Methods and apparatus for device capabilities discovery and utilization within a content distribution network
First Claim
1. A computerized method for use in a content distribution network, the computerized method comprising:
- enabling download of a computer program to a computerized client device, the computer program associated with at least a portion of the content distribution network and configured to run on the computerized client device;
obtaining capabilities data related to the computerized client device from the computer program;
receiving configuration data from the computerized client device, the configuration data indicative of a particular one of a plurality of network interfaces to be utilized for delivery of at least one digitally rendered content element to the computerized client device, the particular one network interface comprising a cellular data network interface;
receiving a selection of the at least one digitally rendered content element by the computerized client device;
evaluating the capabilities data with respect to the at least one digitally rendered content element, the evaluating comprising comparing the capabilities data to information associated with the at least one digitally rendered content element; and
based at least in part on;
(i) the evaluating, (ii) the computerized client device utilizing the cellular data network interface, and (iii) one or more network operational parameters, actively configuring the at least one digitally rendered content element to be compatible with the computerized client device for rendering, via the computer program, thereon or by a display device in communication therewith;
wherein the one or more network operational parameters comprises available downstream bandwidth of the content distribution network.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for determining and selecting digital coding and/or decoding technology, delivery bitrates, and resolution parameters for programming and data delivery over, e.g., a content-based network. In one embodiment, the network comprises an HFC cable or satellite network that includes a server process interfacing with a plurality of customer premises equipment (CPE), and/or associated client devices, each having different display resolution, bitrate, and/or decoding capabilities profiles. The server determines the one or more capabilities possessed by the CPE or client device, and evaluates one or more program or content choices for possible delivery to that CPE or device based on its profile. The selection process may also take into consideration network and/or CPE operational considerations, such as conservation of downstream bandwidth, CPE uprating capability, client device power consumption, and the like.
463 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A computerized method for use in a content distribution network, the computerized method comprising:
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enabling download of a computer program to a computerized client device, the computer program associated with at least a portion of the content distribution network and configured to run on the computerized client device; obtaining capabilities data related to the computerized client device from the computer program; receiving configuration data from the computerized client device, the configuration data indicative of a particular one of a plurality of network interfaces to be utilized for delivery of at least one digitally rendered content element to the computerized client device, the particular one network interface comprising a cellular data network interface; receiving a selection of the at least one digitally rendered content element by the computerized client device; evaluating the capabilities data with respect to the at least one digitally rendered content element, the evaluating comprising comparing the capabilities data to information associated with the at least one digitally rendered content element; and based at least in part on;
(i) the evaluating, (ii) the computerized client device utilizing the cellular data network interface, and (iii) one or more network operational parameters, actively configuring the at least one digitally rendered content element to be compatible with the computerized client device for rendering, via the computer program, thereon or by a display device in communication therewith;wherein the one or more network operational parameters comprises available downstream bandwidth of the content distribution network. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. Computerized network apparatus for use in a content distribution network, the network apparatus comprising:
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a processing apparatus; and a storage apparatus in data communication with the processing apparatus, the storage apparatus comprising at least one computer program, the computer program comprising a plurality of instructions which are configured to, when executed by the processing apparatus; receive a first selection of at least one digitally rendered content element by a computerized client device; based at least in part on the received first selection, cause download of an application computer program to the computerized client device via the content distribution network, the application computer program associated with at least a portion of the content distribution network and configured to; run on the computerized client device; enable transmission of capabilities data related to the computerized client device to the computerized network apparatus; when the computerized client device utilizes a first network interface; evaluate received capabilities data relative to the at least one digitally rendered content element; and based at least in part on the evaluation and a current maximum bitrate that can be supported by the content distribution network, cause a second selection of one of a plurality of versions of the at least one digitally rendered content element, the selected one version being compatible with the computerized client device for decoding thereby; when the computerized client device utilizes a second network interface; cause a display at the computerized client device of a plurality of options, the plurality of options enabling a third selection by the computerized client device, the third selection relating to a format utilized for delivery of the at least one digitally rendered content element; and based at least in part on the third selection, configure the at least one digitally rendered content element in accordance with the format. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A computerized client device configured for use with a content source capable of delivering digitally rendered content over a content delivery network, the computerized client device comprising:
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a data interface configured to enable data communication with the content delivery network; processor apparatus; storage apparatus in data communication with the processor apparatus, the storage apparatus comprising at least one computer program having a plurality of instructions, the plurality of instructions configured to, when executed on the processor apparatus; transmit data relating to a user-initiated selection of at least one digitally rendered content element; access an application computer program previously downloaded onto the computerized client device, the application computer program associated with at least a portion of the content delivery network and configured to at least interface with one or more servers of a content provider to enable the one or more servers to access capability information of the computerized client device; cause display, via the application computer program, of a plurality of options, the plurality of options relating to a respective plurality of network interfaces; transmit data relating to a selection of a particular one of the plurality of network interface to be used in delivery of the at least one digitally rendered content element; receive as a stream of Internet protocol (IP) packets a version of the at least one digitally rendered content element, the version being compatible with the computerized client device and selected by the at least one server for delivery to the computerized client device, the selection by the at least one server based at least in part on;
(i) the particular one of the plurality of network interface and (ii) an evaluation of the capability information relative to one or more of a plurality of versions of the at least one digitally rendered content element that are available for delivery; andbased at least on identification of at least one deficiency in capability relating to a requisite functionality of the computerized client device, facilitate download of a second application computer program, the second application computer program configured to enable provision of the requisite functionality. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification