Seamlessly Switching among Unicast, Multicast, and Broadcast Mobile Media Content

• US 20080207137A1
• Filed: 12/13/2007
• Published: 08/28/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 12/13/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: DIRECTV, LLC (AT&T, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Quickplay Media Inc (AT&T, Inc.)
• Inventors: MacNeil, Bart, Walker, Torin, Maharajh, Kavi
• Granted Patent: US 8,219,134 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/74
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/437 Administration of user profiles, e.g. generation, initialisation, adaptation, distribution
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/48 Retrieval characterised by using metadata, e.g. metadata not derived from the content or metadata generated manually
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/487 using geographical or spatial information, e.g. location
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/7867 using information manually generated, e.g. tags, keywords, comments, title and artist information, manually generated time, location and usage information, user ratings
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/957 Browsing optimisation, e.g. caching or content distillation
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/1011 to devices
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/10 Office automation; Time management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0244 Optimization
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0261 based on user location
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0267 Wireless devices
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0269 based on user profile or attribute
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0277 Online advertisement
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/26 Arrangements for switching distribution systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/91 Mobile communication networks for accessing the Internet H04H60/85
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/1485 Tariff-related aspects
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 45/308 Route determination based on user's profile, e.g. premium users
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1059 End-user terminal functionalities specially adapted for real-time communication
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/611 for multicast or broadcast systems for broadcast or conference H04L12/18; arrangements for broadcast or distribution combined with broadcast H04H20/00; arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linkage to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time H04H60/00; selective distribution of broadcast services, e.g. multimedia broadcast multicast service [MBMS], H04W4/06
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/612 for unicast
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/752 adapting media to network capabilities
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/756 : adapting media to device capabilities
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/762 : at the source reformatting of additional data in video distribution servers H04N21/2355
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/765 : intermediate
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/80 : Responding to QoS
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/10 : in which an application is distributed across nodes in the network software deployment G06F8/60; multiprogramming arrangements G06F9/46
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/30 : Profiles
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/306 : User profiles
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/41 : Billing record details, i.e. parameters, identifiers, structure of call data record [CDR]
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/44 : Augmented, consolidated or itemized billing statement or bill presentation
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/53 : using mediation
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/61 : based on the service used
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/23424 : involving splicing one content stream with another content stream, e.g. for inserting or substituting an advertisement
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/2387 : Stream processing in response to a playback request from an end-user, e.g. for trick-play
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/262 : Content or additional data distribution scheduling, e.g. sending additional data at off-peak times, updating software modules, calculating the carousel transmission frequency, delaying a video stream transmission, generating play-lists scheduling strategies for dispatcher in multiprogramming arrangements G06F9/4881; arrangements for scheduling broadcast services or broadcast-related services H04H60/06; flow control in packet networks H04L47/10; establishing a time schedule or organising the servicing of application requests H04L67/62
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/41407 : embedded in a portable device, e.g. video client on a mobile phone, PDA, laptop constructional details of equipment or arrangements specially adapted for portable computer application G06F1/1626; arrangements specially adapted for mobile receivers in broadcast systems H04H20/57
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6112 : involving terrestrial transmission, e.g. DVB-T
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6125 : involving transmission via Internet transmission by internet of broadcast information H04H60/82
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6131 : involving transmission via a mobile phone network wireless downlink channel access H04W74/006
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6408 : Unicasting
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6587 : Control parameters, e.g. trick play commands, viewpoint selection
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/812 : involving advertisement data advertising per se G06Q30/02
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/025 : using location based information parameters
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/029 : Location-based management or tracking services
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/06 : Selective distribution of broadcast services, e.g. multimedia broadcast multicast service [MBMS]; Services to user groups; One-way selective calling services
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/18 : Information format or content conversion, e.g. adaptation by the network of the transmitted or received information for the purpose of wireless delivery to users or terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/24 : Accounting or billing
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/06 : adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals

Abstract

In embodiments, the present invention provides a method and system for switching between broadcast and unicast content on a mobile device. The method and system involves making unicast content available to the mobile device, making broadcast content available to the mobile device; and providing an application on the mobile device which allows for switching between the unicast and broadcast content.

Claims

1. A method of switching between broadcast and unicast content on a mobile device, comprising:

making unicast content available to a mobile device;

making broadcast content available to the mobile device; and

providing an application on the mobile device which allows for switching between the unicast and broadcast content.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the unicast content is side loaded onto the mobile device.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the content made available to the mobile device is made available at least in part depending on at least one of location information and location intelligence.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein the switching takes into account a consumption profile.

