公开(公告)号：US08997136B2

公开(公告)日：2015-03-31

申请号：US12841906

申请日：2010-07-22

申请人： Paul D. Brooks ,  Glen Hardin ,  Tom Gonder

发明人： Paul D. Brooks ,  Glen Hardin ,  Tom Gonder

IPC分类号： H04N7/167 ,  H04N21/61 ,  H04N21/222 ,  H04N21/236 ,  H04N21/643

CPC分类号： H04N21/64322 ,  H04N21/222 ,  H04N21/2221 ,  H04N21/23608 ,  H04N21/2381 ,  H04N21/2385 ,  H04N21/2393 ,  H04N21/25816 ,  H04N21/6125 ,  H04N21/6405

摘要： Methods and apparatus for providing packetized content to users via a bandwidth-optimized network. In one embodiment, legacy and IPTV streams are carried over the same switched digital infrastructure, and freely intermixed without regard to their encoding or type. A user's selection for IPTV content is transmitted to an IP proxy (such as a gateway apparatus or a headend server), then on to the switched digital server which causes provision of the requested content back to the proxy for formatting. The formatted content is then delivered to the requesting IP-capable device. The entire carrier class program stream is therefore available as IP-encapsulated content to the IP capable devices (and as legacy content to legacy devices) without any significant modifications to the network infrastructure or bandwidth penalty.

摘要翻译： 通过带宽优化网络向用户提供打包内容的方法和装置。 在一个实施例中，传统和IPTV流在相同的交换数字基础设施上承载，并且在不考虑其编码或类型的情况下自由混合。 用户对IPTV内容的选择被发送到IP代理（例如网关装置或头端服务器），然后被发送到切换的数字服务器，该数字服务器将请求的内容提供给代理进行格式化。 然后将格式化的内容传送到请求IP的设备。 因此，整个运营商级程序流可作为IP封装的内容提供给具有IP能力的设备（以及作为传统设备的传统内容），而无需对网络基础架构或带宽损失进行任何重大修改。

公开(公告)号：US08849122B2

公开(公告)日：2014-09-30

申请号：US13451396

申请日：2012-04-19

申请人： Paul D. Brooks

发明人： Paul D. Brooks

IPC分类号： H04B10/00 ,  H04J14/00

CPC分类号： H04Q11/0067 ,  H04Q11/0071

摘要： Apparatus and methods for providing content to devices in a content distribution network. In one embodiment, a hybrid fiber/coax network provides optical signals to an amplification and combination node, the signals which are converted to radio frequency (RF) signals and transmitted to a series of cascading amplification and combination apparatus. The converted signals are combined with legacy RF signals at the combination apparatus, and distributed further downstream to serviced premises as well as other portions of the network cascade. Time division techniques are used to mitigate interference between the various amplification and combination nodes within the cascade. The programmable time division devices allow for rapid spectrum reallocation, and for insertion of different content at each different node of the network.

摘要翻译： 用于向内容分发网络中的设备提供内容的装置和方法。 在一个实施例中，混合光纤/同轴电缆网络向放大和组合节点提供光信号，这些信号被转换成射频（RF）信号并被发送到一系列级联放大和组合装置。 转换的信号与组合装置的传统RF信号相结合，并进一步分布在下游到服务场所以及网络级联的其他部分。 时分技术用于减轻级联中各种放大和组合节点之间的干扰。 可编程时分器件允许快速频谱重新分配，并允许在网络的每个不同节点插入不同的内容。

公开(公告)号：US08839317B1

公开(公告)日：2014-09-16

申请号：US13480292

申请日：2012-05-24

申请人： Remi F. Rieger ,  Tom Gonder ,  Paul D. Brooks

发明人： Remi F. Rieger ,  Tom Gonder ,  Paul D. Brooks

IPC分类号： H04N7/173 ,  H04N7/10 ,  H04N7/12 ,  G06F15/173

CPC分类号： H04N21/2385 ,  H04J3/1682 ,  H04J3/1694 ,  H04N7/10 ,  H04N21/2408 ,  H04N21/47202 ,  H04N21/6118

摘要： Methods and apparatus for providing one or more services such as video on-demand, switched digital video, or Internet services using shared bandwidth. Exemplary embodiments include methods and apparatus for providing video on-demand and switched digital video to a set of customer premise equipment devices using a first dedicated portion of the bandwidth to provide video on-demand services, a second dedicated portion of the bandwidth to provide switched digital video services, and a third portion of the bandwidth to provide both switched digital video and video on-demand services wherein the size of the bandwidth made available to provide video on-demand within the third shared portion of bandwidth varies as a function of requests for video on-demand and switched digital video services and the priorities of the new requests versus the existing operating services. Bandwidth management occurring in accordance with bandwidth sharing policies, priorities and rules generated by a bandwidth sharing mechanism.

