by transmitting a key
  • H04N 21/658 - Transmission by the client directed to the server
  • H04L 29/06 - Communication control; Communication processing characterised by a protocol

77.

Methods and systems for prioritizing events using time and availability

      
Application Number 14496749
Grant Number 09678789
Status In Force
Filing Date 2014-09-25
First Publication Date 2015-03-19
Grant Date 2017-06-13
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Meijer, Paul
  • Hellkamp, Mark

Abstract

This disclosure relates to methods and systems for queuing events. In one aspect, a method is disclosed that receives or creates an event and inserts the event into a queue. The method determines at least one property of the event and associates a priority with the event based on the property. The method then processes the event in accordance with its priority.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 9/46 - Multiprogramming arrangements
  • H04N 21/231 - Content storage operation, e.g. caching movies for short term storage, replicating data over plural servers or prioritizing data for deletion
  • H04N 21/241 - Operating system [OS] processes, e.g. server setup
  • H04L 29/08 - Transmission control procedure, e.g. data link level control procedure

78.

Extending data records based on device classes

      
Application Number 14325464
Grant Number 10506263
Status In Force
Filing Date 2014-07-08
First Publication Date 2015-03-12
Grant Date 2019-12-10
Owner Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Hindle, James
  • Scheyen, Peter G. N.
  • Vickers, Mark A.

Abstract

A system, method and data structure for processing basic client application data types to add thereto extension types and priority levels adapted for use by each of a plurality of set top box classes.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 21/23 - Processing of content or additional data; Elementary server operations; Server middleware
  • H04N 21/235 - Processing of additional data, e.g. scrambling of additional data or processing content descriptors
  • H04N 21/262 - Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission or generating play-lists
  • H04N 21/435 - Processing of additional data, e.g. decrypting of additional data or reconstructing software from modules extracted from the transport stream
  • H04N 21/478 - Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification or shopping application
  • H04N 21/482 - End-user interface for program selection
  • H04N 21/84 - Generation or processing of descriptive data, e.g. content descriptors

79.

Systems and methods for data management

      
Application Number 14024239
Grant Number 09325771
Status In Force
Filing Date 2013-09-11
First Publication Date 2015-03-12
Grant Date 2016-04-26
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Browne, David
  • Burkhart, Brian
  • Lonac, Brandon

Abstract

Systems and methods for managing data are disclosed. One method can comprise receiving a data request at a first data agent and determining whether the first data agent is configured to satisfy the data request. If the first data agent is configured to satisfy the data request, the data request can be processed via the first data agent. If the data agent is not configured to satisfy the data request, the data request can be transmitted to a second data agent.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 15/16 - Combinations of two or more digital computers each having at least an arithmetic unit, a program unit and a register, e.g. for a simultaneous processing of several programs
  • H04L 29/08 - Transmission control procedure, e.g. data link level control procedure
  • H04L 12/24 - Arrangements for maintenance or administration

80.

Server side adaptive bit rate reporting

      
Application Number 14478031
Grant Number 09277253
Status In Force
Filing Date 2014-09-05
First Publication Date 2014-12-25
Grant Date 2016-03-01
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Mick, Jr., John Raymond
  • Sherwin, Jeffrey
  • Santangelo, Bryan David

Abstract

A server receives metadata associated with an advertisement in a transport signal stream from an encoder, the metadata identifying a specified frame of the transport signal stream corresponding to a point in time of the advertisement. The server instructs an encoder, by a server, to insert a marker into the specified frame of the transport signal stream, the marker identifying the point in time of the advertisement. The server receives data from a smart appliance. The server detects the marker in the data. The server identifies the marker as the specified frame of the transport signal stream played by the smart appliance. The server maps the marker to the identified point in time of the advertisement.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 7/10 - Adaptations for transmission by electrical cable
  • H04N 21/235 - Processing of additional data, e.g. scrambling of additional data or processing content descriptors
  • H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof
  • H04N 21/2343 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing of video streams or manipulating MPEG-4 scene graphs involving reformatting operations of video signals for distribution or compliance with end-user requests or end-user device requirements
  • H04N 21/84 - Generation or processing of descriptive data, e.g. content descriptors
  • H04N 21/845 - Structuring of content, e.g. decomposing content into time segments
  • H04N 21/234 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing of video streams or manipulating MPEG-4 scene graphs

81.

