U.S. patent application number 14/176394 was filed with the patent office on 2015-08-13 for methods and systems for linking content.
This patent application is currently assigned to COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS, LLC. Invention is credited to Jianju Liu.
Application Number | 20150229699 14/176394 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53776015 |
Filed Date | 2015-08-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150229699 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Liu; Jianju |
August 13, 2015 |
Methods And Systems For Linking Content
Abstract
Methods and systems for linking content are provided. An example
method can comprise a first device receiving first content via a
non-packetized network from a content provider, wherein the first
content comprises one or more trigger elements. A user of the first
device can select one or more trigger elements in the first content
and a trigger signal can be transmitted from the first device to a
linking system. The linking system can receive a request for
information from a second device. The linking system can associate
the request for information with the trigger signal and transmit a
request for second content to the content provider, wherein the
second content relates to one or more trigger elements of the first
content. Upon receiving the request for second content, the content
provider can transmit the second content to the second device via a
packetized network.
Inventors: |
Liu; Jianju; (Kentfield,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS, LLC |
Philadelphia |
PA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
COMCAST CABLE COMMUNICATIONS,
LLC
Philadelphia
PA
|
Family ID: |
53776015 |
Appl. No.: |
14/176394 |
Filed: |
February 10, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
709/217 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/25816 20130101;
H04N 21/4307 20130101; H04N 21/2543 20130101; H04N 21/4126
20130101; H04L 69/14 20130101; H04N 21/4122 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04L 29/08 20060101
H04L029/08 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: transmitting first content via a
non-packetized network to a first device, wherein the first content
comprises one or more trigger elements; receiving a request for
second content, wherein the second content relates to the one or
more trigger elements of the first content, and wherein the request
comprises information relating to a second device; and transmitting
the second content via a packetized network to the second
device.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the request for second content
comprises one or more indices associated with respective trigger
elements of the one or more trigger elements of the first
content.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the information relating to a
second device comprises a device identifier of the second device, a
user identifier, or both.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the device identifier of the
second device is a media access control (MAC) address of the second
device.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the non-packetized network
comprises a quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) network and the
packetized network comprises an internet protocol (IP) network.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the second content comprises one
or more of an advertisement, promotion, knowledge base of specific
characters, purchasing opportunity, interest point, highlighting
point, polling point, content length, a content title, a content
provider, a content type, a content format, a content identifier, a
content release date, a content update frequency, a content
category, a content rating, a price for ordering the first content,
and content viewing history.
7. A method comprising: receiving first content via a
non-packetized network at a first device, wherein the first content
comprises one or more trigger elements and the first device is
associated with a device identifier; and transmitting a trigger
signal via an out-of-band (OOB) portion of the non-packetized
network, the trigger signal comprising the device identifier
associated with the first device and information relating to one or
more trigger elements, wherein the trigger signal facilitates the
transmission of second content to a second device via a packetized
network, and wherein the second content relates to one or more
trigger elements of the first content.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the trigger signal is in ALOHA
format.
9. The method of claim 7, wherein the non-packetized network
comprises a quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) network.
10. The method of claim 7, wherein the trigger signal is
transmitted via an ALOHA format or a DAVIC format.
11. The method of claim 7, wherein transmitting the trigger signal
comprises transmitting the trigger signal by remote desktop
protocol (RDP) or advanced remote desktop protocol (ARDP).
12. The method of claim 7, wherein the trigger signal comprises a
linkage message, the device identifier of the first device, and one
or more indices associated with respective one or more trigger
elements.
13. The method of claim 7, wherein the device identifier is a media
access control (MAC) address of the first device.
14. A method comprising: receiving a trigger signal from a first
device, wherein the trigger signal comprises a device identifier
associated with a first device and information relating to one or
more trigger elements of first content; receiving a request for
information from a second device; associating the request for
information with the trigger signal; transmitting a request for
second content to a content provider based upon the trigger signal
and the request for information, wherein the second content relates
to the one or more trigger elements of the first content; and
transmitting the second content to the second device via a
packetized network.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the trigger signal is in ALOHA
format.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein associating the request for
information with the trigger signal comprises registering the
second device.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the registering the second
device comprises receiving a user identifier from the second device
and authenticating the user identifier.
18. The method of claim 14, wherein receiving the trigger signal
comprises receiving the trigger signal by remote desktop protocol
(RDP) or advanced remote desktop protocol (ARDP).
19. The method of claim 14, wherein the trigger signal comprises
the device identifier associated with the first device, a link
message, and one or more indices associated with respective one or
more trigger elements.
20. The method of claim 14, wherein the device identifier
associated with the first device is a media access control (MAC)
address of the first device.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Packet switched network technology such as Internet Protocol
(IP) offers several advantages over non-packet switched network
technology such as quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM). For
example, a packet switched network can serve a large number of
IP-enabled devices, such as mobile devices. In addition, enhanced
features can easily be added to a packet switched network.
Conversely, adding enhanced features to a non-packet switched
network (e.g., QAM network) can be restricted because a non-packet
switched network has limited out-of-band (OOB) bandwidth. These and
other shortcomings are addressed by the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
[0002] It is to be understood that both the following general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory only and are not restrictive. Methods and systems
for linking content are disclosed. In an aspect, while first
content is being provided to a first device via a non-packetized
network (e.g., QAM network), a second device can access second
content via a packetized network such as an IP network. The first
content can comprise one or more trigger elements and the second
content can relate to the one or more trigger elements of the first
content. Activation (e.g., selection, execution, etc.) of one or
more of the trigger elements can cause the second content to be
provided (e.g., transmitted, rendered, presented, etc.) to the
user, for example, via the packetized network. Using such trigger
elements (or other mechanisms), the disclosed methods and systems
can combine the non-packetized and packetized networks to enhance
and complement the viewing experience of a user. As such, a device
(e.g., second device) configured to communicate via a packet
switched network can access certain enhanced features relating to
the first content delivered via a non-packetized based device
(e.g., first device).
[0003] In an aspect, a method can comprise transmitting first
content via a non-packetized network to a first device. The first
content can comprise one or more trigger elements. A request for
second content can also be received. The second content can relate
to one or more trigger elements of the first content. The request
for second content can comprise information relating to a second
device such as a device identifier and/or a user identifier. The
second content can be transmitted via a packetized network to the
second device.
[0004] In another aspect, a method can comprise receiving first
content via a non-packetized network at a first device. The first
content can comprise one or more trigger elements. The first device
can be associated with a device identifier. In response to
activation of one or more of the trigger elements, a trigger signal
can be transmitted via an out-of-band (OOB) portion (e.g., OOB
network, channel, frequency) of the non-packetized network. The
trigger signal can comprise the device identifier associated with
the first device and information relating to one or more trigger
elements. The trigger signal can facilitate the transmission of
second content to a second device via a packetized network. As an
example, the second content can relate to the one or more trigger
elements of the first content.
[0005] In a further aspect, a method can comprise receiving a
trigger signal comprising a device identifier associated with a
first device and information relating to one or more trigger
elements of first content provided via the first device. A request
for information can be received from a second device. The request
for information can be associated with the trigger signal. A
request for second content can be transmitted based upon the
trigger signal and the request for information. The second content
can be transmitted to the second device via a packetized network.
The second content can relate to one or more trigger elements of
the first content.
[0006] Additional advantages will be set forth in part in the
description that follows or may be learned by practice. The
advantages will be realized and attained by means of the elements
and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments and
together with the description, serve to explain the principles of
the methods and systems:
[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates various aspects of an exemplary system in
which the present methods and systems can operate:
[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates various aspects of another exemplary
system and data flow in which the present methods and systems can
operate;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for
linking content:
[0011] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating another example method
for linking content;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating yet another example
method for linking content; and
[0013] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example computing
device in which the present systems and methods can operate.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] Before the present methods and systems are disclosed and
described, it is to be understood that the methods and systems are
not limited to specific methods, specific components, or to
particular implementations. It is also to be understood that the
terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular
embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.
[0015] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the
singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless
the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed
herein as from "about" one particular value, and/or to "about"
another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another
embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the
other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as
approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be
understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It
will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges
are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and
independently of the other endpoint.
[0016] "Optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequently
described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the
description includes instances where said event or circumstance
occurs and instances where it does not.
