At&t Intellectual Property I, LP

At&t Knowledge Ventures, LP

Dolores J Mallian

Bruce Barnes

Charles M Stahulak

Patrick Kenny

Christopher F Baldwin

Nikhil Shreerang Marathe

Wayne Robert Heinmiller

Shadi Khoshaba

Michael Towster

Henry Towster

Mark Gribble

Susan Kenny

Bruce Bames

A first example device disclosed herein comprises memory including computer readable instructions and a processor to execute the instructions to access a group code and a group size from a second device, the group code to identify a group of devices to be included in a stream splitting session to distribute communication of a data stream, the group size to specify a number of devices included in the group of devices, the group of devices including the first device and the second device. The processor is also to initiate transmission of a request including the group code and the group size to a distribution system to establish the stream splitting session. The processor is further to forward a first portion of the data stream from the distribution system to the second device for aggregation with a second portion of the data stream at the second device.

Distributing communication of a data stream among multiple devices

Distributing communication of a data stream among multiple devices is disclosed. Example methods include sending a message from a first electronic device to a second electronic device to announce the first electronic device is available for inclusion in a shared connection to be established by the second electronic device with a service provider, the shared connection to split a first data stream from a source into a plurality of partial data streams to be distributed among a plurality of electronic devices. Example methods also include establishing a data connection with the service provider to receive a first one of the partial data streams associated with the shared connection. Example methods further include relaying the first one of the partial data streams associated with the shared connection from the service provider to the second electronic device.

Methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture for distributing communication of a data stream among multiple devices are disclosed. Example methods disclosed herein include sending a message from a first electronic device to a second electronic device to announce the first electronic device is available for inclusion in a shared connection to be established by the second electronic device with a service provider, the shared connection to split a first data stream from a source into a plurality of partial data streams to be distributed among a plurality of electronic devices. Disclosed example methods also include establishing a data connection with the service provider to receive a first one of the partial data streams associated with the shared connection. Disclosed example methods further include relaying the first one of the partial data streams associated with the shared connection from the service provider to the second electronic device.

A method is provided for controlling the distribution of composite data of a user by an aggregation server. The method includes receiving data relating to the user that is generated from a plurality of sources, including image data, that is transmitted over a communication network. The method also includes identifying an image of the user captured in the image data using one or more of facial recognition, user names, and device identifiers. The method includes matching the identified image of the user with a profile of the user, and sending a notification to an address associated with the user informing the user of the image captured in the image data. The method further includes receiving a sharing permission from the user to share a designated portion of the data with an approved entity, and sharing the designated portion of the data with the approved entity.

Method and system for controlling distribution of composite data of user by aggregation server

A mechanism is provided for direct interaction between an individual and a communication network. Captured data is received of the individual in an environment to be analyzed by a network management computer. The data is captured by network sensors. The network management computer determines that the individual is a subscriber to services of the communication network by identifying the subscriber from the data that has been captured. The subscriber is registered with a network carrier that operates and provides the services on the communication network. The data is obtained without assistance from a subscriber owned device providing the data. The data is analyzed to interpret commands when presented by the subscriber via the network sensors. The commands include gesture commands from the subscriber. An action is performed for the subscriber based on the commands.

Direct interaction between a user and a communication network

A method includes receiving, from a first device at a second device, first input corresponding to selection of a previous channel option. The method includes, responsive to the first input, sending list data to a display device coupled to the second device, where the list data enables a display of a list of previously displayed channels. The list includes multiple elements and a selection indicator associated with a first element of the list. Each element of the multiple elements corresponds to a previously displayed channel. The method includes receiving, from the first device, second input corresponding to selection of a next channel option. The method also includes sending updated list data based on the second input to the display device. The updated list data updates the display to change an association of the selection indicator from the first element to a second element of the list.

System and method of displaying content

Methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture for distributing communication of a data stream among multiple devices are disclosed. Example methods disclosed herein include receiving a request from a first one of a plurality of devices to establish a shared connection to distribute communication of a first data stream among the plurality of devices. Such example methods also include establishing, in response to the request, respective data connections with the plurality of devices based on device capability information obtained from a system providing service for the plurality of devices. Such example methods further include splitting the first data stream into a plurality of partial data streams to be communicated to the plurality of devices via the respective data connections, the partial data streams, when aggregated, forming the first data stream.

A method includes receiving, at a computing device, input indicating a request to view a list. The list includes multiple elements, each of the elements corresponding to respective video content. The method also includes sending the list to a display device in response to the request, where the elements of the list are ordered based on a display order of the respective video content.

Disclosed example methods to distribute communication of a data stream include assigning, at a first device, a group code to identify a group of devices to be included in a stream splitting session to distribute the communication of the data stream, the group of devices including the first device. Disclosed example methods also include transmitting the group code from the first device to a second device included in the group of devices. Disclosed example methods further include transmitting a first request including the group code and an identifier of a source of the data stream to a distribution system to establish the stream splitting session, and receiving, at the first device, a first portion of the data stream in response to the first request.

A method includes receiving, from a first user of a media distribution system, first wish list data identifying a program and a first program option associated with the program. When the first wish list data is received, the program is not scheduled for transmission via the media distribution system based on a published program guide available to the first user. The method also includes receiving, from a second user of the media distribution system, second wish list data identifying the program and a second program option associated with the program. The method further includes determining interest in the program based on the first program option and the second program option.

Systems and methods of processing programming wish list data

Transparent collection and profiling of personal data builds trust. A central database aggregates personal data reported by source devices. Users may view their individual personal data. Users may approve the personal data for sharing with approved entities, such as trusted retailers.

Concepts and technologies are disclosed herein for a remotely activated monitoring service. The monitoring service can be executed by a server computer. The server computer can detect an event associated with a user device. The server computer can determine that monitoring of a proximity of the user device is to be initiated based upon the event. The server computer can determine a geographic location of the user device and identify monitoring hardware that is to monitor the proximity of the user device. The server device also can issue a command to the monitoring hardware to initiate monitoring of the proximity of the user device by the monitoring hardware.

Remotely activated monitoring service

A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a controller to update a profile of preferences and recordings maintained at a central server when a user modifies preferences and recordings at a customer premises at a digital video recorder (DVR) or set top box (STB) with respect to a video on demand system via a link through the Internet and when a user modifies preferences and recordings with a video on demand system within a vehicle. The controller can also enable downloading audio-visual information synchronized with the video on demand system via a first wireless communication system to the vehicle in response to requests sent using a second wireless communication system. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Synchronized home and vehicle audio visual system and method

Provided are methods, apparatus and systems for the sale of digital content over a network. The disclosure herein discusses the recording of a broadcast of a digital data stream by a broadcast receiving device. A listener may select a particular digital data stream to purchase by selecting a content identifier associated with the digital data stream of interest at the recording device. Upon obtaining the selection, a purchase request message is transmitted to an intermediary communication device. The purchase request message includes at least the content identifier. After the transaction is completed at a transaction server, a purchase confirmation message including at least a digital rights management key associated with the digital data stream is returned to and received by the broadcast receiving device. Upon receipt, of the digital rights management key, the recorded digital data stream is released for reproduction.

Growing community of inventors

St. Charles, IL, United States of America

Dolores J Mallian