19. The method of claim 1, wherein the content is web content transcoded in an on-demand manner.

22. The method of claim 1, wherein content is ingested and tagged as broadcast content as part of the ingestion process.

23. The method of claim 1, wherein content is ingested and tagged as unicast content as part of the ingestion process.

24. The method of claim 1, wherein the application includes a user interface.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the appearance of the user interface varies with the broadcast and unicast nature of the content.

29. The method of claim 24, wherein the user interface displays broadcast and unicast content simultaneously.

42. The method of claim 1, wherein access to the unicast content may be paused for access to broadcast content and later resumed.

43. The method of claim 1, wherein access to the broadcast content may be paused for access to unicast content and later resumed.

199. The method of claim 1, wherein the content is made available from a WiFi network and a cellular network.

200. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a facility by which a user may discover the availability of content.

201. The method of claim 1, further comprising making IP content available on the mobile device and providing an application that allows for switching among any two of the unicast content, the broadcast content, and the IP content.

202. The method of claim 1, wherein the switching is designed to be imperceptible to the user as the user accesses the content.

203. The method of claim 1, wherein the switching occurs without interaction by the user.

204. The method of claim 1, wherein the switching occurs upon an action by the user.

205. The method of claim 1, wherein the switching occurs during access of an item of content by the user, whereby the user continues to access content as the switching occurs.

206. The method of claim 1, wherein the mobile device is selected from the group consisting of a Blackberry, iPhone and iPod.

207. The method of claim 1, wherein the mobile device is a smartphone.

208. The method of claim 1, wherein the mobile device includes a media player.

209. The method of claim 1, wherein the mobile device includes personal digital assistant functionality.

210. The method of claim 1, wherein the mobile device is a satellite radio receiver that can at least one of receive and transmit information via at least one of a cellular and WiFi network.

211. The method of claim 210, wherein the satellite radio is at least one of XM satellite radio and Sirius satellite radio.

212. The method of claim 1, wherein the broadcast content is satellite radio content and the unicast content is a data connection through which content may be purchased.

213. The method of claim 212, wherein the satellite radio is at least one of XM satellite radio and Sirius satellite radio.

214. The method of claim 212, wherein the data connection through which content may be purchased is associated with an electronic marketplace.

215. The method of claim 212, wherein the data connection through which content may be purchased is associated with a website through which content may be purchased.

216. The method of claim 212, wherein the data connection through which content may be purchased is associated with at least one of iTunes and Amazon.com.

217. The method of claim 212, wherein the content that may be purchased is the same as the satellite radio content.

218. The method of claim 212, wherein the content that may be purchased is related to the satellite radio content.

219. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a social networking application in connection with the content.

220. The method of claim 219, wherein the social networking application is a forum.

221. The method of claim 220, wherein the forum is provided in connection with broadcast content and enables users to discuss the broadcast content as it is being broadcast.

222. The method of claim 220, wherein the forum is provided in connection with broadcast content and enables users to share unicast content related to the broadcast content as it is being broadcast.

2-6. -6. (canceled)

8-11. -11. (canceled)

13-16. -16. (canceled)

18. (canceled)

20-21. -21. (canceled)

26-28. -28. (canceled)

30-41. -41. (canceled)

44-55. -55. (canceled)

56. A method of enabling optimized switching between broadcast and unicast content on a mobile device, comprising:

ingesting content into a mobile media platform;

performing at least one of encoding and transcoding the content;

hosting at least one of the unicast and broadcast content on a mobile media platform;

making unicast content available for delivery to a mobile device from the platform;

making broadcast content available for delivery to a mobile device from the platform; and

providing an interface to the platform by which an application on the mobile device can switch between the unicast and broadcast content.

58. The method of claim 56, wherein ingestion is optimized accounting for at least one factor selected from the group consisting of:

device profiles, available network bandwidth, device playback capabilities, content delivery mechanisms, content digital rights management regime and content characteristics.

59. The method of claim 56, wherein encoding is optimized accounting for at least one factor selected from the group consisting of:

device profiles, available network bandwidth, device playback capabilities, content delivery mechanisms, content digital rights management regime and content characteristics.

234. The method of claim 56, further comprising making IP content available for delivery to a mobile device from the platform and allowing a user to switch among the unicast, broadcast and IP content.

235. The method of claim 56, wherein the content is made available from a WiFi network and a cellular network.

236. The method of claim 56, further comprising providing a facility by which a user may discover the availability of content.

237. The method of claim 56, further comprising making IP content available on the mobile device and providing an application that allows for switching among any two of the unicast content, the broadcast content, and the IP content.

