Abstract: A video server for distributing a digitized video content includes a unit for determining whether or not a video content requested from a terminal is stored in the video server, a unit for issuing a transmission request to another server for transmitting the video thereto in accordance with the HTTP protocol when the video content requested from the terminal is not stored in the video server, and a unit for receiving the video content transmitted from the other video server in accordance with the HTTP protocol, and transmitting the video content to the terminal in accordance with IP multicast or HTTP protocol.

Abstract: A content distribution system may distribute content to a plurality of receivers on demand. When it is determined that two different receivers are receiving the same program but one receiver requested the information prior to the other, bandwidth may be conserved by increasing the rate of data flow to one user and decreasing the rate of data flow to another user, in one embodiment, until such time as both users are receiving the same portion of the program at the same time. In such case, the program may be simultaneously distributed to two users on the same channel, conserving bandwidth.

Abstract: The client application provides VCR functionality in a data-centered video multicast network (36) through active prefetching of the fragments from broadcast channels. The player (10) has a user interface (12) that supports a plurality of VCR functions (14–26). Plural buffers (32) and their associated loaders (34) download video data under control of a manager module (38). The manager module accesses the playback pointer (40) and employs feasible point calculation module (42) to cause the loaders to selectively download segments so that VCR functions can be supported while maintaining continuous playback after the VCR function is performed.

Abstract: A first image processing system, a second image processing system, a first storage system and a second storage system communicate over a high bandwidth switch. The switch connects the first processing system to the first storage system and also connects the second processing system to the second storage system. At the first image processing system, first location data is read to identify the location of frames on the first frame storage system. Similarly, at the second image processing system second location data is read to identify the location frames on the second frame storage system. In response to control commands issued to the switch, the first image processing system is disconnected from the first storage system and reconnected to the second storage system. Similarly, the second processing system is disconnected from the second storage system and reconnected to the first storage system.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for transmitting, receiving, storing and displaying television program data. The method includes transmitting data including scheduled program data, program guide data, and cache program data. The method further includes receiving the transmitted data and storing the cache program data. Once a cache television program is selected, the cache program data corresponding to the selected cache television program is retrieved, and a display of the television program is generated for viewing.

Abstract: A computer dispatcher connected to one or more respective network buffers has stored file lists that identify one or more of the files in the database that are to be transmitted over networks connected to the respective network buffer. A scheduler(s) schedule one or more portions of one or more of the files to be written to the respective network buffers by defining transmission criteria about each of the files in the file list. These transmission criteria include a quantity to transmit criteria, defining a quantity of one or more of the portions of the respective file to transmit, and one or more release times. The release times define the time at which the respective portion is to be written to the network buffer. The system includes a dispatching process that determines an available space on one or more of the network buffers and a current system time.

Abstract: A system is provided that can easily capture the same broadcast stream from an arbitrary application. An interface between application and a reception route selection mechanism describes in a unified mode a broadcast resource capture specification method and a communication resource capture specification method. The interface employs a description scheme in which an application does not recognize whether or not a broadcast stream is captured through broadcast or communication. In the reception route selection, the reception route selection mechanism checks for a broadcast time contained in the identifier of a broadcast stream to be input so that a zone where a broadcast time is earlier than the current time by using a communication resource receiver while a zone where the broadcast time is later than the current time is selected by using a broadcast resource receiver.

Abstract: An image, which is captured by a camera that a worker, etc., carries, is once stored in a ring buffer memory for storing image signals. The image is extracted from the ring buffer memory, and a quasi-moving image is generated. In a normal state, the quasi-moving image is displayed on a monitor of a center such as a control room, etc. via codecs on transmitting and receiving sides. When a user viewing the monitor makes a request to view a sharp image of a particular frame, or the high-quality motion of a subject while viewing the frames preceding or succeeding a particular frame, the image frame or frames are read from the buffer memory for storing image signals, and displayed on the monitor.

