An exemplary virtual reality provider system accesses surface data representative of a virtual three-dimensional (3D) space of a virtual scene. Based on the accessed surface data, the system orthographically projects a respective plurality of adjacent surface data slices of the virtual 3D space along each of three orthogonal axes in a coordinate system associated with the virtual 3D space. The system generates virtual reality data that represents the virtual 3D space and accounts for level of detail of the surfaces included within the virtual 3D space with respect to a particular vantage point. The system provides this virtual reality data to a media player device associated with the particular vantage point for processing by the media player device to present, to a user, virtual reality content that is based on the virtual 3D space and is tailored to the particular vantage point.
An exemplary method includes a virtual reality content rendering system receiving two-dimensional ("2D") color data and depth data captured by a plurality of capture devices disposed at different vantage points in relation to a three-dimensional ("3D") scene, receiving metadata, generating, for each vantage point associated with each respective capture device included in the plurality of capture devices, and based on the metadata and the depth data, a partial 3D mesh projected into a virtual 3D space to produce a partial representation of the 3D scene in the virtual 3D space, and generating, based on the partial 3D meshes projected into the virtual 3D space, and from an arbitrary viewpoint within the virtual 3D space, an image view of the virtual 3D space. The generating of the image view may comprise accumulating the partial 3D meshes projected into the virtual 3D space.
G06T 7/593 - Depth or shape recovery from multiple images from stereo images
3.
METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR GENERATING A VIRTUALIZED PROJECTION OF A CUSTOMIZED VIEW OF A REAL-WORLD SCENE FOR INCLUSION WITHIN VIRTUAL REALITY MEDIA CONTENT
An exemplary virtualized projection generation system ("system") receives a plurality of captured surface data frame sequences each including color and depth frames depicting a real-world scene in accordance with a respective set of capture parameters included in a plurality of sets of capture parameters associated with different views of the real-world scene. The system identifies an additional set of capture parameters associated with a customized view of the real-world scene distinct from the different captured views. Based on the captured surface data frame sequences and the additional set of capture parameters, the system renders color and depth frames for a virtualized projection of the customized view of the real-world scene. The system then provides a virtualized surface data frame sequence including the rendered color and depth frames for the virtualized projection of the customized view of the real-world scene for inclusion within virtual reality media content.
An exemplary method includes a virtual reality media provider system acquiring, from a plurality of capture devices physically disposed at different vantage points in relation to a scene that includes one or more objects, surface data for the one or more objects, generating a color video data stream for the 2D color data and a depth video data stream for the depth data for each capture device included in the plurality of capture devices, packaging the color video data stream and the depth video data stream for each of the capture devices included in the plurality of capture devices into a transport stream, and providing metadata and the transport stream for streaming to a media player device.
G06T 7/90 - Determination of colour characteristics
G06T 7/55 - Depth or shape recovery from multiple images
5.
METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR RENDERING FRAMES OF A VIRTUAL SCENE FROM DIFFERENT VANTAGE POINTS BASED ON A VIRTUAL ENTITY DESCRIPTION FRAME OF THE VIRTUAL SCENE
An exemplary virtual scene capture system ("system") maintains data representative of a plurality of virtual entities included within a virtual 3D space of a virtual scene. The plurality of virtual entities includes a virtual object and a plurality of virtual vantage points into the virtual 3D space. Based on the maintained data, the system generates a virtual entity description frame representative of a state of at least one of the virtual entities at a particular point in a temporal sequence. The system then provides the virtual entity description frame to a plurality of server-side 3D rendering engines corresponding to different vantage points in the plurality of virtual vantage points and configured to render, based on the virtual entity description frame, surface data frames representative of color and depth data of surfaces of the virtual object visible from the different virtual vantage points at the particular point in the temporal sequence.
H04N 19/597 - Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals using predictive coding specially adapted for multi-view video sequence encoding
H04N 13/275 - Image signal generators from 3D object models, e.g. computer-generated stereoscopic image signals
H04N 21/6587 - Control parameters, e.g. trick play commands or viewpoint selection
6.
METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR GENERATING A MERGED REALITY SCENE BASED ON A VIRTUAL OBJECT AND ON A REAL-WORLD OBJECT REPRESENTED FROM DIFFERENT VANTAGE POINTS IN DIFFERENT VIDEO DATA STREAMS
An exemplary merged reality scene capture system (system) receives a first frame set of surface data frames from a plurality of three-dimensional (3D) capture devices disposed with respect to a real-world scene so as to have a plurality of different vantage points of the real-world scene. Based on the first frame set, the system generates a transport stream that includes color and depth video data streams for each of the 3D capture devices. Based on the transport stream, the system generates entity description data representative of a plurality of entities included within a 3D space of a merged reality scene. The plurality of entities includes a virtual object, the real-world object, and virtual viewpoints into the 3D space from which a second frame set of surface data frames are to be rendered representing color and depth data for both the virtual and the real-world objects.
H04N 19/597 - Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals using predictive coding specially adapted for multi-view video sequence encoding
H04N 13/275 - Image signal generators from 3D object models, e.g. computer-generated stereoscopic image signals
7.
METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CUSTOMIZING VIRTUAL REALITY DATA
An exemplary virtual reality system ("system") generates an experience selection data structure configured to facilitate dynamic selection of different entries included within the experience selection data structure by a media player device as the media player device provides different virtual reality experiences to a user by processing different virtual reality datasets corresponding to different entries that the media player device selects. The system provides the experience selection data structure to the media player device and detects that the media player device selects an entry by way of the experience selection data structure. The entry corresponds to a particular virtual reality dataset that is customized to a particular virtual reality experience. In response to the selection of the entry, the system provides, to the media player device, the particular virtual reality dataset that is customized to the particular virtual reality experience.
