Media content modification and access system for interactive access of media content across disparate network platforms

• US 7,650,361 B1
• Filed: 07/21/2005
• Issued: 01/19/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 07/21/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Comcast IP Holdings I LLC (Comcast Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Comcast IP Holdings I LLC (Comcast Corporation)
• Inventors: Hannum, Sandi, Albrecht, James R., Wong, Matt, Sheedy, Peter, Swartz, Terri L., Bradley, Bruce R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Wong; Don
• Assistant Examiner(s): Nguyen; Kim T
• Application Number:
  US11/186,175
• Time in Patent Office: 1,643 Days
• Field of Search: 707/104.1, 707/200, 707/205
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/71 Indexing; Data structures therefor; Storage structures
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/735 Filtering based on additional data, e.g. user or group profiles
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/25875 involving end-user authentication restricting access to computer systems by authenticating users using a predetermined code G06F21/33; arrangements for secret or secure communication including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system H04L9/32; networks authentication protocols H04L63/08; authentication in wireless network security H04W12/06
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/26258 for generating a list of items to be played back in a given order, e.g. playlist, or scheduling item distribution according to such list retrieval of multimedia data based on playlists G06F16/40
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4532 involving end-user characteristics, e.g. viewer profile, preferences monitoring of user activities for profile generation for accessing a video database G06F16/739; user profiles in network data switching protocols H04L67/306; processing of user preferences or user profiles in wireless networks H04W8/18
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/454 Content or additional data filtering, e.g. blocking advertisements
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/466 Learning process for intelligent management, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies services using the results of monitoring in broadcast systems H04H60/61
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4668 for recommending content, e.g. movies
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/47 End-user applications
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4722 for requesting additional data associated with the content
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4751 for defining user accounts, e.g. accounts for children
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4755 for defining user preferences, e.g. favourite actors or genre retrieval personalisation and generation of user profiles for the retrieval of video data G06F16/739; user profiles in network data switching protocols H04L67/306
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/482 End-user interface for program selection broadcast systems using EPGs H04H60/72
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4825 using a list of items to be played back in a given order, e.g. playlists
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4828 for searching program descriptors retrieval of video data G06F16/739
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 707/99948 Application of database or data structure, e.g. distributed, multimedia, or image

Abstract

A media content playlist generation and access system for a video entertainment network is herein disclosed whereby a plurality of media content emanating from various disparate networks may be conglomerated into a customized list. The list may contain stored media content, which are customarily stored in the head end portion of a CATV network, media content accessible via the Internet, or yet to be aired media content. The system also provides for manipulation of the playlist from various consumer electronic display devices that are interconnected to the Internet, or the PSTN, thereby allowing further customization of the playlist at the user'"'"'s convenience. Additionally, a multiple user account system is provided wherein multiple user accounts may be configured in order to allow a corresponding multiple individualized playlists, which are each customized to suit each user'"'"'s tastes.

Claims

1. A media content modification and access system comprising:

a mass storage device configured to store a playlist comprising a plurality of media content pointers interactively accessible by a user, wherein each of the plurality of media content pointers is associated with corresponding media content of a plurality of media content and wherein the playlist is configured to be modified and accessed by a user from multiple disparate interactive devices;

the mass storage device further being configured to store a plurality of associated user accounts, wherein one of the plurality of associated user accounts comprises an administrative account, the administrative account being adapted to configure the plurality of associated user accounts; and

a controller operatively coupled to the mass storage device, the controller being configured to execute computer readable instructions comprising;

receiving input from the user;

deleting from the playlist one or more of the plurality of media content pointers, wherein the input received from the user includes a request to delete one or more of the plurality of media content corresponding to the one or more of the said plurality of media content pointers;

adding to the playlist at least one or more media content pointers associated with one or more corresponding media content of the plurality of media content, wherein the input received from the user includes a request to add one or more of the plurality of media content; and

implementing an authentication scheme which limits modification and access of the playlist to only the user.

2. The media content modification and access system of claim 1,

wherein at least one of the plurality of associated user accounts includes the playlist, wherein the controller is further configured to execute computer readable instructions comprising:

creating a temporary interactive user session upon proper entry of the authentication scheme by the user;

permitting access and modification of the playlist to the user only during the user session; and

denying access and modification of the playlist to the user outside of the user session.

