| Patent application number | Description | Published |
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| 20080273591 | Methods and apparatus for predictive capacity allocation - Methods and apparatus for dynamically adjusting capacity allocation; e.g., to a group of services in a multimedia distribution network. In one embodiment, bandwidth allocation is adjusted by predicting bandwidth utilization of the group of services based on historical bandwidth utilization information. Behavioral templates and statistical models may also be employed for the predictions. The invention provides more efficient use of available bandwidth compared to conventional bandwidth allocation schemes where the overall bandwidth for a group of services is set to a constant value that is not changed frequently. The present invention further provides a bandwidth allocation method in a switched distribution network. The bandwidth allocation method allocates bandwidth such that the bandwidth required by the number of services does not exceed the allocation, i.e., the total usage falls within the allocation. | 11-06-2008 |
| 20080320540 | Methods and apparatus for bandwidth recovery in a network - 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. | 12-25-2008 |
| 20090028182 | Methods and apparatus for format selection for network optimization - Method and apparatus for optimizing network bandwidth utilization by delivering to users only the minimum number of programs required by service provider policies. In one embodiment, the method comprises switching some users from lower quality versions of programs to higher quality versions of the same programs, and removing those lower quality versions of programs from a given service group. In another embodiment, some users are switched from higher quality versions of programs to lower quality versions of those same programs, and the higher quality versions of programs removed from a given service group. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090028192 | Generation, distribution and use of content metadata in a network - Methods and apparatus for utilizing information (e.g., metadata) relating to content in a multimedia distribution network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a hybrid fiber coax (HFC) cable network, and the information comprises metadata relating to the bitrate profile of deterministic content such as stored video. Content sources, or the network operator themselves, generate the metadata which may then be used by the operator to adjust or optimize the operation of the network; e.g., more efficiently allocate the program to a multiplex. Network apparatus adapted to implement the metadata functionality and related business methods are also disclosed. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090031384 | Methods and apparatus for format selection for network optimization - Method and apparatus for optimizing network bandwidth utilization by delivering to users only the minimum number of programs required by service provider policies. In one embodiment, the method comprises switching some users from lower quality versions of programs to higher quality versions of the same programs, and removing those lower quality versions of programs from a given service group. In another embodiment, some users are switched from higher quality versions of programs to lower quality versions of those same programs, and the higher quality versions of programs removed from a given service group. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090193485 | Methods and apparatus for predictive delivery of content over a network - 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. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20100077427 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR MULTI-STAGE MULTIPLEXING IN A NETWORK - 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. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100245669 | TECHNIQUE FOR EFFECTIVELY UTILIZING LIMITED BANDWIDTH OF A COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK TO DELIVER PROGRAMMING CONTENT - 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. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100306810 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR FORMAT SELECTION FOR NETWORK OPTIMIZATION - Method and apparatus for optimizing network bandwidth utilization by delivering to users only the minimum number of programs required by service provider policies. In one embodiment, the method comprises switching some users from lower quality versions of programs to higher quality versions of the same programs, and removing those lower quality versions of programs from a given service group. In another embodiment, some users are switched from higher quality versions of programs to lower quality versions of those same programs, and the higher quality versions of programs removed from a given service group. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20110128961 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR UTILIZING VARIABLE RATE PROGRAM STREAMS IN A NETWORK - Apparatus and methods for transparently using otherwise wasted bandwidth associated with variable-rate program streams to deliver additional content. In one embodiment, the network comprises a broadcast switched architecture (BSA), and the program streams are loaded up to a target rate using “null” packets and then delivered over the network infrastructure to a plurality of hub sites. The streams are then unloaded to reproduce the original variable streams, and the bandwidth vacated by removal of the null packets used as the transport mechanism for additional (e.g., non time-sensitive) content to be delivered to the subscribers. The process can also be substantially automated and anticipatory (through, e.g., transmission of null bit insertion data downstream). The invention can also advantageously be implemented with minimal modifications to existing infrastructure, and supports business and operational supervisory processes. Network server, QAM modulator, and CPE apparatus implementing the aforementioned methodologies are also disclosed. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110138064 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING AND OPTIMIZING DELIVERY OF CONTENT IN A NETWORK - 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. | 06-09-2011 |
