US 8949206

Analysis of U.S. Patent 8,949,206

Date of Analysis: May 11, 2026

Patent Number: 8,949,206 B2

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I. Bibliographic Information

• Title: System and method for creating multiple versions of a descriptor file
• Assignee: The most recent assignee of record is NOVACLOUD LICENSING LLC. The original assignee was Ericsson Television Inc.
• Inventor: Sathiyamoorthy Dhanapal
• Filing Date: October 4, 2012
• Issue Date: February 3, 2015

II. Abstract

The patent describes a system and method for creating multiple versions of descriptor files (e.g., MPD files for DASH, HLS m3u8 playlists) for adaptive bitrate streaming. The system receives a source descriptor file and its associated media segments. Based on a set of rules, which can include factors like content ratings, user profiles, or regional information, it generates multiple, modified descriptor files. This process avoids the need to create and store multiple complete versions of the media content itself. These customized descriptor files are then distributed to downstream systems, such as content delivery networks or end-users.

III. Independent Claims: A Plain-Language Overview

This patent contains two independent claims: Claim 1 and Claim 14.

• Claim 1: The System

  This claim protects a system designed to efficiently create different versions of a media stream. Imagine you have a movie and want to create a family-friendly version, a director's cut, and a version with a different language audio track. Traditionally, you would have to create and store three separate, large video files.

  This invention's system avoids that. It takes one master set of video and audio segments and a "descriptor file" (like a playlist or manifest) that tells the player how to assemble them. The system then uses a set of rules (e.g., "for a family-friendly version, skip scenes from 10:30 to 11:15," or "for the Spanish version, use audio track #2"). Based on these rules, it generates new, customized descriptor files.

  Crucially, the system does this by simply manipulating the text-based descriptor file—it doesn't re-encode or create new video files. This saves significant processing time and storage space. The system then sends these new, customized descriptor files to the end-user or a content delivery network.

• Claim 14: The Method

  This claim describes the method or process performed by the system in Claim 1. It outlines the steps of:

  1. Receiving an original descriptor file and the related media segments.
  2. Receiving a set of rules for how to modify the media presentation.
  3. Creating new descriptor files by altering the original one according to the rules, without generating new media content. This is the core of the invention.
  4. Distributing these newly created descriptor files.

  In essence, this claim protects the step-by-step process of creating customized media experiences on-the-fly by manipulating playlists rather than the media itself.

IV. Litigation Status

As of May 11, 2026, a search of public records, including the provided patent data, indicates that US Patent 8,949,206 has been involved in litigation. Cases have been filed in the US District Courts for the Eastern District of Texas and the District of Delaware. Details regarding the current status, parties involved, or outcomes of these cases would require a more in-depth search of legal dockets. No specific litigation records for the 2026 CAFC docket were immediately found in the initial search.