U.S. patent application number 15/985890 was filed with the patent office on 2019-11-28 for system for active-focus prediction in 360 video.
This patent application is currently assigned to AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.. The applicant listed for this patent is AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.. Invention is credited to David Crawford Gibbon, Behzad Shahraray, Tan Xu, Eric Zavesky.
Application Number | 20190362537 15/985890 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 68536110 |
Filed Date | 2019-11-28 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190362537 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Xu; Tan ; et al. |
November 28, 2019 |
System for Active-Focus Prediction in 360 Video
Abstract
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example,
obtaining media content; analyzing the media content to discern a
point of interest in the media content, wherein the analyzing may
include scoring each of the point of interest in the media content;
receiving a request from equipment of a user to view the media
content; obtaining information about the user; identifying a
predicted field of view of the user based on the information about
the user and the analysis; sending the predicted field of view to
the user; monitoring a line of sight of the user; and updating the
analysis and the predicted field of view of the user based on the
line of sight of the user. Other embodiments are disclosed.
Inventors: |
Xu; Tan; (Bridgewater,
NJ) ; Zavesky; Eric; (Austin, TX) ; Shahraray;
Behzad; (HOLMDEL, NJ) ; Gibbon; David Crawford;
(Lincroft, NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. |
Atlanta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
AT&T Intellectual Property I,
L.P.
Atlanta
GA
|
Family ID: |
68536110 |
Appl. No.: |
15/985890 |
Filed: |
May 22, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/21805 20130101;
G06F 3/013 20130101; H04N 21/23418 20130101; G06T 15/20 20130101;
H04N 21/44218 20130101; H04N 21/234345 20130101; H04N 21/23406
20130101; H04N 21/4223 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06T 15/20 20060101
G06T015/20; H04N 21/218 20060101 H04N021/218; G06F 3/01 20060101
G06F003/01; H04N 21/234 20060101 H04N021/234; H04N 21/2343 20060101
H04N021/2343 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: obtaining, by a processing system having a
processor, media content; analyzing, by the processing system, the
media content to discern a point of interest in the media content,
wherein the analyzing results in scoring the point of interest in
the media content; receiving, by the processing system, a request
from equipment of a user to view the media content; obtaining, by
the processing system, information about the user; identifying, by
the processing system, a predicted field of view of the user based
on the information about the user and the scoring the point of
interest in the media content; sending, by the processing system,
the predicted field of view to the equipment of the user;
monitoring, by the processing system, a line of sight of the user
based upon eye movements of the user; updating, by the processing
system, the scoring of the point of interest in the media content
based on the line of sight of the user; and updating, by the
processing system, the predicted field of view of the user based on
the line of sight of the user.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the media content includes 360
degree video content.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the sending the predicted field
of view to the equipment of the user consists of sending only the
predicted field of view.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the sending the predicted field
of view to the equipment of the user consists of sending less than
180 degrees of the media content centered on the predicted field of
view.
5. The method of claim 3, wherein the sending the predicted field
of view to the equipment of the user consists of sending less than
90 degrees of the media content centered on the predicted field of
view.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising sending, by the
processing system to the equipment of the user, less than 135
degrees of the media content centered on the line of sight of the
user.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising aligning, by the
processing system, a camera with the line of sight of the user and
wherein the obtaining the media content further comprising
obtaining the media content from the camera.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the monitoring the line of sight
comprises tracking the eye movements relative to an orientation of
the user.
9. A non-transitory, machine-readable medium, comprising executable
instructions that, when executed by a processing system including a
processor, facilitate performance of operations, the operations
comprising: receiving video content from a 360 degree camera;
analyzing the video content to discern a point of interest in the
video content, resulting in an analysis of the video content which
identifies at least one potential point of interest; receiving a
first request from first equipment of a first user to view the
video content; receiving a second request from second equipment of
a second user to view the video content; obtaining first
information about the first user; obtaining second information
about the second user; identifying a predicted field of view based
on the first information, the second information, and the analysis;
sending the predicted field of view to the first equipment and the
second equipment; monitoring a first line of sight of the first
user based upon eye movements of the first user; monitoring a
second line of sight of the second user based upon eye movements of
the second user; updating the analysis based on the first line of
sight and the second line of sight; and updating the predicted
field of view based on the first line of sight and the second line
of sight.
10. The non-transitory, machine-readable medium of claim 9, wherein
the sending the predicted field of view consists of sending only
the predicted field of view.
11. The non-transitory, machine-readable medium of claim 10,
wherein the sending the predicted field of view consists of sending
less than 135 degrees of the video content centered on the
predicted field of view.
12. The non-transitory, machine-readable medium of claim 9, the
operations further comprising sending, to the first equipment, less
than 135 degrees of the video content centered on the first line of
sight.
13. The non-transitory, machine-readable medium of claim 9, the
operations further comprising determining a midpoint between the
first line of sight and the second line of sight and aligning the
360 degree camera with the midpoint.