3. The media content modification and access system of claim 1, wherein said authentication scheme is facilitated via a pass-code.

4. The media content modification and access system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of media content is accessed using a conventional DRM protocol.

5. The media content modification and access system of claim 1, wherein upon receiving from said user a selection of a media content pointer from said playlist a media content pointer, said controller is further configured to execute computer readable instructions comprising playing media content associated with said selected media content pointer.

6. The media content modification and access system of claim 1, wherein the system is configured to transmit the plurality of media content to a plurality of customer premises equipment, the plurality of customer premises equipment comprising at least one set top box.

7. The media content modification and access system of claim 1, wherein the system is configured to transmit the plurality of media content to a plurality of customer premises equipment, the plurality of customer premises equipment comprising a plurality of set top boxes, the plurality of media content being accessible from any of the plurality of set top boxes.

47. The media content modification and access system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of media content is disposed across disparate networks.

8. A media content modification and access system, the system comprising:

a user interface configured to input user requests to a video entertainment distribution network;

a mass storage device configured to store a playlist comprising a plurality of media content pointers interactively accessible by a user, wherein each of said plurality of media content pointers is associated with corresponding media content of a plurality of media content,

the mass storage device further being configured to store at least one user account, the at least one user account comprising the playlist, rights configured to limit modification and access of the playlist to only the user, and an administrative account, the administrative account being adapted to configure and modify another of the at least one user account; and

a controller operatively coupled to the mass storage device, the controller being configured to execute computer readable instructions comprising;

deleting from the playlist one or more of said plurality of media content pointers; and

adding to the playlist at least one or more media content pointers associated with one or more corresponding media content of the plurality of media content, wherein the playlist is configured to be modified and accessed by the user from multiple disparate consumer electronic display devices;

creating a temporary interactive user session upon receipt of a pass-code from the user, the pass-code being associated with an authentication scheme;

permitting access and modification of the playlist only during the user session; and

denying access and modification of the playlist to the user outside of the user session.

9. The media content modification and access system of claim 8, wherein the video entertainment distribution network is administered by a Multi System Operator (MSO), the MSO being capable to delete and add the administrative account to the at least one user account.

10. The media content modification and access system of claim 8, wherein said plurality of media content is accessed using a conventional DRM protocol.

11. The media content modification and access system of claim 8, wherein at least one of said plurality of media content is a video on demand program, wherein said video on demand program has an associated price, said media content modification and accesses system being adapted to display a payment status to said user.

12. The media content modification and access system of claim 8, wherein each of the consumer electronic display devices has interactive capabilities and is interconnected to a disparate network to send and receive signals therefrom, the system further comprising:

means for linking the disparate network to the mass storage device and wherein the controller is further configured to execute computer readable instructions comprising;

sending the signals to the consumer electronic display device;

receiving the signals from the consumer electronic display device;

adding another media content pointer to the playlist in response to receiving a signal from the consumer electronic display device representing a request by the user to add a media content pointer to the playlist.

13. The media content modification and access system of claim 12, wherein said consumer electronic display device comprises an automated teller machine, and wherein said controller is further configured to execute computer readable instructions comprising debiting a predetermined monetary amount from a user'"'"'s banking account upon addition of another media content pointer to said playlist during said user session.

14. The media content modification and access system of claim 12, wherein said consumer electronic display device is selected from the list consisting of automated teller machines, personal computers, personal digital assistants, telephones, Internet enabled telephones, video telephones, smart watches, portable media devices, gaming stations, and laptop computers.

15. The media content modification and access system of claim 12, wherein said consumer electronic display device is configured to access said plurality of media content.

16. The media content modification and access system of claim 12, wherein said consumer electronic display device is configured to play at least one of said plurality of media content.

17. The media content modification and access system of claim 12, wherein said disparate network is the Internet.

18. The media content modification and access system of claim 12, wherein said disparate network is the public switched telephone network (PSTN).

