U.S. patent application number 09/909676 was filed with the patent office on 2002-03-07 for mechanism for distributing content data.
Invention is credited to Griggs, Theodore L..
Application Number | 20020029384 09/909676 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27396713 |
Filed Date | 2002-03-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020029384 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Griggs, Theodore L. |
March 7, 2002 |
Mechanism for distributing content data
Abstract
The current invention provides a system for distributing content
data to user locations. The content data is preferably comprises
digital video data that is available on demand form a requesting
location. A system server stores user accounts and generates
customized program schedules for the user account based user
criteria which includes user preferences. Authorized users access
their accounts to modify user criteria and to select program
transmissions. Preferably, a computer and a television set receive
program transmissions from a system network, wherein the computer
provides a logical interface between the television set and content
data transmitted over the system network.
Inventors: |
Griggs, Theodore L.;
(Woodside, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HAVERSTOCK & OWENS LLP
260 SHERIDAN AVENUE, #420
PALO ALTO
CA
94306
US
|
Family ID: |
27396713 |
Appl. No.: |
09/909676 |
Filed: |
July 19, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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60219857 |
Jul 20, 2000 |
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60233581 |
Sep 19, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
725/46 ;
348/E7.071; 725/98 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/25875 20130101;
H04N 21/25891 20130101; H04N 21/2543 20130101; H04N 21/25841
20130101; H04N 21/4524 20130101; H04N 21/4753 20130101; H04N
7/17318 20130101; H04N 21/4821 20130101; H04N 21/4755 20130101;
H04N 21/472 20130101; H04N 21/4622 20130101; H04N 21/26283
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
725/46 ;
725/98 |
International
Class: |
H04N 005/445 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An architecture for providing content data to a user, the
architecture comprising: a. a server unit for storing a plurality
of user codes and for generating program schedule for each user
code; and b. a content source unit coupled the server for providing
dynamic program schedule data to the server unit, wherein the
server unit is configured to compile the dynamic program schedule
data for each of the user codes to generate the program
schedules.
2. The architecture of claim 1, wherein the user operates the
server unit to select content data from at least one of the program
schedules through the server.
3. The architecture of claim 2, wherein the content source unit is
coupled to a network comprising a plurality of network ports,
wherein selected content data is transmitted to the user through at
least one of the plurality of network ports.
4. The architecture of claim 3, wherein the at least one of the
plurality of network ports is identified by providing the server
unit with a logical address.
5. The architecture of claim 4, wherein the user accesses the at
least one program schedule by providing the server with a unique
user identification number through the network.
6. The architecture of claim 1, wherein the content source unit
broadcasts the content data to a user location.
7. The architecture of claim 6, wherein the user identifies the
user location by providing the server unit with a logical
address.
8. The architecture of claim 7, wherein the logical address
corresponds to a receiving device at the user location.
9. The architecture of claim 1, wherein the content source unit and
the server unit are coupled through a content network, the content
network comprising a plurality of network ports for transmitting
content data, wherein the user is capable of selecting at least one
of the plurality of network ports for receiving the content data
selected from the at least on of the program schedules.
10. The architecture of claim 9, wherein the content network is a
private pay-for-use network.
11. The architecture of claims 10, wherein the server unit is
further coupled to the internet and wherein the content data is
selected from the at least one of the program schedules through the
internet.
12. The architecture of claim 11, wherein the at least one of the
program schedules is accessed by providing the server unit with a
unique user identification number.
13. The architecture of claim 9, wherein the user selects the at
least one of the network ports by providing a logical address
corresponding to a receiving device.
14. The architecture of claim 9, wherein the content network
comprises the internet.
15. The architecture of claim 1, wherein the user codes comprise
user preferences.
16. The architecture of claim 15, wherein the content source unit
comprises a plurality of content providers and wherein the
preferences comprise selected providers from the plurality of
content providers.
17. The architecture of claim 1, wherein the program schedules are
automatically updated.
18. The architecture of claim 1, wherein the user codes are
automatically updated based on selected content data.
19. The architecture of claim 1, wherein the content source unit is
configured to transmit digital video content data selected by the
user from the at least one of the program schedules.
20. The architecture of claim 1, wherein the content source unit is
configured to transmit broadcast content data selected by the user
from the at least one of the program schedules.