An exemplary depth capture system (system) emits, from a first fixed position with respect to a real-world scene and within a first frequency band, a first structured light pattern onto surfaces of objects included in a real-world scene. The system also emits, from a second fixed position with respect to the real-world scene and within a second frequency band, a second structured light pattern onto the surfaces of the objects. The system detects the first and second structured light patterns using one or more optical sensors by way of first and second optical filters, respectively. The first and second optical filters are each configured to only pass one of the structured light patterns and to block the other. Based on the detection of the structured light patterns, the system generates depth data representative of the surfaces of the objects included in the real-world scene.
An exemplary depth data generation system (system) accesses a first depth map and a second depth map of surfaces of objects included in a real-world scene. The first and second depth maps are captured independently from one another. The system converges the first and second depth maps into a converged depth map of the surfaces of the objects included in the real-world scene. More specifically, the converging comprises assigning a first confidence value to a first depth data point in the first depth map, assigning a second confidence value to a second depth data point in the second depth map, and generating a third depth data point representing a same particular physical point as the first and second depth data points based on the first and second confidence values and on at least one of the first depth data point and the second depth data point.
Apparatuses, methods and storage medium associated with rendering a web page are disclosed herein. In embodiments, a method may include rendering, by a main thread of a browser, one or more non-image objects of the web page; decoding in parallel, by an image decoder of the browser, an image of the web page, while the main thread renders the one or more non-image objects of the web page. On completion of decoding the image, the main thread renders the decoded image. The web page may be part of a web application. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
In embodiments, apparatuses, methods and storage media are described that are associated with adjusting audio during content presentation. While content is being presented, one or more persons may be identified that are consuming the content. The persons may be identified via various techniques, such as voice recognition, facial recognition, and distance detection. When persons may be uniquely identified, user audio preferences may be retrieved and used to adjust audio. Audio may be adjusted when persons are not uniquely identified, such as based on a number of persons or their location relative to a content consumption device. Audio adjustment may include volume adjustment and/or adjustment of audio, such as through application of audio effects, as it being presented. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
Embodiments of apparatus and methods for human-computer interaction are described. An apparatus for human-computer interaction may have one or more processors, multiple sensors to measure motion of a body part of a user, a communication module to communicate with a remote computing device, and an interpretation module to interpret the motion of the body part of the user to be associated with an indication of a user input to the remote computing device. The components may be encased in a body configured to be worn by the user. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.
A method includes requesting, by a user device, video program related content. The video program related content includes content related to one or more video programs provided by a service provider. The method also includes receiving the video program related content. A selection of a video program from the one or more video programs is received. The video program is selected at a set top box. The method also includes controlling a viewing session for the video program using the user device.
System devices include network interfaces to communicate with user devices associated with a user, memories for storing instructions to be executed by processors, and the processors. The processors are configured to execute the instructions to receive, from a first user device, among the user devices, a request for content; initiate an upload of the requested content to the first user device in response to the request; receive a request for a license key from the first user device in response to the initiation of the upload; determine whether a number of concurrent sessions with the user devices exceeds a maximum number; and send the license key to the first user device when the processors determine that the number of concurrent sessions does not exceed the maximum number.
An exemplary method includes an adjunct content presentation system sequentially presenting a first main content image of a media content instance, a first adjunct content image comprising adjunct content having a pixel value greater than a predetermined neutral pixel value, a second adjunct content image comprising the adjunct content having a pixel value less than the predetermined neutral pixel value, and a second main content image of the media content instance. The pixel values of the adjunct content of the first and second adjunct content images are configured to result in the adjunct content being substantially imperceptible to a viewer not wearing active shutter three-dimensional viewing glasses during the sequential presentation of the first main content image, the first adjunct content image, the second adjunct content image, and the second main content image. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.
An exemplary method includes an adjunct content presentation system including adjunct content within a first image of a media content instance by setting a pixel value of a first group of pixels included in the first image to be greater than a predetermined neutral pixel value, including the adjunct content within a second image of the media content instance by setting a pixel value of a second group of pixels included in the second image and corresponding to the first group of pixels to be less than the predetermined neutral pixel value, and presenting the first and second images. The respective pixel values are set to result in the adjunct content being perceptible to a first viewer viewing only one of the first and second images and substantially imperceptible to a second viewer viewing both the first and second images. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.
An exemplary method includes an adjunct content presentation system including adjunct content within a first image of a media content instance and a second image of the media content instance by setting a pixel value of a first group of pixels included in the first image and a pixel value of a second group of pixels included in the second image and corresponding to the first group of pixels to each be greater than a predetermined neutral pixel value, including the adjunct content within a compensating image by setting a pixel value of a third group of pixels included in the compensating image and corresponding to the first and second groups of pixels to be less than the predetermined neutral pixel value, and presenting the first image, the second image, and the compensating image. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.
A device receives login information and a content stream request from a user device connected to a wireless access network, and authenticates, via a backend server device, the user device based on the login information. The device also provides, when the user device is authenticated, a content link and a license key to the user device, and the user device provides the content link and the license key to a content delivery device. The device further verifies the license key for the content delivery device, and the content delivery device establishes a secure connection with the user device via the wireless access network, retrieves the requested content stream based on the content link, and provides the content stream to the user device via the secure connection.
A method that includes receiving a first request for video content from a user of a user device; retrieving an identifier for the user device using an application programming interface; sending a second request to receive the video content that includes the identifier; receiving an instruction to provide payment to rent or purchase the video content; sending the payment in response to the instruction; receiving the video content and a token, where the video content is encrypted based on a key and where the token indicates that the payment was processed; sending a third request to obtain a license associated with the video content that includes the token and the identifier; receiving the license, which includes the key and terms under which the video content is to be processed; decrypting the video content, using the key, when the decrypting is performed in a manner permitted by the terms; and playing the decrypted video content.