THIRD PARTY SERVER FOR VERIFYING INVENTORY SPLITS

      
Document Number 02875844
Status In Force
Filing Date 2013-05-02
Open to Public Date 2014-11-06
Grant Date 2021-05-25
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Mick, John Raymond, Jr.
  • Sherwin, Jeffrey

Abstract

A method and system for verifying inventory splits is disclosed. A server retrieves from a memory a first inventory policy provided by a first content provider. The server retrieves from the memory a second inventory policy provided by the second content provider. The server verifies that the first inventory policy and the second inventory policy are in agreement for at least one stipulation pertaining to a percentage of compensation to the first content provider for inventory owned by the first content provider and played by the second content provider. The server transmits the first inventory policy to a placement opportunity inventory service (POIS) communicatively connected to the second content provider. The server transmits the second inventory policy to a placement opportunity inventory service (POIS) communicatively connected to the first content provider.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 21/231 - Content storage operation, e.g. caching movies for short term storage, replicating data over plural servers or prioritizing data for deletion
  • H04N 21/24 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. monitoring of server load, available bandwidth or upstream requests
  • H04N 21/472 - End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification or for manipulating displayed content

82.

Multiple phase content ingest

      
Application Number 14298578
Grant Number 09424335
Status In Force
Filing Date 2014-06-06
First Publication Date 2014-11-06
Grant Date 2016-08-23
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Meijer, Paul
  • Hellkamp, Mark

Abstract

Content ingest can comprise the storage of content and the logging of the descriptive and technical metadata necessary to identify and locate the content. The methods and systems provided herein relate to content ingest utilizing multiple phase processing to account for both standard and non-standard metadata.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 17/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific functions
  • G06F 17/30 - Information retrieval; Database structures therefor

83.

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR EFFICIENT MANIFEST MANIPULATION

      
Document Number 02875845
Status In Force
Filing Date 2013-05-02
Open to Public Date 2014-11-06
Grant Date 2020-08-25
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Santangelo, Bryan David
  • Sherwin, Jeffrey

Abstract

A method and system for manipulating a manifest is disclosed. A server receives a smart appliance a request for a manifest corresponding to a session identifier. The server retrieves from a session server a session manifest based on the session identifier. The server adjusts a session offset based on a difference in a session length represented by the session manifest from a session length represented by a previous session manifest corresponding to the session. When the session manifest comprises an address of an ad break, the server identifies in a cache at least one advertisement to be inserted into the session and replaces at least one address corresponding to at least one segment of the at least one advertisement in the session manifest based on the difference. The server transmits the session manifest to the smart appliance.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 21/458 - Scheduling content for creating a personalised stream, e.g. by combining a locally stored advertisement with an incoming stream; Updating operations, e.g. for OS modules
  • H04H 40/09 - Arrangements for receiving desired information automatically according to timetables
  • H04N 21/2183 - Cache memory

84.

Server side adaptive bit rate reporting

      
Application Number 13875364
Grant Number 08856825
Status In Force
Filing Date 2013-05-02
First Publication Date 2014-10-07
Grant Date 2014-10-07
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Mick, Jr., John Raymond
  • Sherwin, Jeffrey
  • Santangelo, Bryan David

Abstract

A method and system for reporting a percentage of an advertisement playable by a smart appliance is disclosed. A server receives metadata associated with an advertisement in a transport signal stream from an encoder. The server determines a length of the advertisement and a frame rate of the transport signal stream based on the received metadata. The server divides the advertisement into at least one segment based on the length and the frame rate. The server instructs the encoder to insert at least one marker into at least one frame of the advertisement corresponding to the at least one segment of the transport signal stream to create at least one marked segment.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 7/10 - Adaptations for transmission by electrical cable
  • H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof

85.