21. A system for providing a customized program schedule to a
remote user location, the system comprising a networked server
configured for surveying available programs from content providers
and further for automatically generating the customized program
schedule based on user criteria, wherein the system is configured
to allow the user to select program transmissions from the
customized program schedule.
22. The system of claim 21, wherein the program transmissions are
initiated by a log on procedure, wherein the remote user provides
the server with a unique user identification number.
23. The system 22, wherein the program transmissions are initiated
by further providing a logical address at the remote user
location.
24. The system of claim 21, wherein the user criteria comprises the
user's availability at the remote user location and content data
previous program transmissions to the remote user location.
25. The system of claim 21, wherein the customized program schedule
is periodically updated.
26. The system of claim 25, wherein the customized program schedule
is periodically updated based on the programs transmissions.
27. The system of claim 21, wherein the server surveys available
programs from the content providers via the internet.
28. The system of claim 21, wherein the program transmissions
comprise digital video content data to the user location.
29. The system of claim 21, wherein the program transmissions
comprise broadcast content data to the remote user location.
30. A system for generating a program schedule comprising: a. means
for identifying a user criteria; b. means for generating a program
schedule based on the user criteria; c. means for communicating the
program schedule to a user location; and d. means for allowing the
user to select programs from the program schedule at the user
location.
31. The system of claim 30, wherein the means for generating the
user criteria includes a survey of a user's preferences including
subjects of interest in the categories of sports and
entertainment.
32. The system of claim 30, wherein the means for generating the
user criteria includes a history of programs previously received at
the user location.
33. The system of claim 30, wherein the means for generating the
program schedule based on the user criteria comprises a server,
wherein the server stores the program schedule.
34. The system of claim 33, wherein the means for communicating the
program schedule to the user location comprises a network.
35. The system of claim 34, wherein the means for selecting
programs from the program schedule comprises a graphical user
interface operated from the server.
36. A method of scheduling content data comprising: a. storing
client preferences for a client at a server location; b. cataloging
available content data from selected content providers based on the
client preferences; and c. transmitting the available content data
to a remote client location.
37. The method of claim 36, wherein communicating the available
content data to the remote client location comprising providing the
server with a user identification and a logical address
corresponding to the remote client location.
38. The method of claim 37, wherein the logical address corresponds
to a receiving device at the remote location.
39. The method of claim 37, wherein the logical address corresponds
to a network node at the remote location.
40. The method of claim 36, wherein communicating the available
content data comprises transmitting digital video data over a
network.
41. The method of claim 40, wherein the network comprises the
internet.
42. The method of claim 36, wherein the available content data is
transmitted to a personal computer at the remote location.
43. The method of claim 42, wherein the available content data is
automatically transmitted to the personal computer.
44. The method of claim 43, further comprising storing the
available content data on the personal computer.
45. A method of scheduling content data: a. providing a list of
preferences to a remote server, wherein the remote server maintains
a catalogue of content data based on the list of preferences; b.
identifying a user location; and c. transmitting cataloged content
data to the user location.
46. The method of claim 45, wherein the cataloged content data is
automatically transmitted to the identified user location.
47. The method of claim 45, wherein the cataloged content data
comprises digital video data.
48. The method of claim 45, wherein the cataloged content data is
transmitted to the remote user location via the internet.
49. The method of claim 45, wherein the remote server maintains the
catalogue of content data by surveying available content data from
a plurality of content providers.
50. The method of claim 49, wherein the available content data is
transmitted to the identified user location from at least one of
the plurality of content providers.
51. A system for providing content data comprising: a. a network
coupled to at least one content provider; b. a remote server
coupled to the network and comprising; i. a memory device for
storing a plurality user identification codes wherein each user
identification code corresponds to a list of user preferences; and
ii. a program for generating content data schedules for each of the
plurality of user identification codes based on each corresponding
list of user preferences wherein a user can access one of the
content data schedules by providing the at least one of the user
identification code and wherein the user can selected programs
corresponding to one of the content data schedules to be
transmitted to a remote location; and c. a device for receiving the
selected programs at a remote location.
52. The system of claim 51, wherein the device for receiving the
selected programs comprises: a. a computer comprising a video card;
and b. a viewing device couple to the computer.
53. The system of claim 52, wherein the video card provides for
television tuner logic and wherein the viewing device is a
television.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
119(e) of the co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application, Ser.