One or more network devices receive, at a location outside a customer premises, a broadband signal from a base station of a wireless network and a satellite television signal from a satellite antenna. The one or more network devices combine, at the location outside the customer premises, the broadband signal with the satellite television signal in a single coaxial cable and send, via the single coaxial cable, the broadband signal and the satellite television signal to one or more devices inside the customer premises.
A system may include a server device. The server device may receive, from a device, a media item in a first format associated with the device, and determine a transcoding priority to be associated with transcoding of the media item based on information regarding a trans coding job request for one or more other media items received from the user and at least one of information associated with the media item or information associated with a user of the device. The server device may also select, based on the transcoding priority and at least one of the information associated with the media item or the information associated with the user, the media item, from among a number of media items, associated with one or more users, to be transcoded, and transcode the media item to a transcoded media item in a second format different from the first format.
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
22.
MOBILE CONTENT DISTRIBUTION WITH DIGITAL RIGHTS MANAGEMENT
A server distributes, to a mobile device, a catalog of available digital content and receives, from the mobile device, a request to download multiple digital content files based on the catalog. The server sends, to the mobile device, the multiple digital content files, where the each of the multiple digital content files includes access restrictions to prevent unauthorized rendering. The server receives, from the mobile device, a request to render one of the multiple digital content files on the mobile device and determines whether rendering of the one of the multiple digital content files on the mobile device is authorized. The server sends, to the mobile device, information to enable rendering of the one of the multiple digital content files if the mobile device is authorized and applies charges, to a user account associated with the mobile device, based on the sending the information to enable the rendering.
An exemplary method includes a media content delivery system transmitting an enhanced media content transport stream that includes at least a single program stream that carries data representative of multiple video content programs. The enhanced media content transport stream further includes data specifying multiple video program identifiers for the multiple video content programs, each of the multiple video program identifiers configured to be used by an access subsystem that receives the enhanced media content transport stream to selectively access a different one of the multiple video content programs. In certain embodiments, the multiple video content programs comprise a first video content program including video data for a main media content program and a second video content program including video data for an advertisement. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.
A media client receives, from a remote control device, a signal to launch a selected interactive television application and sends, to the remote control device, a client program for reprogramming buttons on the remote control device. The media client sends, to the remote control device, a script, for button functions of the remote control device, which are based on the selected interactive television application. The remote control device executes the script on the client program to reprogram the buttons functions. The media client presents, on a display device, a button map that corresponds to the script, and receives, from the remote control device, a signal based on the scripting.
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
25.
BANDWIDTH MANAGEMENT AND ADVERTISEMENT INSERTION IN MEDIA CONTENT DELIVERY SYSTEMS AND METHODS
An exemplary method includes a media content delivery system transmitting a transport stream containing an advertisement channel and a program channel, the program channel carrying a media program stream at a first bit rate, detecting an upcoming advertisement break within the media program stream, inserting, in response to the detecting of the upcoming advertisement break, an advertisement content stream having a second bit rate that is lower than the first bit rate into the program channel to temporally coincide with the advertisement break to free bandwidth in the transport stream during the advertisement break, and inserting an additional advertisement content stream in the advertisement channel, the additional advertisement content stream temporally coinciding with the advertisement break and utilizing at least a portion of the freed bandwidth in the transport stream. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.
H04N 7/12 - Systems in which the television signal is transmitted via one channel or a plurality of parallel channels, the bandwidth of each channel being less than the bandwidth of the television signal
26.
METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DYNAMICALLY BALANCING STORAGE OF RECORDED MEDIA CONTENT DATA BETWEEN A LOCAL STORAGE DEVICE AND A NETWORK STORAGE DEVICE
An exemplary method includes receiving a command input by a user to record media content, recording media content data representative of the media content in response to the command, automatically selecting at least one storage device from a local storage device and a network storage device for storage of the recorded media content data in accordance with at least one of a plurality of storage balancing factors, and storing the recorded media content data in the at least one selected storage device. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.
A device may include a group delay monitor and a signal receiver. The group delay monitor may be configured to obtain group delay data corresponding to group delay of an optical signal and provide the group delay data to a signal receiver. The signal receiver configured to obtain a time-domain digital signal corresponding to the optical signal, convert the time-domain digital signal into a frequency-domain signal, apply a digital filter constructed based on the group delay data to the frequency-domain signal to obtain an output signal, and transmit the output signal.
A system may include an optical bit error generator comprising a high instantaneous power light source. An optical coupler may couple an output of the optical bit error generator to a traffic fiber. A device under test receives a traffic signal via the traffic fiber. A performance monitor is coupled to the device under test to determine responsiveness of the device under test to a bit error condition simulated by the optical bit error generator, wherein the high instantaneous power light source in the optical bit error generator is configured based on a protocol of a traffic signal in the traffic fiber and the bit error condition.
Exemplary spatial-input-based cursor projection systems and methods are disclosed herein. An exemplary method includes a cursor projection system detecting spatial input provided by a user within a physical user space associated with a display screen, determining that the spatial input is associated with a request for cursor projection, and mapping the spatial input to at least one cursor position on the display screen based on at least one of a plane projection heuristic and a vector projection heuristic. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed.