[0017] Throughout the description and claims of this specification,
the word "comprise" and variations of the word, such as
"comprising" and "comprises." means "including but not limited to,"
and is not intended to exclude, for example, other components,
integers or steps. "Exemplary" means "an example of" and is not
intended to convey an indication of a preferred or ideal
embodiment. "Such as" is not used in a restrictive sense, but for
explanatory purposes.
[0018] Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the
disclosed methods and systems. These and other components are
disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations,
subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these components are
disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual
and collective combinations and permutation of these may not be
explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and
described herein, for all methods and systems. This applies to all
aspects of this application including, but not limited to, steps in
disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps
that can be performed it is understood that each of these
additional steps can be performed with any specific embodiment or
combination of embodiments of the disclosed methods.
[0019] The present methods and systems may be understood more
readily by reference to the following detailed description of
preferred embodiments and the examples included therein and to the
Figures and their previous and following description.
[0020] As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the
methods and systems may take the form of an entirely hardware
embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment
combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, the methods
and systems may take the form of a computer program product on a
computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program
instructions (e.g., computer software) embodied in the storage
medium. More particularly, the present methods and systems may take
the form of web-implemented computer software. Any suitable
computer-readable storage medium may be utilized including hard
disks, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage
devices.
[0021] Embodiments of the methods and systems are described below
with reference to block diagrams and flowchart illustrations of
methods, systems, apparatuses and computer program products. It
will be understood that each block of the block diagrams and
flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block
diagrams and flowchart illustrations, respectively, can be
implemented by computer program instructions. These computer
program instructions may be loaded onto a general purpose computer,
special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing
apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions which
execute on the computer or other programmable data processing
apparatus create a means for implementing the functions specified
in the flowchart block or blocks.
[0022] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a
computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other
programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular
manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable
memory produce an article of manufacture including
computer-readable instructions for implementing the function
specified in the flowchart block or blocks. The computer program
instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other
programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of
operational steps to be performed on the computer or other
programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process
such that the instructions that execute on the computer or other
programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions
specified in the flowchart block or blocks.
[0023] Accordingly, blocks of the block diagrams and flowchart
illustrations support combinations of means for performing the
specified functions, combinations of steps for performing the
specified functions and program instruction means for performing
the specified functions. It will also be understood that each block
of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, and combinations
of blocks in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, can be
implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems that
perform the specified functions or steps, or combinations of
special purpose hardware and computer instructions.
[0024] Provided are methods and systems for linking content.
Specifically, while first content is being provided to a first
device via a non-packetized (e.g., QAM network), a second device
can access second content via a packetized network (e.g., IP
network). The first content can comprise playable content, and the
second content can comprise one or more enhanced features relating
to the first content. In an aspect, the first device may not be
able to access the second content because the non-packetized
network may have limited out-of-band (OOB) bandwidth. As such, the
second device can be used to access the enhanced feature relating
to the first content. As an example, one or more enhanced features
can comprise a knowledge base of a character such as a plot summary
associated with the character, quotes of the character, name and/or
biography of actor/actress who plays the character. Enhanced
features can comprise advertisements, promotions, interactive
purchasing opportunities, highlighting points, and/or polling
points. The enhanced features can relate to a specific scene,
character, and/or time instance in the first content. As another
example, the one or more enhanced features can comprise information
on content length, content title, content provider, content type
(e.g., pay-per-view content, video on demand content), content
format (e.g., digital, analog), content identifier (e.g., content
id), content release date, content update frequency, content
category (e.g., romance, comedy, etc.), content rating (e.g., PG,
R, PG-13), the price for ordering the content, content viewing
history, and the like. In an aspect, the one or more enhanced
features can be stored in metadata of the first content.
[0025] In an aspect, providing the enhanced feature can be
facilitated using one or more trigger elements. As an example, the
first content can comprise one or more trigger elements and the
second content can relate to the one or more trigger elements of
the first content. Activation (e.g., selection, execution, etc.) of
one or more of the trigger elements can cause the second content to
be provided (e.g., transmitted, rendered, presented, etc.) to the
user, for example, via the packetized network. Using such trigger
elements (or other mechanisms), the disclosed methods and systems
can combine the non-packetized and packetized networks to enhance
and complement the viewing experience of a user. As such, a device
(e.g., second device) configured to communicate via a packet
switched network can access certain enhanced features relating to
the first content delivered via a non-packetized based device
(e.g., first device).
[0026] In an aspect, single device can receive first content via
the non-packetized network and can receive enhanced features via
the packetized network. Such multi-network configuration can
facilitate the presentation of first content and enhanced content
simultaneously on the same device. In another aspect, markers
(e.g., trigger elements) can be processed in the first content to
cause a list of available enhanced features to be presented via the
second device. As such, a user can select one or more of the
available enhanced features to facilitate the request and/or
delivery of the select available enhanced feature. In a further
aspect, multiple devices can be configured to receive content via
one or more networks.
[0027] FIGS. 1-2 illustrate various aspects of an exemplary method
and system in which the present methods and systems can operate. An
exemplary method can be implemented using one or more of a content
provider 101, a linking system 102, a network device 103, a first
device 104, a second device 105, and a billing system 106.
[0028] In an aspect, the content provider 101 can provide content
to the first device 104 and the second device 105. In an aspect,
the content provider 101 can be configured as (or disposed at) a
central location (e.g., a headend, or processing facility), which
can receive content (e.g., data, input programming) from multiple
sources. In an aspect, the content provider 101 can combine the
content from the multiple sources and can distribute the content to
user (e.g., subscriber) locations via a distribution system. There
can be a multitude of user locations connected to the distribution
system. The signals provided by the content provider 101 can
include a single content item or a multiplex that includes several
content items. For example, the signals provided by content
provider 101 can comprise playable content and metadata associated
with the playable content. In an aspect, the content provider 101
can carry pay-per-view and/or video on demand service. In an
aspect, the content provider 101 can be configured to provide
content via different types of network technologies (e.g.,
packetized network, non-packetized network). As an example, the
content provider 101 can provide first content to the first device
104 via a non-packetized network (e.g., QAM network). As another
example, the content provider 101 can provide second content to the
second device 105 via a packetized network (e.g., IP network). One
skilled in the art would recognize that the first device may also
be capable of communicating via a packetized network and the second
device may also capable of communicating via a non-packetized
network.
[0029] In an aspect, the first device 104 can comprise a set-top
box, television, communication terminals or the like. In an aspect,
the first device 104 does not need to be in a fixed location. It
can be deployed in any location convenient to communicate with the
content provider 101 and/or the network device 103. In an aspect,
the first device 104 can be a device or system capable of accessing
a non-packetized network (e.g., QAM network), but may not be
capable of accessing a packetized network (e.g., IP network). In an
aspect, the first device 104 can access first content (e.g.,
television program, movie) via the non-packetized network, but may
not be able to access second content (e.g., enhanced features
associated with the first content) because the non-packetized
network can have limited out-of-band (OOB) bandwidth. In an aspect,
a user of the first device 104 can select one or more trigger
elements associated with respective one or more enhanced features
in the first content via the first device 104. As an example, the
first device 104 can request an application from the linking system
102 via the network device 103. As such, the application can
facilitate a user interaction with the one or more trigger
elements. In an aspect, the user of the first device 104 can select
one or more trigger elements associated with respective features of
the first content through the application. In another aspect, the
application can be software configured to retrieve and/or perform
an operation based on the application trigger data associated with
the one or more trigger elements embedded in the first content. As
an example, performing an action can comprise transmitting a
pointer (e.g., timeline indicating the current scene of the first
content presented via a display). The pointer can be a trigger
signal (e.g., data signal, packet, metadata) and can be received by
the linking system 102. The linking system 102 can use the pointer
to determine the second content to be collected and transmitted to
the second device 105. Alternatively, the application trigger data
can be processed in a way to allow interaction with a user. For
example, a list of options can be presented via a display for user
selection. As another example, input/action received from the user
can be configured as a trigger signal (e.g., linkage message) and
transmitted to the linking system 102 for the preparation of second
content to be transmitted to the second device 105.