No. 60/219,857, filed Jul. 20, 2000, and entitled "MECHANISM FOR
DIGITAL VIDEO RENTAL DISTRIBUTION AND CATCHING". The Provisional
Patent Application, Ser. No. 60/219,857, filed Jul. 20, 2000, and
entitled "MECHANISM FOR DIGITAL VIDEO RENTAL DISTRIBUTION AND
CATCHING" is also hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to architectures and systems
for and methods of distributing content to user locations. More
specifically, this invention relates distributing program
transmissions to user locations from a program schedule
account.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] There are numerous media services which provide scheduled
programs on a viewing device, such as a television set. There are
standard broadcast services which provide channels that can be
received by virtually any television tuner through an antenna
connector. There are cable services which typically offer packages
of preselected channels to the consumers and that required a
decoder at the television tuner or on the cable line at an external
location. Cable services continuously broadcast scheduled
programing through a preselected set of channels which are received
through a cable connector on a television set. There are also a
number of pay-per-view services which allow costumers to receive
non-scheduled one time program transmissions through the cable
network. Other available services include satellite programming
which allow consumers to select on demand pay-per view-programs
from a set of available programs.
[0004] Each of these programming services require that consumers
monitor program availabilities to determine if a desired program is
offered. None of the current program services provide for
programing that is tailored to individual consumers needs. Further,
none of the current services provide the flexibility for consumers
to quickly change the scope services and/or program
availabilities.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The current invention provides for the distribution of
content data. The current invention preferably allows consumers to
readily change the scope of services provided and monitor programs
which may be of interest based on individual consumer needs.
[0006] Accordingly, the invention is directed to an architecture
and system for and a method of distributing content data to user
locations. Preferably, the content data comprises program data from
one or more content providers. The programs can scheduled programs
and/or stored video programs. The content data is preferably
distributed to user locations as data transmissions which can be
played or viewed at user locations. The program transmissions are
preferably transmitted to the user locations by a system network
or, alternately, can be selectively broadcast by wireless means to
user locations.
[0007] The data transmissions preferably comprise digital video
data, wherein programs are transmitted to the user locations
through a high speed network and played on receiving/display
devices with sound and display capabilities. Preferably, a
receiving/display device is a digital device configured for
receiving digital video data and for viewing a video program
downloaded from the network to a memory device. The digital device
can be any such conventional device and can include, but is not
limited to, a personal computer, PDA, a web enabled television set
or a web appliance. In a preferred embodiment of the instant
invention, the receiving device comprises a personal computer and a
television set. A personal computer preferably has a video card
which provides a logical interface between the television set and
digital video data transmitted distributed as video programs over
the system network.
[0008] The preferred the system of the instant invention comprises
a network for customized cataloging of content data availabilities
into program schedules. A system network comprises the internet, a
private pay-to-use network, a local network, a cable network, a
commercial broadcast network or any combination thereof. A system
server is coupled to the system network and stores a program
schedule and user codes for each user account on the system server.
The system server preferably catalogs content data availabilities
into program schedules based on the user codes. Preferably, the
user codes comprise a set or list of user preferences for each
account, wherein user preferences can be submitted to the system
server when an account is established on the system server.
[0009] A set of user preferences preferably can be modified by an
authorized user. User preferences can include, but are not limited
to, identified content providers, user likes and dislikes, and
preferred times to receive program transmissions. In further
embodiments of the instant invention, user preferences are
automatically updated based on program transmissions selected
through a corresponding account.
[0010] Program transmissions are initiated automatically to the
user locations according to corresponding program schedules in an
account or, alternatively, a user can select a program transmission
from an account program schedule.
[0011] The system server is preferably in communication with
content providers over the system network. The system server
surveys content data availabilities and catalogues the content data
availabilities into program schedules in accordance with user
codes. According to an embodiment of the instant invention, the
content data providers automatically send updated program
availabilities data to the system server. Alternatively, the system
server accesses various content data providers over the system
network and extracts data regarding program availabilities.
[0012] According to a preferred embodiment of the instant
invention, an authorized user may access their account on the
system server by a log-in process, whereby the user provides a
unique user identification to identify themselves as an authorized
the user to the system. Once into the account, the user can
preferably modify user preferences and preferably view other
account information.
[0013] Preferably, the server supports a graphical user interface
which allows users to point-and-click on program selections from a
program schedule within their account. The selection of a program
from the schedule then initiates an on-demand program transmission.