An exemplary method includes maintaining recording instructions received from a user to automatically record a first resolution version of a media content instance scheduled to be transmitted during a first time period by way of a first content channel, determining that a second resolution version of the media content instance is scheduled to be transmitted during a second time period by way of a second content channel, presenting an option to the user to record the second resolution version of the media content instance instead of the first resolution version of the media content instance, and automatically modifying, in response to a selection of the option by the user, the recording instructions to record the second resolution version of the media content instance instead of the first resolution version of the media content instance. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.
Exemplary enhanced media content tagging systems and methods are described herein. An exemplary method includes a media content tagging system recording a live transmission of media content in response to a user request that the media content be recorded, receiving, from a media content access device, tag data representative of a user-defined tag specifying a segment of the media content, optimizing the user-defined tag, and distributing the optimized user-defined tag to another media content access device for use by the another media content access device to identify and present the segment of the media content. In certain embodiments, the optimization of the user-defined tag may be based on an analysis of aggregated user-defined tags, an analysis of the media content, or a combination thereof. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.
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
A method includes receiving, by an Internet Protocol (IP) anchor point, a session request to a network originating from a user equipment (UE); assigning an IP address to the UE; determining whether a reverse IP address registration is permitted to a first network device, wherein the reverse IP address registration permits a media flow associated with the IP address and the UE to omit traversing the IP anchor point; and assigning an ownership of the IP address to the first network device when reverse IP address registration is permitted.
A method performed by a wireless node includes receiving a data flow associated with user devices; performing a packet inspection of the data flow; determining whether a network address of the wireless node matches another network address associated with the data flow; converting the other network address to a layer 2 identifier when the other network address matches the network address; establishing a bearer link within the wireless node based on the layer 2 identifier; and offloading the data flow from layers of a network, which are higher relative to the wireless node, to the bearer link, wherein the data flow does not traverse the layers.
An exemplary method includes maintaining data representative of a recorded media content instance comprising a media content program and a first advertisement and an index file corresponding to the recorded media content instance, playing back the recorded media content instance in accordance with timestamp data and storage location data included in the index file, dynamically replacing, during the playback of the recorded media content instance, a portion of the storage location data in the index file that corresponds to the first advertisement with storage location data corresponding to a second advertisement, and presenting the second advertisement in place of the first advertisement during the playback of the recorded media content instance in accordance with the modified index file. Corresponding methods and systems are also described.
A device provides a directory assistance request to a directory assistance server, and receives, from the directory assistance server, a script that includes auto-dial instructions and contact list instructions. The device executes the auto-dial instructions of the script to cause the device to automatically dial a telephone number requested by the directory assistance request, and executes the contact list instructions of the script to cause the device to selectively provide contact information, requested by the directory assistance request, in a contact list associated with the device.
H04M 1/64 - Automatic arrangements for answering calls; Automatic arrangements for recording messages for absent subscribers; Arrangements for recording conversations
36.
INTER-NETWORK PROFILE REPOSITORY INTERWORKING SYSTEMS AND METHODS
Exemplary inter-network profile repository interworking systems and methods are disclosed. An exemplary system includes an interface facility that interfaces with a home subscriber server (HSS) of a long term evolution (LTE) communications network and a home location register (HLR) of an alternate communications network, the HSS and the HLR maintaining separate profiles associated with a user device configured to access the LTE communications network and the alternate communications network. The exemplary system further includes a synchronization facility communicatively coupled to the interface facility and that synchronizes profile data associated with the user device across the separate profiles maintained by the HSS and the HLR. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed.
A method may include determining a program currently being displayed for a user to watch and selecting a program to recommend to the user based on the program currently being displayed by the user and based on an availability of the program to recommend. The method may include displaying an indication of the recommended program to the user.
A system may include a plurality of wireless devices, each wireless device including a time source and configured to selectively communicate with at least one other of the plurality of wireless devices by way of a packet-based time precision protocol. The plurality of wireless devices may include a first wireless device and a second wireless device, the first wireless device being configured to determine whether the first wireless device and the second wireless device are in selective communication over a single-hop wireless link; determine a one-way delay over the single-hop wireless link by way of at least one packed- based time precision protocol message; and calculate a distance measurement between the first wireless device and the second wireless device based at least in part on the one-way delay.
G01S 3/02 - Direction-finders for determining the direction from which infrasonic, sonic, ultrasonic, or electromagnetic waves, or particle emission, not having a directional significance, are being received using radio waves
39.
LOOK-AHEAD CAPABILITY DETERMINATION VIA DEVICE PROFILES
A network device may receive a call request message. The call request message may include information identifying a user to which the call is destined. The network device may further retrieve, using the information identifying the user, information identifying a device with which the user is associated. In addition, the network device may retrieve, using the information identifying the device, a first list of codecs that the device is willing to support, and establish the call to the device using a codec from the first list of codecs.
Exemplary trick play advertising systems and methods are described herein. An exemplary method includes a media content access system detecting a command to execute a trick play function on a media content program, accessing a splash screen advertisement in response to the detected command, and providing the splash screen advertisement for display during an execution of the trick play function. Corresponding methods and systems are also described.
An exemplary method includes monitoring an interaction of a user with a media content access subsystem, receiving a command input by the user to pause a media content instance being presented by the media content access subsystem, and dynamically selecting at least one advertisement in accordance with the monitored interaction for presentation to the user by the media content access subsystem while the media content instance is paused. Corresponding methods and systems are also described.
Systems and methods for throttling network usage are disclosed. An exemplary method includes at least one network device monitoring usage of a wide area network, selecting a throttling command based on the monitored usage of the wide area network, and broadcasting the throttling command to a plurality of access devices connected to the wide area network. The throttling command is configured for interpretation and use by each access device within the plurality of access devices to conform at least one operation to a network usage throttling level in accordance with the interpretation of the throttling command. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed.