[0030] In an aspect, the second device 105 can comprise a set-top
box, programmable consumer electronic device, smart phone,
computer, tablet, mobile device, PDA, smart television, vehicle
entertainment system, communications terminal, or the like. In an
aspect, the second device 105 does not need to be in a fixed
location. The second device 105 can be deployed in any location
convenient for communication with the content provider 101 and/or
linking system 102. In an aspect, a second device 105 can be a
device or system that is capable of accessing a packetized network
channel (e.g., IP network). In an aspect, the second device 105 can
be used to access the enhanced features relating to the first
content, wherein the first content is being provided to the first
device 104. As an example, one or more enhanced features can
comprise a knowledge base of a character such as a plot summary
associated with the character, quotes of the character, name and/or
biography of actor/actress who plays the character. Enhanced
features can comprise advertisements, promotions, interactive
purchasing opportunities, highlighting points, and/or polling
points. The enhanced features can relate to a specific scene,
character, and/or time instance in the first content. As another
example, the one or more enhanced features can comprise information
on content length, content title, content provider, content type
(e.g., pay-per-view content, video on demand content), content
format (e.g., digital, analog), content identifier (e.g., content
id), content release date, content update frequency, content
category (e.g., romance, comedy, etc.), content rating (e.g., PG,
R, PG-13), the price for ordering the content, content viewing
history, and the like. In an aspect, the one or more enhanced
features can be stored in metadata of the first content. The second
device 105 can facilitate the viewer of the first content accessing
the enhanced features of the first content. Therefore, the first
device 104 and the second device 105 can combine the first content
delivered via the non-packetized network and the second content
delivered via the packetized network to enhance and complement the
viewing experience.
[0031] In an aspect, the linking system 102 can comprise a server
capable of linking content being provided to the first device 104
and the second device 105. As an example, the linking system 102
can be a personal computer, portable computer, server, router,
network computer, peer device, common network node, and the like.
The linking system 102 can comprise hardware and/or software
components. In an aspect, the linking system 102 can receive a
request for an application capable of consuming the trigger
elements in the first content from the first device 104. The
linking system 102 can transmit the requested application to the
first device 104. In an aspect, the linking system 102 can be
configured to provide second content (e.g., the enhanced features
associated with the first content) to the second device 105 while
the first content is being provided to the first device 104. For
example, the linking system 102 can receive a request for
information or application from the second device 105 and receive a
trigger signal from the first device 104. The linking system 102
can associate the request for information and the trigger signal.
For example, the linking system 102 can determine whether a portion
of the request for information (e.g., a user identifier associated
with the first device 104) matches a portion of the trigger element
(e.g., a user identifier associated with the second device 105).
Based upon the trigger signal and the request for information, a
request for second content (e.g., enhanced features associated with
the first content) can be transmitted from the linking system 102
to the content provider 101. In turn, the linking system 102 can
receive second content from the content provider 101 and transmit
the second content to the second device 105.
[0032] In an aspect, the linking system 102 can transmit a portion
of the trigger to the billing system 106 to authenticate a user of
the first device 104. In an aspect, the linking system 102 can
transmit all or a portion of the request for information to the
billing system 106 to authenticate a user of the second device 105
to determine whether the user associated with the second device 105
is the same user associated with the first device 104. For example,
the linking system 102 can transmit a user identifier (e.g., user
account information or login credentials as a customer or
subscriber of a content provider 101) and/or device identifier
associated with the first device 104 to the billing system 106. The
billing system 106 can be configured to determine whether the user
of the first device is entitled to access the second content. As
another example, the linking system 102 can transmit a user
identifier (e.g., user account information or login credentials as
a customer or subscriber of a content provider 101) and/or device
identifier associated with the second device 105 to the billing
system 106. The linking system 102 can thereby determine whether
the user associated with the second device 105 is the same user
associated with the first device 104. Upon successful
authentication, an entitlement confirmation can be transmitted from
the linking system 102 to the second device 105. As an example, the
entitlement confirmation can be in the form of a code, a piece of
text, a protocol message, and the like. As an example, the billing
system 106 can be a personal computer, portable computer, server,
router, network computer, peer device, other common network node,
and the like configured to communicate with the linking system 102.
In an aspect, the billing system 106 and the linking system 102 can
be implemented as separate network entities or reside in a common
location.
[0033] In an aspect, the network device 103 can be used to connect
the first device 104 and the linking system 102. As an example, the
network device 103 can be a personal computer, portable computer,
server, router, network computer, peer device, other common network
node, and the like configured to communicate with the first device
104 and the linking system 102. In an aspect, the network device
103 can relay a request from the first device 104 for an
application to the linking system 102. In an aspect, the network
device 103 can receive the requested application from the linking
system 102 and transmit the requested application to the first
device 104. In an aspect, the application can be used to consume
trigger elements in the first content. For example, the application
can intercept and execute the trigger elements in the first
content. The application can be an Enhanced TV Binary Interchange
Format (EBIF) application. Once one or more trigger elements have
been selected via the first device 104, a trigger signal can be
transmitted from the first device 104 to the network device 103 and
the network device 103 can relay the trigger to the linking system
102. In an aspect, the trigger signal can comprise a user
identifier (e.g., user account information or login credentials as
a customer or subscriber of a content provider), a device
identifier associated with the first device 104, and/or information
relating to one or more trigger elements in the first content.
[0034] In an aspect, the first device 104 can comprise a
communication element 107a. The communication element 107a can
comprise software, hardware, and/or interfaces for presenting
and/or receiving information to/from a user. For example, a user of
the first device 104 can request an application (e.g., an EBIF
application) via the communication element 107a. As another
example, the user of the first device 104 can select one or more
trigger elements in the first content via the communication element
107a. In another aspect, the communication element 107a can request
and/or transmit data from/to a local source and/or a remote source.
As an example, the communication element 107a can transmit and/or
receive data to/from the network device 103. Specifically, the
communication element 107a can transmit a request for an
application and trigger signal to the network device 103. In an
aspect, the communication element 107a can be configured to utilize
a wired and/or wireless network using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, MoCa, DLNA,
Ethernet or any desired method or standard.
[0035] In an aspect, the second device 105 can have a communication
element 107b. The communication element 107b can comprise software,
hardware, and/or interfaces for presenting and/or receiving
information to/from a user. For example, a user of the second
device 105 can present a request for information via the
communication element 107b. As another example, the communication
element 107b can request or transmit data from/to a local source
and/or a remote source. Specifically, the communication element
107b can transmit a request for information to the linking system
102 to identify the second device 105. As another example, the
communication element 107b can transmit an action/feedback from the
user of the second device 105 or transmit a state of the second
device 105 to the linking system 102. In an aspect, the
communication element 107b can be configured to utilize a wired
and/or wireless network using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, MoCa, DLNA,
Ethernet or any desired method or standard. In an aspect, the
communication element 107a can be configured to use different
hardware, software and/or interface. For example, the communication
element 107a can be configured to utilize a packetized network
compatible communication protocol, whereas the communication
element 107b can be configured to utilize a non-packetized network
compatible communication protocol.
[0036] In an aspect, the first device 104 can be associated with a
user identifier or device identifier 108a. As an example, the
device identifier 108a can be any identifier, token, character,
string, or the like, for differentiating one user or device from
another user or device. In a further aspect, the device identifier
108a can identify a user or user device as belonging to a
particular class of users or user devices. As a further example,
the device identifier 108a can comprise information relating to the
user device, such as a manufacturer, a model or type of device, a
service provider associated with the first device 104, a state of
the first device 104, a locator, and/or a label or classifier.
Other information can be represented by the device identifier 108a.
As an example, the user identifier or device identifier 108a can be
part of the trigger signal. As another example, a content provider
(e.g., content provider 101) can provide first content to first
device 104 according to its user identifier or device identifier
108a. As another example, the user identifier or device identifier
108a can be used by a billing system (e.g., billing system 106) to
authenticate a user or user device (e.g., first device 104).
[0037] In an aspect, the device identifier 108a can comprise an
address element 109a and/or a service element 110a. In an aspect,
the address element 109a can comprise or provide an internet
protocol address, a network address, a media access control (MAC)
address, an Internet address, or the like. As an example, the
address element 109a can be relied upon to establish a
communication session between the first device 104 and other
network devices or systems, such as the content provider 101, the
linking system 102, and/or the network device 103. As a further
example, the address element 109a can be used as an identifier or
locator of the first device 104. In an aspect, the address element
109a can be persistent for a particular network. As an example,
address element 109a can be part of the request for an application
and trigger signal. As another example, a content provider (e.g.,
content provider 101) can provide first content to the first device
104 at its location according to its address element 109a. As
another example, address element 109a can be used by a billing
system (e.g., billing system 106) to authenticate a user or user
device (e.g., first device 104).
