Methods and apparatus for selecting digital coding/decoding technology for programming and data delivery
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 data decoding capabilities and configured to generate a capabilities profile relating at least in part to said data decoding 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 selecting digital coding and/or decoding technology 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 capabilities profiles. The server determines the one or more capabilities possessed by the CPE, and evaluates one or more program or content choices for possible delivery to that CPE based on its profile. The server generates a list of programs or content based on this evaluation, and transmits this list to the CPE, which displays the list for viewing by a user. The user is therefore offered a list of available content that is compatible with their specific configuration. A business and operational rules engine is also optionally employed to control the operation of the foregoing processes to accomplish particular business or operational goals.
263 Citations
41 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 data decoding capabilities and configured to generate a capabilities profile relating at least in part to said data decoding 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 data decoding 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 data decoding options; discovering said data decoding options; and reporting said data decoding 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 data decoding capabilities; receiving one or more data decoding capabilities in response to said polling; and generating information describing the data decoding capabilities supported. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. 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 data decoding components, each having a substantially distinct data decoding capability; an application for obtaining a data decoding profile; and an operating system for polling said plurality of data decoding components in order to generate information for said data decoding profile. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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31. 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 data decoding 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 (32, 33)
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34. 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 coding scheme according to which said programming is to be encoded; and encoding said programming using said coding scheme. - View Dependent Claims (35, 36, 37)
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38. A method of doing business over a cable television network, comprising:
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receiving first information relating to the data decoding 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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39. A method of doing business over a cable television network, comprising:
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receiving first information relating to the capabilities of a CPE operatively communicating with said network; receiving second information relating to the subscriber associated with said CPE; evaluating, based at least in part on said first information, content for possible delivery to said CPE; and where said act of evaluating indicates that said content is not suitable for said CPE capabilities, selectively providing a component to said CPE based at least in part on said second information.
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40. 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 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 (41)
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Specification