Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of receiving audiovisual programs transmitted to terminals. The users of the terminals choose a program from a catalogue and make a proposition to a server to download it to their terminals. The proposition is accompanied by a price and/or deadline. The server analyzes the propositions it receives and, taking account of its profitability constraints, decides whether or not it will transmit the program. Depending on the case, it sends the acceptance to each user who has made a proposition with profitable parameters for the transmission of the program and gives the users the means of receiving the program for viewing. The decision to transmit the program is determined according to various strategies the common criterion of which is profitability. The invention also concerns a terminal and a server for the implementation of the method.

Abstract: A system such as a multicast VOD system communicates content, e.g., delivers content or receives content, responsive to a user request for content and according to a schedule adapted to a user-specified acceptable latency for content delivery. The schedule may be modified to minimize initiation of delivery of content in response to the user's request. The schedule may also be modified to delay delivery of subsequent portions of the content as late as possible to allow subsequent requests to share a content stream while not exceeding the acceptable latency parameter specified by the user.

Abstract: A method of receiving content includes joining an in-progress multicast stream to receive a first portion of a content. The method further includes sending a request to a peer for a catch-up portion of the content, the request including a deadline for delivery of the content, and receiving the catch-up portion of the content from the peer prior to the deadline.

Abstract: An interactive television program guide system is provided. An interactive television program guide provides users with an opportunity to select programs for recording on a remote media server. Programs may also be recorded on a local media server. The program guide provides users with VCR-like control over programs that are played back from the media servers and over real-time cached copies of the programs. The program guide also provides users with an opportunity to designate gift recipients for whom programs may be recorded.

Abstract: A channel merging method for a VOD system, said method comprises the steps of: in response to requests from a plurality of clients for a video program, establishing a root channel (S1) and at least one sub-channel (S11), said root channel (S1) being established according to a request from a client that makes the earliest request, each of said sub-channels (S11) being established in response to a request from a client that makes a later request; and monitoring variation of the number of the clients that are using each of said established channels, and maintaining the channel if the number of the clients using the monitored channel is not zero, and closing the channel if the number of the clients using the monitored channel becomes zero.

Abstract: A method for increasing channel utilization in a video broadcast system includes receiving, at a head-end, a request for a video program from one of a plurality of subscriber stations. Determining whether the requested video program is associated with a first subset of channels representing broadcasted channels having a first subscriber viewership level greater than a threshold level, a second subset of channels representing broadcasted channels having a second subscriber viewership level less than the threshold level, and a third subset of channels representing on-demand channels having a third subscriber viewership. The first subset of broadcast channels is substantially continuously transmitted. The second subset of broadcast channels is transmitted based upon channel availability and programming assignments.

Abstract: A system and method that provide reduced latency in a video signal processing system. Various aspects of the present invention may comprise transmitting a first video information stream representative of a unit of video information. For example, the transmitted first video information stream may correspond to a video channel. A second video information stream representative of the unit of video information may be transmitted simultaneously with the first video information stream. The second video information stream may also, for example, correspond to the video channel. Various aspects of the present invention may comprise receiving a plurality of simultaneously transmitted video information streams. A video information stream of the plurality of received video information streams may be identified that, when processed, is expected to result in the lowest latency in presenting the unit of video information to the user. The identified video information stream may then be so processed.

Abstract: A system and method for communicating with a user device includes an interactive head end and a broadcast channel management system communicating content channel data to the interactive head end. The interactive head end forms a streaming service in response to the content channel data and communicates interactive content to the user device in response to the streaming service.