[0038] In an aspect, the service element 110a can comprise an
identification of a service provider associated with the respective
device and/or with the class of device. The class of the device can
be related to a type of device, capability of device, type of
service being provided, and/or a level of service (e.g., business
class, service tier, service package, etc.). As an example, the
service element 110a can comprise information relating to or
provided by a content service provider (e.g., content provider 101)
that is providing or enabling data flow such as communication
services to the respective device. As a further example, the
service element 110a can comprise information relating to a
preferred service provider for one or more particular services
relating to the first device 104. In an aspect, the address element
109a can be used to identify or retrieve data from the service
element 110a, or vice versa. As an example, service element 110a
can comprise information of a content provider for a specific user
or device. As another example, service element 110a can comprise
information of pay-per-view service or video on-demand service that
a specific user or device is entitled to access. In an aspect, the
second device 105 can be associated with a user identifier or
device identifier 108b. As an example, the device identifier 108b
can be any identifier, token, character, string, or the like, for
differentiating one user or device from another user or device. In
a further aspect, the device identifier 108b can identify a user or
user device as belonging to a particular class of users or user
devices. As a further example, the device identifier 108b can
comprise information relating to the user device, such as a
manufacturer, a model or type of device, a service provider
associated with the second device 105, a state of the second device
105, a locator, and/or a label or classifier. Other information can
be represented by the device identifier 108b. As an example, the
user identifier or device identifier 108b can be part of the
request for information and request for second content. As another
example, the user identifier or device identifier 108b can be used
by a billing system to authenticate a user or user device. As
another example, a content provider (e.g., content provider 101)
can provide second content to the second device 105 according to
its user identifier or device identifier 108b.
[0039] In an aspect, the device identifier 108b can comprise an
address element 109b and/or a service element 110b. In an aspect,
the address element 109b can comprise or provide an internet
protocol address, a network address, a media access control (MAC)
address, an Internet address, or the like. As an example, the
address element 109b can be relied upon to establish a
communication session between the second device 105 and other
network devices or systems, such as the content provider 101, or
the linking system 102. For example, the content provider 101 can
provide second content to the second device 105 at its location
according to its address element 109b. As a further example, the
address element 109b can be used as an identifier or locator of the
second device 105. In an aspect, the address element 109b can be
persistent for a particular network. As an example, the address
element 109b can be part of the request for information and/or
request for second content. As another example, the address element
109b can be used by a billing system (e.g., billing system 106) to
authenticate a user or user device (e.g., second device 105).
[0040] In an aspect, the service element 110b can comprise an
identification of a service provider associated with the respective
device and/or with the class of device. The class of the device can
be related to a type of device, capability of device, type of
service being provided, and/or a level of service (e.g., business
class, service tier, service package, etc.). As an example, the
service element 10b can comprise information relating to or
provided by a content service provider (e.g., content provider 101)
that is providing or enabling data flow such as communication
services to the respective device. As a further example, the
service element 110b can comprise information relating to a
preferred service provider for one or more particular services
relating to the respective device. In an aspect, the address
element 109b can be used to identify or retrieve data from the
service element 110b, or vice versa. As an example, the service
element 110a can comprise information of content provider for a
specific user or device (e.g. second device 105). As another
example, the service element 110b can comprise information
regarding pay-per-view service or video on-demand service that a
specific user or device is entitled to access.
[0041] In an aspect, a database 111 can be configured for storing a
plurality of files (e.g., web pages), user identifiers, device
identifiers, records, or other information. For example, the
database 111 can store information relating to the first device 104
and the second device 105, such as the device identifiers 108a,b,
address elements 109a,b and/or the service elements 110a,b.
Specifically, the linking system 102 can obtain the device
identifier 108a of a first device 104 and retrieve information from
the database 111 such as the address element 109a and/or the
service elements 110a of the first device 104. As another example,
the linking system 102 can obtain the device identifier 108b of a
second device 105 and retrieve information from the database 111
such as the address element 109b and/or the service elements 110b
of the second device 105. As a further example, the linking system
102 can obtain the address element 109a from a first device 104 and
can retrieve the service element 110a of the first device from the
database 111, or vice versa. Any information can be stored in and
retrieved from the database 111. In an aspect, the database 111 can
be disposed remotely from the linking system 102 and accessed via
direct or indirect connection. In another aspect, the database 111
can be integrated with the linking system 102 or some other device
or system.
[0042] In an aspect, the linking system 102 can have a
communication element 107c. The communication element 107c can
comprise software, hardware, and/or interfaces for transmitting
and/or receiving information to/from the first device 104, the
second device 105, the network device 103, and the billing system
102. For example, the communication element 107c can receive a
request an application (e.g., an EBIF application) from the first
device 104. As another example, the communication element 107c can
transmit the requested application to the first device 104 via the
network device 103. As another example, the communication element
107c can receive a request for information from the communication
element 107b of the second device 105. As another example, the
communication element 107c can receive an action/feedback from the
user of the second device 105 or operating state of the second
device 105. As another example, the communication element 107c can
transmit a message to the first device 104 to indicate that a
second device 105 cannot be found. In an aspect, the communication
element 107c can be configured to utilize a wired and/or wireless
network using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, MoCa, DLNA, Ethernet or any desired
method or standard.
[0043] In an aspect, the network connection between the content
provider 101 and the second device 105 can comprise a packet
switched network (e.g., internet protocol based network). The
network connection between the second device 105 and the linking
system 102 can comprise a packet switched network (e.g., internet
protocol based network). The network connection between the content
provider 101 and the first device 104 can comprise a non-packet
switched network (e.g., QAM network). The network connection
between the first device 104 and the network device 103 can
comprise an out-of-band (OOB) portion (e.g., OOB network, channel,
frequency) in a non-packet switched network (e.g., QAM network).
The network between the network device 103 and the linking system
102 can comprise a packet switched network (e.g., IP network). For
example, the first device 104 can transmit a trigger signal to the
network device 103 via an OOB portion (e.g., OOB network, channel,
frequency) in a QAM channel. The network device 103 can transmit
the trigger signal to the linking system 102 via an IP network. In
an aspect, the OOB portion (e.g., OOB network, channel, frequency)
can comprise an ALOHA network or a digital audio visual council
(DAVIC) network. By way of example, the information contained in
the trigger signal can be carried in one asynchronous transfer mode
(ATM) cell of ALOHA network or two ATM cells of DAVIC network. In
an aspect, the network connection can comprise network adapters,
switches, routers, and the like connected through wireless links
(e.g., radio frequency, satellite) and/or physical links (e.g.,
fiber optic cable, coaxial cable. Ethernet cable).
[0044] In an aspect, the communication between the devices and
systems in FIG. 1 can be implemented to operate over hypertext
transfer protocol (HTTP), Transmission Control Protocol (TCP),
Internet Protocol (IP), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Telnet,
Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS), Session Initiation
Protocol (SIP), Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP), Extensible
Mark-up Language (XML) and variations thereof, Simple Mail Transfer
Protocol (SMTP). Real-Time Transport Protocol (RTP), Remote Desktop
Protocol (RDP), Advanced Remote Desktop Protocol (ARDP), User
Datagram Protocol (UDP), Global System for Mobile Communications
(GSM) technologies, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)
technologies. Evolution Data Optimized Protocol (EVDO), Internet
Group Management Protocol (IGMP), Real Time Streaming Protocol
(RTSP), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) technologies, radio
frequency (RF) signaling technologies, wireless communication
technologies (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.) and other suitable
communications technologies.
[0045] FIG. 2 illustrates various aspects of an exemplary data
flow. In an aspect, the first device 104 can receive first content
from the content provider 101 via a non-packetized network (e.g.,
QAM network). The first content can comprise one or more trigger
elements. As an example, the first content can be a television show
or movie, a video clip, an advertisement, an electronic game, and
the like. One or more trigger elements can be markers linked to
enhanced features of the first content. In an aspect, markers can
be in the form of patterns of dots or squares, codes, graphics,
numbers, letters, and the like, inserted at specific scene or time
instance in the first content. An application running on the first
device 104 can process the markers and/or cause some operation to
be performed based on the markers. For example, as a result of
marker consumption or execution, a pointer (e.g., timeline
indicating current scene of the first content playing at the first
device 104) can be wrapped in a trigger signal. As an example, one
or more enhanced features can comprise a knowledge base of a
character such as a plot summary associated with the character,
quotes of the character, biography information of actor/actress who
plays the character. Enhanced features can comprise advertisements,
promotions, interactive purchasing opportunities, highlighting
points, and/or polling points. The enhanced features can relate to
a specific scene, character, and/or time instance in the first
content. As another example, the one or more enhanced features can
comprise information on content length, content title, content
provider, content type (e.g., pay-per-view content, video on demand
content), content format (e.g., digital, analog), content
identifier (e.g., content id), content release date, content update
frequency, content category (e.g., romance, comedy, etc.), content
rating (e.g., PG, R, PG-13), the price for ordering the content,
content viewing history, and the like. In an aspect, the enhanced
features can be deployed at the content provider 101. In another
aspect, the enhanced features can be deployed at the Linking System
102.