Abstract: A method and system for performing chaincast communication to multiple communication systems (e.g., computer systems) within a system of coupled electronic devices (e.g., the Internet). The present invention provides a system wherein a broadcast source communicates primary broadcast information (e.g., encoded audio radio content, encoded audio/video television content, etc.) to a first group of electronic devices. The first group of electronic devices can be instructed by a chaincast manager to then communicate (e.g., forward or retransmit) the broadcast information to other electronic devices which devices can also be instructed to communicate to more devices, etc., thereby reducing the bandwidth requirements of the communication channel between the broadcast source and the first group of electronic devices. The chaincast manager, coupled to the Internet, is used to track and manage which devices are forwarding broadcast information to which other devices.

Abstract: A motion image distributing system having: file dividing means A for dividing a motion image file for predetermined time into a plurality of files for short time on the server side; file group classifying means B for classifying a plurality of the files divided by file dividing means A into a plurality of file groups F while presuming the degree of a communicating speed; and file group transmitting means C for transmitting file groups F, which are classified by file group classifying means B, stepwise in accordance with the discrimination for the communicating speed on the recipient side, and file group transmitting means C has communicating speed monitoring means D for monitoring the communicating speed of file groups F by itself, when loading file groups F on the recipient side, and allowing file groups F to be sequentially loaded in accordance with a margin.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for storing and playing high definition content is disclosed. This invention provides a mechanism for storing and playing back high definition content on a medium such as DVD optical disc. One aspect of the invention is that elementary streams may be multiplexed and processed in a high definition media player instead of at authoring time. Another aspect of the invention is that it provides for extended real-time features such as inserting watermarks into the content stream, decrypting selected sections of the content stream, and performing trick playback display modes.

Abstract: An information distribution apparatus for a CATV system which apparatus is capable of transmitting an identical program directed to a plurality of set-top boxes with the use of a single communication path between a distribution control section and an information distributing section. When distribution of identical information is requested from a plurality of set-top boxes, path identification number decision unit determines an identification number of a single communication path for these set-top boxes. Distribution information transmitting unit transmits the requested distribution information to the information distributing section via the communication path with the thus-determined identification number. In the information distributing section, set-top box identifying unit identifies individual set-top boxes to which the distribution information is to be distributed, based on the identification number of the communication path used for transmission by the distribution information transmitting unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for achieving quick startup of streaming video content. Streaming video content is provided in two parts generally comprising a static image and dynamic video content. A streaming media player is configured to buffer the static image and display it promptly while buffering the remaining video content in the background. Benefits of the disclosed systems and methods include a reduced waiting period between the selection of video content and the playback of content by a media player.

Abstract: Described herein is a technology facilitating the presentation of digital video streams. An implementation, described herein, reduces the effective start-up delay in the presentation of the first frames of the video content that occurs when a system tunes into a video stream. This abstract itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. The scope of the present invention is pointed out in the appending claims.

Abstract: A network-based device allows customers to receive television programming and to view summaries of the programming. A method of providing the summaries comprises: dividing a received program into program segments each identified by index marks, summarizing each program segment into summary segments identified by similar index marks, storing the summary segments and accessing the summary segments to supply the summary segments in lieu of program segments upon demand.

Abstract: A part of transmission signal is branched by a directional coupler, and split by a splitting circuit, so that the transmission signal can be outputted to the subscribers' terminal devices via branched output terminals. Latching relays disposed in signal paths to the branched output terminals from the splitting circuit can set the output/stop of the transmission signal to the terminal devices. A control circuit switches the connected/disconnected state of the relays in response to the command signal from the center apparatus. When an operation switch is turned on, all the relays are placed into the connected state. As a result, after the installation of the tap device, by operating the operation switch, the broadcasting signal can be distributed to the terminal devices before the command signal is received.

Abstract: An entertainment head-end provides broadcast programming, video-on demand services, and HTML-based interactive programming through a distribution network to client terminals in subscribers' homes. A number of different features are provided, including novel user interfaces, enhanced video-on-demand controls, a variety of interactive services (personalized news, jukebox, games, celebrity chat), and techniques that combine to provide user experiences evocative of conventional television.

Abstract: Methods and systems provide a selected video segment to customer premises equipment. A request is received from the customer premises equipment for transmission of the selected video segment. A copy of the selected video segment is transferred to one of a plurality of buffers. One of the plurality of buffers is mapped through a routing network to a port interfaced with the customer premises equipment. The selected video segment is transmitted from the one of the plurality of buffers through the routing network and port to the customer premises equipment.