Abstract: The invention consists of a system and method for transferring video images from video sources to video receivers using a video server as an intermediary. The video server creates a list of all the requests from the video receivers for a video image from a video source. The video server requests the video image from the video source and then sends the video image to each video receiver on the list. The video source is only required to send one image for any number of requests from video receivers and the video sources and video receivers have no direct connection to each other. The load of handling many video sources and many video receivers can be distributed amongst multiple video servers.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for selectively filtering data messages that are communicated between a head end complex and its associated cable modems. Filtering includes obtaining a copy of the message and sending the copied message to a memory device. The memory device is accessible, for example, via a user so that the filtered message may be analyzed. In a preferred embodiment, the memory device is a monitoring device in the form of a computer system (e.g., a router). Messages may be filtered to the memory or monitoring device based on any suitable filtering criteria that identifies specific message parameters. In a specific embodiment, filtering may be based on one or more message types. When filtering criteria specifies a particular message type, messages having such a specified type are filtered to the monitoring station. Additionally or alternatively, filtering may be based on one or more values of a particular field of the message.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for enabling multicast synchronization of initially unicasted content. Multiple unicast streams are synchronized in order to convert the unicast streams into a multicast stream. Each unicast stream may be accelerated or slowed down in relation to a reference stream to a common point within each stream upon which the unicast streams are replaced by a multicast stream of the same content.

Abstract: A system and method may be provided that allows users to store, retrieve, and manipulate on-demand media content and data stored on a remote server network in an on-demand media delivery system. More particularly, the system may allow a user to access his or her on-demand media account from user equipment in different locations as long as the current user equipment can communicate with a remote server that stores user-specific information. The system upon user selection may freeze the delivery of on-demand media at a particular point and allow the user to resume the media at a later time from some other network location in system. Users may upload personal images or files to an on-demand delivery server for later retrieval and display. Users may be permitted to assign access rights to the uploaded files.

Abstract: A method for scheduling a remote recording includes receiving a selection by a user of a web interface element associated with an Internet protocol television program to be broadcast by a provider. Additionally, determining that the user does not subscribe to the provider of the Internet protocol television program, providing the user with an ability to subscribe to the provider; and scheduling the television program to record.

Abstract: An information distribution system and method capable of averaging a traffic load over time and effectively utilizing communication facilities, wherein a terminal station 30 transmits to a contents server 10 a distribution request for desired information including information of time limit of distribution, and the contents server 10 receives the distribution request, estimates a time band where the traffic load is small in the communications system in the period until the time limit of distribution, pages the terminal station again at that period of time, and, if the terminal station is in a state able to receive the information content, transmits the requested information content to the terminal station 30 through a network node.

Abstract: To further correctly obtain related information about contents being received from a server. A communication apparatus 1 successively transmits request information that requests related information about contents being received via a network 30, at specified intervals (S1), receives related information corresponding to that request information (S2), temporarily stores (S3), displays it (S4), and performs contents updating processing. Here, if a direction to store the related information about the contents is entered, the communication apparatus 1 requests again request information for related information about contents, separately from the contents updating processing (S10). Then, the communication apparatus 1 receives related information corresponding to that request information (S11), and stores it (S13). This enables the latest related information to be further correctly obtained out of related information concerning contents, and obtaining related information before updating is reduced.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a system for dynamic content distribution and grouping includes a server for providing a plurality of content channels, at least one tuning/decoding means for receiving/decoding at least one of the plurality of content channels, and at least one respective display means for displaying the at least one received/decoded content channel. In such embodiments of the present invention, the server is configured to dynamically configure the at least one tuning/decoding means to receive/decode at least one of the plurality of content channels. More specifically, in embodiments of the present invention, the server dynamically configures the at least one tuning/decoding means by communicating a channel change command to the at least one tuning/decoding means over a dedicated radio-frequency channel or, in an alternate embodiment, using an internet protocol.

Abstract: A system and method for providing time-sensitive information to a handset using a scrolling ticker. The method includes receiving the time-sensitive information at a server, determining the time period before the next update for a second set of information, and if less than a pre-determined value, then streaming the time sensitive information at the end of the time period to the handset. If the time period is greater that than the pre-determined value, then streaming the time-sensitive information immediately. In an alternative embodiment, a method is provided which includes determining a base schedule for periodically streaming the information to a handset via a scrolling ticker, receiving time-sensitive information relating to an event, determining a second schedule for periodically streaming time-sensitive information related to the event, and streaming the time-sensitive information in accordance with the second schedule during a time period associated with the event.

