Methods and apparatus for communication media commands and data using the HTTP protocol

• US 20050198364A1
• Filed: 02/28/2005
• Published: 09/08/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 03/17/1997
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC (Microsoft Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
• Inventors: Klemets, Anders Edgar, Val, David del
• Granted Patent: US 7,664,871 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 709/236
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/56 Provisioning of proxy services store-and-forward switching systems in data switching networks H04L12/54
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/565 Conversion or adaptation of application format or content adding application control or application functional data H04L67/561
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/18 Multiprotocol handlers, e.g. single devices capable of handling multiple protocols

Abstract

A method for employing a Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP protocol) for transmitting streamed digital media data from a server. The server is configured for coupling to a client computer via a computer network. The method includes receiving at the server from the client an HTTP POST request. The POST request requests a first portion of the digital media data and includes a request header and a request entity-body. The request entity body includes a media command for causing the first portion of the digital media data to be sent from the server to the client. The method further includes sending an HTTP response to the client from the server. The HTTP response includes a response header and a response entity body. The response entity body includes at least a portion of the fast portion of the digital media data.

Claims

1. A method for employing a Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP protocol) for transmitting streamed digital media data from a server, the server being configured for coupling to a client computer via a computer network, comprising:

receiving at the server from the client an HTTP POST request, the POST request requesting a first portion of the digital media data and comprising a request header and a request entity-body, the request entity body comprising a media command for causing the first portion of the digital media data to be sent from the server to the client; and

sending an HTTP response to the client from the server, the HTTP response comprising a response header and a response entity body, the response entity body comprising at least a portion of the first portion of the digital media data, wherein the digital media data comprises multimedia data.

2. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the digital media data comprises video data.

3. A computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a computer, performs a method for transmitting streamed media data employing a Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP protocol) for transmitting streamed digital media data from a server, the server being configured for coupling to a client computer via a computer network, the method comprising:

receiving at the server from the client an HTTP POST request, the POST request requesting a first portion of the digital media data and comprising a request header and a request entity-body, the request entity body comprising a media command for causing the first portion of the digital media data to be sent from the server to the client; and

sending an HTTP response to the client from the server, the HTTP response comprising a response header and a response entity body, the response entity body comprising at least a portion of the first portion of the digital media data, wherein the digital media data comprises multimedia data.

4. A medium as recited in claim 3, wherein the digital media data comprises video data.

5. A client system comprising:

a sender configured to send a Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP protocol) POST request requesting a first portion of the digital media data and comprising a media command for causing the first portion of the digital media data to be sent from a server system to the client system; and

a receiver configured to receive an HTTP response to the client system from the server system, the HTTP comprising at least a portion of the first portion of the digital media data, wherein the digital media data comprises multimedia data.

6. A system as recited in claim 5, wherein the digital media data comprises audio data.

7. A system as recited in claim 5, wherein the digital media data comprises video data.

8. A server system comprising:

a receiver configured to receive a Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP protocol) POST request requesting a first portion of the digital media data and comprising a media command for causing the first portion of the digital media data to be sent from the server system to a client system; and

a sender configured to send an HTTP response to the client system from the server system, the HTTP comprising at least a portion of the first portion of the digital media data, wherein the digital media data comprises multimedia data.

9. A system as recited in claim 8, wherein the digital media data comprises audio data.

10. A system as recited in claim 8, wherein the digital media data comprises video data.