摘要翻译： 用于使用共享带宽来提供一个或多个服务的方法和装置，例如视频点播，交换数字视频或因特网服务。 示例性实施例包括用于使用带宽的第一专用部分提供视频点播和切换数字视频到一组客户驻地设备设备以提供视频点播服务的方法和设备，带宽的第二专用部分以提供切换 数字视频服务和带宽的第三部分以提供交换数字视频和视频点播服务，其中可用于在第三共享部分带宽内提供视频点播的可用带宽的大小根据请求而变化 视频点播和转换数字视频服务以及新请求与现有运营服务的优先级。 带宽管理根据带宽共享策略，带宽共享机制生成的优先级和规则进行。

公开(公告)号：US20130064253A1

公开(公告)日：2013-03-14

申请号：US13608800

申请日：2012-09-10

申请人： William L. Helms ,  Paul D. Brooks

发明人： William L. Helms ,  Paul D. Brooks

IPC分类号： H04J3/06

CPC分类号： H04N21/2365 ,  H04J3/1682 ,  H04N7/17309 ,  H04N21/23608 ,  H04N21/23655 ,  H04N21/434 ,  H04N21/4347 ,  H04Q2213/13367 ,  H04Q2213/13376

摘要： Methods and apparatus for performing multiplexing of video or other content (e.g., programs) within a network using feed-back from a subsequent digital program insertion stage, and/or feed-forward information from a prior multiplexing stage. In one embodiment, the network comprises a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) cable network having headend and hub-based statistical multiplexing stages, and communication between the two stages is used to improve the visual quality performance and bandwidth utilization of the output multi-program stream during conditions where downstream content is inserted into the transport stream. Business methods associated with the various multiplexing features described above are also disclosed.

摘要翻译： 用于使用来自后续数字节目插入阶段的反馈来执行网络内的视频或其他内容（例如，节目）的多路复用的方法和装置，和/或来自先前复用阶段的前馈信息。 在一个实施例中，网络包括具有前端和基于集线器的统计复用级的混合光纤同轴电缆（HFC）电缆网络，并且两级之间的通信用于改善输出多节目流的视觉质量性能和带宽利用 在下游内容被插入传输流的条件下。 还公开了与上述各种复用特征相关联的业务方法。

公开(公告)号：US08281352B2

公开(公告)日：2012-10-02

申请号：US12152749

申请日：2008-05-15

申请人： Paul D. Brooks ,  Tom Gonder

发明人： Paul D. Brooks ,  Tom Gonder

IPC分类号： H04N7/173

CPC分类号： H04N21/2385 ,  H04L41/0896 ,  H04L41/147 ,  H04L41/5051 ,  H04L41/5067 ,  H04L41/509 ,  H04N21/2402 ,  H04N21/25833

摘要： Methods and apparatus for recovery and/or utilization of bandwidth within a network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a switched architecture (e.g., broadcast switched) content-delivery network such as a cable television network. Reclamation, overflow, and/or triage logical processes are selectively applied in order to more efficiently manage bandwidth utilization within the network while maintaining user experience, and optionally achieve one or more business and/or operational goals.