Abstract: A system for optimizing bandwidth of a video-on-demand system is provided. According to one aspect of the system, upon receiving a request from a first subscriber for a program, the system delivers the program to the first subscriber via a first communication channel. Upon receiving a request from a second subscriber for the same program, the system delivers only a beginning portion of the program to the second subscriber via a second communication channel and at the same time records a remaining portion of the program from the first communication channel. At the appropriate time, the recorded remaining portion of the program are shown to the second subscriber.

Abstract: An integrated group of systems, processes, and controls that enable real-time/near real-time media (video and audio) enhancement and capabilities in a gaming environment. Media from a variety of sources may be streamed or pushed to either individual gaming terminal devices, a group of these devices, or an entire network of such units. Additional system functionality allows for two-way interactive visual and audio communications between gaming terminal users/operators and call center personnel as well as providing a standard interface to interact with existing retail sales-oriented equipment that may exist at the installation location.

Abstract: Methods for providing video on demand service from an Application Service Provider (“ASP”) to a user over a Regional/Access Network (“RAN”) are provided. A request for a video on demand application flow may be received from the user. In response to the request, information may be obtained from the RAN regarding the capabilities of the user's Customer Premises Equipment (“CPE”). A profile may then be forwarded from the ASP to the RAN that specifies at least one policy regarding the transmission of data associated with the video on demand application flow across the RAN. The data associated with the video on demand application flow may then be forwarded across the RAN in accordance with the profile. The RAN may also be provided a default profile that specifies default policies that apply with respect to video on demand application flows that are transmitted across the RAN prior to obtaining information from the RAN regarding the capabilities of the CPE of any specific user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing digital assets in a distributed computing environment are described. Meta-data for the digital assets is stored separately from the digital assets. Meta-data for some of the digital assets is copied and stored at a central location. Meta-data for the digital assets is generated by clients of the system.

Abstract: Media data is distributed across multiple devices, and decentralized media data dissemination architecture is formed. Multiple respective senders are associated with multiple respective distributed portions of the media data. Multiple schedulers are associated with clients and are capable of scheduling the sending of media data thereto. Schedulers formulate send requests that stipulate particular media data portions and designate destination clients. These send requests are transmitted to the multiple senders in accordance with the associated respective distributed portions in conjunction with the stipulated particular media data portion of each send request. The senders are capable of sending the stipulated particular media data portions of the send requests to the designated destination clients without routing through the schedulers. In a described implementation, a sender and a scheduler are present on each device of the multiple devices.

Abstract: A method and system for combining requests for data bandwidth by a data source for transmission of data over a wireless communication medium is provided. A central node receives one or more bandwidth requests from one or more data sources via wireless communication. A scheduler then combines one or more bandwidths requests from the same data source to create a single data burst bandwidth. The central node then grants the data burst bandwidth to the appropriate data source via wireless communication.

Abstract: A system and method of optimizing transmission of a program to multiple users over a distribution system, with particular application to video-on-demand for a CATV network. The system includes, at a head end of the CATV network a scheduling and routing computer for dividing the video program stored in long term fast storage or short term fast storage into a plurality of program segments, and a subscriber distribution node for transmitting the program segments in a redundant sequence in accordance with a scheduling algorithm. At a receiver of the CATV network there is provided a buffer memory for storing the transmitted video program segments for subsequent playback whereby, in use, the scheduling algorithm can ensure that a user's receiver will receive all of the program segments in a manner that will enable continuous playback in real time of the program.

Abstract: Scheduling functionality is described for resolving conflicts in the schedules of respective client devices, where the schedules are used to govern the recordation of media programs by the respective client devices. The client devices use virtual tuner functionality to receive media programs over respective communication channels, each channel having a prescribed amount of available bandwidth in which to receive media information. The scheduling functionality includes a conflict identification module for identifying conflicts in the schedules, a solution enumeration module for enumerating solutions to the conflicts, and a conflict resolution module for resolving the conflicts based on the output of the solution enumeration module. In one case, the schedules can be partitioned into a plurality of time segments, and solutions can be enumerated for each time segment in turn.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for efficiently scheduling incoming information objects so that timely objects from a variety of content classes are scheduled for broadcast. The incoming information objects are preferably received from one or more information sources, and are tagged with attributes that associate each object with one or more classes of information (e.g., sports, news, etc.), and provide a gauge of the timeliness or ‘age’ of the object. The tags can be used to select and broadcast objects from a variety of classes, and to identify the most timely objects at any give time.