According to further embodiments, users may identify a location or
locations where program transmissions are to be received. This
feature would, for example, allow a user to select a program form
work for deliver later at home. A location can be identified by
providing a logical address corresponding to a network port or a
receiving device.
[0014] In the event that the user is not interested in program
selections available from their personal program schedule, the
system preferably allows the user to browse and select other
available programs over the network. Alternatively, or in addition
to the above, the user can change their user preferences within the
account and search the server data base for other available
programs based on these new or modified user preferences.
[0015] Program transmissions can be distributed through the system
server or distributed from the content provider. The program
transmissions can either be immediately played at the user selected
locations or, alternatively, are stored on a local storage device
for later use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIGS. 1a-c show several network configurations for
distributing content data, in accordance with the current
invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 shows an architecture for distributing content
through a network coupled to a plurality of content providers, in
accordance with the instant invention.
[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a personal computer interfacing a
television for receiving and viewing content data over a network,
in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the current
invention.
[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates an architecture for distributing content
data through a private network, in accordance with an alterative
embodiment of the current invention.
[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates an architecture for controlling
transmissions of content data from a first location to a second
location, in accordance with the current invention.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a flow-chart outlining the steps for distributing
content data, in accordance with a method of the instant
invention.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a flow-chart outlining the step for selecting a
program in accordance with a preferred method of the instant
invention.
[0023] FIGS. 8a-b are schematic diagrams of features on the local
side and the server side of a system for distributing content data,
in accordance with the current invention.
[0024] FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of computer with a video
card for interface in a viewing device, in accordance with the
preferred system of the current invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0025] The architecture of the instant invention utilizes a server
unit coupled to at least one content provider. The server unit
provides a central hub for content data distribution. The server
unit monitors content data availabilities from the at least one
content provider and organizes the content data availabilities into
customized program schedules in accordance with user codes.
[0026] The user codes preferably provide for a selection of
services desired from the at least one content provider. The user
codes can also provide for the selection of content data based on
information about the intended user, wherein the content data
corresponds to scheduled or on demand programs, which may viewed or
played at user locations.
[0027] A user preferably can view or access their account and
select programs to be transmitted to a predetermined location
and/or modify account preferences including, changing content
providers and/or services provided therefrom. FIGS. 1a-c will now
be used to show several different ways in which a system server may
be coupled to content providers for distributing content data to
user location, in accordance with the instant invention.
[0028] FIG. 1a shows an architecture 100 for distributing content
data, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The
architecture 100 preferably has central network 103. The central
network 103 can be either a private or public access network, such
as the internet. A system server 105 is coupled to at least one
content provider 111 though the network 103. In the architecture
100 shown in FIG. 1, a user can access their account at the server
105 via the network 103 from a device 101, which is also configured
to receive program transmissions. Alternatively, the user can
access their account at the server 105 from a separate device (not
shown). Preferably the user can change preferences 107 and 109 and
or select a programs by from their personal account. Preferably,
the system server 105 instructs the content provider 111 via the
network 103 to route a program transmission to the device 101.
[0029] In accordance with one embodiment of the current invention,
the system server 105 authorizes and initiates program
transmissions to the device 101 by providing the content provider
111 with a logical address of the device 101 or location of the
device 101 on the network. Alternatively, the server causes the
device 101 to authorize and initiate program transmissions from the
provider 111 to the device 101. According to an alternative
embodiment of the instant invention, program transmissions are
automatically initiated from the content provider 111 to the device
101 based on preferences 107 and 109 and/or a program schedule
without requiring the user to make a program selection.
[0030] FIG. 1b show an alternative architecture 120 for
distributing content data, in a accordance with the current
invention. The architecture 120 has a server 125 that stores
preferences 127 and 129 which are used to creates customized
program schedules. The architecture 120 has a first network 133,
which is preferably a public network, such as the internet, wherein
a user can access their account through the public network 133. The
system server 125 and a content provider 131 are coupled through a
separate network 135 which may be a local area network or other
restricted access network. The network 135 is preferably configured
to provide the server 125 with content data availabilities from the
content data provider 131. The network 134 provide a mechanism for
the distribution of program data from the content provider 131 to a
receiving device 121. Preferably, the network 133 is a private
pay-for-user network.
