Handling broadcast data tokens
First Claim
1. A data processing apparatus operable to obtain from a remote resolution utility content access data relating to the forthcoming delivery of content, the apparatus including:
- a data capture stage arranged, on receipt of a content identifier other than via the mechanism used to deliver said content, to determine from said data the address of said resolution utility; and
a communications stage coupled with said data capture stage and configured, on receipt of a resolution utility address from said capture stage, to establish a communications link with said resolution utility, supply the captured content identifier thereto, and await the return of the content access data.
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Accused Products
Abstract
In connection with the supply of data tokens identifying the forthcoming delivery of audio/video content, a method for obtaining content access data relating to forthcoming content is provided, together with a method for supplying such data and apparatus supporting the methods. Where a remote resolution utility (12) is available to supply access data, in the form of time and channel for broadcast, for example, in response to supply of an appropriate content identifier, the method comprises capturing, other that directly via the mechanism by which content is to be delivered, of a content identifier (16) for an item of content; determining from said content identifier said resolution utility; transmitting the captured content identifier to said resolution authority; and receiving the access data returned by said resolution utility.
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Citations
26 Claims
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1. A data processing apparatus operable to obtain from a remote resolution utility content access data relating to the forthcoming delivery of content, the apparatus including:
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a data capture stage arranged, on receipt of a content identifier other than via the mechanism used to deliver said content, to determine from said data the address of said resolution utility; and
a communications stage coupled with said data capture stage and configured, on receipt of a resolution utility address from said capture stage, to establish a communications link with said resolution utility, supply the captured content identifier thereto, and await the return of the content access data. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A method for obtaining content access data relating to forthcoming content, wherein a remote resolution utility is available to supply said access data in response to supply of an appropriate content identifier, the method comprising the steps of:
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capturing, other that directly via the mechanism by which content is to be delivered, a content identifier for an item of content;
determining from said content identifier said resolution utility;
transmitting the captured content identifier to said resolution utility; and
receiving the access data returned by said resolution utility. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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17. A method for supplying to a user content access data relating to forthcoming content, where a resolution utility is arranged, in response to receipt of a particular content identifier, to supply to a user respective content access data, the method comprising:
supplying to a user a content identifier other than directly via the mechanism by which the content will be delivered, where the user has means for determining therefrom the address of the resolution utility, together with means for sending the content identifier to the resolution utility and receiving content access data from the same.
Specification