Abstract: A method and system for combining requests for data bandwidth by a data source for transmission of data over a wireless communication medium is provided. A central node receives one or more bandwidths requests from one or more data sources via wireless communication. A scheduler then combines one or more bandwidths requests from the same data source to create a single data burst bandwidth. The central node then grants the data burst bandwidth to the appropriate data source via wireless communication.

Abstract: An interactive television system includes “connected” receiver units capable of establishing bi-directional connections to remote information stores, such as Web servers, and “disconnected” receiver units unequipped to make such connections. The system supports the use of broadcast triggers that include connectivity values indicating whether an information resource identified by a trigger refers to “connected content” or “disconnected content.” The term “connected content” refers to information resources that require bi-directional connections to remote information stores; the term “disconnected content” refers to information resources, such as a locally stored program guide, that do not require such bi-directional connections. Disconnected receiver units identify and reject connected-content triggers by examining connectivity values broadcast as part of triggers.

Abstract: A system and method automates a scheduled retrieval, storage, and access of media data. Media data is retrieved from an external source and downloaded to an end user media device storage for subsequent playback at the end user media device. Media data is accessible from the end user media device storage based upon criteria including a selection of the end user, rules regulating the media data, and whether a playback time of the media data is sufficient to retrieve additional media data. The system performs regularly scheduled dynamic controls to determine whether additional media data is required for continuous and uninterrupted access of the media data.

Abstract: A software distribution architecture having a television broadcast system as its infrastructure. Software from a software repository (1600) is mixed into a television broadcast system and transmitted into one or more selected channels at prescribed dates and times. An at-home subscriber, capable of receiving with a receiver (1608) the one or more select channels, switches to the one or more channels carrying the software distribution with a channel selector (1611). The subscriber, having programmed a controller (1616) with a programmer (1620) for the date, time, software ID, and channel of the software broadcast, then downloads the software package to a storage device (1622) for ultimate transfer to a PC (1624). A validation and accounting system (1628) then records the software download transaction and transmits this information over a PSTN (1632) to a provider accounting system (1630) such that the subscriber is billed for the software package which was downloaded.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for efficiently scheduling incoming information objects so that timely objects from a variety of content classes are scheduled for broadcast. The incoming information objects are preferably received from one or more information sources, and are tagged with attributes that associate each object with one or more classes of information (e.g., sports, news, etc.), and provide a gauge of the timeliness or ‘age’ of the object. The tags can be used to select and broadcast objects from a variety of classes, and to identify the most timely objects at any give time.

Abstract: A system and method for broadcasting content includes a content provider which interfaces with one or more clients through a network. The content provider includes a scheduler responsive to requests for content from clients. The scheduler provides the content in blocks by making the blocks available to requesters by a plurality of streams wherein a subsequent requester accesses blocks from previous requester's streams complemented by a subset of blocks as a stream for this requester to complete an entire set of blocks for the subsequent requester. By manipulating the scheduler as a function of user requests, this system and method is able to provide a video on demand service at a fractional bandwidth usage of a conventional VOD system.

Abstract: A system for remotely controlling client recording and storage behavior schedules the recording, storing, and deleting of multimedia content on a client system storage device. The invention accepts as input a prioritized list of program viewing preferences which is compared with a database of program guide objects that indicate when programs of interest are actually broadcast. A schedule of time versus available storage space is generated that is optimal for the viewer's explicit or derived preferred content. The viewer may request that certain content be captured, which results in the highest possible priority for those content. The invention provides objects called a capture requests that are sent by the service to client systems. Capture requests reflect local storage management decisions about how the client system storage is partitioned.

Abstract: A system providing video data in which a constant bit rate data stream is provided between a video source and a video destination, and has a fixed data rate exceeding a predetermined minimum display rate associated with the video destination. Video data is conveyed from the video source to the video destination at the data rate, and is processed for display at the video destination at a varying display rate, between a minimum rate and a maximum rate. The minimum video data display rate at the video destination is less than the fixed data rate of the stream between the video source and the video destination, and excess received video data is stored in buffers in the video destination. Display of the received video data by a display device at the video destination is delayed from when the video data is received by a delay period, allowing buffers at the video destination to fill with video data.