Abstract: A technique that seamlessly broadcasts a live event from a point that occurs before or during an interruption through a point that occurs after the interruption. This seamless broadcast is accomplished by storing data for the live event during and preferably after the interruption and broadcasting at least part of the stored data until the broadcast of the live event catches up to the live event. Techniques for catching up to the live event include, but are not limited to, editing of the stored data and time-compressed broadcasting of the data.

Abstract: A media system that centrally manages and stores media contents and also controls the delivery of media content to subscribers is disclosed. According to one aspect, an administrator can control program scheduling, rates, service packages and system configuration for a media delivery system. Additionally, the administrator may also control billing, transaction monitoring, and customer relations. According to another aspect, the media delivery system provides subscribers with centrally managed storage for paused or recorded media. Still another aspect is that the media delivery system can restrict various administrators to different modules of the media delivery system.

Abstract: An apparatus which reproduces AV data using a markup document in an interactive mode includes a buffer which buffers the markup document, and a buffer manager which manages preloading of the markup document and provides buffering state information of the buffer in response to a report signal. The markup document may be provided via a network or form a data storage medium which includes information to control a buffering state of the markup document.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for serving information data such as video data to one or more users, comprising: one or more storage medium units for storing data of said information data; one or more end devices for receipt of said information data by the user; managing means for managing distribution of said data to said end device, the managing means being capable of receiving demand data form said user and related to data selected by the user in the end device, and which managing means output distribution control data including channel information of the selected information data and routs information from the end device; and least one ATM switch for connecting the storage medium unit, the end device and the managing means, and for routing the data from the storage medium unit and the distribution control data from the managing means.

Abstract: Tutorial information is provided on an on-demand basis over a digital two-way multichannel broadband communications network, e.g., cable TV network, which is also used for transmission of entertainment programming content. The tutorial information may relate to the access, control and viewing of the programming content. In an illustrative embodiment of the invention, in response to a request for tutorial information initiated by a user, a graphical user interface (GUI) is provided, which lists tutorial topics for user selection. Upon a selection of a tutorial topic, the related tutorial presentation is transmitted to the user, which may be in the form of a video presentation, slideshow presentation and/or textual displays. The tutorial presentation may be manipulated by the user to perform rewinding, pausing and fast-forwarding thereon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for buffering in multi-node data distribution architectures. One embodiment of the present invention groups data items into frames and stores the frames in a buffer. One embodiment allocates storage space for the buffer such that enough storage is available to accommodate one frame for every client wishing access to the data in addition to a fixed number of frames. One embodiment stores the buffer as a linked list of frames. In one embodiment, the head of the linked list is the oldest frame in the buffer and the tail of the linked list is the newest frame. When a new frame of data is added to a full buffer, the oldest frame not in use is removed and the new frame is added. One embodiment, allows multiple clients to access a single frame in the buffer simultaneously. The clients indicate when they are using a frame in the buffer so that the frame is not overwritten.

Abstract: A network client aggregates media items available in a media system. The network consists of a plurality of nodes, including at least two media server nodes. A client node generates an internal request to obtain a list of media items available in the media system. In response, the client node generates a request for a list of media items from each individual media server node on the network. Each media server node sends their list of media items to the client node. The client node aggregates the lists of media items from each of the media server nodes. Thus, a list of media items available on the media system is aggregated to a requesting client node in the media system.

Abstract: A system and a corresponding method for temporal modification of audio signals, to increase or reduce the playback rates of an audio and/or a video file in a client-server environment. The system and method improve the efficiency of serving streaming media to a client so that the client can select an arbitrary time-speedup factor. The speedup system performs many of the pre-calculations once, at the server, so that the bandwidth needs are reduced and the client's computational load is minimized. The final time-scale-modification can be either done completely on the server, thus reducing the client's needs, or partly on the client's computer to minimize latency, and to reduce on-the-fly computational load from the server that serves multiple clients concurrently.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for providing broadcast programming to subscriber locations including an intermediate video supplier, subscriber location equipment and one or more video sources. The intermediate video supplier includes a video buffer and a video server that processes received subscriber requests and retrieves, according to the subscriber requests, either of currently broadcast programming or broadcast programming previously buffered in the video buffer by the video server. The subscriber location equipment includes a remote control and a local control unit that transmits the subscriber requests to the video server via one or more data links and receives, from the video server, either of the currently broadcast programming or the previously buffered broadcast programming for display on a local video display via the data link.