A multimedia client receives, over a subscription multimedia network, television content for presentation to a viewer, where the television content includes an advertising break and identifies a keyword associated with the television content. The multimedia client sends, over the subscription multimedia network, the keyword to an advertisement server and receives from the advertisement server, an advertisement corresponding to the keyword. The multimedia client then provides, for display to the viewer, the advertisement within the advertising break.
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
A portable device may attempt to predict words input by a user. In one implementation, the portable device may generate candidate words that correspond to predictions of the word being entered by the user. The candidate words being generated based on the characters input by the user of the portable device, characters in proximity to a last entered one of the input characters, and distance factors calculated based on distances between a touch-point on the a virtual keyboard and characters in proximity to the touch-point.
A system facilitates provision of a first advertisement, including a first modular coupon, via a first network to a user, where the first advertisement provides a link to a second advertisement. The system further facilitates provision of the second advertisement, including a second modular coupon, via a second network to the user, where the second network is different than the first network. The system also receives the first and second modular coupons from the user and permits a discount associated with the user's purchase of a product or service based on receipt of the first and second modular coupons.
A video client receives an advertising map over a subscription multimedia network, where the advertising map includes a schedule of default advertisements during a programming break and indications of available alternate advertisements. The video client provides, for display to a user, indicators for the schedule of default advertisements and receives user input to alter the schedule of default advertisements. The video client retrieves advertising content for the altered schedule and presents, on the display and during the programming break, the advertising content for the altered schedule.
The system instructs that a second carrier signal be modulated with the first digital media stream and sent to the first television receiver, and sends to the first television receiver an identifier of the second carrier signal as carrying the first digital media stream. The 10 system also instructs that the first carrier signal be modulated with the second digital media stream and sent to the second television receiver, and sends to the second television receiver an identifier of the first carrier signal as carrying the second digital media stream.
An exemplary method includes receiving end-user-provided media content with a first media content distribution platform subsystem, distributing the end-user-provided media content with the first media content distribution platform subsystem, receiving end-user-provided ratings of the distributed end-user-provided media content with the first media content distribution platform subsystem, selecting, by a platform linking subsystem, at least a subset of the end-user-provided media content based at least in part on the end-user-provided ratings, and distributing the selected at least a subset of the end-user-provided media content with a second media content distribution platform subsystem. In certain embodiments, the second media content distribution platform subsystem may comprise a subscriber television content distribution platform subsystem. In certain embodiments, the first media content distribution platform subsystem may comprise a World Wide Web media content distribution platform subsystem. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.
A device receives code division multiple access (CDMA) capacity / resource information via a first direct interface with a radio network controller (RNC) associated with a CDMA radio access network (RAN), and determines, based on the CDMA capacity / resource information, a capacity associated with the CDMA RAN. The device also determines, based on the CDMA capacity / resource information, a resource availability associated with the CDMA RAN, and determines, based on the capacity and the resource availability associated with the CDMA RAN, a CDMA RAN resource allocation.
An exemplary method includes monitoring an interaction of a user with a media content access subsystem to determine whether the user is actively or passively interacting with the media content access subsystem, maintaining an interaction profile associated with the user based on the monitored interaction, and controlling a presentation of media content to the user by the media content access subsystem in accordance with the interaction profile. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.
An exemplary method includes generating an interaction feed corresponding to a user of at least one access device, the interaction feed comprising data representative of an interaction of the at least one access device with one or more media content applications, updating metadata within a storage facility with the interaction feed, and automatically customizing an interaction experience of at least one of the user and another user with a media content application in accordance with the metadata. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.
An exemplary method includes providing, by a media content access subsystem, a media content program for presentation to a user, receiving user input with the media content access subsystem, capturing, by the media content access subsystem, a snapshot image of the media content program based on the user input, associating, by the media content access subsystem, metadata with the snapshot image, and transmitting, by the media content access subsystem, data representative of the snapshot image and the metadata to a media content chaptering subsystem for use by the media content chaptering subsystem in chaptering the media content program. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.
A device receives updated television content, and generates a file that provides an indication to copy the updated television content to multiple television distribution sites, where each television distribution site includes multiple television distribution devices. The device identifies one of the multiple television distribution devices, associated with each of the multiple television distribution sites, to receive the file, packages the updated television content with the file, for the identified one of the multiple television distribution devices, and provides the updated television content and the file to the identified one of the multiple television distribution devices.
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
A method performed by a network device includes receiving a request for a service or an application and determining a type of the service or the application selecting a frequency band to provide the service or the application from among multiple frequency bands, where a selection of the frequency band is based on the type of the service or the application. The method further includes providing the service or the application on the selected frequency band.
Systems and/or methods described herein may include an Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) optimization server in communication with network elements within an IMS network. The IMS SIP optimization server may facilitate an end-to-end SIP session between an originating user device and a terminating user device, while sending SIP session information to intermediate network elements in parallel. The IMS SIP optimization server may receive a SIP request from a first network element and send a related SIP request to a last network element. The IMS SIP optimization server may also send customized packet messages to any intermediate network elements, where the intermediate network elements are between the first network element and the last network element in the SIP sequence, and where the customized packet message includes SIP setup commands for each of the intermediate network elements.
A computing device receives from a user, a request to simultaneously record two or more programs from a content server onto the computing device and initiates a streaming video session between the computing device and a video client. The computing device provides, to the video client, recording parameters for one of the programs and then receives, via the streaming video session, a video stream from the video client. The video stream includes the one of the programs from the content server based on the recording parameters that is then recorded by the computing device.