19. The media content modification and access system of claim 8, further comprising:

means for linking the Internet to said mass storage device and said controller such that a plurality of Internet media content residing on the Internet are accessible by said controller, wherein;

said playlist further comprises a plurality of Internet media content pointers interactively accessible by said user,

each of said Internet media content pointers is associated with one of said plurality of Internet media content, and

each of said plurality of Internet media content pointers is a conventional uniform resource locater (URL).

20. The media content modification and access system of claim 8, wherein the system is configured to transmit the plurality of media content to a plurality of customer premises equipment, the plurality of customer premises equipment comprising at least one set top box.

21. The media content modification and access system of claim 8, wherein the system is configured to transmit the plurality of media content to a plurality of customer premises equipment, the plurality of customer premises equipment comprising a plurality of set top boxes, the plurality of media content being accessible from any of the plurality of set top boxes.

22. The media content modification and access system of claim 8, wherein the controller is further configured to execute computer readable instructions comprising sending at least one instant messaging message for viewing by the user on at least one of the consumer electronic display devices.

23. A media content modification and access system, the system comprising:

a user interface for inputting user requests to a video entertainment distribution network;

a mass storage device configured to store a plurality of media content pointers interactively accessible by a user, wherein each of the plurality of media content pointers is associated with one of a plurality of media content, wherein the plurality of media content pointers is configured to be accessed by the user from multiple disparate consumer electronic display devices having interactive capabilities, and wherein each of the multiple consumer electronic display devices is interconnected to a disparate network to send and receive signals therefrom;

the mass storage device further being configured to store a plurality of associated user accounts, wherein one of the plurality of associated user accounts comprises an administrative account, the administrative account adapted to configure the plurality of associated user accounts;

means for linking the disparate network to the mass storage device; and

a controller operatively coupled to the mass storage device, the controller executing computer readable instructions comprising;

deleting one or more of the plurality of media content pointers from the mass storage device; and

adding at least another media content pointer to the mass storage device in response to receiving a signal from at least one of the multiple disparate consumer electronic display devices, wherein the signal corresponds to a request by the user to add a media content pointer to the mass storage device.

24. The media content modification and access system of claim 23, wherein said disparate network is the Internet.

25. The media content modification and access system of claim 23, wherein said disparate network is the public switched telephone network (PSTN).

26. The media content modification and access system of claim 23, wherein at least one of the multiple disparate consumer electronic display devices is further operable to access said plurality of media content.

27. The media content modification and access system of claim 23, wherein at least one of the multiple disparate consumer electronic display devices is further operable to play at least one of said plurality of media content.

28. The media content modification and access system of claim 23, wherein the system is configured to transmit the plurality of media content to a plurality of customer premises equipment, the plurality of customer premises equipment comprising a set top box.

29. The media content modification and access system of claim 23, wherein the controller is further configured to execute computer readable instructions comprising

implementing an authentication scheme which limits modification and access of the plurality of media pointers to only the user that is pre-approved for such modification and access.

30. The media content modification and access system of claim 23, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of media content pointers are contained within a playlist.

31. The media content modification and access system of claim 23, wherein said plurality of media content is selected from the list consisting of broadcast video programming, video on demand (VOD) programs, Internet content, traffic, e-mail, auction information, and weather information.

32. The media content modification and access system of claim 23, wherein at least one of the multiple disparate consumer electronic display devices comprises an e-mail client for transmitting and receiving e-mail messages, and wherein the controller is further configured to execute computer readable instructions comprising:

transmitting an e-mail message to the e-mail client, the e-mail message comprising a media content offering; and

receiving from the e-mail client another e-mail message instructing the controller to send other similar media content offerings.

33. The media content modification and access system of claim 23, wherein at least one of the multiple disparate consumer electronic display devices comprises an e-mail client for transmitting and receiving e-mail messages, and wherein the controller is further configured to execute computer readable instructions comprising:

transmitting an e-mail message to the e-mail client, the e-mail message comprising a media content offering; and

receiving from the e-mail client another e-mail message instructing the controller to cease sending other similar media content offerings.