[0031] FIG. 1c show an architecture 140 for distributing content
data, in accordance with another alternative embodiment of the
current invention. The architecture 140 preferably comprises a
server unit 149 coupled to a receiving device 141 through a network
143. The server unit 149 comprises a content source 147 and a
system sever 145, wherein the content source 147 provides programs
to the device 141 through the system server 145. The system server
145 allocates content data availabilities into program schedules in
accordance with stored preferences 146 and 148 and transmits
programs automatically, by way of user selections from schedules or
a combination thereof.
[0032] FIG. 2 shows an architecture 200 for distributing content
data to multiple devices 201 and 202 from multiple content
providers 211, 213 and 215. The content providers 211 and 213
transmit content data to devices 210 and 202 through a network 203.
The network 201 is preferably a private pay-for-use network or,
alternatively, is a public network, such as the internet. The
devices 210 and 202 preferably have receivers for receiving content
data and displays for displaying processed or unprocessed content
data received at a user location.
[0033] Still referring to FIG. 2, a broadcast content provider 215
broadcasts content data 217, such as television program
transmissions or any other kind of broadcast content data. The
provider 215 can selectively operate independently of the system
server 207 or, alternatively, can be coupled to the server 207,
wherein the server 207 provides instructions to the provider 215 to
initiate selective broadcasts to one or more of the devices 201 and
202. Accordingly, the server 207 is configured to program the
receiver device 201 to receive broadcast data 215 from the content
provider 213 according to a schedule. The server 207 preferably
stores customized program schedules generated in accordance with
user preferences 210 and 209.
[0034] FIG. 3 shows an architecture 300 for distributing content
data, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the current
invention, wherein the receiver device 304 comprises a personal
computer 302 and a television set 305. The personal computer 302
can be coupled to a network 303 and configured to access the server
307 where a program schedules are stored in personal accounts. A
content provider 311 is preferably is coupled to the network 303
and configured to transmit program data via the network 303 to the
device 304 in accordance with the program schedules. As described
previously, program schedules are preferably generated in
accordance with user preferences 309 and 310 which are also stored
on the server 307.
[0035] FIG. 4 shows an architecture 400 for distributing content
data, in accordance with an alterative embodiment of the current
invention. The architecture 400 can include multiple servers 407
and 411. The architecture 400 preferably includes a network 403
that is preferably a private network for users subscribing to the
account at one or more of the servers 407 and 411. Each server 407
and 411 is preferably coupled to content data provider 415 and 417.
The servers 407 and 411 monitor availabilities of content data from
the content data providers 415 and 417 and compile customized
schedule catalogs for each set of user preferences 410 and 412. The
devices 401 and 402 preferably have receivers for receiving
programs and displays for displaying process program data. A user
can access their user account and view their program schedule
therein via the internet 420 from one or more of the receiving
devices 401 and 402 or, alternatively, from a separate device (not
shown). The user can then select which programs are to be
transmitted to the receiving devices 410 and 402 and/or modify
account information. Preferably, each user account has it own user
list of associated preferences and the server store multiple
accounts corresponding to multiple user locations.
[0036] In an alternative embodiment of the instant invention,
program schedules are assigned to or belong to the devices 401 and
402, wherein programs are automatically transmitted to devices 410
and 402 according to the programs schedule assigned to the devices.
Accordingly, a user sets up a list of preferences for each device
401 and 402 and program transmissions which are receivable at each
of the device 401 and 402 as determined by program schedule
generated for each device 401 or 402. Preferably, the servers 407
and 411 are responsible for controlling the authorization of the
device 401 and 402 to receive a program transmission from the
providers 412 and 415
[0037] FIG. 5 shows an alternative architecture 500 for
distributing content data, in accordance with the instant
invention. In the architecture 500, a server 510 receives broadcast
content data 517 and 518 from broadcast content providers 515 and
516. In this way, the sever 510 is an "intermediate content
provider" for provisioning content data transmissions 517 and 518
indirectly to a receiving device 501. The distribution of broadcast
content data is preferably determined by a program schedule stored
on the server 510 which is based on a corresponding list of user or
device preferences, as described in detail above.
[0038] Still referring to FIG. 5, content providers 511 and 513 are
coupled to the network 503 for transmitting programs, to the
receiving device 501. The programs are preferably digital video
programs. The receiving device 501 preferably comprises a computer
504 and a television 502. Users can access their schedules over the
network 503 and modify the preferences 508 and 509 including their
choice of which providers 511 and 513 and select programs to be
received from each of the providers 511 and 513.