[0046] In an aspect, the first device 104 can request an
application from the linking system 102. Upon the request from the
first device 104, the linking system 102 can transmit the
application to the first device 104. When the application is
running at the first device 104, the application can consume and
execute trigger elements embedded in the first content. In an
aspect, the execution of trigger elements can send a pointer (e.g.
timeline indicating current scene of the first content playing at
the first device 104) as a trigger signal to the linking system
102, so that the linking system 102 can be informed of the second
content to be requested, and deliver the second content to the
second device 105.
[0047] In another aspect, the user of the first device 104 can
select (e.g., consume, execute) trigger elements. For example, the
user of the first device 104 can select from a list of items
displayed at the first device 104. An input or action from user of
the first device 104 can be wrapped in a trigger signal and
transmitted to the linking system 102 for the preparation of second
content to be delivered to the second device 105. Upon the
selection of the trigger elements embedded in the first content, a
trigger signal can be transmitted from the first device 104 to the
network device 103. The trigger signal can be further relayed from
the network device 103 to the linking system 102 via a packetized
network (e.g., IP network). As an example, the trigger signal can
be transmitted by a remote desktop protocol (RDP) or advanced
remote desktop protocol (ARDP). In an aspect, the trigger signal
can comprise a device identifier associated with the first device
104 (e.g., device identifier 108a), a linkage message, and one or
more indices associated with one or more trigger elements in the
first content. As an example, the identifier of the first device
104 can comprise the network address (e.g., MAC address) of the
first device 104. The linkage message can be a code (e.g., one byte
code 0xAA) as an indication for the linking system 102 to associate
a request for information from the second device 105 with the
trigger signal from the first device 104. For example, the linkage
message can be an indication for the linking system 102 to look for
a user identifier in the request for information that matches the
user identifier in the trigger signal. As another example, the
indices associated with one or more trigger elements in the first
content can comprise indices of a knowledge base of specific
characters or performers in the first content, advertisements,
promotions, purchasing opportunities, interest points, highlighting
points, polling points, or coupons related to a specific scene,
character, or time instance in the first content. As another
example, the indices associated with one or more trigger elements
in the first content can comprise indices of information on content
length, content title, content provider, content type (e.g. pay per
view content, video on demand content), content format (e.g.,
digital, analog), content identifier (e.g., content id), content
release date, content update frequency, content category (e.g.
romance, comedy, etc.), content rating (e.g. PG, R, PG-13), the
price for ordering the first content, content viewing history, and
the like.
[0048] In an aspect, the linking system 102 can receive a request
for information from a second device 105. As an example, the
request for information can be initiated by a user logging into a
customer or subscriber account of the content provider 101 via the
second device 105. The request for information can be made by input
on the keypad or voice command through the communication element
107b of the second device 105. As an example, the request for
information can comprise a user identifier (e.g., user account
information or login credentials as a customer or subscriber of the
content provider 101) and/or device identifier associated with the
second device 105 (e.g., device identifier 108b, address element
109b).
[0049] Upon receiving the request for information from a second
device 105, the linking system 102 can associate the request for
information from the second device 105 with the trigger signal from
the first device 104. For example, the linking system 102 can
determine if the user identifier in the request for information
matches the user identifier in the trigger signal. As another
example, the linking system 102 can determine if the user and/or
device identifier in the request for information and the user
and/or device identifier in the trigger signal are associated with
a same user. When the user and/or device identifier in the request
for information matches the identifier in the trigger signal, the
request for information and the trigger signal can be
associated.
[0050] In an aspect, the linking system 102 can authenticate the
user of the first device 104 and/or the first device 104 by
transmitting a portion of the trigger signal (e.g., user
identifier, device identifier of the first device 104) to the
billing system 106. The billing system 106 can determine whether a
user identifier (e.g., user account information as a subscriber or
customer of a content provider 101) or device identifier of the
first device 104 (e.g., device identifier 108a) is entitled to
access the second content. In an aspect, the linking system 102 can
authenticate the user of the second device 105 and/or the second
device 105 by transmitting all or a portion of the request for
information (e.g., user identifier, device identifier of the second
device 105) to the billing system 106. The linking system 102 can
determine if the device identifier in the request for information
and the device identifier in the trigger signal are associated with
the same user.
[0051] In an aspect, the linking system 102 can transmit a request
for second content to the content provider 101. As an example, the
request for second content can comprise indices associated with one
or more trigger elements in the first content. In addition, the
request for second content can comprise a user identifier and/or
device identifier of the second device 105. In an aspect, the
linking system 102 can transmit a request for second content to the
content provider 101 and receive the second content from content
provider 101. In turn, the linking system 102 can transmit the
second content to the second device 105 according to the user
identifier and/or device identifier (e.g., device identifier 108b).
The second content can be transmitted from the content provider 101
to the second device 105 directly or via the linking system 102.
When the second content is deployed in the linking system 102, the
second content can be transmitted from the linking system 102 to
the second device 105.
[0052] As an illustrative example, a multi-screen user can elect to
receive first content via a first device (e.g., first device 104)
such as a digital communication terminal or digital cable terminal
(DCT) set-top box (STB). For example, the multi-screen user can
tune to a particular content channel to access the first content.
In an aspect, the first content can comprise one or more embedded
trigger elements. In another aspect, the DCT STB can make a request
for an application from a linking system (e.g., linking system
102), such as a link application server, and the requested
application can be received at the DCT STB. The multi-screen user
can register a second device by launching a second-screen
application (e.g., tablet link application) and providing customer
or subscriber account information via the second device. As a
result, a request for information can be transmitted from the
second device to the linking system. The request for information
can comprise a user identifier and/or a device identifier
associated with the second device. In an aspect, registration of
the second device with a particular user, account, and/or
identifier can be maintained on and/or by the linking system.
[0053] The multi-screen user can select one or more trigger
elements in the first content via the requested application on the
DCT STB. The selection can cause the DCT STB to send a trigger
signal (e.g., application request) to the linking system, for
example, via a network device such as a network controller. For
example, in a DAVIC network, the linking system can listen to a
designated port to receive triggering signals. Specifically, a user
agent running at the DCT STB can have a hostname associated with
the linking system configured as the destination of triggering
signals. As an example, the trigger signal can comprise an
application ID, MAC address of DCT STB, and/or other data (e.g.,
information relating to one or more trigger elements in the first
content, a linkage message such as "link app," and the like). The
linking system can receive the trigger signal with the linkage
message of "link app" and can search for a user identifier from the
second device (e.g., IP-enabled device) that matches the user
and/or device identifier (e.g., MAC address of DCT STB) in the
trigger signal. In an aspect, a plurality of sub-application
servers running on the linking system can handle particular content
or a type of content. For example, when the linking system detects
a particular code in the trigger signal, it can associate the
particular code with particular content or a type of content. A
respective sub-application server can be identified to handle the
trigger signals with a particular code. In an aspect, the linking
system can communicate with a billing server based on information
in the trigger signal and can request information to determine
whether the multi-screen user associated with the DCT STB is the
same as the multi-screen user associated with second device. In an
aspect, the linking system can transmit an entitlement confirmation
to the second device to confirm that the second device is entitled
to access the second content. The confirmation message can be
maintained on the second device. In an aspect, the linking system
can send a message to the DCT STB to indicate that a second device
is not found. In turn, the application running on the DCT STB can
stop execution of the trigger elements and can stop transmitting
the trigger signal to the linking system.
[0054] The registered second device can be used to receive the
second content from a content provider directly or via the linking
system. If the second content is deployed via the linking system,
the registered second device can receive the second content from
the linking system. In an aspect, receiving the second content can
be on based on an independent timing mechanism relating to the
transmitting device and/or the receiving device. In another aspect,
a synchronizing mechanism can be used to synchronize between the
delivery of the first content and the second content.
[0055] In an aspect, one or more content providers can provide
trigger elements that relate to one or more of the first and second
content. As an example, a user watching sports via the DCT STB can
be presented with a trigger element associated with a particular
player in the sports programming. Upon activation of the trigger
element, second content relating to the player in the sports
programming of the first content can be displayed via the second
device. As a further example, the content provided can configure
any number of trigger elements to cause various second content
items to be presented via the second device.
