Method and apparatus for internet protocol television media content sharing
First Claim
1. A method for accessing media content from a communication network, comprising:
- selecting, via a processor, a media content programming created by a first subscriber of the communication network, wherein the selecting of the media content programming is performed in response to a first input by a second subscriber of the communication network;
selecting, via the processor, a channel number for receiving the media content programming, wherein the selecting of the channel number is performed in response to a second input by the second subscriber, wherein the channel number corresponds to an unused channel that is available to be assigned to carry a program signal comprising media content, wherein the unused channel comprises an unassigned channel that is currently not carrying any media content programming, wherein the unassigned channel is associated with a downstream frequency band; and
receiving, via the processor, the media content programming from the communication network via the unused channel, wherein the media content programming is delivered on the unused channel by the communication network in response to the channel number that is selected.
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for enabling IP service subscribers to share media contents with other IP service subscribers or Internet users in either a secured or open fashion are disclosed. In one embodiment, the present invention enables the sharing of home movies, pictures, and other media contents, where media could be stored media or media created in real-time. Namely, the present method allows IP service subscribers to effectively create their own TV station, e.g., complete with stored or live content programming and content scheduling. In turn, the method allows a viewing subscriber to select and view a shared media program created by another subscriber.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for accessing media content from a communication network, comprising:
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selecting, via a processor, a media content programming created by a first subscriber of the communication network, wherein the selecting of the media content programming is performed in response to a first input by a second subscriber of the communication network; selecting, via the processor, a channel number for receiving the media content programming, wherein the selecting of the channel number is performed in response to a second input by the second subscriber, wherein the channel number corresponds to an unused channel that is available to be assigned to carry a program signal comprising media content, wherein the unused channel comprises an unassigned channel that is currently not carrying any media content programming, wherein the unassigned channel is associated with a downstream frequency band; and receiving, via the processor, the media content programming from the communication network via the unused channel, wherein the media content programming is delivered on the unused channel by the communication network in response to the channel number that is selected. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations for accessing media from a communication network, the operations comprising:
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selecting a media content programming created by a first subscriber of the communication network, wherein the selecting of the media content programming is performed in response to a first input by a second subscriber of the communication network; selecting a channel number for receiving the media content programming, wherein the selecting of the channel number is performed in response to a second input by the second subscriber, wherein the channel number corresponds to an unused channel that is available to be assigned to carry a program signal comprising media content, wherein the unused channel comprises an unassigned channel that is currently not carrying any media content programming, wherein the unassigned channel is associated with a downstream frequency band; and receiving the media content programming from the communication network via the unused channel, wherein the media content programming is delivered on the unused channel by the communication network in response to the channel number that is selected. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. An apparatus for accessing media content from a communication network, comprising:
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a processor; and a computer-readable medium storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising; selecting a media content programming created by a first subscriber of the communication network, wherein the selecting of the media content programming is performed in response to a first input by a second subscriber of the communication network; selecting a channel number for receiving the media content programming, wherein the selecting of the channel number is performed in response to a second input by the second subscriber, wherein the channel number corresponds to an unused channel that is available to be assigned to carry a program signal comprising media content, wherein the unused channel comprises an unassigned channel that is currently not carrying any media content programming, wherein the unassigned channel is associated with a downstream frequency band; and receiving the media content programming from the communication network via the unused channel, wherein the media content programming is delivered on the unused channel by the communication network in response to the channel number that is selected.
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Specification