[0039] The architecture 500 can provide for the ability to select a
second receiving location 509 to receive a program transmission.
The second receiving location 509 is preferably coupled to the
network 503 and/or is configured to receive broadcast content data
from at least one of the providers 511, 513, 515 and 516. When
program transmissions are digital video program transmissions, the
second location is preferably identified by providing the server
510 with a logical address corresponding to the second receiving
location 509.
[0040] FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram 600 outlining steps for
distributing content data, in accordance with a method of the
instant invention. When the user first sets up an account at a the
system server in the step 601, there is preferably a request for
user information. The request for user information can be made by
telephone, e-mail, ground mail, surveys or any other suitable means
including unsolicited means. Preferably, users can visit a web site
and set up their own account. User information can include, but is
not limited to provider selections and service selections.
Additionally, user information preferably includes a list of
preferences. User preferences can include information such as the
type of programs in which the user is interested, the user likes
and dislikes and/or preferred times to receive program
transmissions. The user preferences may also specify a user
locations to receive program transmissions. After the account is
established, the system preferably provides the user with an
estimate of the cost and a list of the subscribed services and a
personal identification number.
[0041] In the step 603, a program scheduling criteria is developed.
The program scheduling criteria can be any simple or complex
algorithm, but preferably includes weighting factors for user
preferences acquired in the step 601. For example, in the step 601
a user inputs that their professional interests include healthcare.
Thus, programs which deal with healthcare issues may be given high
priority in the customized program schedule developed in the step
609. If in the step 601 the user inputs that they do not like
sports, then sports programs may be eliminated from the customized
program schedule or, alternatively, are give low priority in the
customized program schedule developed for that user in the step
609.
[0042] After the program scheduling criteria is generated in the
step 603, then in step the 605, the server reviews program
availabilities for all of the designated content providers. The
server can obtain program availabilities automatically from the
content provider or, alternatively, extract program availabilities
over the network. In yet a further embodiments, the program
availabilities can be entered into the server manually. Program
availabilities are preferably updated at the server as new programs
become available or as program availabilities change. After the
program availabilities are compiled at the server in the step 607,
the server catalogs the programs into a customized program schedule
according to the user criteria.
[0043] Customized program schedules are preferably viewable over
the system network, wherein the user program schedule is displayed
on a display device with a graphical user interface. Further, the
customized program schedule can have any of a number or formats.
The schedule can display program availabilities corresponding to a
day a week, a month or other suitable time frame. Program
availabilities can be tabulated, or organized into blocks or
categories, such as sports or news. In accordance one embodiment of
the instant invention, the user can select and/or modify the
schedule format. While it is preferable that customized program
schedules are viewable over the system network, the program
schedules can be provided to users by any other suitable method
including mail and e-mail.
[0044] After the customized program schedule is provided to the
user in the step 609, then in the step 611 the user can select a
program for initiating transmission of a program to the user
location. Alternatively, a program is transmitted to the user
location without requiring the user to make a selection.
[0045] FIG. 7 shows a flow-chart 700 outlining the step for
selecting a program in accordance with the preferred method of the
instant invention. In the step 701, a user preferably can log into
their personal account by providing a secured user code, such as a
user identification number. Then in step 703, the user can view
their personal program schedule. In the step 705, the user can
select programs from their schedule. Preferably, the program
schedule is supported by a graphical user interface which allows
the user to point-and-click on a displayed program icon to select a
program. After the program is selected in the step 705, then in the
step 707 transmission of the program content data to user location
is initiated.
[0046] After viewing the personal program schedule in the step 703,
the user can preferably modify the account and/or user preferences.
By refreshing the account, the server re-compiles program
availabilities based on the new account information or modified
preferences. It is also preferable that the user can search a
server data based for alterative programs, which are not displayed
in the personal program schedule, using a simple search engine.
[0047] After the program is selected in the step 705, then in the
step 707 the transmission of the program to the user location is
initiated by any number of conventional mechanisms including, but
not limited to, initiating a broadcast of a program, decoding a
local receiver to receive an encrypted broadcast, transmitting data
to a port on a system network or be routed from the server to a
receiving device or alternatively can be distributed directed from
the content provide which receives authorization for the server to
transmit programs to the user location. In accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the invention, the system for distributing
content data is a pay-per-view system, wherein the user is
automatically billed for each program transmission, as described in
detail below.