摘要翻译： 用于网络内的带宽的恢复和/或利用的方法和装置。 在一个实施例中，网络包括诸如有线电视网络的交换架构（例如，广播交换）内容递送网络。 选择性地应用回收，溢出和/或分类逻辑进程，以便更有效地管理网络内的带宽利用率，同时保持用户体验，并且可选地实现一个或多个业务和/或操作目标。

公开(公告)号：US08265104B2

公开(公告)日：2012-09-11

申请号：US12577598

申请日：2009-10-12

申请人： William L. Helms ,  Paul D. Brooks

发明人： William L. Helms ,  Paul D. Brooks

IPC分类号： H04J3/04 ,  H04J3/16 ,  H04J3/22 ,  H04J3/18 ,  H04J3/02

CPC分类号： H04N21/2365 ,  H04J3/1682 ,  H04N7/17309 ,  H04N21/23608 ,  H04N21/23655 ,  H04N21/434 ,  H04N21/4347 ,  H04Q2213/13367 ,  H04Q2213/13376

摘要： Methods and apparatus for performing multiplexing of video or other content (e.g., programs) within a network using feed-back from a subsequent digital program insertion stage, and/or feed-forward information from a prior multiplexing stage. In one embodiment, the network comprises a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) cable network having headend and hub-based statistical multiplexing stages, and communication between the two stages is used to improve the visual quality performance and bandwidth utilization of the output multi-program stream during conditions where downstream content is inserted into the transport stream. Business methods associated with the various multiplexing features described above are also disclosed.

摘要翻译： 用于使用来自后续数字节目插入阶段的反馈来执行网络内的视频或其他内容（例如，节目）的多路复用的方法和装置，和/或来自先前复用阶段的前馈信息。 在一个实施例中，网络包括具有前端和基于集线器的统计复用级的混合光纤同轴电缆（HFC）电缆网络，并且两级之间的通信用于改善输出多节目流的视觉质量性能和带宽利用 在下游内容被插入传输流的条件下。 还公开了与上述各种复用特征相关联的业务方法。

公开(公告)号：US20110138064A1

公开(公告)日：2011-06-09

申请号：US12631713

申请日：2009-12-04

申请人： Remi Rieger ,  Paul D. Brooks

发明人： Remi Rieger ,  Paul D. Brooks

IPC分类号： G06F15/16 ,  G06F17/30

CPC分类号： H04N21/25825 ,  G06F17/30905 ,  H04N21/25816 ,  H04N21/25875 ,  H04N21/433 ,  H04N21/436

摘要： Methods and apparatus for delivering content to a user so as to optimize and enhance the “experience” of the content. In one embodiment, an optimization and monitoring entity (OME) is used which determines, evaluates, and provides notification and/or recommendation of alternative content delivery platforms which are available to a user. The OME receives requests for content forwarded from a content server containing information identifying requesting devices and/or subscriber accounts. The OME examines the capabilities of the registered devices, and identifies/recommends alternative devices based on e.g., video/audio quality, picture size, bandwidth availability, and/or any other additional capabilities of the client devices. A notification is then sent to the client devices indicating which of the user's devices may receive the content alternatively, or in addition to, the requesting device. The notifications may be interactive, allowing the user to select one or more of the devices for delivery.

摘要翻译： 用于向用户传送内容以便优化和增强内容的“体验”的方法和装置。 在一个实施例中，使用优化和监视实体（OME），其确定，评估并提供可供用户使用的备选内容传送平台的通知和/或推荐。 OME接收从包含识别请求设备和/或订户帐户的信息的内容服务器转发的内容的请求。 OME检查注册设备的功能，并且基于例如视频/音频质量，图片大小，带宽可用性和/或客户端设备的任何其他附加能力来识别/推荐替代设备。 然后将通知发送到客户端设备，指示哪个用户的设备可以交替地接收内容，或者除了请求设备之外。 通知可以是交互式的，允许用户选择一个或多个用于传送的设备。

公开(公告)号：US20100245669A1

公开(公告)日：2010-09-30

申请号：US12815105

申请日：2010-06-14

申请人： William Helms ,  Michael T. Hayashi ,  Paul D. Brooks ,  Douglas Semon

发明人： William Helms ,  Michael T. Hayashi ,  Paul D. Brooks ,  Douglas Semon

IPC分类号： H03M1/12

CPC分类号： H04N21/4402 ,  H04N7/17336 ,  H04N21/2225 ,  H04N21/2343 ,  H04N21/2385 ,  H04N21/6118 ,  H04N21/6168

摘要： To effectively utilize the bandwidth of a cable TV network, which is limited, analog TV program material is digitized and compressed before its transmission over the network. The resulting signals consume only part of the analog TV band traditionally needed for transmission of the analog TV program material. The newly available bandwidth in the analog TV band may be utilized for other cable TV services, e.g., video-on-demand (VOD) services. A reception gateway is employed at a user location to frequency-translate any VOD signals, transmitted through the analog TV band, to another frequency band, thereby avoiding disturbing the normal operation of a set-top terminal in receiving the analog TV program material through the analog TV band at the user location.