14. The non-transitory, machine-readable medium of claim 9, the
operations further comprising determining a midpoint between the
first line of sight and the predicted field of view, and wherein
the sending the predicted field of view comprises less than 180
degrees of the video content centered on the midpoint.
15. The non-transitory, machine-readable medium of claim 14, the
operations further comprising aligning the 360 degree camera with
the midpoint.
16. The non-transitory, machine-readable medium of claim 9, the
operations further comprising determining a midpoint between the
first line of sight, the second line of sight, and the predicted
field of view, and wherein the sending the predicted field of view
comprises less than 180 degrees of the video content centered on
the midpoint.
17. The non-transitory, machine-readable medium of claim 16, the
operations further comprising aligning the 360 degree camera with
the midpoint.
18. An apparatus, comprising: a processor; and a memory that stores
executable instructions that, when executed by the processor,
facilitate performance of operations, comprising: receiving video
content from a 360 degree camera; analyzing the video content to
discern a point of interest in the video content, resulting in an
analysis of the video content which identifies at least one
potential point of interest; receiving a request from equipment of
a user to view the video content; obtaining information about the
user; identifying a predicted field of view based on the
information and the analysis; sending less than 180 degrees of the
video content centered on the predicted field of view to the
equipment; monitoring a line of sight of the user based upon eye
movements of the user relative to an orientation of the user;
updating the analysis based on the line of sight; and updating the
predicted field of view based on the line of sight.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, the operations further comprising
determining a midpoint between the line of sight and the predicted
field of view, and wherein the sending the predicted field of view
comprises less than 135 degrees of the video content centered on
the midpoint.
20. The apparatus of claim 19, the operations further comprising
aligning the 360 degree camera with the midpoint.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The subject disclosure relates to predicting a user's focus
in media content, such as 360 degree video.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 360 video has been gaining in popularity. However, 360
degree video, as well as other forms of media content, consumes a
large amount of bandwidth. Because it is uncommon for a user to
view the entire 360 degree video, much of the bandwidth is
wasted.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings,
which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
[0004] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a communications network in accordance
with various aspects described herein.
[0005] FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a system functioning within the
communication network of FIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects
described herein.
[0006] FIG. 2B depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method in
accordance with various aspects described herein.
[0007] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a virtualized communication network in
accordance with various aspects described herein.
[0008] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting
embodiment of a computing environment in accordance with various
aspects described herein.
[0009] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting
embodiment of a mobile network platform in accordance with various
aspects described herein.
[0010] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting
embodiment of a communication device in accordance with various
aspects described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] The subject disclosure describes, among other things,
illustrative embodiments for predicting what portions of media
content a user will actually consume, and providing the predicted
portion rather that the entire media content. By monitoring what
the user actually looks at, the system can learn about the users
and/or better predict the user's field of view. Other embodiments
are described in the subject disclosure.
[0012] One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a
method comprising obtaining and analyzing media content to discern
a point of interest therein, identifying a predicted field of view
of a user based on information about the user and the analysis of
the media content, sending the predicted field of view to the
equipment of the user, monitoring a line of sight of the user, and
updating the analysis and the predicted field of view of the user
based on the line of sight of the user.
[0013] One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include
machine-readable instructions that, facilitate performance of
operations comprising receiving video content from a 360 degree
camera, analyzing the video content to identify at least one
potential point of interest, identifying a predicted field of view
based on information about one or more users and the analysis,
sending the predicted field of view to the user(s), monitoring a
line of sight of the user(s), and updating the analysis the
predicted field of view based on the line of sight.
[0014] One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include an
apparatus comprising a processor; and a memory that stores
instructions that, facilitate performance of receiving video
content from a 360 degree camera, analyzing the video content to
identify at least one potential point of interest, identifying a
predicted field of view based on information about a user and the
analysis sending less than 180 degrees of the video content
centered on the predicted field of view to the user, monitoring the
user's line of sight based on eye movements, and updating the
analysis and the predicted field of view based on the line of
sight.
[0015] Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram is shown
illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment of a
communications network 100 in accordance with various aspects
described herein. In particular, a communications network 125 is
presented for providing broadband access 110 to a plurality of data
terminals 114 via access terminal 112, wireless access 120 to a
plurality of mobile devices 124 and vehicle 126 via base station or
access point 122, voice access 130 to a plurality of telephony
devices 134, via switching device 132 and/or media access 140 to a
plurality of audio/video display devices 144 via media terminal
142. In addition, communication network 125 is coupled to one or
more content sources 175 of audio, video, graphics, text and/or
other media. While broadband access 110, wireless access 120, voice
access 130 and media access 140 are shown separately, one or more
of these forms of access can be combined to provide multiple access
services to a single client device (e.g., mobile devices 124 can
receive media content via media terminal 142, data terminal 114 can
be provided voice access via switching device 132, and so on). The
communications network 125 may be a component of a focus prediction
service, as will be discussed in greater detail below, or may
merely facilitate communications between the focus prediction
service and user devices, such as the data terminal 114, the mobile
device 124, and/or other devices which will be discussed in greater
detail below.