Method and system for efficient manifest manipulation

      
Application Number 13875784
Grant Number 08799943
Status In Force
Filing Date 2013-05-02
First Publication Date 2014-08-05
Grant Date 2014-08-05
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Sherwin, Jeffrey
  • Santangelo, Bryan David

Abstract

A method and system for manipulating a manifest is disclosed. A server receives a smart appliance a request for a manifest corresponding to a session identifier. The server retrieves from a session server a session manifest based on the session identifier. The server adjusts a session offset based on a difference in a session length represented by the session manifest from a session length represented by a previous session manifest corresponding to the session. When the session manifest comprises an address of an ad break, the server identifies in a cache at least one advertisement to be inserted into the session and replaces at least one address corresponding to at least one segment of the at least one advertisement in the session manifest based on the difference. The server transmits the session manifest to the smart appliance.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 7/10 - Adaptations for transmission by electrical cable
  • H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof

86.

Third party server for verifying inventory splits

      
Application Number 13875576
Grant Number 08775258
Status In Force
Filing Date 2013-05-02
First Publication Date 2014-07-08
Grant Date 2014-07-08
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Mick, Jr., John Raymond
  • Sherwin, Jeffrey

Abstract

A method and system for verifying inventory splits is disclosed. A server retrieves from a memory a first inventory policy provided by a first content provider. The server retrieves from the memory a second inventory policy provided by the second content provider. The server verifies that the first inventory policy and the second inventory policy are in agreement for at least one stipulation pertaining to a percentage of compensation to the first content provider for inventory owned by the first content provider and played by the second content provider. The server transmits the first inventory policy to a placement opportunity information service (POIS) communicatively connected to the second content provider. The server transmits the second inventory policy to a placement opportunity information service (POIS) communicatively connected to the first content provider.

IPC Classes  ?

87.

Methods and systems for processing content rights

      
Application Number 13671139
Grant Number 09177158
Status In Force
Filing Date 2012-11-07
First Publication Date 2014-05-08
Grant Date 2015-11-03
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor Stappenbeck, Alfred J

Abstract

A system and method for processing content access rights and/or entitlement rights are disclosed. A method, in one aspect, provides for receiving a selection of a content option, requesting access information associated with the selected content option, receiving access information comprising location information relating to a compatible format, requesting access rights from a first service associated with the location information, wherein the first service requests an access decision relating to the selected content option from a second service based upon the access rights, and receiving the access rights.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 21/10 - Protecting distributed programs or content, e.g. vending or licensing of copyrighted material
  • G06F 21/60 - Protecting data

88.

Graphically rich, modular, promotional tile interface for interactive television

      
Application Number 10460950
Grant Number 08707354
Status In Force
Filing Date 2003-06-12
First Publication Date 2014-04-22
Grant Date 2014-04-22
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Moreau, Samuel
  • Haber, Darrell
  • Jaroneski, Kathryn
  • Hirsch, Christine
  • Gibbs, Georgia

Abstract

A user interface arranged as hierarchical grid of tiles configurable to be individually and dynamically programmed for both content type and content placement according to a set of rules defining content placement and display specified by a content controller.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 3/00 - Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements

89.

Adaptive publishing for content distribution

      
Application Number 13651052
Grant Number 09686597
Status In Force
Filing Date 2012-10-12
First Publication Date 2014-04-17
Grant Date 2017-06-20
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Meijer, Paul
  • Hellkamp, Mark

Abstract

Provided are methods and systems for managing, distributing, and publishing content. An exemplary method can comprise receiving, in a content management system, an asset for distribution. The method can also comprise generating a metadata object according to a submission standard or requirement of a destination asset distribution platform. The destination asset distribution platform can be external to the content management system and the metadata object can comprise data indicative of or associated with the asset.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 15/16 - Combinations of two or more digital computers each having at least an arithmetic unit, a program unit and a register, e.g. for a simultaneous processing of several programs
  • H04N 21/858 - Linking data to content, e.g. by linking an URL to a video object or by creating a hotspot
  • H04L 29/08 - Transmission control procedure, e.g. data link level control procedure
  • H04N 21/2343 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing of video streams or manipulating MPEG-4 scene graphs involving reformatting operations of video signals for distribution or compliance with end-user requests or end-user device requirements
  • H04N 21/8543 - Content authoring using a description language, e.g. MHEG [Multimedia and Hypermedia information coding Expert Group] or XML [eXtensible Markup Language]

90.