[0056] FIG. 3 is flowchart illustrating an example method for
linking content. At step 302, first content can be transmitted to a
first device via a non-packetized network. As an example, first
content can be transmitted from the content provider 101 to the
first device 104 via a non-packetized network. The first content
can be a television show, a movie, a video clip, an advertisement,
an electronic game, and the like. In an aspect, the first device
104 can be a device or system capable of accessing a non-packetized
network, but may not be capable of accessing the enhanced features
associated with the first content because the non-packetized
network may have limited out-of-band (OOB) bandwidth. As an
example, the first device 104 can comprise a set-top box,
television, communication terminals or the like. In an aspect, the
non-packetized network can be a QAM network. In an aspect, the
first content can comprise one or more trigger elements. For
example, one or more trigger elements can comprise markers linked
to enhanced features associated with the first content. In an
aspect, markers can be in the form of patterns of dots or squares,
codes, graphics, numbers, letters, and the like inserted at a
specific scene or time instance in the first content. In an aspect,
the enhanced features can comprise a knowledge base of specific
characters or performers in the first content, advertisements,
promotions, purchasing opportunities, interest points, highlighting
points, polling points or coupons related to a specific scene,
character or time instance in the first content. As another
example, the enhanced features can comprise information on content
length, content title, content provider, content type (e.g.
pay-per-view content, video on demand content), content format
(e.g., digital, analog), content identifier (e.g., content id),
content release date, content update frequency, content category
(e.g. romance, comedy, etc.), content rating (e.g. PG, R, PG-13),
the price for ordering the first content, content viewing history,
and the like.
[0057] At step 304, a request for second content can be received.
As an example, the content provider 101 can receive the request for
second content from the linking system 102. As an example, a user
of the first device 104 can select one or more trigger elements in
the first content and a trigger signal can be transmitted from the
first device 104 to the linking system 102. Upon receiving the
trigger signal, the linking system 102 can associate a request for
information from a second device 105 with the trigger signal. Based
upon the trigger signal from the first device 104 and the request
for information from the second device 105, the linking system 102
can transmit a request for second content to the content provider
101. In an aspect, the request for second content can comprise
information relating to one or more trigger elements (e.g., indices
associated with one or more trigger elements of the first content)
and the user and/or device identifier associated with the second
device 105. In an aspect, the second content can be deployed in the
linking system 102, in this case, the linking system 102 does not
need to transmit the request for second content to the content
provider 101.
[0058] At step 306, second content can be transmitted to the second
device via a packetized network. In an aspect, the second content
can be transmitted from the content provider 101 to the second
device 105 directly or via the linking system 102. In another
aspect, the second content can be transmitted from the linking
system 102 to the second device 105. In an aspect, the second
content can comprise enhanced features associated with the first
content. As an example, the enhanced features can comprise a
knowledge base of specific characters or performers in the first
content, advertisements, promotions, purchasing opportunities,
interest points, highlighting points, polling points, or coupons
related to a specific scene, character, or time instance in the
first content. As another example, the enhanced features can
comprise information on content length, content title, content
provider, content type (e.g. pay-per-view content, video on demand
content), content format (e.g., digital, analog), content
identifier (e.g., content id), content release date, content update
frequency, content category (e.g. romance, comedy, etc.), content
rating (e.g. PG, R, PG-13), the price for ordering the first
content, content viewing history, and the like. In an aspect, a
second device 105 can be a device or system that is capable of
accessing a packetized network (e.g., IP network). The second
device 105 can be used to access the enhanced features relating to
the first content, because the first device 104 may not able to
access the enhanced features. As an example, the second device 105
can comprise a set-top box, programmable consumer electronic, smart
phone, computer, tablet, mobile device, PDA, smart TV set, vehicle
entertainment system, communications terminal or the like.
[0059] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating another example method
for linking content. At step 402, first content can be received via
a non-packetized network at a first device. As an example, first
content can be transmitted from the content provider 101 to the
first device 104 via a non-packetized network. Specifically, the
non-packetized network can be a QAM network. As an example, the
first content can be a television show, a movie, a video clip, an
advertisement, an electronic game, and the like. In an aspect, the
first content can comprise one or more trigger elements. For
example, one or more trigger elements can comprise markers linked
to the enhanced features associated with the first content. In an
aspect, markers can be in the form of patterns of dots or squares,
codes, graphics, numbers, letters, and the like, inserted at
specific scene or time instance in the first content. In an aspect,
the enhanced features can comprise a knowledge base of specific
characters or performers in the first content, advertisements,
promotions, purchasing opportunities, interest points, highlighting
points, polling points, or coupons related to a specific scene,
character, or time instance in the first content. As another
example, the enhanced features can comprise information on content
length, content title, content provider, content type (e.g.
pay-per-view content, video on demand content), content format
(e.g., digital, analog), content identifier (e.g., content id),
content release date, content update frequency, content category
(e.g. romance, comedy, etc.), content rating (e.g. PG, R, PG-13),
the price for ordering the first content, content viewing history,
and the like. In an aspect, the first device 104 can be a device or
system capable of accessing a non-packetized network (e.g., QAM
network), but may not be capable of accessing the enhanced features
associated with the first content because the non-packetized
network may have limited out-of-band (OOB) bandwidth. As an
example, the first device 104 can comprise a set-top box,
television, communication terminals or the like. The non-packetized
network can be a QAM network. In an aspect, the first device 104
can be associated with a device identifier (e.g., device identifier
108a). As an example, the device identifier can be MAC address of
the first device 104.
[0060] At step 404, a trigger signal can be transmitted via an
out-of-band (OOB) portion (e.g., OOB network, channel, frequency)
of the non-packetized network. As an example, a user of the first
device 104 can select one or more trigger elements in the first
content, and in turn, a trigger signal can be transmitted from the
first device 104 to the linking system 102. In an aspect, the first
device 104 can transmit a trigger signal to the network device 103
via an OOB portion (e.g., OOB network, channel, frequency) of the
non-packetized network, and the network device 103 can further
relay the trigger signal to the linking system 102 via a packetized
network (e.g., IP network). As an example, the trigger signal can
be transmitted by a remote desktop protocol (RDP) or advanced
remote desktop protocol (ARDP). In an aspect, the trigger signal
can comprise a user identifier (e.g., user account information or
login credentials as a customer or subscriber of a content
provider), and/or device identifier associated with the first
device 104, a linkage message, and information relating to one or
more trigger elements in the first content. As an example, the
device identifier of the first device 104 can comprise the network
address (e.g., MAC address) of the first device 104. The linkage
message can be a code (e.g., one byte code 0xAA) as an indication
for the linking system 102 to associate a request for information
from a second device 105 with the trigger signal from the first
device 104. For example, the linkage message can be an indication
for the linking system 102 to look for a user identifier in the
request for information that matches the user identifier in the
trigger signal. As another example, information relating to one or
more trigger elements in the first content can be indices
associated with one or more trigger elements. For example, the
indices associated with one or more trigger elements can comprise
indices of a knowledge base of specific characters or performers in
the first content, advertisements, promotions, purchasing
opportunities, interest points, highlighting points, polling points
or coupons related to a specific scene, character or time instance
in the first content. As another example, the indices associated
with one or more trigger elements can comprise indices of
information on content length, content title, content provider,
content type (e.g. pay-per-view content, video on demand content),
content format (e.g., digital, analog), content identifier (e.g.,
content id), content release date, content update frequency,
content category (e.g. romance, comedy, etc.), content rating (e.g.
PG, R, PG-13), the price for ordering the first content, content
viewing history, and the like.
[0061] As a specific example, the format of the trigger signal can
be a linkage message identifier (4 bits), version (4 bits), MAC
address (6 bytes), reserved (4 bits), signal type (4 bits),
organization identifier (3 bytes), application identifier (4
bytes), major version (4 bits), minor version (4 bits) trigger
signal identifier (2 bytes), payload (4 bytes), or a combination
thereof. As an example, the linkage message identifier can be a
fixed one byte value such as 0xAA. Version can comprise version
value of a specific trigger signal format; it can start from zero.
MAC address can comprise the MAC address of the first device.