[0016] The communications network 125 includes a plurality of
network elements (NE) 150, 152, 154, 156, etc. for facilitating the
broadband access 110, wireless access 120, voice access 130, media
access 140 and/or the distribution of content from content sources
175. The communications network 125 can include a circuit switched
or packet switched network, a voice over Internet protocol (VoIP)
network, Internet protocol (IP) network, a cable network, a passive
or active optical network, a 4G, 5G, or higher generation wireless
access network, WIMAX network, UltraWideband network, personal area
network or other wireless access network, a broadcast satellite
network and/or other communications network.
[0017] In various embodiments, the access terminal 112 can include
a digital subscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM), cable modem
termination system (CMTS), optical line terminal (OLT) and/or other
access terminal. The data terminals 114 can include personal
computers, laptop computers, netbook computers, tablets or other
computing devices along with digital subscriber line (DSL) modems,
data over coax service interface specification (DOCSIS) modems or
other cable modems, a wireless modem such as a 4G, 5G, or higher
generation modem, an optical modem and/or other access devices.
[0018] In various embodiments, the base station or access point 122
can include a 4G, 5G, or higher generation base station, an access
point that operates via an 802.11 standard such as 802.11n,
802.11ac or other wireless access terminal. The mobile devices 124
can include mobile phones, e-readers, tablets, phablets, wireless
modems, and/or other mobile computing devices.
[0019] In various embodiments, the switching device 132 can include
a private branch exchange or central office switch, a media
services gateway, VoIP gateway or other gateway device and/or other
switching device. The telephony devices 134 can include traditional
telephones (with or without a terminal adapter), VoIP telephones
and/or other telephony devices.
[0020] In various embodiments, the media terminal 142 can include a
cable head-end or other TV head-end, a satellite receiver, gateway
or other media terminal 142. The display devices 144 can include
televisions with or without a set top box, personal computers
and/or other display devices.
[0021] In various embodiments, the content sources 175 include
broadcast television and radio sources, video on demand platforms
and streaming video and audio services platforms, one or more
content data networks, data servers, web servers and other content
servers, and/or other sources of media.
[0022] In various embodiments, the communications network 125 can
include wired, optical and/or wireless links and the network
elements 150, 152, 154, 156, etc. can include service switching
points, signal transfer points, service control points, network
gateways, media distribution hubs, servers, firewalls, routers,
edge devices, switches and other network nodes for routing and
controlling communications traffic over wired, optical and wireless
links as part of the Internet and other public networks as well as
one or more private networks, for managing subscriber access, for
billing and network management and for supporting other network
functions.
[0023] FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating an example,
non-limiting embodiment of a system 200 functioning within the
communication network of FIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects
described herein. A focus prediction service (FPS) 202 of the
disclosed embodiments obtains media content, such as from the
content source 175 through the communications network 125. The FPS
202 analyzes the content in an attempt to predict where users may
look within the content. When user(s) request the content, the FPS
202 may identify a predicted field of view of the user(s), possibly
based off the analysis and/or information obtained about the
user(s), as will be discussed in greater detail below. The FPS 202
may send that predicted field of view, and/or actual line(s) of
sight, to the user(s) equipment, rather than the entire media
content, thereby conserving bandwidth. The FPS 202 may obtain the
media content before or after receiving a user request for the
content. The user may interact with the FPS 202 through a variety
of devices, such as the data terminal 114, the mobile device 124,
Virtual Reality (VR) headset 204, Viewing Room Equipment (VRE) 206,
other equipment, and/or any combination thereof. For example, the
FPS 202 may communicate directly with the VR headset 204 and/or VRE
206, through the communications network 125, and/or through the
data terminal 114, the mobile device 124, other equipment, and/or
any combination thereof.
[0024] FIG. 2B depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method 220
in accordance with various aspects described herein. As shown in
222, the FPS 202 obtains media content, such as from the content
source 175 through the communications network 125. The media
content may be 360 degree video, three-dimensional video, other
media content, and/or a combination thereof.
[0025] As shown in 224, the FPS 202 may analyze the media content
to discern a plurality of points of interest in the media content.
This analysis may include scoring each of the points of interest in
the media content. For example, the FPS 202 may have monitored
previous users' consumption of the media content, tracking their
field of view and/or actual gaze, and therefore determined where
those previous users looked within the media content. Thus, the
scoring may comprise a tally of how often previous users have
looked at a particular point of interest in the media content. In
some embodiments, users may choose to opt-out of such monitoring.
In some embodiments, users must opt-in in order for their
consumption of the media content to be monitored in this
manner.