Imprint client statistical filtering

      
Application Number 14056456
Grant Number 09432732
Status In Force
Filing Date 2013-10-17
First Publication Date 2014-04-10
Grant Date 2016-08-30
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Decenzo, Christopher John
  • Hindle, James

Abstract

A method, system API and computer product for adapting reverse data channel (RDC) utilization by selectively restricting the reporting of statistics data from client devices using a client-side filter adapted in response to configuration data from a file or other source file.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 7/173 - Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal
  • H04N 5/445 - Receiver circuitry for displaying additional information
  • H04N 21/442 - Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed or the storage space available from the internal hard disk
  • H04N 7/16 - Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
  • H04N 21/2547 - Third party billing, e.g. billing of advertiser
  • H04N 21/472 - End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification or for manipulating displayed content
  • H04N 21/658 - Transmission by the client directed to the server
  • H04N 21/6587 - Control parameters, e.g. trick play commands or viewpoint selection
  • H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof

91.

SERVER SIDE ADAPTIVE BIT RATE REPORTING

      
Document Number 02871917
Status In Force
Filing Date 2013-05-02
Open to Public Date 2013-11-06
Grant Date 2022-06-21
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Mick, John Raymond
  • Sherwin, Jeffrey
  • Santangelo, Bryan David

Abstract

A method and system for reporting a percentage of an advertisement playable by a smart appliance is disclosed. A server receives metadata associated with an advertisement in a transport signal stream from an encoder. The server determines a length of the advertisement and a frame rate of the transport signal stream based on the received metadata. The server divides the advertisement into at least one segment based on the length and the frame rate. The server instructs the encoder to insert at least one marker into at least one frame of the advertisement corresponding to the at least one segment of the transport signal stream to create at least one marked segment. The server receives data from a smart appliance. The server detects a marker in the data corresponding to a segment of an advertisement of a session played by the smart appliance. The server maps the marker to a percentage played of the advertisement in the session by the smart appliance. The server reports the percentage played of the advertisement in the session by the smart appliance to at least one tracking element.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
  • H04N 21/458 - Scheduling content for creating a personalised stream, e.g. by combining a locally stored advertisement with an incoming stream; Updating operations, e.g. for OS modules
  • H04N 21/6338 - Control signals issued by server directed to the network components or client directed to network
  • H04N 21/85 - Assembly of content; Generation of multimedia applications

92.

System and method for controlling iTV application behaviors through the use of application profile filters

      
Application Number 10672983
Grant Number 08578411
Status In Force
Filing Date 2003-09-25
First Publication Date 2013-11-05
Grant Date 2013-11-05
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Carney, John
  • Deandrade, David

Abstract

Controlling the admission of interactive television iTV applications to an iTV application distribution system is accomplished through the use of iTV application profiles that enumerate sets of allowed functions and behaviors for the iTV applications within the distribution system. In general, the profiles comprise filters that enable various functions within the distribution system, and may be applied to the iTV applications according to any of a number of bases. The distribution system includes an interface or console adapted to permit a system operator to create the application profiles and establish rules for attaching the profiles to the iTV applications, and an application profile engine configured to automatically validate the iTV applications against the profiles according to those rules.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 3/00 - Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
  • G06F 13/00 - Interconnection of, or transfer of information or other signals between, memories, input/output devices or central processing units
  • H04N 5/445 - Receiver circuitry for displaying additional information

93.

DATA BOUNDARY MANAGER FOR ADDRESSABLE ADVERTISING

      
Document Number 02870107
Status In Force
Filing Date 2013-04-08
Open to Public Date 2013-10-17
Grant Date 2020-09-22
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Sherwin, Jeffrey
  • Heudecker, Nickolas James
  • Mick, John Raymond, Jr.