Abstract: A digital satellite broadcast receiving system is proposed in which the necessary packets of an MPEG2-based transport stream can be transferred to the system memory of a computer to facilitate processing of packets by a CPU. The system has means for filtering packets, by packet ID, from an MPEG2-based transport stream, which is output by a digital satellite broadcast tuner, to facilitate section formation from packets of the MPEG2-based transport stream by a CPU of a computer, filtering being performed after the transport stream is descrambled if the broadcast is a subscription broadcast; a buffer memory for storing the filtered data, which has been output by the filter means, until the data can be accessed by a host bus; and DMA control means for transferring, by direct memory access, content of the buffer memory to the system memory of the computer via the host bus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for combining multiple live events in a bandwidth-efficient and secure manner is disclosed. A typical system includes a plurality of live event sites each producing a live video source for transmission and a live event director system. The live event director system selects one of the plurality of live event sites and synchronizes transmission among the plurality of live event sites so that only the live video source of the selected one of the plurality of live event sites is transmitted for exhibition at a time. The transmission from the selected live event site is compressed and encrypted for broadcast to one or more exhibitors.

Abstract: To obtain real-time responses with interactive multimedia servers, the server provides at least two different audio/visual data streams. A first data stream has fewer bits per frame and provides a video image much more quickly than a second data stream with a higher number of bits and hence higher quality video image. The first data stream becomes available to a client much faster and may be more quickly displayed on demand while the second data stream is sent to improve the quality as soon as the playback buffer can handle it. In one embodiment, an entire video signal is layered, with a base layer providing the first signal and further enhancement layers comprising the second. The base layer may be actual image frames or just the audio portion of a video stream. The first and second streams are gradually combined in a manner such that the playback buffer does not overflow or underflow.

Abstract: A system output signals of broadcast contents in a multichannel broadcasting system without the need to suspend broadcasting even in the event of a failure occurring in an output buffer apparatus, includes a broadcast content storage unit for storing data of the broadcast contents, a plurality of main output buffer apparatuses each assigned to some of several output channels wherein data of broadcast contents to be output to the associated output channels is copied from the broadcast content storage unit to be output at output times as signals, backup output buffer apparatuses fewer in number than the main output buffer apparatuses wherein data of broadcast contents to be output to all the output channels is copied from the broadcast content storage unit, and a control unit for letting the backup output control apparatus output signals of broadcast contents stored therein for output channels associated with any of the main output buffer apparatuses to the output channels in the event of a failure occurring in

Abstract: A command and control architecture for a compressed digital television broadcast studio. The architecture includes provisions for session management, real-time control of studio activities, the use of proxy objects to establish communications with objects not providing a high level of control, control of studio filter devices and stream management. The invention includes an object architecture particularly suited to a digital studio.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to improve the scalability of Video on Demand Systems with VCR functions using the client buffers in a cooperative way.

Abstract: An on demand media device rental system includes a plurality of media devices where an individual rented one of the media devices is responsive to a user controlled remote control device that facilitate the accessing and controlling of the playback of a user selected media source that is disposed in the individual rented one of the media devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for allocating bandwidth within a bandwidth constrained interactive information distribution system. The system determined if a requested information stream may be provided to a requesting subscriber at an appropriate bandwidth level (i.e., appropriate bitrate providing full quality), a minimal bandwidth level (i.e., a reduced bitrate providing minimally acceptable quality) or not at all. Each information stream and any ancillary streams may be stored twice by the system, once at an appropriate encoded bitrate and once at a minimal encoded bitrate.