An exemplary method includes receiving, by a media content delivery subsystem from an end-user media content processing device via a network, a request to record a live transmission of a media content instance, recording, by the media content delivery subsystem, the live transmission of the media content instance, and transmitting, by the media content delivery subsystem, data representative of the recorded live transmission of the media content instance to the end-user media content processing device via the network for local storage by the end-user media content processing device. In certain embodiments, the recording includes generating at least one media data file containing the data representative of the recorded live transmission of the media content instance, and the transmitting includes transferring the at least one media data file from the media content delivery subsystem to the end-user media content processing device via the network.
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
A device receives information associated with a calling party, validates the calling party for an originating locator service based on the calling party information, and sends an instruction to play an announcement requesting information associated with a called party. The device also receives the called party information from the calling party in response to the announcement, and retrieves called party destination information based on the called party information. The device then sends an instruction to originate a sequence of calls to the called party based on the called party destination information.
A method and system provision a first virtual connection between a first device and a second device; and provision a second virtual connection between the first device and a third device. A first bridge function is configured to control switching associated with the first virtual connection. A second bridge function is configured to control switching associated with the second virtual connection. A parent bridge function is configured to control switching on the first bridge function and the second bridge function, wherein the first virtual connection comprises an active connection and the second virtual connection comprises a standby connection, and wherein the parent bridge function switches traffic to the second bridge device upon determining that the first virtual connection has failed.
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
60.
USER EQUIPMENT ATTACHMENT / DETACHMENT FROM A LONG TERM EVOLUTION (LTE) NETWORK
A device searches for a primary access network, and acquires the primary access network. The device also requests a service provided by a network connected to the primary access network, and attaches to the primary access network only when the service is requested by the device.
A method includes generating a test signal and modulating the test signal. The method may also include transmitting the test signal on an optical path, where the optical path may include a number of add-drop multiplexer devices and amplifiers. The method may also include receiving the test signal at a destination device and converting the received test signal into an electrical signal. The method may further include identifying a portion of the electrical signal that is associated with the modulated test signal.
G02B 6/12 - Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings of the optical waveguide type of the integrated circuit kind
62.
MEASUREMENT OF NONLINEAR EFFECTS OF AN OPTICAL PATH
A network device may include a receiver to receive optical pulses from an optical path, wherein the optical pulses include a plurality of intensities and represent data. The network device may also include a processor to determine a rate of bit errors introduced during propagation of the optical pulses through the optical path and to determine a parameter indicative of nonlinear effects of the optical path based on the rate of bit errors and the plurality of intensities.
An exemplary system includes a mobile telephone switching office ("MTSO") subsystem having a first aggregation router and a second aggregation router, and a mobile telephone cell site router communicatively connected to the MTSO subsystem via a network backhaul connection. The cell site router is configured to establish at least one communication tunnel from the cell site router to the first aggregation router, establish at least one backup communication tunnel from the cell site router to the second aggregation router, detect at least one traffic forwarding failure associated with the communication tunnel, and redirect network backhaul traffic directed to the first aggregation router via the communication tunnel to the second aggregation router via the backup communication tunnel in response to the detected traffic forwarding failure. In certain embodiments, establishment of the backup communication tunnel includes pre-signaling the backup communication tunnel as backup to the communication tunnel.
An approach is provided for extending private enterprise networking to wireless interconnecting domains. A home agent maintains a first routing table for a first wireless router configured to route according to a first address space. The home agent also maintains a second routing table for a second wireless router configured to route according to a second address space. The first address space and the second address space are overlapping.
A method performed by one or more devices within a subscription television network includes defining a micro-group, where the micro-group includes one or more user accounts associated with the subscription television network. The method further includes obtaining a profile for the micro-group and obtaining advertising corresponding to the profile of the micro-group. The method also includes sending the advertising to a device associated with one of the one or more user accounts.
A system determines presence updates associated with presence user agents (PUAs), where the presence updates indicate changes in a presence status associated with each of the PUAs. The system further determines an application type associated with each of the PUAs and routes the presence updates to respective presence network agents (PNAs) based on the determined application type.
An approach is provided for interworking between radio access networks that utilize different radio access technologies. Loading information of a plurality of radio access networks that are accessible by a terminal is determined. A list of candidates from the radio access networks are output based on the loading information for use by the terminal.
A routing system coupled to a label switching network receives a pool of network addresses allocated to a mobility region in the network, where the pool of network addresses includes a sequence of contiguous network addresses. The routing system stores the pool of network addresses, and allocates a range of mobility labels to the network address pool for use in communicating with mobile nodes in the mobility region.
A method that includes establishing a connection with a default access point, transmitting a request to access or utilize an application, a service, or a resource, receiving a response to the request that includes a location of a serving access point that provides the application, the service, or the resource, establishing a connection with the serving access point, and receiving an assignment of a network address that is anchored by the serving access point.
An exemplary method includes detecting, on a media content recording device, a media content recording conflict between a plurality of scheduled recordings of media content instances, and outputting, for display on a display device, data representative of a graphical user interface including a plurality of graphical objects representative of the plurality of scheduled recordings of the media content instances and at least one option configured to facilitate resolution of the media content recording conflict. Corresponding methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
An exemplary system and method for determining handovers for a mobile device are disclosed. An exemplary system may generally include a handover server in communication with a communication network configured to support initiated communications from a mobile device. The handover server is configured to detect an initiated communication between the mobile device and a first communication link, determine a value for each of a plurality of factors associated with each of a plurality of available communication links, and assign a desired communication link to the mobile device from the plurality of available communication using a generally simultaneous assessment of the plurality of factors.
