Abstract: A system for allocating bandwidth between a server device and at least one client device. The system includes a call acceptance module operative to receive an incoming request for service; a flow regulator configured to deliver content at a modulated target flow rate, the content being delivered between the server device and a respective client device when a call is accepted by the call acceptance module; and a flow optimizer configured to modulate the target flow rate of the flow regulator in order to optimize an aggregate flow of content.

Abstract: A system for allocating bandwidth between a server device and at least one client device. The system includes a call acceptance module operative to receive an incoming request for service; a flow regulator configured to deliver content at a modulated target flow rate, the content being delivered between the server device and a respective client device when a call is accepted by the call acceptance module; and a flow optimizer configured to modulate the target flow rate of the flow regulator in order to optimize an aggregate flow of content.

Abstract: A method of bandwidth allocation for delivery of stored digital content from at least one server device to at least one client device by way of a network. The method includes the steps of: describing a control variable which represents a target flow rate of content from the server device to each client device; determining time-varying constraints on the target flow rate of the content; determining a cost function of the control variables for all clients, wherein the cost function represents an aggregate flow rate and is a sum of all flow rates for all clients; and prescribing bandwidth to all clients based upon a value of the control variables that maximize the cost function comprising performing periodic computations to update the value of the control variable such that the bandwidth can be continuously allocated to each client.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for call and/or connection acceptance control and the optimal delivery of multimedia (audio/video) data over networks. This method involves the establishment and monitoring of certain criteria which may be used to maximize the number of simultaneous clients without sacrificing quality-of-service for already-connected clients. Methods are disclosed for maximizing total throughput as well as maximum charge models for different levels of service. The disclosed methods solve these optimization problems by expanding on linear-program techniques in manners geared towards multimedia content delivery over networks and many variations suitable for varying business models are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for time-shifted viewing of broadcast television programs is disclosed. Simultaneous recording and playback are provided by using buffer storage as the source and destination of compressed or uncompressed digital video/audio programs. Full VCR-like control is provided for all playback within the buffer storage. Playback and control of recorded programs may be initiated by the user at any time after initiation of the broadcast program with simultaneous continuous recording of the ongoing live broadcast. Larger archival storage and removable is also provided for storing and building a library of programs. Viewer playback control data may be stored as part of the program or used as edit points prior to archival. Numerous options are provided for features such as continuous automatic recording in a circular buffer fashion, program archival, editing, Internet interfaces, multiple-channel recording and more.

Abstract: A system for allocating bandwidth between a server device and at least one client device. The system includes a call acceptance module operative to receive an incoming request for service; a flow regulator configured to deliver content at a modulated target flow rate, the content being delivered between the server device and a respective client device when a call is accepted by the call acceptance module; and a flow optimizer configured to modulate the target flow rate of the flow regulator in order to optimize an aggregate flow of content.

Abstract: A method of bandwidth allocation for delivery of stored digital content from at least one server device to at least one client device by way of a network. The method includes the steps of: describing a control variable which represents a target flow rate of content from the server device to each client device; determining time-varying constraints on the target flow rate of the content; determining a cost function of the control variables for all clients, wherein the cost function represents an aggregate flow rate and is a sum of all flow rates for all clients; and prescribing bandwidth to all clients based upon a value of the control variables that maximize the cost function comprising performing periodic computations to update the value of the control variable such that the bandwidth can be continuously allocated to each client.

Abstract: A method for bandwidth allocation for delivery of multimedia data from at least one server to one or more clients over a network. The method includes the steps of: determining a maximum flow rate and a minimum flow rate for each client; determining a flow rate range for each client as given by the difference between the maximum flow rate and the minimum flow rate; sorting the one or more clients according to the flow rate range; initializing a current flow rate for each client as the minimum flow rate and summing the flow rate into total server flow rate; establishing remaining server bandwidth; and allocating the remaining server bandwidth to clients, based upon the sorted client's flow rate ranges.

Abstract: A system for allocating bandwidth between a server device and at least one client device. The system includes a call acceptance module operative to receive an incoming request for service; a flow regulator configured to deliver content at a modulated target flow rate, the content being delivered between the server device and a respective client device when a call is accepted by the call acceptance module; and a flow optimizer configured to modulate the target flow rate of the flow regulator in order to optimize an aggregate flow of content.