Abstract: Access to movies ranging from very popular movies to unpopular movies is managed by configuring sets of data movers for associated movie rankings, reserving data mover local cache resources for the most popular movies, reserving a certain number of streams for popular movies, negotiating with a client for selection of available movie titles during peak demand when resources are not available to start any freely-selected movie in disk storage, and managing disk bandwidth and primary and local cache memory and bandwidth resources for popular and unpopular movies. The assignment of resources to movie rankings may remain the same while the rankings of the movies are adjusted, for example, during off-peak hours. A movie locked in primary cache and providing a source for servicing a number of video streams may be demoted from primary cache to disk in favor of servicing one or more streams of a higher-ranking movie.

Abstract: A system for maintaining the data rate of receivers to a network as requested media is delivered to one or more of the receivers. The system includes a proxy module acting as a single portal through which media requests are delivered to the network. The proxy module retrieves a stream of the requested media and delivers the media to the aggregation module for distribution and bookkeeping. The aggregation module retrieves and caches or buffers the stream of requested media from the proxy module. The aggregation module generates one or more media streams deliverable to the requesting receivers, such streams being receiver specific streams or non-receiver specific streams. The aggregation module can also deliver the requested media to the receivers upon an unused video and/or audio channel available to the receiver.

Abstract: A system for transporting content to subscriber premises includes a centralized content repository, a subscriber unit, and a network connecting the subscriber unit and repository. The content can be video, image, or other files and the network can include a digital subscriber line (DSL) link. The repository stores higher quality parts of decomposed content files. The subscriber unit locally stores lower quality parts of the content files corresponding to the higher quality parts in the repository. The lower quality parts can be downloaded to the subscriber unit during off-peak hours. During operation, a subscriber selects a locally stored file. In response to the selection, the repository downloads at least one of the higher quality parts corresponding to the selected file to be combined with one of the lower quality parts stored by the subscriber unit for real-time presentation of the content.

Abstract: A buffer device (1) receives unit information from a server (2), stores delivery destination information that relates to the destination of a delivery for each delivery destination, and also stores additional information that is to be added to the unit information. Based on the delivery destination information as well as unit attribute information that relates to time spans and attributes of the received unit information, the buffer device (1) then creates transmission information that instructs that the stored additional information is to be added to the received unit information and then transmitted. Based on the created transmission information, the buffer device (1) then adds the stored additional information to the received unit information and transmits the unit information to which the additional information has been added to the terminal (4).

Abstract: A data communication system includes a transmitting device having a unit for storing a plurality of data, a unit for receiving a request to transmit first data from the communication terminal, and for transmitting the first data to the communication terminal in response to the request for transmission; and a communication terminal having a unit for transmitting the request to transmit the first data to the transmitting device, a data receiving unit for receiving the first data, a first storage for storing the first data, a second storage for storing second data different from the first data, a reading unit for reading data storage, a display unit for stored in the first storage or second displaying the data read out by the reading unit, and a control unit for performing control for the reading unit.

Abstract: In a video broadcast or production plant including first and second video sources which provide first and second digital video signals respectively at integer related frame rates, the video sources are operated so that the first and second video signals are aligned at a reference time. Switch points for updating a router in the plant are defined by measuring lapse of time from the reference time.

Abstract: A video server system includes a transmitter for cyclically transmitting predetermined amounts of video data that have been read from a magnetic disc drive apparatus and a receiver for receiving and reproducing the video data. A control data transmitting unit of the receiver monitors a reception buffer that temporarily stores video data. On judging that an overflow or an underflow may occur in the reception buffer during the reception of video data, the control data transmitting unit generates control data indicative of the buffer state and transmits the control data to the transmitter. A transmission cycle adjusting unit of the transmitter adjusts a cycle for transmitting predetermined amounts of video data in accordance with the control data.

Abstract: Image data read by an image information reading apparatus can be securely transferred to an image display apparatus connected thereto by a network, while a user does not feel stressed due to waiting for image confirmation. The image information reading apparatus comprises a buffer memory for storing the image data for one sheet, and the image data read by a reading unit of the reading apparatus are sequentially stored in the buffer memory while sequentially transferred to the image display apparatus via the network. The image display apparatus sequentially displays on a monitor the image data transferred thereto as a visible image.