238. The method of claim 56, wherein the switching is designed to be imperceptible to the user as the user accesses the content.

239. The method of claim 56, wherein the switching occurs without interaction by the user.

240. The method of claim 56, wherein the switching occurs upon an action by the user.

241. The method of claim 56, wherein the switching occurs during access of an item of content by the user, whereby the user continues to access content as the switching occurs.

242. The method of claim 56, wherein the mobile device is selected from the group consisting of a Blackberry, iPhone and iPod.

243. The method of claim 56, wherein the mobile device is a smartphone.

244. The method of claim 56, wherein the mobile device includes a media player.

245. The method of claim 56, wherein the mobile device includes personal digital assistant functionality.

246. The method of claim 56, wherein the mobile device is a satellite radio receiver that can at least one of receive and transmit information via at least one of a cellular and WiFi network.

248. The method of claim 246, wherein the satellite radio is at least one of XM satellite radio and Sirius satellite radio.

249. The method of claim 56, wherein the broadcast content is satellite radio content and the unicast content is a data connection through which content may be purchased.

250. The method of claim 249, wherein the satellite radio is at least one of XM satellite radio and Sirius satellite radio.

251. The method of claim 249, wherein the data connection through which content may be purchased is associated with an electronic marketplace.

252. The method of claim 249, wherein the data connection through which content may be purchased is associated with a website through which content may be purchased.

253. The method of claim 249, wherein the data connection through which content may be purchased is associated with at least one of iTunes and Amazon.com.

254. The method of claim 249, wherein the content that may be purchased is the same as the satellite radio content.

255. The method of claim 249, wherein the content that may be purchased is related to the satellite radio content.

256. The method of claim 56, further comprising making the content available to a mobile broadcast platform.

257. The method of claim 256, wherein the content is video on-demand content.

258. The method of claim 256, wherein the content is audio on-demand content.

259. The method of claim 56, wherein the content made available to the mobile device is made available at least in part depending on at least one of location information and location intelligence.

260. The method of claim 56, wherein the switching takes into account a consumption profile.

261. The method of claim 56, wherein the application includes a user interface.

262. The method of claim 261, wherein the appearance of the user interface varies with the broadcast and unicast nature of the content.

263. The method of claim 261, wherein the user interface displays broadcast and unicast content simultaneously.

264. The method of claim 56, wherein the broadcast and unicast content is displayed in a picture-in-picture manner.

265. The method of claim 56, wherein access to the unicast content may be paused for access to broadcast content and later resumed.

266. The method of claim 56, wherein access to the broadcast content may be paused for access to unicast content and later resumed.

267. The method of claim 56, further comprising providing a social networking application in connection with the content.

268. The method of claim 267, wherein the social networking application is a forum.

269. The method of claim 268, wherein the forum is provided in connection with broadcast content and enables users to discuss the broadcast content as it is being broadcast.

314. The method of claim 268, wherein the forum is provided in connection with broadcast content and enables users to share unicast content related to the broadcast content as it is being broadcast.

57. (canceled)

60-62. -62. (canceled)

63. A method of switching between broadcast and unicast content on a mobile device, comprising:

storing metadata regarding at least one of the broadcast and unicast content in the same file as the content;

making unicast content available to a mobile device;

making broadcast content available to the mobile device; and

providing an application on the mobile device which allows for switching between the unicast and broadcast content.

270. The method of claim 63, further comprising making IP content available for delivery to a mobile device and allowing a user to switch among the unicast, broadcast and IP content.

271. The method of claim 63, wherein the content is made available from a WiFi network and a cellular network.

272. The method of claim 63, further comprising providing a facility by which a user may discover the availability of content.

273. The method of claim 63, further comprising making IP content available on the mobile device and providing an application that allows for switching among any two of the unicast content, the broadcast content, and the IP content.

274. The method of claim 63, wherein the switching is designed to be imperceptible to the user as the user accesses the content.

275. The method of claim 63, wherein the switching occurs without interaction by the user.

276. The method of claim 63, wherein the switching occurs upon an action by the user.

277. The method of claim 63, wherein the switching occurs during access of an item of content by the user, whereby the user continues to access content as the switching occurs.

278. The method of claim 63, wherein the mobile device is selected from the group consisting of a Blackberry, iPhone and iPod.

279. The method of claim 63, wherein the mobile device is a smartphone.

280. The method of claim 63, wherein the mobile device includes a media player.

281. The method of claim 63, wherein the mobile device includes personal digital assistant functionality.

282. The method of claim 63, wherein the mobile device is a satellite radio receiver that can at least one of receive and transmit information via at least one of a cellular and WiFi network.

