METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR REVENUE-OPTIMIZED DELIVERY OF CONTENT IN A NETWORK
6 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for optimizing the distribution and delivery of multimedia or other content within a content-based network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a broadcast switched cable television network, which utilizes a Network optimization controller (NOC) that processes subscriber program viewing requests to identify options available to fulfill the request (including, e.g., the creation of one or more “microcasts” specifically targeting one or more users), and evaluate these options to determine one that optimizes network operation. The NOC performs these decisions by considering various parameters including network resource availability, type of CPE, subscriber'"'"'s targeted advertisement profile, and business rules programmed by operator of the network. Business methods based on such network optimization are also described.
76 Citations
72 Claims
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1-41. -41. (canceled)
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42. A method of operating a content delivery network having a plurality of consumer premises equipment (CPE) associated therewith, said method comprising:
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receiving a request for program delivery from a CPE of said network; evaluating at least two possible delivery options for servicing said request, said evaluating being performed based at least in part on at least one operational consideration and at least one profit or revenue consideration relating to said network; and based at least in part on said evaluating, performing one of said at least two possible delivery options in order to service said request; wherein said at least two possible options comprise;
(i) creating a new program stream, and causing said CPE to tune thereto;
or (ii) causing said CPE to tune to a pre-existing program stream. - View Dependent Claims (43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49)
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50. A method of operating a content delivery network having a plurality of consumer premises equipment (CPE) associated therewith, said method comprising:
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receiving a request for program delivery from a CPE of said network; evaluating at least two possible options for servicing said request in terms of a cost and benefit of each option; and in response to said evaluating, either;
(i) creating a new program stream, and causing said CPE to tune thereto;
or (ii) switching said CPE to an existing program stream, in order to service said request. - View Dependent Claims (51, 52, 53)
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54. A method of operating a content delivery network, comprising:
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delivering at least first and second program streams to a plurality of users, the content of said first and second streams each being at least in part tailored to one or more respective demographic variables; identifying at least one projected bandwidth deficiency on said network; and selectively switching ones of said plurality of users from said first program stream to said second program stream, or from said second program stream to said first program stream, based at least in part on; said projected deficiency; a relationship between said respective demographic variables; and at least one profit or revenue consideration relating to said network. - View Dependent Claims (55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60)
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61. A software architecture for use in a content delivery network having a node and a plurality of consumer premises devices in operative communication with said node, said architecture comprising:
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a first process in communication with said node; a plurality of second processes operative to run on respective ones of said consumer premises devices and communicate with said first process; wherein said first process is adapted to receive information from said second processes; and wherein said first process is further adapted to evaluate individual program delivery requests from said respective ones of said consumer premises devices, and determine one of a plurality of delivery options which will best satisfy each of said requests, said determination being based at least in part on said information obtained from the device associated with said each request and from information received from said network. - View Dependent Claims (62, 63, 64)
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65. Apparatus for use in a content delivery network that delivers programming, said delivery being specifically configured for certain viewer demographics, said apparatus comprising:
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a processor; an interface in data communication with said processor, said interface adapted to communicate with a storage device; a network interface; and at least one computer program adapted to run on said processor, said at least one program comprising a plurality of instructions which are configured to, when executed; determine one or more demographics and/or psychographics associated with at least one subscriber of said network that is requesting a program; perform an analysis of two or more possible options for servicing said program request, said analysis being based at least in part on (i) said demographics and/or psychographics, and (ii) one or more cost or benefit considerations; and select one of said options for delivery based at least in part on said analysis. - View Dependent Claims (66, 67, 68, 69)
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70. Content delivery network apparatus, comprising:
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first apparatus configured to receive a request for program delivery from a user premises device of said network; second apparatus in communication with said first apparatus and configured to evaluate at least two possible delivery options for servicing said request, said evaluation being performed based at least in part on (i) at least one operational consideration relating to said network, and (ii) at least one profit or revenue consideration relating to said network; and third apparatus in communication with said second apparatus and configured to, based at least in part on said evaluation, perform one of said at least two possible delivery options in order to service said request, said third apparatus comprising; first logic configured to cause creation of a new program stream, and to cause said user premises device to tune thereto; and second logic configured to cause said user premises device to tune to a pre-existing program stream. - View Dependent Claims (71, 72)
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Specification