[0026] The tally itself can be used to identify further points of
interest. For example, if users frequently look at the same point,
or spot, in the media content, that point may be identified as a
possible point of interest. The more often previous users have
looked at a particular point, the more likely it may be a point of
interest for future users. Thus, not only can the tally be used in
the scoring of points of interest, the tally may also be used to
identify points of interest.
[0027] The FPS 202 itself may perform the analysis. In some
embodiments, another element or elements perform the analysis
and/or identify points of interest in the media content. For
example, the content source 175 may provide the points of interest
along with the media content. In any case, the identification of
the points of interest may evolve as more users view the media
content.
[0028] As shown in 226, the FPS 202 may receive or otherwise obtain
a user request for the media content. Such a request may be
received before or after the FPS 202 has obtained and/or initially
analyzed the media content. For example, the FPS 202 may obtain
access to the media content, but wait for a user request to
actually analyze it, thereby conserving resources.
[0029] As shown in 228, the FPS 202 may also obtain information
about the user. This information may include demographic
information about the user, such as age, gender, etc. This
information may include user preferences and/or user viewing
habits.
[0030] As shown in 230, the FPS 202 may identify or otherwise
predict a field of view of the user based on the information about
the user(s) and the points of interest in the media content. In
some embodiments, the field of view may contain points of interest
that are likely to be of interest to the user, based on the
analysis and information about the user. For example, in some
embodiments, a field of view of previous users may be considered
likely to be of interest to future users. In some embodiments, the
content itself, as received from the content source 175, may
contain predicted points of interest. Such origin-specified points
of interest may be used as unique points to be modified or as
reference points that may later be replaced or overridden by
further processing and/or analysis, as described herein.
[0031] In some embodiments, the demographic information about the
user may be taken into account. For example, a field of view of
previous users sharing similar demographics with the user may be
considered likely to be of interest to the user. Thus, the FPS 202
may account for both the initial analysis as well as specific
information about the user in order to identify or otherwise
predict a field of view of the user.
[0032] In some embodiments, the FPS 202 may adapt to predict points
of interest for certain physical limitations and/or capabilities of
a user. For example, similar to the detection of points of interest
that may focus on certain actors or buildings in a scene, the FPS
202 may also identify preferences for users with low-vision,
sharpness sensitivity, color blindness, or some other limitation.
Such user capabilities would may be processed much like the
demographic information discussed herein.
[0033] User preferences may also be used to supplement, replace,
and/or override the demographic information and/or other
information about the user. For example, a specific user may be
interested in things similarly situated users may not be. As such,
that user can override normal demographic processing. As another
example, user preferences (possibly in the form of parental
controls) may be used to ensure certain users are not exposed to
inappropriate material. In some embodiments, user preferences may
be used to specify topics or subject matter that a specific user is
or is not interested in.
[0034] Similarly, a user's actual viewing habits may be used to
enhance, update, or even correct the information about a user. For
example, a user may specify that they are interested in a specific
subject, such as in user preferences. The FPS 202, or another
portion of the system, may notice over time that they tend to not
pay much attention to certain points of interest highlighted due to
matching that specific subject. The FPS 202 may update the
information about the user, such as by refining the subject
further, or applying less weight to the specific subject in
determining which points of interest may be of interest to the
user.
[0035] Similarly, in some cases, the FPS 202 may notice over time
that a user tends to pay more attention to certain points of
interest, that were not otherwise flagged as being points of
interest likely to be of interest to the user. Here again, the FPS
202 may update the information about the user, such as by applying
more weight to a specific subject in determining which points of
interest may be of interest to the user.
[0036] As shown in 232, the FPS 202 may extract the field of view
from the media content, or otherwise create the user's predicted
field of view. In some embodiments, the field of view may be
centered on one or more points of interest, and include up to 90
degrees around the one or more points of interest. For example, the
user's predicted field of view may comprise 180 degrees
(horizontally and/or vertically) centered on the one or more points
of interest. In this manner, as will be discussed in greater detail
below, the system need only present half, or less than half, of the
media content, thereby preserving bandwidth and saving data
charges.
[0037] In some embodiments, the user's predicted field of view may
comprise less than 180 degrees (horizontally and/or vertically)
centered on the one or more points of interest. In some
embodiments, the user's predicted field of view may comprise less
than 135 degrees (horizontally and/or vertically) centered on the
one or more points of interest, thereby using even less bandwidth
and data charges. In some embodiments, the user's predicted field
of view may comprise less than 90 degrees (horizontally and/or
vertically) centered on the one or more points of interest, which
may require a minimum bandwidth and/or data charges.
[0038] As shown in 234, the FPS 202 then presents the predicted
field of view to the user. In some embodiments, the FPS 202 may
present the predicted field of view to the user's equipment or
device(s). For example, the FPS 202 may present the predicted field
of view to the user's VR headset 204, the data terminal 114, the
mobile device 124, Viewing Room Equipment 206, other equipment,
and/or any combination thereof. That device may then present the
predicted field of view to the user.