Reserved can indicate usage of the trigger signal. Signal type can
be defined for a specific action. For example, the signal type of
0x0 can be defined as a command to automatically execute an
application. The signal type of 0x1 can be defined as a command to
automatically execute an application with an indexed page defined
at the first byte of a payload. The signal type of 0x3 can be
defined as a command to automatically execute an application with
an indexed page defined at the first byte of a payload while the
remaining three payload bytes can hold a value of a default
variable. The signal type of 0x4 can be defined as a command to
automatically preview an application with a payload of 4 bytes, and
hold a value of the default variable. The signal type of 0xA can be
defined as using a customized definition from the 4 payload bytes.
The signal type of 0xB, 0xC, 0xD, 0xE and 0xF can be reserved modes
for the protocol for transmitting the trigger signal. The reserved
mode can be for verification, diagnostic, or other internal usage.
Organization identifier can be an identifier assigned by the
organization to which the application is associated. Application
identifier can be an application identifier assigned by an
organization. Major Version can be a major version number of an
application; the default value can be set to zero. Minor Version
can be a minor version number of an application; the default value
can be set to one. Trigger identifier can be a trigger identifier
associated with a specific application; the default value can be
set to one. Payload can be a value or code specific to a trigger
signal. For example, payload may contain an indicator of a
particular trigger element in the first content. The indicator can
enable the linking system 102 to associate the particular trigger
element to a respective enhanced feature as the second content.
[0062] The trigger signal can utilize a portion of OOB bandwidth of
a non-packetized network that does not negatively impact
performance. As an example, in a specific format, the trigger
signal can comprise 22 bytes. In an aspect, the trigger signal can
be contained in a single ATM cell in an ALOHA network with GXP
framework or the like. GXP can be a layer of information that may
or may not present in the ATM cell. For example, the cell structure
can be PID (1 byte) des IP(4 bytes) des Port(2 bytes) source Port
(2 bytes) [GXP(12)trigger signal (22)] PAD(0) ML( ) CRC(4)=48
bytes. In another aspect, the trigger signal can be contained in
two ATM cells in DAVIC (using TCP) with or without GXP. For
example, the cell structure can be: [[LLC (8) [IP (20) TCP (20) GXP
(12) Trigger signal (22)]] PAD(6) CRC(8)]=96 bytes=2*48 bytes.
[0063] In an aspect, the trigger signal can facilitate the
transmission of second content to a second device (e.g., second
device 105) via a packetized network (e.g., IP network) and the
second content can relate to one or more trigger elements of the
first content. For example, upon receiving the trigger signal, the
linking system 102 can associate a request for information from the
second device 105 and the trigger signal from the first device 104.
Based upon the request for information and the trigger signal, a
request for the second content can be transmitted from the linking
system 102 to the content provider 101, and in turn, the content
provider 101 can provide the second content to the second device
105 directly or via the linking system 102. When the second content
is deployed at the linking system 102, the second content can be
transmitted from the linking system to the second device 105.
[0064] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating yet another example
method for linking content. At step 502, a trigger signal can be
received. In an aspect, the trigger signal can be transmitted from
the first device 104 to the linking system 102 via a packetized
network (e.g., IP network). As an example, the trigger signal can
be transmitted by a remote desktop protocol (RDP) or advanced
remote desktop protocol (ARDP). In an aspect, the trigger signal
can comprise a user identifier (e.g., user account information or
login credentials as a customer or subscriber of a content
provider), and/or device identifier associated with the first
device 104, a linkage message, and information relating to one or
more trigger elements in the first content. As an example, the
device identifier of the first device 104 can comprise the network
address (e.g., MAC address) of the first device 104. The linkage
message can be a code (e.g., one byte code 0xAA) as an indication
for the linking system 102 to associate a request for information
from a second device 105 with the trigger signal from the first
device 104. For example, the linkage message can be an indication
for the linking system 102 to look for a user identifier in the
request for information that matches the user identifier in the
trigger signal. For example, the indices associated with one or
more trigger elements can comprise indices of a knowledge base of
specific characters or performers in the first content,
advertisements, promotions, purchasing opportunities, interest
points, highlighting points, polling points or coupons related to a
specific scene, character or time instance in the first content. As
another example, the indices associated with one or more trigger
elements can comprise indices of information on content length,
content title, content provider, content type (e.g. pay-per-view
content, video on demand content), content format (e.g., digital,
analog), content identifier (e.g., content id), content release
date, content update frequency, content category (e.g. romance,
comedy, etc.), content rating (e.g. PG, R, PG-13), the price for
ordering the first content, content viewing history, and the
like.
[0065] At step 504, a request for information can be received from
a second device. In an aspect, the linking system 102 can receive
the request for information from the second device 105. As an
example, the request for information can be initiated by a user
logging into a customer or subscriber account of the content
provider 101 via the second device 105. As an example, the request
for information can comprise a user identifier (e.g., user account
information or login credentials as a customer or subscriber of the
content provider 101) and/or device identifier of the second device
105 (e.g., device identifier 108b, address element 109b). In an
aspect, a second device 105 can be a device or system that is
capable of accessing a packetized network channel (e.g., IP
network). As such, the second device 105 can be used to access the
enhanced features associated with the first content, wherein the
first content is being provided to the first device 104. As an
example, the second device 105 can comprise a set-top box,
programmable consumer electronic, smart phone, computer, tablet,
mobile device, PDA, smart TV set, vehicle entertainment system,
communications terminal, and the like.
[0066] At step 506, the request for information and the trigger
signal can be associated. In an aspect, the linking system 102 can
receive a trigger signal from the first device 104. As an example,
the linking system 102 can determine whether the user identifier in
the request for information matches the user identifier in the
trigger signal. As another example, the linking system 102 can
determine if the device identifier in the request for information
and the device identifier in the trigger signal are associated with
the same user. If the user and/or device identifier in the request
for information matches the user and/or device identifier in the
trigger signal, the request for information and the trigger signal
can be associated. In an aspect, the linking system 102 can
transmit all or a portion of the request for information (e.g.,
user identifier, device identifier of the first device 104 and
second device 105) to the billing system 106 for user and/or device
authentication. The linking system 102 can thereby determine
whether the user associated with the second device 105 is the same
user associated with the first device 104 and/or whether the first
device 104 and the second device 105 are associated with the same
user.
[0067] At step 508, a request for second content can be
transmitted. In an aspect, based on the request for information
from the second device 105 and the trigger signal from the first
device 104, a request for second content can be transmitted from
the linking system 102 to the content provider 101. As an example,
the request for second content can comprise information relating to
one or more trigger elements in the first content and the user
and/or device identifier associated with the second device 105. For
example, the information relating to one or more trigger elements
in the first content can be indices associated with one or more
trigger elements of the first content. In an aspect, the second
content can be deployed in the linking system 102, in this case,
the linking system 102 does not need to transmit the request for
second content to the content provider 101.
[0068] At step 510, the second content can be transmitted to the
second device. In an aspect, upon receiving the request for second
content, the content provider 101 can transmit the second content
to the second device 105 via a packetized network (e.g., IP
network). The content provider 101 can transmit the second content
to the second device 105 directly or via the linking system 102. In
case the second content is deployed in the linking system 102, the
second content can be transmitted from the linking system 102 to
the second device 105. For example, the second content can comprise
the enhanced features associated with the first content. As an
example, the enhanced features can comprise a knowledge base of
specific characters or performers in the first content,
advertisements, promotions, purchasing opportunities, interest
points, highlighting points, polling points or coupons related to a
specific scene, character or time instance in the first content. As
another example, the enhanced features can comprise information on
content length, content title, content provider, content type (e.g.
pay-per-view content, video on demand content), content format
(e.g., digital, analog), content identifier (e.g., content id),
content release date, content update frequency, content category
(e.g. romance, comedy, etc.), content rating (e.g. PG, R, PG-13),
the price for ordering the first content, content viewing history,
and the like
[0069] In an exemplary aspect, the methods and systems can be
implemented on a computer 601 as illustrated in FIG. 6 and
described below. By way of example, the computer 601 as illustrated
in FIG. 6 can be the first device 104 and/or the second device 105
of FIG. 1. As another example, the remote computing devices
614a,b,c in FIG. 6 can be the content provider 101, linking system
102, network device 103, first device 104, second device 105, or
billing system 106. Similarly, the methods and systems disclosed
can utilize one or more computers to perform one or more functions
in one or more locations. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an
exemplary operating environment for performing the disclosed
methods. This exemplary operating environment is only an example of
an operating environment and is not intended to suggest any
limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of operating
environment architecture. Neither should the operating environment
be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to
any one or combination of components illustrated in the exemplary
operating environment.
