Real-time optimization of streaming media from a plurality of media sources
First Claim
1. A client-side apparatus for handling media capable of being provided by a plurality of provider computer systems to a client computer, comprising:
- a sniffer module for use on the client computer that determines capabilities of the client computer related to handling the media;
wherein a first provider computer system is selected based upon the determined capabilities of the client computer, and a network connection is to be established so that the selected first provider computer system may provide the media to the client computer;
a metrics calculator module for use on the client computer that examines a connection characteristic of the network connection as the media is being delivered from the first provider computer system to the client computer; and
a stream switcher module for use on the client computer that includes a data pathway to the metrics calculator module, said stream switcher module ceasing delivery of the media from the first computer provider based upon the examined connection characteristic satisfying a preselected criterion, said stream switcher module selecting a second computer provider to deliver the remaining portion of the media to the client computer.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A client-side apparatus and method for handling media capable of being provided by a plurality of provider computer systems to a client computer. A client-side sniffer module determines capabilities of the client computer related to handling the media. A first provider computer system is selected based upon the determined capabilities of the client computer, and a network connection is established so that the selected first provider computer system may provide the media to the client computer. A client-side metrics calculator module examines a connection characteristic of the network connection. A client-side stream switcher module ceases delivery of the media from the first computer provider based upon the examined connection characteristic satisfying a preselected criterion, and selects a second computer provider to deliver the remaining portion of the media to the client computer.
172 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A client-side apparatus for handling media capable of being provided by a plurality of provider computer systems to a client computer, comprising:
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a sniffer module for use on the client computer that determines capabilities of the client computer related to handling the media;
wherein a first provider computer system is selected based upon the determined capabilities of the client computer, and a network connection is to be established so that the selected first provider computer system may provide the media to the client computer;
a metrics calculator module for use on the client computer that examines a connection characteristic of the network connection as the media is being delivered from the first provider computer system to the client computer; and
a stream switcher module for use on the client computer that includes a data pathway to the metrics calculator module, said stream switcher module ceasing delivery of the media from the first computer provider based upon the examined connection characteristic satisfying a preselected criterion, said stream switcher module selecting a second computer provider to deliver the remaining portion of the media to the client computer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A computer-implemented method for handling media capable of being provided by a plurality of provider computer systems to a client computer, said method being performed on the client computer and comprising the steps of:
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determining capabilities of the client computer related to handling the media;
determining bandwidth for delivering the media to the client computer;
selecting a first provider computer system based upon the determined capabilities of the client computer and upon the determined capabilities of the client computer and the determined bandwidth;
establishing a network connection so that the selected first provider computer system provides the media to the client computer;
examining bandwidth of the network connection as the media is being delivered from the first provider computer system to the client computer;
ceasing delivery of the media from the first computer provider based upon the examined bandwidth satisfying a preselected criterion;
selecting a second computer provider to deliver the remaining portion of the media to the client computer;
examining bandwidth of the network connection as the media is being delivered from the second provider computer system to the client computer;
ceasing delivery of the media from the second computer provider based upon the examined bandwidth associated with the second provider computer system satisfying a preselected criterion; and
selecting a third computer provider to deliver the remaining portion of the media to the client computer.
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Specification