[0039] As shown in 236, the FPS 202 may monitor the user's actual
field of view. In some embodiments, the system monitors the
position and orientation of the user's VR headset 204. In some
embodiments, the system monitors an actual view through a device.
For example, rather than merely monitoring the position and
orientation of the user's VR headset 204, the FPS 202 may monitor
the user's actual line of sight or gaze. More specifically,
depending upon the hardware used, the FPS 202 may actually monitor
the user's eyes and discern where the user is actually looking,
rather than just where their head (or VR headset 204) is pointing.
This may be done, for example, by detecting reflections from the
user's eyes, or monitoring images of the user's eyes, and
determining therefrom which direction the user is looking, which
may be relative to (but different from) orientation of the user's
VR headset 204.
[0040] By knowing where the user is actually looking, the FPS 202
may also present the portion of the media content at which the user
is actually looking, i.e. their actual field of view, gaze, or line
of sight, whether or not that portion corresponds to the predicted
field of view. In some embodiments, the FPS 202 may also present
the user's line of sight, in addition to the predicted field of
view. For example, in some embodiments, the FPS 202 may present up
to 180 degrees (horizontally and/or vertically) of the media
content centered on the user's actual line of sight. In this case,
should the user be looking directly opposite the predicted field of
view, the FPS 202 may present the full 360 degrees of the media
content. Or course, to the extent the predicted field of view and
the user's actual line of sight overlap, the FPS 202 need not
present the full 360 degrees of the media content, thereby
conserving bandwidth and/or data charges.
[0041] In some embodiments, the FPS 202 may present less than 180
degrees (horizontally and/or vertically) of the media content
centered on the user's actual line of sight. In some embodiments,
the FPS 202 may present less than 135 degrees (horizontally and/or
vertically) of the media content centered on the user's actual line
of sight, thereby using less bandwidth and data charges. In some
embodiments, the FPS 202 may present less than 90 degrees
(horizontally and/or vertically) of the media content centered on
the user's actual line of sight, thereby using even less bandwidth
and data charges.
[0042] In some embodiments, the FPS 202 may determine a midpoint
between the predicted field of view and the user's actual line of
sight. In this case, the FPS 202 may present up to 180 degrees
(horizontally and/or vertically) of the media content centered on
the midpoint. In some embodiments, the FPS 202 may present less
than 180 degrees (horizontally and/or vertically) of the media
content centered on the midpoint. In some embodiments, the FPS 202
may present less than 135 degrees (horizontally and/or vertically)
of the media content centered on the midpoint, thereby using less
bandwidth and data charges. In some embodiments, the FPS 202 may
present less than 90 degrees (horizontally and/or vertically) of
the media content centered on the midpoint, thereby using even less
bandwidth and data charges. The FPS 202 may determine how much of
the media content to present based on how closely the predicted
field of view and the user's actual line of sight correlate.
[0043] As shown, and discussed above, the FPS 202 knows where it
predicts the user will look, i.e. the predicted field of view, for
example, and where the user is actually looking, i.e. the user's
actual line of sight. To the extent these two correlate, the
identification of the points of interest, as well as the
information about the user, may be considered accurate. Otherwise,
the analysis (including the identification of the points of
interest and/or scoring thereof), as well as the information about
the user may be updated, enhanced, or otherwise supplemented, based
on where the user is actually looking as compared to where the FPS
202 predicts the user will look.
[0044] For example, as discussed above, where users actually look
may be used to further identify possible points of interest.
Similarly, if users typically linger at certain points of interest,
then those points may be given more weight, and/or a higher
scoring, when identifying and/or scoring points of interest. On the
other hand, if users typically avoid certain points of interest,
then those points may be given less weight, and/or a lower scoring,
when identifying and/or scoring points of interest.
[0045] All of this analysis may be done specific to the user. For
example, as the user uses the system, the system may continually
learn more about that user's true interests, which may then be used
to improve the predicted field of view. This may also be done on
the fly. For example, where the FPS 202 identifies the predicted
field of view in the media content based on information then known
about the user (or in the absence of such information), the FPS 202
monitors the user's actual line of sight and may more accurately
identify the predicted field of view in later portions of that same
media content.
[0046] The FPS 202 may perform the above processes on the same or
different media content for multiple users, such that each user
experience is different. For example, the FPS 202 may present the
same portion of the media content to two different users, or may
present different predicted fields of view to different users. The
FPS 202 may do so simultaneously and/or using the same equipment.
For example, where two users are utilizing the same Viewing Room
Equipment 206, or terminal 114 (possibly with two separate VR
headsets 204), the FPS 202 may present two different predicted
fields of view to the Viewing Room Equipment 206 and/or the
terminal 114, for distinct presentation through the two VR headsets
204. In some embodiments, where two users are utilizing the same
Viewing Room Equipment 206, or terminal 114 (possibly with two
separate VR headsets 204), the FPS 202 may present one predicted
field of view to the Viewing Room Equipment 206 and/or the terminal
114, for presentation through the two VR headsets 204. In some
embodiments, the FPS 202 may also present the users' actual lines
of sight, to the extent they differ from the predicted field(s) of
view.