[0048] FIGS. 8a-b, shows the elements on the local side 800 and the
server side 810 of a system for distributing content data, in
accordance with the instant invention. The catalog interface 801 is
coupled to an authentication server 806 to verify the identity of
the user. The catalog interface 801 is preferably accessible from
both the local side 800 and the server side 810 of the system.
After the user is identified, then the catalog interface 801 will
collect information about the user, preferably including payment
information and a credit card number. The catalog interface 801
will then send the information the authentication server 806 which
stores the user information in a user data base 811. The catalog
interface 801 can also check the payment information with a billing
server 807 before validating the user's account.
[0049] After the user has established a valid account, the catalog
interface 801 will query the directory server 808 for a list of
available programs and preferably provided the list of available
programs in a menu format to the user through a viewing device 805.
The user can select a program choice from the menu through the
catalog interface 801, whereby the catalog interface 801
communicates the choice to directory server 808. The directory
server 808 then communicates the cost of program to the billing
server 807.
[0050] If the billing server 807 is unable to bill for the program
selection, the billing server 807 will communicate the failure back
to the directory server 808, and the directory server 808 will
communicate the failure to the catalog interface 801. The catalog
interface 801 will then communicate the billing failure to the user
and wait for another program selection.
[0051] In the event that the billing server 807 successfully bills
the user for the program section, then the billing server 807
communicates to the directory serve 808 that the selection has been
accepted. The directory server 808 then communicates the selection
to media transport system 809 and tells the media transport system
809 to authorized streaming of the content data, which is
preferably digital video content data.
[0052] After the streaming of video data is authorized by the media
transport system 809, then the media transport system 809 allows
the directory server 808 to access the video data. The directory
server 808 then communicates to the catalog interface 801 that
payment was received for the video program and that the video data
is now authorized to be transmitted.
[0053] To work through fire walls that might exist on the local
side 800 of the system, the media manager 803 is preferably coupled
to the media transport system 809, such that after the catalog
interface 801 informs the user that the program has been paid for
and that the video data is ready to be transmitted, the catalog
interface 801 sends an authorization confirmation to the media
manager 803. The media manager 803 then established a communication
channel with the media transport system 809 and communicates a
confirmation of the authorization to the media transport system 809
which starts streaming the video data to the media manger 803 from
a remote storage device 810. The media manager 803 receives the
stream of video data and preferably stores the video data on a
local storage device 804. The remote storage device 810 can be a
single storage device or any number of storage devices that are
accessible over the system network (not shown).
[0054] In accordance with an embodiment of the invention the video
data is encrypted or otherwise marked with identifying information
that relates a copy of the content data to the user account.
Further, while components on the local side 800 can reside on the
same processor device, preferably the media manager 803 and the
local storage device 804 reside on a home server device and the
catalog interface 801 and the playback interface 802 reside on a
desktop computer.
[0055] While the data stream is being downloaded and saved to the
local storage device 804, the catalog interface 801 and/or the
playback interface 802 can be used to monitor the download
progress. Further, at any time after video download is started, the
playback interface 802 can be used to play the video data. However,
if the download or streaming rates are slower than the payback
rate, the entire video may not be available for viewing at any
given time.
[0056] Preferably the playback interface 802 is used to select a
viewing device 804, wherein the playback interface 802 receives
input instruction from any suitable control device 812. For
example, the viewing device 805 is a monitor on a desktop computer
or a television set. The control device 812 may comprise an
internet browser, a software application program, an infrared
remote controller a cursor controller and/or a key board.
[0057] The playback interface 802 preferably queries the media
manager 803 for what videos are stored on the local storage device
804 and displays the stored video program to the user through the
catalog interface 801.
[0058] When a playback is requested by the user through the control
device 812, then the playback interface 802 communicates the
request to the media manager 803. The media manager 803 then
communicates authorization to the media transport system 809 and
the media transport system 809 authorizes the playback of the video
data.
[0059] Alternatively, the playback request can be denied if an
authorization time limit has expired or if the user is not
authorized to view the selected playback video data. In the event
that the playback is authorized, the media transport system 809 can
pass encryption keys to the media manager 803 required to playback
the video data when the video data is encrypted.