Abstract

A computer implemented method and system for managing audience data for advertisement placements is disclosed. A server receives a source signal stream comprising metadata and an advertisement space. The server extracts from the metadata a channel identifier, a private client identifier, and information about an intended audience of interest to advertisers. The server identifies a placement opportunity including an owner of the advertisement space based on the channel identifier. The server purges at least some of the extracted information about the intended audience when the owner of the advertisement space is identified as a national network. The server identifies an amount of information about the intended audience to purge and subsequently to fetch for the national network based on a business arrangement between the national network and a service provider, which the server enforces and enables.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
  • H04N 21/2668 - Creating a channel for a dedicated end-user group, e.g. by inserting targeted commercials into a video stream based on end-user profiles
  • H04N 21/458 - Scheduling content for creating a personalised stream, e.g. by combining a locally stored advertisement with an incoming stream; Updating operations, e.g. for OS modules

94.

METHOD FOR ADVERTISING DECISION RESOLUTION ACCELERATION BASED ON LOOKAHEAD OPPORTUNITY TRIGGERING

      
Document Number 02883750
Status In Force
Filing Date 2013-04-08
Open to Public Date 2013-10-17
Grant Date 2021-05-25
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Sherwin, Jeffrey
  • Mick, John Raymond, Jr.

Abstract

A computer implemented method and system for accelerating advertising placement decisions is disclosed. A server receives a source signal stream having a channel identifier and an indication that an advertisement placement opportunity is located in the signal stream a time period prior to an advertisement signal point. The server identifies a list representative of a plurality of recipient signal streams having the channel identifier and at least one audience attribute prior to expiration of the time period. The server obtains a plurality of targeted advertisements corresponding to the list representative of the plurality of recipient signal streams. The server stores the plurality of advertisements in at least one cache.accelerating advertising decision resolution

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 21/231 - Content storage operation, e.g. caching movies for short term storage, replicating data over plural servers or prioritizing data for deletion
  • H04N 21/234 - Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing of video streams or manipulating MPEG-4 scene graphs
  • H04N 21/458 - Scheduling content for creating a personalised stream, e.g. by combining a locally stored advertisement with an incoming stream; Updating operations, e.g. for OS modules
  • H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof

95.

Data boundary manager for addressable advertising

      
Application Number 13444303
Grant Number 08997143
Status In Force
Filing Date 2012-04-11
First Publication Date 2013-10-17
Grant Date 2015-03-31
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Sherwin, Jeffrey
  • Heudecker, Nickolas James
  • Mick, Jr., John Raymond

Abstract

A computer implemented method and system for managing audience data for advertisement placements is disclosed. A server receives a source signal stream comprising metadata and an advertisement space. The server extracts from the metadata a channel identifier, a private client identifier, and information about an intended audience of interest to advertisers. The server identifies a placement opportunity including an owner of the advertisement space based on the channel identifier. The server purges at least some of the extracted information about the intended audience when the owner of the advertisement space is identified as a national network. The server identifies an amount of information about the intended audience to purge and subsequently to fetch for the national network based on a business arrangement between the national network and a service provider, which the server enforces and enables.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 7/10 - Adaptations for transmission by electrical cable
  • H04N 21/25 - Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication or learning user preferences for recommending movies
  • H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data

96.

Multiple phase content ingest

      
Application Number 13446535
Grant Number 08782060
Status In Force
Filing Date 2012-04-13
First Publication Date 2013-10-17
Grant Date 2014-07-15
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Meijer, Paul
  • Heilkamp, Mark

Abstract

Content ingest can comprise the storage of content and the logging of the descriptive and technical metadata necessary to identify and locate the content. The methods and systems provided herein relate to content ingest utilizing multiple phase processing to account for both standard and non-standard metadata.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 17/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific functions

97.