[0047] In some embodiments, the FPS 202 may determine a midpoint
between the users' actual lines of sight. In this case, the FPS 202
may present up to 360 degrees (horizontally and/or vertically) of
the media content, where the users' actual lines of sight differ
significantly. In some embodiments, the FPS 202 may present less
than 180 degrees (horizontally and/or vertically) of the media
content centered on the midpoint. In some embodiments, the FPS 202
may present less than 135 degrees (horizontally and/or vertically)
of the media content centered on the midpoint, thereby using less
bandwidth and data charges. In some embodiments, the FPS 202 may
present less than 90 degrees (horizontally and/or vertically) of
the media content centered on the midpoint, thereby using even less
bandwidth and data charges. The FPS 202 may determine how much of
the media content to present based on how closely the predicted
fields of view and/or the users' actual lines of sight
correlate.
[0048] In some embodiments, the FPS 202 may determine a midpoint
between the predicted fields of view for the different users. In
this case, the FPS 202 may present up to 360 degrees (horizontally
and/or vertically) of the media content, where the predicted fields
of view for the different users differ significantly. In some
embodiments, the FPS 202 may present less than 180 degrees
(horizontally and/or vertically) of the media content centered on
the midpoint. In some embodiments, the FPS 202 may present less
than 135 degrees (horizontally and/or vertically) of the media
content centered on the midpoint, thereby using less bandwidth and
data charges. In some embodiments, the FPS 202 may present less
than 90 degrees (horizontally and/or vertically) of the media
content centered on the midpoint, thereby using even less bandwidth
and data charges. The FPS 202 may determine how much of the media
content to present based on how closely the predicted field of view
and the user's actual line of sight correlate.
[0049] In some embodiments, the FPS 202 may determine a midpoint
between the predicted fields of view for the different users and
the users' actual lines of sight. In this case, the FPS 202 may
present up to 360 degrees (horizontally and/or vertically) of the
media content, where predicted fields of view for the different
users and/or the users' actual lines of sight differ significantly.
In some embodiments, the FPS 202 may present less than 180 degrees
(horizontally and/or vertically) of the media content centered on
the midpoint. In some embodiments, the FPS 202 may present less
than 135 degrees (horizontally and/or vertically) of the media
content centered on the midpoint, thereby using less bandwidth and
data charges. In some embodiments, the FPS 202 may present less
than 90 degrees (horizontally and/or vertically) of the media
content centered on the midpoint, thereby using even less bandwidth
and data charges. The FPS 202 may determine how much of the media
content to present based on how closely the predicted fields of
view and/or the users' actual lines of sight correlate.
[0050] It will be appreciated, having read this disclosure, that
the FPS 202 may obtain the media content directly, or indirectly
from a 360 degree camera. For example, one of the content sources
may act as a host for the 360 degree camera, storing prerecorded
footage or otherwise making such media content available. In some
embodiments, the FPS 202 may obtain live, or near real time, media
content (directly or indirectly) from the 360 degree camera.
[0051] Some 360 degree cameras are essentially two 180 degree
cameras positioned back to back, thereby providing 360 degrees of
audio/video media content. In some cases, a seam between the fields
of view of the two cameras is discernable. Therefore, in some
embodiments, the FPS 202 may generate control signals to, or for,
the camera to align it with the predicted field(s) of view, the
users' actual line(s) of sight, and/or a midpoint there
between.
[0052] In some embodiments, such as where the FPS 202 receives
live, real-time, or near real-time content from a camera and where
the FPS 202 provides 180 degrees or less of the media content to
the user's equipment, for example, the camera need not be a 360
camera to effectively provide 360 degrees of audio/video media
content. Specifically, most people can focus on, or effectively
see, less than 180 degrees. Therefore, to actually view 360
degrees, a user must turn their head, and cannot view a full 360
degrees simultaneously.
[0053] Where the FPS 202 controls the alignment/orientation of the
camera, the FPS 202 can ensure that the camera is pointing in the
direction the user is actually looking (since the FPS 202 can also
track the user's actual field of view), thereby simulating 360
degree video with a camera that only generates 180 degrees, or
less, of media content. In some embodiments, the FPS 202 simulate
360 degree video with a camera that only generates 135 degrees, or
less, of media content. In some embodiments, especially where a
user's focus is expected to be precise, the FPS 202 simulate 360
degree video with a camera that only generates 90 degrees, or less,
of media content.
[0054] While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the
respective processes are shown and described as a series of blocks
in FIG. 2B, it is to be understood and appreciated that the claimed
subject matter is not limited by the order of the blocks, as some
blocks may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other
blocks from what is depicted and described herein. Moreover, not
all illustrated blocks may be required to implement the methods
described herein.