Abstract: A system (100) has a collection of programs on a central storage device (112). The system (100) supplies a particular program to a plurality of client terminals (104, 106) in a near-video-on-demand fashion using a redundant broadcast schedule. The users of the client terminals have a maximum waiting time until the client terminal can present the start of the program. An individual client terminal (104) may offer a shorter maximum waiting time to its user by prerecording a fraction of the program that is broadcast as part of the broadcast schedule.

Abstract: A media system provides improved availability of purchasable recordable media content downloaded from a remote server. The media system preferably includes a memory with logic and a processor configured with the logic to provide a download option to a user. The processor is further configured with the logic to update the download option proximately in time if a change in download resources changes the availability of the download option.

Abstract: Method for generating a virtual radio or television broadcast by downloading data, including content, information, and advertising, in any order from a Web site on the Internet. The data is downloaded to a device that is preferably portable, such an MP3 player or a mobile phone, and can be connected intermittently to the Internet over a wireless connection. Software loaded on the device uses an algorithm, specified by a user or otherwise, to organize the downloaded data into a particular order, such as into a conventional radio or television-style broadcast format. User data and preferences can also be uploaded to the Web site to influence the type of data that is downloaded. A virtual periodically-updated newscast can be similarly generated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for coordinating multiple session multimodal interaction. The system and method includes a capability discovery module adapted to discover multimodal capability between at least one client and a multimodal device. The system and method includes an association module adapted to associate multiple independent sessions. The system and method includes a synchronization module adapted to synchronize at least one session with other sessions. And the system and method integrate the at least one client with other devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically delivering data files (e.g. television and movies) via a personalized channel to a user, that are based on a user's profile and viewing habits, are provided. A client receives meta-data broadcasts from a server system that includes descriptions of a plurality of data files currently being broadcasted or to be broadcast by the server system. In response to a content rating table that is based on a user's profile and viewing habits, a data file is automatically selected. The selected data file is displayed on a personalized channel on a display device to the user. The selected data file can be, for example, a currently broadcasting data file or a data file stored in a cache memory of the client. Thus, the user only needs to tune to his or her personalized channel to view personalized content.

Abstract: A system for live TV transmission over IP networks incorporates a content encoder receiving live TV broadcast and converting to RTP packets for multicast streaming. A streaming server receives the multicast RTP packets from the content encoder and converts the multicast stream to a unicast stream. The streaming server is also responsive to RTSP commands for trick mode operation. A settop box is connected through an IP network for receiving multicast RTP packets from the content encoder and generating RTSP commands for trick mode operation, the setup box issuing a leave multicast group signal upon issuing a trick mode command and receiving unicast transmission of RTP packets from the streaming server controllable by the trick mode commands.

Abstract: A system and method for modulating a service conveying stream to be transmitted over a medium, the method includes: (i) receiving a service conveying packet belonging to the service conveying stream; and (ii) determining at least one modulation parameter for the modulation of the service conveying packet in response to at least one network topology characteristic and in response to at least one client related parameter. The system includes input ports and a management entity capable of determining modulation parameters.

Abstract: In an embodiment, frames are received in an arrival order. Each of the frames has a target client and a sequence number that represents a relative position of the frame in the arrival order. A transmission order is determined based on bit reversals of the sequence numbers. Then frames are then sent to the respective target client in the transmission order. A frame is sent to the target client from its slot during a respective time period that is associated with the slot. If the slot is empty, no data is sent during the respective time period. In this way, the transmission of frames is spread over the available time.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a method for transmitting a work to a client which includes steps of: (a) saving at least a portion of the work for a first period of time; (b) receiving a request for the work from the client; (c) transmitting a time-scale modified version of the saved portion of the work for a second period of time, wherein the second period of time is substantially equal to a time it takes for the time-scale modified version to synchronize with the work, had the work been transmitted from a start of the first period; and (d) transmitting the work starting at the synchronized point.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention a method, system and apparatus for conveying personalized content to a viewer is provided. A method for conveying personalized content comprises obtaining an indication of viewer-selected content and receiving an indication of a viewing time by which a target receiver device is required to have received the viewer-selected content. The method further comprises determining a delivery window based on the viewing time and generating a delivery component including the viewer-selected content and an identifier associated with the target receiver device. The method further comprises causing the delivery component to be delivered to the target receiver device during the delivery window.