A system and methods include generating an optical time domain reflectrometry signal; transmitting the optical time domain reflectrometry signal on a first fiber path in a first direction through at least one optical amplifier; receiving a reflection of the optical time domain reflectrometry signal on the first fiber path in a second direction opposite the first direction; transmitting the reflected optical time domain reflectrometry signal on a second fiber path in the second direction, where the second fiber path is not the first fiber path; and determining a location of a fault on the first fiber path based on the reflected optical time domain reflectrometry signal.
A device, connected to a video display device, may receive a media stream that includes a video signal associated with a video program and program meta-data associated with the video program. The device may parse the media stream to extract the program meta-data, identify a keyword based on the program meta-data, obtain information from a search performed using the keyword, create a snippet of information from the obtained information, and present the snippet and the video program to the video display device, where the snippet and the video program are concurrently presented on the video display device.
An approach is provided for routing inter-carrier messaging traffic between a messaging application on a first carrier and a messaging device on a second carrier using a carrier-assigned identifier.
In an exemplary method, communications data representative of communication instances of distinct types is converged and a graphical user interface (GUI) including a set of listings representative of a grouping of the communication instances of distinct types is displayed. In certain embodiments, at least one of the communication instances represented in the set of listings includes a voice type communication instance. In certain embodiments, a user selection of one of the listings displayed in the GUI is detected, the selected listing associated with a contact, and another set of listings representative of another grouping of converged communication instances of distinct types is displayed in response to the user selection. In certain embodiments, each of the communication instances in the other grouping is associated with the contact. In certain embodiments, the other set of listings is displayed as a subset within the set of listings in the GUI.
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
A method performed by one or more computing devices includes determining a relevancy function of viewer tendencies based on set-top box data from a subscription television service and defining a cluster of set-top boxes based on the relevancy function. The method also includes building a tendency profile for the cluster, the tendency profile including predicted actions for viewers within the cluster. The method further includes assigning the set-top box to the cluster and directing a cluster-oriented presentation to a particular set-top box within the cluster.
A system includes a set-top box and a server for a subscription television service. The set-top box includes a processor to receive a video-on-demand (VOD) programming suggestion from a user and send, to the server, the VOD programming suggestion. The server includes a processor to receive the VOD programming suggestion, compile the VOD programming suggestion with other VOD programming suggestions from other set-top boxes, and send a notification to the set-top box that the VOD programming suggestion has been added to the list of available VOD programming for the subscription television service.
A method may include storing rules associated with processing calls. Each of the rules may include a maximum number of calls per unit of time. The method may also include determining whether the maximum number of calls per unit of time associated with a first one of the rules is greater than a threshold. The method may further include allocating by a first node, when the maximum number of calls per unit of time is greater than the threshold, a number of calls per unit of time to the first node based on the number of calls satisfying the first rule that were received by the first node and a total number of calls satisfying the first rule that were received by all of the nodes.
A device may include an output device to provide information to a user. The device may further include logic configured to receive an input that identifies an activity to enable while in a low power condition, monitor a power condition of the device, determine that the power condition is the low power condition, and deactivate or disable activities other than the identified activity when the power condition is the low power condition.
G01R 31/36 - Arrangements for testing, measuring or monitoring the electrical condition of accumulators or electric batteries, e.g. capacity or state of charge [SoC]
A device may obtain, from a remote device on a network, information regarding loads and Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) devices on which the loads are installed. In addition, the device may access a database storing load compatibility information, identify problematic loads based on the obtained information and the load compatibility information, determine fixes for one or more of the problematic loads, and apply the fixes to the one or more of the problematic loads over the network.
An approach is provided for network resource growth management. Utilization of a network resource that is hierarchically associated with one or more other network resources is determined. If the utilization exceeds a first predetermined threshold, a growth notification is triggered. The growth notification specifies additional network resources required to modify the utilization of the network resource according to a second predetermined threshold.
A method includes receiving a content message from a content provider, wherein the content message includes at least one content item. The method further includes verifying the at least one content item included in the content message for duplication against a content history.
A method includes receiving, by a video client, interactive television content that permits a customer to select from two or more television shows competing for a timeslot, displaying, by the video client, the interactive television content on a display, receiving, by the video client, a selection of one of the two or more television shows to watch, and determining, by the video client, based on the interactive television content, whether the one of the two or more television shows selected is to be re-mapped to a channel number that is different than a channel number in which the interactive television content is displayed. The method further includes displaying, by the video client, the one of the two or more television shows on the display.
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
A method for offloads SMS messages from a voice network of a wireless carrier to a data network. The method includes sending a mobile originated SMS using hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) from a wireless handset to a short message service center (SMSC) over a wireless data network. The method further includes conducting a lookup at the SMSC to determine the home SMSC for the originating mobile handset and sending a redirect to the mobile handset as means to facilitate a dynamic update of the home SMSC location stored on the wireless handset.
A system includes a sending access point and a receiving access point. The sending access point divides a data stream into sets of packets, encrypts a first set of packets using a first encryption protocol, encrypts a second set of packets using a second encryption protocol, where the second encryption protocol is different from the first encryption protocol, transmits, using a first channel over a wireless network, the first set of packets, and transmits, using a second channel over the wireless network, the second set of packets. The receiving access point receives the first set of packets and the second set of packets, decrypts the first set of packets using the first encryption protocol, and decrypts the second set of packets using the second encryption protocol.
In certain exemplary embodiments, data representative of a proximity heuristic specifying a plurality of levels of an object detection zone associated with a display screen is maintained, an object is detected within the object detection zone, one of the levels is selected based on at least one attribute of the object, and an action associated with the selected level is performed. In certain examples, the action includes modifying a graphical user interface view displayed on the display screen.