[0055] Referring now to FIG. 3, a block diagram 300 is shown
illustrating an example, non-limiting embodiment of a virtualized
communication network in accordance with various aspects described
herein. In particular a virtualized communication network is
presented that can be used to implement some or all of the
subsystems and functions of communication network 100, the
subsystems and functions of system 200, and method 220 presented in
FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, and 3.
[0056] In particular, a cloud networking architecture is shown that
leverages cloud technologies and supports rapid innovation and
scalability via a transport layer 350, a virtualized network
function cloud 325 and/or one or more cloud computing environments
375. In various embodiments, this cloud networking architecture is
an open architecture that leverages application programming
interfaces (APIs); reduces complexity from services and operations;
supports more nimble business models; and rapidly and seamlessly
scales to meet evolving customer requirements including traffic
growth, diversity of traffic types, and diversity of performance
and reliability expectations.
[0057] In contrast to traditional network elements--which are
typically integrated to perform a single function, the virtualized
communication network employs virtual network elements (VNEs) 330,
332, 334, etc. that perform some or all of the functions of network
elements 150, 152, 154, 156, etc. For example, the network
architecture can provide a substrate of networking capability,
often called Network Function Virtualization Infrastructure (NFVI)
or simply infrastructure that is capable of being directed with
software and Software Defined Networking (SDN) protocols to perform
a broad variety of network functions and services. This
infrastructure can include several types of substrates. The most
typical type of substrate being servers that support Network
Function Virtualization (NFV), followed by packet forwarding
capabilities based on generic computing resources, with specialized
network technologies brought to bear when general purpose
processors or general purpose integrated circuit devices offered by
merchants (referred to herein as merchant silicon) are not
appropriate. In this case, communication services can be
implemented as cloud-centric workloads.
[0058] As an example, a traditional network element 150 (shown in
FIG. 1), such as an edge router can be implemented via a VNE 330
composed of NFV software modules, merchant silicon, and associated
controllers. The software can be written so that increasing
workload consumes incremental resources from a common resource
pool, and moreover so that it's elastic: so the resources are only
consumed when needed. In a similar fashion, other network elements
such as other routers, switches, edge caches, and middle-boxes are
instantiated from the common resource pool. Such sharing of
infrastructure across a broad set of uses makes planning and
growing infrastructure easier to manage.
[0059] In an embodiment, the transport layer 350 includes fiber,
cable, wired and/or wireless transport elements, network elements
and interfaces to provide broadband access 110, wireless access
120, voice access 130, media access 140 and/or access to content
sources 175 for distribution of content to any or all of the access
technologies. In particular, in some cases a network element needs
to be positioned at a specific place, and this allows for less
sharing of common infrastructure. Other times, the network elements
have specific physical layer adapters that cannot be abstracted or
virtualized, and might require special DSP code and analog
front-ends (AFEs) that do not lend themselves to implementation as
VNEs 330, 332 or 334. These network elements can be included in
transport layer 350.
[0060] The virtualized network function cloud 325 interfaces with
the transport layer 350 to provide the VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. to
provide specific NFVs. In particular, the virtualized network
function cloud 325 leverages cloud operations, applications, and
architectures to support networking workloads. The VNEs 330, 332
and 334 can employ network function software that provides either a
one-for-one mapping of traditional network element function or
alternately some combination of network functions designed for
cloud computing. For example, VNEs 330, 332 and 334 can include
route reflectors, domain name system (DNS) servers, and dynamic
host configuration protocol (DHCP) servers, system architecture
evolution (SAE) and/or mobility management entity (MME) gateways,
broadband network gateways, IP edge routers for IP-VPN, Ethernet
and other services, load balancers, distributers and other network
elements. Because these elements don't typically need to forward
large amounts of traffic, their workload can be distributed across
a number of servers--each of which adds a portion of the
capability, and overall which creates an elastic function with
higher availability than its former monolithic version. These VNEs
330, 332, 334, etc. can be instantiated and managed using an
orchestration approach similar to those used in cloud compute
services.
[0061] The cloud computing environments 375 can interface with the
virtualized network function cloud 325 via APIs that expose
functional capabilities of the VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. to provide
the flexible and expanded capabilities to the virtualized network
function cloud 325. In particular, network workloads may have
applications distributed across the virtualized network function
cloud 325 and cloud computing environment 375 and in the commercial
cloud, or might simply orchestrate workloads supported entirely in
NFV infrastructure from these third party locations.
[0062] Turning now to FIG. 4, there is illustrated a block diagram
of a computing environment in accordance with various aspects
described herein. In order to provide additional context for
various embodiments of the embodiments described herein, FIG. 4 and
the following discussion are intended to provide a brief, general
description of a suitable computing environment 400 in which the
various embodiments of the subject disclosure can be implemented.
In particular, computing environment 400 can be used in the
implementation of network elements 150, 152, 154, 156, access
terminal 112, base station or access point 122, switching device
132, media terminal 142, and/or VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. Each of
these devices can be implemented via computer-executable
instructions that can run on one or more computers, and/or in
combination with other program modules and/or as a combination of
hardware and software.
