Method of combining shared buffers of continuous digital media data with media delivery scheduling

• US 20030005074A1
• Filed: 04/25/2001
• Published: 01/02/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 04/25/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Pinpoint Incorporated (Altitude Capital Partners)
• Original Assignee: Pinpoint Incorporated (Altitude Capital Partners)
• Inventors: Labys, Paul, Eisner, Jason Michael, Herz, Frederick S.M., Smith, Jonathan
• Application Number:
  US09/842,477
• Publication Number:
  US 20030005074A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 709/216
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 49/90 Buffering arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 49/901 using storage descriptor, e.g. read or write pointers
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 49/9036 Common buffer combined with individual queues
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 49/9052 with buffers of different sizes
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1101 Session protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/611 for multicast or broadcast systems for broadcast or conference H04L12/18; arrangements for broadcast or distribution combined with broadcast H04H20/00; arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linkage to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time H04H60/00; selective distribution of broadcast services, e.g. multimedia broadcast multicast service [MBMS], H04W4/06
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/612 for unicast
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/80 Responding to QoS
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/306 User profiles
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/40 Network security protocols

Abstract

A communications method utilizes memory areas to buffer portions of the media streams. These buffer areas are shared by user applications, with the desirable consequence of reducing workload for the server system distributing media to the user (client) applications. The preferred method allows optimal balancing of buffering delays and server loads, as well as optimal choice of buffer contents for the shared memory buffers.

Claims

1. A method for reducing bandwidth utilization in a system for distributing digital continuous media information from one or more servers, where users of the system are connected to a shared continuous media buffer and the buffer is shared amongst the users based on usage, consisting of the steps of:

i.. The user requesting a continuous media stream from the server;

ii. The server periodically sending encoded packets to the user representing portions of the media stream;

iii. A buffer shared by multiple users capturing the packet into one or buffers for redistribution to the user.

iv. Servicing later requests arriving within a bounded interval for the same buffer.