Methods and apparatus for device capabilities discovery and utilization within a content-based network
First Claim
1. A system for distributing video programming on-demand, comprising:
- a plurality of video signal processing devices, each said device having a plurality of video display resolution capabilities and configured to generate a capabilities profile relating at least in part to said video resolution capabilities, and receive video programming signals;
a video-on-demand server configured to receive said capabilities profile from individual ones of said devices and identify on-demand video programming that is compatible with individual ones of said capabilities profiles; and
a network connecting said video signal processing devices to said video on-demand server, and capable of transmitting said capabilities profiles and information relating to said identified compatible on-demand video programming between said video signal processing devices and said video on-demand server.
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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.
405 Citations
36 Claims
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1. A system for distributing video programming on-demand, comprising:
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a plurality of video signal processing devices, each said device having a plurality of video display resolution capabilities and configured to generate a capabilities profile relating at least in part to said video resolution capabilities, and receive video programming signals; a video-on-demand server configured to receive said capabilities profile from individual ones of said devices and identify on-demand video programming that is compatible with individual ones of said capabilities profiles; and a network connecting said video signal processing devices to said video on-demand server, and capable of transmitting said capabilities profiles and information relating to said identified compatible on-demand video programming between said video signal processing devices and said video on-demand server. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A method of operating client equipment in communication with a content-based network, said equipment comprising a plurality of supported video display options and at least one application, the method comprising:
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running said at least one application; providing at least one hardware or software interface capable of interface with said video display options; discovering said display options; and reporting said discovered options to a process. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method for operating a video processing device for use in a content-based network, comprising:
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polling a set of components of said video processing device for video display capabilities; receiving one or more video display capabilities in response to said polling; and generating information describing the video display capabilities supported. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. Apparatus for receiving digital information from a network, said digital information being encoded, said apparatus comprising a microprocessor for running software modules, said apparatus further comprising:
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a plurality of video display components, each having a substantially distinct video display resolution capability; an application for obtaining a video display resolution profile; and an operating system for polling said plurality of data decoding components in order to generate information for said video display resolution profile. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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29. Network server apparatus, comprising:
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a processor; a storage device in data communication with said processor; and a computer program configured to run on said processor, said program being adapted to; receive video display resolution profile information from at least one network client device; determine at least one content element compatible with said profile information; and generate information for transmission to said at least one client device relating to said at least one content element. - View Dependent Claims (30, 31)
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32. A method of configuring programming deliverable over a network that is available for on-demand viewing by a user, the method comprising:
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receiving from said user information relating to at least one video display resolution according to which said programming is to be encoded; and processing said programming consistent with said video display resolution. - View Dependent Claims (33)
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34. A method of doing business over a cable television network, comprising:
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receiving first information relating to the video display resolution capabilities of a plurality of CPE operatively communicating with said network; receiving second information relating to the respective subscription level of subscribers associated with said plurality of CPE; and selecting, based at least in part on said first and second information, one of a plurality of variants of a content element for delivery to each of said plurality of CPE.
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35. In a switched content delivery network having a node and a switching mechanism controlling delivery of programs to said node, a method of operating said network comprising:
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providing a plurality of programs to said switching mechanism; obtaining first information relating to the video display resolution capabilities of particular client devices serviced by said node; obtaining second information relating to program requests from said plurality of client devices; and based at least in part on said first and second information, selectively switching at least one of said programs for delivery to said node using at least said switching mechanism. - View Dependent Claims (36)
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Specification