[0060] After the media manager 803 streams the video and the user
is finished viewing the video program on the viewing device 805,
the user can remove the video data from the local storage device
804. Preferably, the user communicates a request to remove the
video data from the local storage device 804 through the control
device 812. The control device 812 then communicates the request to
the playback interface 802. The playback interface 802 tells the
media manager 803 to remove the video from the local storage device
804. The media manager 803 then confirms with the playback
interface 802 that the video data has been removed from the local
storage device 804 and communicates the result to the user through
the viewing device 805.
[0061] FIG. 9 illustrates the preferred local system 900 at a user
location for processing video data streams and display processed
video data streams at a viewing device 25, in accordance with the
instant invention. The system preferably utilizes a computer 910
with a video card 920. The video card 920 preferably has graphical
output connector 26 and computer display logic 16 for supporting
and display program graphics on a computer monitor. The viewing
device 25 is preferably a television set or computer monitor
connected to the computer 910 through a video output connector 23.
Using a viewing control device 12, such as a key board, a cursor
control device (e.g. computer mouse) or an infrared control device,
as described above, the user sends a request to the a remote server
that he/she wants to watch a video on the viewing device 25. The
streaming media mixer logic 13 retrieves the stored data stream
stored on the disk storage device 24 and sends the video data to
the CPU interface 15. The CPU interface 15 sends the video data to
the digital stream compression/decompression logic 18 on the video
card 18. The digital stream compression/decompression logic 18
decompresses the video data and, if necessary, sends the video data
to the display logic 19 to be converted to a displayable signal.
The displayable signal is then sent through the stream media logic
mixer 13 to be displayed on the viewing device 25.
[0062] When a request is submitted from the control device 12, the
display logic 16 creates a graphical display frame in its memory
with the appropriate content. The displays frame is sent to the
streaming media mixer logic 13. The streaming media mixer logic 13
preferably contains the same compression/decompression algorithms
as the digital stream compression/decompression logic 18. Instead
of simply forwarding the compressed display frame to the CPU
interface, the streaming media mixer logic 13 uses its logic to
creates and to decompressed display frame. The streaming media
mixer logic 13 then overlays a graphical data frame from the
display logic 22 onto the decompresses display frame. The streaming
media mixer logic 13 compresses the new combined display frame and
sends the combine display frame to the viewing device 25.
[0063] For full motion video, the streaming media mixer logic 13
preferably produces the combined display frames at a rate of thirty
frames per second or greater. If the computer 910 used does not
have sufficient processing capabilities to allow for processing of
full motion video, the same display frame is displayed for some
multiple number of times and the subsequent intermediate frame(s)
are ignored at the CPU interface.
[0064] In other cases, the user can watch a direct video program on
the viewing device 25, wherein the video data is arriving on the
video card form a video input connector 14 or through an antenna
input connector 21 from a television tuner logic 17. Accordingly, a
user request arrives from the control device 12 and the content
data is routed through the display logic 119 and then to the video
output connector 23 to be displayed on the viewing device 25. In
this example, the computer 900 does not process the video data.
[0065] In a third case, a user submits a request from the control
device 12 and the interface display logic 22 generates the
appropriate graphical display data frame. When graphical display
data frame is presented to the streaming media mixer logic 13, the
streaming media mixer logic 13 sends a message to the video card
920 through the CPU interface 15. The video card 920 accepts the
signal being routed through the display logic 19 and instructs the
digital stream compression/decompression logic 18 to digitize and,
optionally, compressed graphical display data frame before sending
the graphical display data frame to the display logic 19 through
the CPU interface 15 to the streaming media mixer logic 13.
[0066] The streaming media mixer logic 13 now has the compressed
graphical display data frame and uses the same process described
above to overlay a graphical display frame from the user interface
display logic 22 on to the current display frame and sends the
combined display frame through the CPU interface 15 to be
decompresses by the digital stream compression/decompression logic
18. The digital stream compression/decompression logic 18, then
sends the uncompressed combined display frame to the display logic
19, which outputs signals to the video output connector 23 to be
displayed on the viewing device 25.
[0067] The present invention has been described in terms of
specific embodiments incorporating details to facilitate the
understanding of the principles of construction and operation of
the invention. Such reference herein to specific embodiments and
details thereof is not intended to limit the scope of the claims
appended hereto. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art
that modifications can be made in the embodiment chosen for
illustration without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention.
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