A method is provided that includes setting a first oversubscription factor of a control plane for an interface, measuring forwarding plane utilization on the interface, and calculating a second oversubscription factor of the control plane for the interface using the measured forwarding plane utilization as compared with a target forwarding plane utilization on the interface. The method also includes determining whether to update the first oversubscription factor based upon the calculated second oversubscription factor.
An approach is provided for monitoring interface utilization. Bandwidth data for an interface is collected during a configurable time interval, and a peak utilization of the interface over the time interval is determined using a plurality of incremented policers to measure the collected bandwidth data. An implementation of which is system that includes a monitoring module configured to collect bandwidth data for an interface over a configurable time interval, a plurality of incremented policers configured to measure the collected bandwidth data, and an analysis module configured to determine a peak utilization of the interface over the time interval using the measurements of the plurality of incremented policers.
In an exemplary method, a plurality of video feeds carrying data representative of a plurality of event views is transformed into at least one video signal. The at least one video signal is distributed over at least one television carrier channel associated with a television programming channel and is received and processed by a receiver, including selectively providing one of the event views for display. In certain embodiments, user input is received with the receiver and different ones of the events views are toggled between for display in association with the television programming channel and in response to the user input. In certain embodiments, the event views include a plurality of player views associated with a multiplayer video game session.
In certain embodiments, an object touch is detected on a touch screen display, a touch gesture interface is displayed on the touch screen display in response to the object touch, a touch gesture is detected on the touch screen display, and an action is performed based on the touch gesture. In certain embodiments, the touch gesture includes a directional touch gesture in a direction away from a position of the object touch on a surface of the touch screen display. In certain embodiments, the touch gesture interface includes a plurality of selectable options, and the action includes one of navigating through the selectable options and selecting one of the selectable options.
An approach is provided for adjusting network interface metrics to optimize transmissions across a network. A measurement of performance of a network interface is made, wherein the network interface is configured to provide traffic across an optical network. A determination is made regarding whether the measured performance satisfies a predetermined threshold. A network metric value of the network interface is adjusted if the measured performance of the network interface satisfies the predetermined threshold.
An approach is provided for sharing capacity among multiple logical routers. A request from one of a plurality of logical routers is received for reserving bandwidth corresponding to a port shared by the logical routers. Reservation of the bandwidth is confirmed within a forwarding plane before granting the request to the one logical router.
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
93.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING AND ANALYZING NETWORK TRAFFIC
An approach is provided for monitoring and analyzing network traffic. Traffic is monitored during a configurable time interval. A number of bursts associated with the traffic are tracked. A measured traffic rate is generated based on the number of bursts occurring within the time interval. The measured traffic rate is compared with a committed rate to determine if the measured traffic rate exceeds the committed rate.
An approach is provided for managing off-network virtual connections. A first management channel is mapped to a second management channel for transport of management information over an optical time-division-multiplexing (TDM) network that includes an off- network portion. The off-network portion corresponds to a third party provider. The first management channel corresponds to an electrical connection and the second management channel corresponds to an optical connection.
A system may receive an enhanced media stream that includes media content and interactive content relating to the media content, present the media content for display on a video display device, detect initiation of a trick mode during presentation of the media content, and present information, relating to the interactive content, superimposed on the media content presented for display on the video display device during the trick mode.
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
96.
SYSTEM FOR UP-SELLING CONTENT DURING PERIODS OF LIKELY VIEWER DISINTEREST
A system for up-selling content during periods of likely viewer disinterest may include a content delivery network configured to provide media content and at least one choice of alternative content, a content viewing device, and a content processing device for interfacing the viewing device with the content delivery network. The content processing device may be configured to detect likely viewer disinterest in media content, prompt the selection of alternative content, and selectively replace the media content with the alternative content upon viewer selection. Additionally, methods for estimating a degree of likely viewer disinterest and discounting the offering price of the alternative content options are implemented by the system.
A system for proactively troubleshooting set top box issues may include a media distribution network with a remote requesting device and a programming guide server. The programming guide server may be configured to identity a guide data retrieval profile of the requesting device, compare the guide data retrieval profile to an expected profile, and flag the requesting device for troubleshooting based on a lack of correspondence between the retrieval profile and the expected profile. Additionally methods for discovering related devices, predicting that the related devices also require troubleshooting, and limiting restorative measures to only those devices that have been confirmed to be affected by a service issue may also be implemented by the system.
In certain embodiments, a graphical user interface ("GUI") including a live camera sensor view is displayed and, in response to the capture of a camera image, an image manager pane is displayed together with the live camera sensor view in the graphical user interface. The image manager pane includes a visual indicator representative of the captured camera image. In certain embodiments, a camera image is captured and automatically assigned to a session based on a predefined session grouping heuristic. In certain embodiments, data representative of a captured camera image is provided to a content distribution subsystem over a network, and the content distribution subsystem is configured to distribute data representative of the camera image to a plurality of predefined destinations.
A method includes receiving, at a carrier network provider, a request from a requestor's mobile device to locate an instant messaging (IM) friend from the requestor's IM friends list; authenticating the request for use of location-based services on the carrier network; receiving geographic location coordinates from the requestor's mobile device; adding random error to the geographic location coordinates; sending the request to locate an IM friend and the geographic location coordinates with random error to an IM portal; receiving a list of the requestor's IM friends within a particular region near the geographic location coordinates with random error; and sending to the requestor's mobile device the list of IM friends within the particular region near the geographic location coordinates with random error.
ABSTRACT A device receives information associated with an outbound call from a calling party via a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), and generates a request for the outbound call from the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) using a remote procedure call (RPC) interface. The device also enables communication, via the remote procedure call (RPC) interface, of the outbound call with a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)-based device associated with a called party.
patents