Systems for prioritizing video processing events based on availability of media file and agent to process the event type

      
Application Number 13446830
Grant Number 08904451
Status In Force
Filing Date 2012-04-13
First Publication Date 2013-10-17
Grant Date 2014-12-02
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Meijer, Paul
  • Hellkamp, Mark

Abstract

This disclosure relates to methods and systems for queuing events. In one aspect, a method is disclosed that receives or creates an event and inserts the event into a queue. The method determines at least one property of the event and associates a priority with the event based on the property. The method then processes the event in accordance with its priority.

IPC Classes  ?

  • G06F 9/46 - Multiprogramming arrangements
  • G06F 3/00 - Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
  • G06F 9/44 - Arrangements for executing specific programs
  • G06F 13/00 - Interconnection of, or transfer of information or other signals between, memories, input/output devices or central processing units
  • H04N 7/173 - Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal
  • H04N 7/16 - Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems

98.

Data boundary manager for addressable advertising

      
Application Number 13787072
Grant Number 08776113
Status In Force
Filing Date 2013-03-06
First Publication Date 2013-10-17
Grant Date 2014-07-08
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Sherwin, Jeffrey
  • Heudecker, Nickolas James
  • Mick, Jr., John Raymond

Abstract

A server receives a source signal stream comprising metadata and an advertisement space. The server extracts from the metadata a channel identifier, a private client identifier, and personal identifiable information about an intended audience of interest to advertisers. The server identifies at least one anonymous statistic of a national market and a placement opportunity including an owner of the advertisement space, the at least one anonymous statistic of a national market based in part on the channel identifier and the personal identifiable information. The server purges the personal identifiable information about the intended audience when the owner of the advertisement space is identified as a national network. The server targets an advertisement decision to the intended audience based on the at least one anonymous statistic of a national market.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 7/10 - Adaptations for transmission by electrical cable
  • H04N 7/025 - Systems for transmission of digital non-picture data, e.g. of text during the active part of a television frame
  • H04N 21/435 - Processing of additional data, e.g. decrypting of additional data or reconstructing software from modules extracted from the transport stream
  • H04N 21/2668 - Creating a channel for a dedicated end-user group, e.g. by inserting targeted commercials into a video stream based on end-user profiles
  • H04N 21/258 - Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics or processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
  • H04N 21/81 - Monomedia components thereof
  • G06Q 30/02 - Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
  • H04N 21/2547 - Third party billing, e.g. billing of advertiser

99.

Method for advertising decision resolution acceleration based on lookahead opportunity triggering

      
Application Number 13786993
Grant Number 08667531
Status In Force
Filing Date 2013-03-06
First Publication Date 2013-10-10
Grant Date 2014-03-04
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Sherwin, Jeffrey
  • Mick, Jr., John Raymond

Abstract

A server receives a source signal stream having a channel identifier and an indication that an advertisement placement opportunity is located in the signal stream a time period prior to an advertisement signal point. The server transmits the channel identifier to a session manager. The server receives from the session manager a list of sessions corresponding to a number of recipients currently viewing a channel corresponding to the channel identifier. The server transmits to an ad decision service an ad call for each session in the list. The server receives from the ad decision service a plurality of advertisements targeted to the list. The server stores the plurality of advertisements in at least one cache prior to expiration of the time period, where the advertisement signal point is detected by the programmed computer.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 7/10 - Adaptations for transmission by electrical cable

100.

Channel family surf control

      
Application Number 10894740
Grant Number 08416952
Status In Force
Filing Date 2004-07-19
First Publication Date 2013-04-09
Grant Date 2013-04-09
Owner COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC (USA)
Inventor
  • Moreau, Samuel
  • Ahrnes, Don
  • Gibbs, Georgia
  • Carney, John
  • De Andrade, David

Abstract

An interface for an interactive television application includes a graphical representation of a channel changing apparatus and is configured such that in response to a channel change request a channel change event limited to a channel change within a designated family of television channels is initiated. The graphical element may be labeled so as to indicate the presently viewed family of television channels. In various embodiment, the channel content may be scaled to fit within a window or may be full screen, in which latter case the interface may be overlaid on top of the full screen video. In one example, the graphical representation of the channel changing apparatus resembles a pair of channel up/down buttons.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H04N 21/45 - Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies 
  • H04N 21/47 - End-user applications
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