Abstract: Primary and secondary servers are coupled together for furnishing a backed-up video streaming function for outputting a series of video content presentations to a user group. The primary server functions as the primary provider of the video files and the secondary server is arranged to operate as a “hot stand-by” to back-up the primary server. In the event the primary server is disabled, the secondary server takes over for the primary server in furnishing video content in accordance with a common playlist. When the secondary server goes down for any reason, the illustrated methodology effectively re-synchronizes the video content and the video stream of the secondary server with that of the primary server such that the secondary server is enabled to resume the back-up function without interruption of the video file streaming process being carried on by the primary server.

Abstract: A system and method implemented in an interactive television system for scheduling delivery of modules of interactive television applications from a broadcast station to a receiving station. In one embodiment, the system calculates a start time from a predetermined end time and transmission interval for a module. In other embodiments, a transmission interval may be calculated instead of being predetermined, or all of the scheduling information may be explicitly provided to the broadcast station. The module is packetized and transmission of the packets for the module is begun at the corresponding start time. All of the packets except the last packet are transmitted within the transmission interval (i.e., between the start time and the delivery time.) The greater the transmission interval, the greater the flexibility the broadcast station has to schedule delivery of the packets and modules. The last packet is held until the scheduled delivery time and is then transmitted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering analog data on demand from a multiple channel digital media server are provided. A digital data stream is admitted to a media server in response to a user selecting a program for playback. A data structure is initialized and maintained for the admitted digital data stream, the data structure controlling the conversion of the admitted digital data stream to an analog data stream on the converter channel. The data structure initialization comprises initializing a state of the admitted digital data stream and a control bit cache flag at a first requested state change for the admitted digital data stream, typically a play command issued by the user. A number of control bits of a converter channel are also initialized using the converter control channel at a first requested state change of the admitted digital data stream. The data structure prevents the reinitialization of the control bits of the converter channel during state changes of the admitted digital data streams.

Abstract: In the speckled broadcasting of HDTV and SDTV, an encoding transmitting apparatus and a decoding receiving apparatus can perform a parallel multichannel transmission and reception of SDTV with a simple construction. When an HDTV video signal is encoded and decoded, each of the transmission buffer 30 and the reception buffer 80 is used as a single buffer. On the other hand, when a plurality of SDTV video signals are encoded and decoded, the transmission buffer 30 and the reception buffer 80 are divided into the number of SDTV video signals to use them as a plurality of divided transmission buffers and a plurality of divided reception buffers, so as to perform a encoding and decoding processing.

Abstract: A resource allocation of multiple compressed AV streams delivered over the Internet is disclosed that achieves end-to-end optimal quality through a multimedia streaming TCP-friendly transport (MSTFP) protocol that adaptively estimates the network bandwidth while smoothing the sending rate. Resources allocated dynamically according to a media encoding distortion and network degradation algorithm. A scheme is also disclosed for dynamically estimating the available network bandwidth for streaming of objects, such as MPEG-4 multiple video objects, in conjunction with the MSTFP protocol. The scheme can account for packet-loss rates to minimize end-to-end distortion for media delivery.

Abstract: A set top box (STB) includes multiple processors that handle either real time or non-real time functions within the STB. One of the processors may perform substantially all of the real time operations, such as control of a data pipeline to the STB, conditional access, and control of a program guide stored within the DVR. The other processor may control substantially all non-real time functions that are executed within the STB, such as graphics user interface and browser functions. The STB may be embodied as a digital video recorder (DVR). The additional processor(s) provide for increased overall system bandwidth, improved system security and greater system stability for an STB and/or DVR configured with these multiple processors, as compared to a conventional STB having a single micro-controller or processor.

Abstract: A communications network includes an optical waveguide to which is connected a head-end station and at lest one optical network unit (ONU). An ONU provides an interface to the communications system for connected user equipment. Data received by an ONU from connected user equipment are stored in a buffer prior to transmission to the head-end station. The head-end station is arranged to implement, in conjunction with the ONUs a demand-assignment protocol for the transfer of data upstream from the ONUs to the head-end station according to which an ONU demands upstream capacity based upon a prediction of its future capacity requirements, calculated using at least one record of earlier granted capacity by the head-end station and at least one measurement of a quantity of data awaiting transmission to the head-end station in the buffer of the ONU.