Method and apparatus for channel prioritization

• US 8,627,388 B2
• Filed: 03/27/2012
• Issued: 01/07/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 03/27/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Roku, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Roku, Inc.
• Inventors: Wood, Anthony, Goodwin, Mark
• Primary Examiner(s): Parry, Chris
• Application Number:
  US13/431,937
• Publication Number:
  US 20130263185A1
• Time in Patent Office: 651 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 725/93
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/25808 Management of client data terminal profiles in network data switching protocols H04L67/303
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/25866 Management of end-user data customer care in data networks H04L41/5077
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4384 involving operations to reduce the access time, e.g. fast-tuning for reducing channel switching latency
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/482 End-user interface for program selection broadcast systems using EPGs H04H60/72
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4826 using recommendation lists, e.g. of programs or channels sorted out according to their score

Abstract

A method includes detecting a client device, determining a maximum number of channels based on the client device and selecting different targeted channels from a set of available channels. At least one of the different targeted channels is selected to form a preloaded channel.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

detecting a client device with a corresponding capability;

determining a maximum number of channels based on the client device and the corresponding capability;

dynamically detecting locations of channels on a user interface through the client device, wherein the locations of the channels are measured based on an ability to physically select each respective channel through the user interface;

selecting a plurality of targeted channels from a plurality of available channels based on the ability to select each respective channel through the location of the channels in the user interface, wherein the channels shown in the user interface through the client device are given priority; and

designating at least one of the plurality of targeted channels to form a preloaded channel, wherein the preloaded channel is preloaded onto the client device and is limited by the maximum number of channels and wherein the preloaded channel is an application that is configured to stream video content in real time from a content provider to the client device.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the selecting further comprises identifying most used channels by the client device.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the selecting further comprises identifying most popular channels.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the selecting further comprises identifying subscribed channels.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising detecting selection of content associated with the preloaded channel.

6. The method according to claim 5, further comprising directly launching the content with the preloaded channel on the client device.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the designating of the preloaded channel is limited by the maximum number.