摘要翻译： 为了有效利用有限电视网络的带宽，模拟电视节目素材在通过网络传输之前被数字化和压缩。 所产生的信号仅消耗传统上模拟电视节目素材传输所需的模拟电视频带的一部分。 模拟TV频带中的新可用带宽可以用于其他有线电视服务，例如视频点播（VOD）服务。 在用户位置采用接收网关，将通过模拟TV频带传输的任何VOD信号频率转换到另一个频带，从而避免在接收模拟电视节目素材时扰乱机顶终端的正常操作 模拟电视频段在用户位置。

公开(公告)号：US20100077427A1

公开(公告)日：2010-03-25

申请号：US12577598

申请日：2009-10-12

申请人： William L. Helms ,  Paul D. Brooks

发明人： William L. Helms ,  Paul D. Brooks

IPC分类号： H04N7/025

CPC分类号： H04N21/2365 ,  H04J3/1682 ,  H04N7/17309 ,  H04N21/23608 ,  H04N21/23655 ,  H04N21/434 ,  H04N21/4347 ,  H04Q2213/13367 ,  H04Q2213/13376

摘要： Methods and apparatus for performing multiplexing of video or other content (e.g., programs) within a network using feed-back from a subsequent digital program insertion stage, and/or feed-forward information from a prior multiplexing stage. In one embodiment, the network comprises a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) cable network having headend and hub-based statistical multiplexing stages, and communication between the two stages is used to improve the visual quality performance and bandwidth utilization of the output multi-program stream during conditions where downstream content is inserted into the transport stream. Business methods associated with the various multiplexing features described above are also disclosed.

摘要翻译： 用于使用来自后续数字节目插入阶段的反馈来执行网络内的视频或其他内容（例如，节目）的多路复用的方法和装置，和/或来自先前复用阶段的前馈信息。 在一个实施例中，网络包括具有前端和基于集线器的统计复用级的混合光纤同轴电缆（HFC）电缆网络，并且两级之间的通信用于改善输出多节目流的视觉质量性能和带宽利用 在下游内容被插入传输流的条件下。 还公开了与上述各种复用特征相关联的业务方法。

公开(公告)号：US20090193485A1

公开(公告)日：2009-07-30

申请号：US12012019

申请日：2008-01-30

申请人： Remi Rieger ,  Paul D. Brooks

发明人： Remi Rieger ,  Paul D. Brooks

IPC分类号： H04N7/173

CPC分类号： H04N21/2385 ,  H04N21/23439 ,  H04N21/2402 ,  H04N21/251 ,  H04N21/252 ,  H04N21/26216 ,  H04N21/26241 ,  H04N21/42607 ,  H04N21/4667 ,  H04N21/6338 ,  H04N21/6582

摘要： Methods and apparatus for optimizing bandwidth utilization in a cable network. In one embodiment, the method comprises predicting which content will be requested by a set of users based upon the exhibited viewing habits of those users (and/or others). A server process gathers viewership data comprising a listing of programs requested by users at various times of the day. The server process aggregates the viewership data, identifies patterns within the aggregated data, and extrapolates a schedule of programs likely to be requested. In certain embodiments, the server process additionally gathers the capabilities of each cable device in an associated subnetwork. Based upon these capabilities, and based upon the total bandwidth predicted to remain available in the network over a target broadcast period, the server process may also select an optimal compression scheme and video quality level before broadcasting a certain program.

摘要翻译： 用于优化有线网络中带宽利用率的方法和装置。 在一个实施例中，该方法包括基于所呈现的那些用户（和/或其他人）的观看习惯来预测一组用户将请求哪些内容。 服务器进程收集包括一天中的不同时间由用户请求的节目列表的观众数据。 服务器进程聚合观众数据，识别聚合数据中的模式，并推断可能请求的节目时间表。 在某些实施例中，服务器进程另外收集相关子网中每个有线设备的能力。 基于这些能力，并且基于预测在目标广播时段内在网络中保持可用的总带宽，服务器进程还可以在广播某个节目之前选择最佳压缩方案和视频质量等级。