34. A method for modifying a playlist having a plurality of media content pointers to media content contained across disparate networks, wherein said media content comprises stored media content on a CATV provider network, said CATV provider network comprising a mass storage device for storage of said media content, said method comprising the steps of:

providing a controller on said CATV provider network, wherein said controller is operable to add or delete said media content pointers from said playlist via interactive request of a user, said controller also being operable to play one of said particular one media content on a display via interactive request of said user;

providing a consumer electronic display device having interactive capabilities, wherein said consumer electronic display device is interconnected to the Internet in order to send and receive signals therefrom, and means for linking the Internet to said mass storage device and said controller such that said controller is operable to send and receive said signals from said consumer electronic display device, wherein said consumer electronic display device has a display for conveying information to a user, said consumer electronic display device being disparately interconnected to CATV provider network;

displaying a media content offering on said display for view by said user; and

,

in the event that said user responds positively to said media content offering, storing said one of said media content pointers corresponding to said media content offering in said playlist.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein said consumer electronic display device is selected from the list consisting of automated teller machines, personal computers, personal digital assistants, telephones, Internet enabled telephones, smart watches, video telephones, portable media devices, gaming stations, and laptop computers.

36. The method of claim 34, wherein said media content further comprises media content that is stored on an Internet coupled device.

37. The method of claim 34, further comprising the step of:

in the event that said user desires to view other media content which is similar to said media content offering, displaying another media content offering which is similar to said media content offering for view by said user.

38. The method of claim 34, further comprising the step of:

in the event that said user desires to not view other media content which is similar to said media content offering, no longer displaying other media content offering which is similar to said media content for view by said user.

39. A method for modifying a playlist having a plurality of media content pointers to media content contained across disparate networks, wherein said media content comprises stored media content on a CATV provider network, said CATV provider network comprising a mass storage device for storage of said media content, said method comprising the steps of:

providing a controller on said CATV provider network, wherein said controller is operable to add or delete said media content pointers from said playlist via interactive request of a user, said controller also being operable to play one of said particular one media content on a display via interactive request of said user;

providing a telephone which is interconnected to the PSTN in order to send and receive signals therefrom, and a means for linking the PSTN to said mass storage device and said controller such that said controller is operable to send and receive said signals to and from said telephone, said telephone has a display for conveying information to a user;

displaying a media content offering on said display for view by said user; and

,

in the event that said user responds positively to said media content offering, storing said one of said media content pointers corresponding to said media content offering in said playlist.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein said media content further comprises media content that is stored on an Internet coupled device.

41. A method for operating a video entertainment distribution system having interactive television capabilities, said video entertainment distribution system comprising a mass storage device and a video storage device for storage of a plurality of media content thereon, said method comprising the steps of:

providing a playlist defining a customized list of pointers to a corresponding plurality of media content, wherein said playlist is stored on said mass storage device;

requiring an authentication scheme from the user;

in the event that a correct said authentication scheme was entered, initiating an interactive temporary user session with said user;

allowing access to said playlist at interactive request of said user; and

,

inhibiting further access of said playlist following a log-out of said user session by said user.

42. The method of claim 41, further comprising the step of, prior to the inhibiting step, allowing modification of said playlist at an interactive request of said user.

43. The method of claim 41, wherein said video entertainment distribution system further comprises, a consumer electronic display device having interactive capabilities, wherein said consumer electronic display device is interconnected to the Internet in order to send and receive signals therefrom, and a means for linking the Internet to said mass storage device such that a plurality of Internet media content residing on the Internet are accessible by said controller, and said list further comprising a plurality of Internet media content pointers which are interactively accessible by a user, wherein each of said Internet media content pointers references a particular one of said Internet media content, wherein said Internet media content pointer is a conventional uniform resource locater (URL).

44. The method of claim 43, further comprising the step of, prior to the inhibiting step, providing media content comprising textual information, graphical information, and still images stored on said Internet;

and

accessing the textual information, graphical information, or still images from the Internet medium at the request of said user.

45. The method of claim 44, wherein media content is selected from the list consisting of broadcast video programming, video on demand (VOD) programs, Internet content, traffic, e-mail, auction information, and weather information.

46. The method of claim 41, wherein at least one of said stored media content is a video on demand program, wherein said video on demand has a an associated price, said media content modification and accesses system being operable to display payment status to a user.