METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTENT SWITCHING
First Claim
1. A method for managing content in a content distribution network, said method comprising:
- receiving a user selection a content stream comprising primary and secondary content;
outputting said primary content to a rendering apparatus;
receiving an input indicating a content switch during rendering of said secondary content to alternate content; and
switching automatically from said alternate content back to said primary content in response to detecting an end of said secondary content.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for content switching in a content distribution network. In one embodiment, an apparatus is configured to receive a user selection for content. The apparatus processes the content and outputs the content to a display. The apparatus also receives an input indicating a content switch, and switches to an alternate content located on a second apparatus. The apparatus transmits the secondary content to the second apparatus, while receiving the alternate content from the second apparatus. In one aspect, the apparatus performs at least one of the following: provide a notification to a user when the secondary content has ended or automatically switch the alternate content back to the second apparatus while receiving the user selected content in response to detecting the end of the secondary content. Methods for content switching in a content switching in a content distribution network using the aforementioned apparatus are also disclosed.
64 Citations
23 Claims
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1. A method for managing content in a content distribution network, said method comprising:
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receiving a user selection a content stream comprising primary and secondary content; outputting said primary content to a rendering apparatus; receiving an input indicating a content switch during rendering of said secondary content to alternate content; and switching automatically from said alternate content back to said primary content in response to detecting an end of said secondary content. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A rendering apparatus configured to switch between first and second primary content, said rendering apparatus comprising:
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a first interface configured to communicate with a network; a storage apparatus; and a processor configured to execute at least one computer program, said at least one computer program comprising a plurality of instructions which are configured to, when executed; cache first primary content, said first primary content being selected by a second rendering apparatus; switch from secondary content within a second primary content stream to said cached first primary content; transmit said secondary content to said second rendering apparatus; increase a quality of said cached first primary content; render said first primary content at said increased quality; and switch automatically from said first primary content back to said second primary content stream in response to detection of an end of said secondary content within said second primary content stream. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A computer readable apparatus having a storage medium comprising a plurality of instructions which are configured to, when executed:
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receive user selected programming content, said user selected programming content comprising primary content and secondary content; output said primary content to a rendering device; receive a first input trigger configured to cause a content switch, said first trigger being received during a display of said secondary content, and said switch comprising a switch to a display of an alternate content located on a second apparatus, and said alternate content comprising primary and secondary content contained therein; cause transmission of said secondary content to said second apparatus; receive said alternate content from said second apparatus; cause said rendering device to display said alternate content; receive a second trigger configured to cause a second content switch, said second trigger configured to indicate a start of said secondary content within said alternate content, and said switch comprising a switch to display one of a plurality of identified additional alternative content, said additional alternative content being identified based on actions taken by said user with regard to previously selected content; cause said rendering device to switch from said display of said one of said plurality of identified additional alternative content back to said programming content in response to a detection of an end of said secondary content within said programming content. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A method for managing content in a content distribution network, said method comprising:
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receiving a user selection for programming content comprising primary and secondary content; outputting said primary content portion of said programming content to a rendering apparatus; receiving an indicator of said secondary content within said programming content, said indicator causing a content switch to alternate content; outputting said alternate content to said rendering apparatus, said alternate content comprising at least a compilation of portions of a plurality of second programming content; and providing notification to a user indicating an end of said secondary content portion of said programming content during said act of outputting of said alternate content. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23)
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Specification