Abstract: System and method for managing distribution of content such as television programs to portable multi-media devices which are capable of using such content and communicating includes a broadcast management system arranged to manage delivery of content from content sources to the devices, an account management system arranged to manage requests for use of the content from the devices and manage communications to and from the devices, and a processing system coupled to the account management system and arranged to analyze requests to use content relative to information about users of the devices in order to determine whether delivery of the content to the users can be offset against a preallocated amount of resource usage. If so, a message is delivered to that user's device and the device presents the message to the user as a condition for use of the content.

Abstract: A system, method and article of manufacture are provided for identifying a plurality of events which are played back simultaneously on a plurality of networked client apparatuses. First, a plurality of events are stored in memory on a plurality of client apparatuses. The events each have a unique identifier associated therewith and which are stored in the memory. In operation, the client apparatuses are adapted to be coupled to a host computer via a network. The identifier of the event which is stored in the memory of the client apparatuses is then retrieved utilizing the network. Such identifier is subsequently compared with an identifier of a scheduled event. If the comparison renders a match, the playback of the event is begun on each of the client apparatuses.

Abstract: A broadcast system composed of a first broadcast apparatus and a second broadcast apparatus. The first broadcast apparatus broadcasts a broadcast program composed of contents stream data and attachment data, and provides the second broadcast apparatus with the broadcast program. The attachment data contains information that indicates timing with which the attachment data is to be reproduced in synchronization with the contents stream data. The image sync information contains PCRs generated by the PCR generating apparatus of the first broadcast apparatus based on the standard time for the first broadcast apparatus. The image sync information replacing apparatus of the second broadcast apparatus replaces the PCRs with other PCRs which are newly generated based on the standard time for the second broadcast apparatus so that it can correctly reproduce the attachment data in synchronization with the encoded contents stream data.

Abstract: In interactive television, a broadcaster may broadcast triggers to a great many receiver units prompting the receiver units to attempt to send requests to a single destination on the Internet at roughly the same time. Such a large number of simultaneous requests can give rise to throughput problems and server overload. A receiver unit in accordance with the invention, rather than immediately attempting to send a request, waits a period of time (for example, a random period) before sending the request so as not to overload the server. In one embodiment, a trigger is received on an interactive television receiver unit prompting the viewer to select an icon. If the viewer selects the icon, then a browser in the receiver unit retrieves a web page on the Internet identified by a URL in the trigger. The web page includes an indication of a destination, scheduling information, and a form area. The viewer enters user information in association with the form area.

Abstract: A song and ad scheduler supporting clip-based and stream-based scheduling of multimedia items generates several hours of schedule in advance. Having multiple channel capability, the scheduler uses as inputs: the channel, associated playlists associated, rotation pattern for the channel, and associated programming rules to produce a schedule of multimedia items for the channel. Initially, the scheduler produces a schedule for each channel of predetermined length; then it periodically revisits the channel to add more songs, keeping the schedule to the desired length. Length of the initial playlist is configurable. The scheduler uses a producer-consumer model for distributing work. Producer threads periodically scan the system for work to be done. When a producer thread encounters work to be done, e.g. adding to the schedule of a channel, the producer thread places a work request into a queue. Worker threads consume the work requests by fulfilling the requested work.

Abstract: The preferred embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for centralizing the scheduling of multiple tuners for recording content from various sources. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, a universal network tuner is created whereby the tuning capabilities of each networked device within a given geography (e.g., all of the consumer electronics and computers within a household) are aggregated at a central location from which a user may interact with a graphical user interface (“GUI”) to control, view, and schedule programming available to any any/all of the tuners within the system.