Seven streaming and broadcasting patent applications were filed, led by Sony with 3, followed by ByteDance, Canon, Draftify, and Mimo Display with 1 each.
Sony's applications focus on transforming game video into interactive coaching tools through annotation systems that overlay drawings and objects onto 2D and volumetric 3D replays, plus technology that converts flat gameplay streams into 3D viewing experiences with dynamic camera angles. ByteDance filed for a real-time overlay system allowing viewers to share reactions during synchronized video watching sessions. Other applications include Draftify's platform enabling livestream viewers to purchase digital items that modify gameplay in real-time, Canon's stereo fisheye technology optimizing VR streaming frame rates, and Mimo Display's IoT processor that reduces bandwidth by transmitting graphic location data instead of full images for video overlays.
Sony received 3 patents that collectively reimagine how game footage can be analyzed and experienced. Two of the applications focus on annotation systems for coaching and strategy analysis. The first lets users draw onto game replays and then applies game physics and depth calculations to make those annotations behave like realistic 3D objects within the footage. The second extracts game metadata to ensure that user-added paths, drawings, and messages automatically adjust their position, speed, and appearance to match the underlying game's spatial relationships and physics. Sony's third patent converts flat 2D gameplay streams into 3D representations, giving spectators independent control over camera angles and viewing perspectives while watching someone else play.
Draftify received 1 patent for a platform that connects viewer purchases to guaranteed gameplay changes during livestreams. The system addresses situations where streamers might take sponsorship money without actually performing requested actions by programmatically modifying game functions based on completed transactions. When viewers buy digital items, the technology creates overlay objects displaying transaction details and can handle multiple requests by queuing, aggregating, or integrating them into the broadcast.
ByteDance received 1 patent for a video overlay interface that turns watching into a social activity. The system layers live camera content from viewers directly over streaming video, allowing people to share reactions in real-time while viewing together. This approach eliminates the typical workflow where users download content and then forward it separately, instead combining both video streams into a single synchronized interface.
Canon received 1 patent addressing the processing challenges of streaming 360-degree VR video captured with stereo fisheye cameras. The technology selectively applies distortion correction to left and right eye images based on how much processing time remains per frame. When the system can't fully process both stereoscopic images without dropping frames, it degrades quality on one eye to maintain consistent frame rates during live delivery.
Mimo Display received 1 patent for a video processor that adds graphics to HDMI streams more efficiently by separating storage from transmission. The system stores visual objects in the processor's internal memory, then receives only location coordinates and object identifiers from an IoT device rather than full images. This approach reduces the bandwidth and computational resources needed for real-time video modifications at high resolutions and frame rates.
All data sourced from USPTO patent filings. Google Patents may take several weeks to index recent publications. If a link is unavailable, search for the patent number at USPTO Patent Public Search.