283. The method of claim 282, wherein the satellite radio is at least one of XM satellite radio and Sirius satellite radio.

284. The method of claim 63, wherein the broadcast content is satellite radio content and the unicast content is a data connection through which content may be purchased.

285. The method of claim 284, wherein the satellite radio is at least one of XM satellite radio and Sirius satellite radio.

286. The method of claim 284, wherein the data connection through which content may be purchased is associated with an electronic marketplace.

287. The method of claim 284, wherein the data connection through which content may be purchased is associated with a website through which content may be purchased.

288. The method of claim 284, wherein the data connection through which content may be purchased is associated with at least one of iTunes and Amazon.com.

289. The method of claim 284, wherein the content that may be purchased is the same as the satellite radio content.

290. The method of claim 284, wherein the content that may be purchased is related to the satellite radio content.

291. The method of claim 63, further comprising making the content available to a mobile broadcast platform.

292. The method of claim 291, wherein the content is video on-demand content.

293. The method of claim 291, wherein the content is audio on-demand content.

294. The method of claim 63, wherein the content made available to the mobile device is made available at least in part depending on at least one of location information and location intelligence.

295. The method of claim 63, wherein the switching takes into account a consumption profile.

296. The method of claim 63, wherein the application includes a user interface.

297. The method of claim 296, wherein the appearance of the user interface varies with the broadcast and unicast nature of the content.

298. The method of claim 296, wherein the user interface displays broadcast and unicast content simultaneously.

299. The method of claim 63, wherein the broadcast and unicast content is displayed in a picture-in-picture manner.

300. The method of claim 63, wherein access to the unicast content may be paused for access to broadcast content and later resumed.

301. The method of claim 63, wherein access to the broadcast content may be paused for access to unicast content and later resumed.

302. The method of claim 63, further comprising providing a social networking application in connection with the content.

303. The method of claim 302, wherein the social networking application is a forum.

304. The method of claim 303, wherein the forum is provided in connection with broadcast content and enables users to discuss the broadcast content as it is being broadcast.

305. The method of claim 303, wherein the forum is provided in connection with broadcast content and enables users to share unicast content related to the broadcast content as it is being broadcast.

64-68. -68. (canceled)

70-198. -198. (canceled)

223. A method of dual display for simultaneous broadcast and unicast content on a mobile device, comprising:

making unicast content available to a mobile device;

making broadcast content available to the mobile device; and

providing an application on the mobile device which allows for dual display of the unicast and broadcast content.

224. The method of claim 223, further comprising making IP content available on the mobile device and providing an application that allows for dual display of at least any two of the unicast content, the broadcast content, and the IP content.

225. The method of claim 223, wherein the content is available from a cellular network and at least one other wireless network.

226. The method of claim 223, wherein the content is available from networks of different bandwidth capabilities.

227. The method of claim 223, wherein the content is available from networks having different costs to the user.

228. The method of claim 223, wherein the switching is to a network having a preferred bandwidth and cost combination.

229. The method of claim 223, wherein the application displays the broadcast and unicast content in a picture-in-picture manner.

230. The method of claim 223, further comprising providing a social networking application in connection with the content.

231. The method of claim 230, wherein the social networking application is a forum.

232. The method of claim 231, wherein the forum is provided in connection with broadcast content and enables users to discuss the broadcast content as it is being broadcast.

233. The method of claim 231, wherein the forum is provided in connection with broadcast content and enables users to share unicast content related to the broadcast content as it is being broadcast.

306. A method of switching between broadcast and unicast content on a mobile device, comprising:

making broadcast content available to the mobile device;

correlating unicast content to the broadcast content;

making the correlated unicast content available to a mobile device; and

providing an application on the mobile device which allows for switching between the unicast and broadcast.

307. The method of claim 306, wherein the correlation is performed by a mobile media platform based at least in part on knowledge of the broadcast content.

308. The method of claim 306, wherein the correlation is performed by the architecture of a server platform of a mobile media platform based at least in part on knowledge of the broadcast content.

309. The method of claim 306, wherein the correlation is programmatic.

310. The method of claim 306, wherein the correlation is automatic.

311. The method of claim 306, wherein the correlation is based at least in part on tags.

312. A method of switching between broadcast and unicast content on a mobile device, comprising:

making broadcast content available to the mobile device;

providing a facility through which unicast content may be discovered based on the broadcast content;

making the discovered unicast content available to a mobile device; and

providing an application on the mobile device which allows for switching between the unicast and broadcast content.

313. The method of claim 312, wherein the unicast content is discovered at least in part based on tags.