[0070] The present methods and systems can be operational with
numerous other general purpose or special purpose computing system
environments or configurations. Examples of well known computing
systems, environments, and/or configurations that can be suitable
for use with the systems and methods comprise, but are not limited
to, personal computers, server computers, laptop devices, and
multiprocessor systems. Additional examples comprise set top boxes,
programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers,
mainframe computers, distributed computing environments that
comprise any of the above systems or devices, and the like.
[0071] The processing of the disclosed methods and systems can be
performed by software components. The disclosed systems and methods
can be described in the general context of computer-executable
instructions, such as program modules, being executed by one or
more computers or other devices. Generally, program modules
comprise computer code, routines, programs, objects, components,
data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement
particular abstract data types. The disclosed methods can also be
practiced in grid-based and distributed computing environments
where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are
linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing
environment, program modules can be located in both local and
remote computer storage media including memory storage devices.
[0072] Further, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the
systems and methods disclosed herein can be implemented via a
general-purpose computing device in the form of a computer 601. The
components of the computer 601 can comprise, but are not limited
to, one or more processors or processing units 603, a system memory
612, and a system bus 613 that couples various system components
including the processor 603 to the system memory 612. In the case
of multiple processors 603, the system can utilize parallel
computing.
[0073] The system bus 613 represents one or more of several
possible types of bus structures, including a memory bus or memory
controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and a
processor or local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures.
By way of example, such architectures can comprise an Industry
Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, a Micro Channel Architecture (MCA)
bus, an Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, a Video Electronics Standards
Association (VESA) local bus, an Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP)
bus, and a Peripheral Component Interconnects (PCI), a PCI-Express
bus, a Personal Computer Memory Card Industry Association (PCMCIA),
Universal Serial Bus (USB), and the like. The bus 613, and all
buses specified in this description can also be implemented over a
wired or wireless network connection and each of the subsystems,
including the processor 603, a mass storage device 604, an
operating system 605, content processing software 606, content data
607, a network adapter 608, system memory 612, an Input/Output
Interface 610, a display adapter 609, a display device 611, and a
human machine interface 602, can be contained within one or more
remote computing devices 614a,b,c at physically separate locations,
connected through buses of this form, in effect implementing a
fully distributed system.
[0074] The computer 601 typically comprises a variety of computer
readable media. Exemplary readable media can be any available media
that is accessible by the computer 601 and comprises, for example
and not meant to be limiting, both volatile and non-volatile media,
removable and non-removable media. The system memory 612 comprises
computer readable media in the form of volatile memory, such as
random access memory (RAM), and/or non-volatile memory, such as
read only memory (ROM). The system memory 612 typically contains
data, such as content data 607 and/or program modules, such as
operating system 605 and content processing software 606 that are
immediately accessible to and/or are presently operated on by the
processor 603.
[0075] In another aspect, the computer 601 can also comprise other
removable/non-removable, volatile/non-volatile computer storage
media. By way of example, FIG. 6 illustrates a mass storage device
604 that can provide non-volatile storage of computer code,
computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules,
and other data for the computer 601. For example and not meant to
be limiting, a mass storage device 604 can be a hard disk, a
removable magnetic disk, a removable optical disk, magnetic
cassettes or other magnetic storage devices, flash memory cards,
CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage,
random access memories (RAM), read only memories (ROM),
electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and
the like.
[0076] Optionally, any number of program modules can be stored on
the mass storage device 604, including by way of example, an
operating system 605 and content processing software 606. Each of
the operating system 605 and content processing software 606 (or
some combination thereof) can comprise elements of the programming
and the content processing software 606. Content data 607 can also
be stored on the mass storage device 604. Content data 607 can be
stored in any of one or more databases known in the art. Examples
of such databases comprise, DB2.RTM., Microsoft.RTM. Access,
Microsoft.RTM. SQL Server, Oracle.RTM., mySQL, PostgreSQL, and the
like. The databases can be centralized or distributed across
multiple systems.
[0077] In another aspect, the user can enter commands and
information into the computer 601 via an input device (not shown).
Examples of such input devices comprise, but are not limited to, a
keyboard, pointing device (e.g., a "mouse"), a microphone, a
joystick, a scanner, tactile input devices, such as gloves, and
other body coverings, and the like These and other input devices
can be connected to the processor 603 via a human machine interface
602 that is coupled to the system bus 613, but can be connected by
other interface and bus structures, such as a parallel port, game
port, an IEEE 1394 Port (also known as a Firewire port), a serial
port, or a universal serial bus (USB).
[0078] In yet another aspect, a display device 611 can also be
connected to the system bus 613 via an interface, such as a display
adapter 609. It is contemplated that the computer 601 can have more
than one display adapter 609 and the computer 601 can have more
than one display device 611. For example, a display device can be a
monitor, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), or a projector. In
addition to the display device 611, other output peripheral devices
can comprise components, such as speakers (not shown) and a printer
(not shown) that can be connected to the computer 601 via
Input/Output Interface 610. Any step and/or result of the methods
can be output in any form to an output device. Such output can be
any form of visual representation, including, but not limited to,
textual, graphical, animation, audio, tactile, and the like. The
display 611 and computer 601 can be part of one device, or separate
devices.
[0079] The computer 601 can operate in a networked environment
using logical connections to one or more remote computing devices
614a,b,c. By way of example, a remote computing device can be a
personal computer, portable computer, smartphone, a server, a
router, a network computer, a peer device or other common network
node, and so on. Logical connections between the computer 601 and a
remote computing device 614a,b,c can be made via a network 615,
such as a local area network (LAN) and/or a general wide area
network (WAN). Such network connections can be through a network
adapter 608. A network adapter 608 can be implemented in both wired
and wireless environments. Such networking environments are
conventional and commonplace in dwellings, offices, enterprise-wide
computer networks, intranets, and the Internet.
[0080] For purposes of illustration, application programs and other
executable program components, such as the operating system 605 are
illustrated herein as discrete blocks, although it is recognized
that such programs and components reside at various times in
different storage components of the computing device 601, and are
executed by the data processor(s) of the computer. An
implementation of content processing software 606 can be stored on
or transmitted across some form of computer readable media. Any of
the disclosed methods can be performed by computer readable
instructions embodied on computer readable media. Computer readable
media can be any available media that can be accessed by a
computer. By way of example and not meant to be limiting, computer
readable media can comprise "computer storage media" and
"communications media." "Computer storage media" comprise volatile
and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in
any methods or technology for storage of information, such as
computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules,
or other data. Exemplary computer storage media comprises, but is
not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory
technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical
storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage
or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be
used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by
a computer.
[0081] The methods and systems can employ artificial intelligence
(AI) techniques, such as machine learning and iterative learning.
Examples of such techniques include, but are not limited to, expert
systems, case based reasoning, Bayesian networks, behavior based
AI, neural networks, fuzzy systems, evolutionary computation (e.g.
genetic algorithms), swarm intelligence (e.g. ant algorithms), and
hybrid intelligent systems (e.g. Expert inference rules generated
through a neural network or production rules from statistical
learning).
[0082] The present methods and systems can be operational with
numerous other general purpose or special purpose computing system
environments or configurations. Examples of well known computing
systems, environments, and/or configurations that can be suitable
for use with the systems and methods comprise, but are not limited
to, personal computers, server computers, laptop devices, and
multiprocessor systems. Additional examples comprise set top boxes,
programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers,
mainframe computers, distributed computing environments that
comprise any of the above systems or devices, and the like.
[0083] The processing of the disclosed methods and systems can be
performed by software components. The disclosed systems and methods
can be described in the general context of computer-executable
instructions, such as program modules, being executed by one or
more computers or other devices. Generally, program modules
comprise computer code, routines, programs, objects, components,
data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement
particular abstract data types. The disclosed methods can also be
practiced in grid-based and distributed computing environments
where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are
linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing
environment, program modules can be located in both local and
remote computer storage media including memory storage devices.
[0084] While the methods and systems have been described in
connection with preferred embodiments and specific examples, it is
not intended that the scope be limited to the particular
embodiments set forth, as the embodiments herein are intended in
all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive.
[0085] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended
that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its
steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method
claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps
or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or
descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order,
it is no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect.
This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation,
including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or
operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical
organization or punctuation; the number or type of embodiments
described in the specification.
[0086] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made without departing from the
scope or spirit. Other embodiments will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and
practice disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification
and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and
spirit being indicated by the following claims.
* * * * *