×

Streaming media delivery system

DC
  • US 8,185,611 B2
  • Filed: 05/10/2010
  • Issued: 05/22/2012
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/12/2000
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A method for distributing streaming media via a data communications medium such as the Internet to at least one user system of at least one user, the streaming media comprising a plurality of sequential media data elements for a digitally encoded audio or video program, the user system being assumed to have a user buffer for receiving media data and facilities to play back the streaming media at a playback rate for viewing or listening by said at least one user, said method comprising:

  • sending initial streaming media elements to the user system at an initial sending rate more rapid than the playback rate, to fill the user buffer; and

    configuring the initial streaming media elements so that the amount of said initial elements, and said initial sending rate, are sufficient for the user system to begin playing back the streaming media while the user buffer continues to fill; and

    after the user buffer has been filled, sending further streaming media data elements to the user system at about the playback rate; and

    wherein the media data elements is sent at a rate that matches the constant fill rate of a server buffer, and is received at the same rate by the user computer if there are no interruptions in the transmission of media data between the server and the user'"'"'s computer.

View all claims
  • 0 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×