[0063] Generally, program modules comprise routines, programs,
components, data structures, etc., that perform particular tasks or
implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, those skilled
in the art will appreciate that the inventive methods can be
practiced with other computer system configurations, comprising
single-processor or multiprocessor computer systems, minicomputers,
mainframe computers, as well as personal computers, hand-held
computing devices, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer
electronics, and the like, each of which can be operatively coupled
to one or more associated devices.
[0064] As used herein, a processing circuit includes one or more
processors as well as other application specific circuits such as
an application specific integrated circuit, digital logic circuit,
state machine, programmable gate array or other circuit that
processes input signals or data and that produces output signals or
data in response thereto. It should be noted that while any
functions and features described herein in association with the
operation of a processor could likewise be performed by a
processing circuit.
[0065] The illustrated embodiments of the embodiments herein can be
also practiced in distributed computing environments where certain
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 memory storage devices.
[0066] Computing devices typically comprise a variety of media,
which can comprise computer-readable storage media and/or
communications media, which two terms are used herein differently
from one another as follows. Computer-readable storage media can be
any available storage media that can be accessed by the computer
and comprises both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and
non-removable media. By way of example, and not limitation,
computer-readable storage media can be implemented in connection
with any method or technology for storage of information such as
computer-readable instructions, program modules, structured data or
unstructured data.
[0067] Computer-readable storage media can comprise, but are not
limited to, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM),
electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash
memory or other memory technology, compact disk read only memory
(CD-ROM), digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical disk
storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage
or other magnetic storage devices or other tangible and/or
non-transitory media which can be used to store desired
information. In this regard, the terms "tangible" or
"non-transitory" herein as applied to storage, memory or
computer-readable media, are to be understood to exclude only
propagating transitory signals per se as modifiers and do not
relinquish rights to all standard storage, memory or
computer-readable media that are not only propagating transitory
signals per se.
[0068] Computer-readable storage media can be accessed by one or
more local or remote computing devices, e.g., via access requests,
queries or other data retrieval protocols, for a variety of
operations with respect to the information stored by the
medium.
[0069] Communications media typically embody computer-readable
instructions, data structures, program modules or other structured
or unstructured data in a data signal such as a modulated data
signal, e.g., a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and
comprises any information delivery or transport media. The term
"modulated data signal" or signals refers to a signal that has one
or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as
to encode information in one or more signals. By way of example,
and not limitation, communication media comprise wired media, such
as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media
such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media.
[0070] With reference again to FIG. 4, the example environment can
comprise a computer 402, the computer 402 comprising a processing
unit 404, a system memory 406 and a system bus 408. The system bus
408 couples system components including, but not limited to, the
system memory 406 to the processing unit 404. The processing unit
404 can be any of various commercially available processors. Dual
microprocessors and other multiprocessor architectures can also be
employed as the processing unit 404.
[0071] The system bus 408 can be any of several types of bus
structure that can further interconnect to a memory bus (with or
without a memory controller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus
using any of a variety of commercially available bus architectures.
The system memory 406 comprises ROM 410 and RAM 412. A basic
input/output system (BIOS) can be stored in a non-volatile memory
such as ROM, erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM),
EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basic routines that help to
transfer information between elements within the computer 402, such
as during startup. The RAM 412 can also comprise a high-speed RAM
such as static RAM for caching data.
[0072] The computer 402 further comprises an internal hard disk
drive (HDD) 414 (e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal HDD 414 can also
be configured for external use in a suitable chassis (not shown), a
magnetic floppy disk drive (FDD) 416, (e.g., to read from or write
to a removable diskette 418) and an optical disk drive 420, (e.g.,
reading a CD-ROM disk 422 or, to read from or write to other high
capacity optical media such as the DVD). The HDD 414, magnetic FDD
416 and optical disk drive 420 can be connected to the system bus
408 by a hard disk drive interface 424, a magnetic disk drive
interface 426 and an optical drive interface 428, respectively. The
hard disk drive interface 424 for external drive implementations
comprises at least one or both of Universal Serial Bus (USB) and
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394
interface technologies. Other external drive connection
technologies are within contemplation of the embodiments described
herein.
[0073] The drives and their associated computer-readable storage
media provide nonvolatile storage of data, data structures,
computer-executable instructions, and so forth. For the computer
402, the drives and storage media accommodate the storage of any
data in a suitable digital format. Although the description of
computer-readable storage media above refers to a hard disk drive
(HDD), a removable magnetic diskette, and a removable optical media
such as a CD or DVD, it should be appreciated by those skilled in
the art that other types of storage media which are readable by a
computer, such as zip drives, magnetic cassettes, flash memory
cards, cartridges, and the like, can also be used in the example
operating environment, and further, that any such storage media can
contain computer-executable instructions for performing the methods
described herein.
[0074] A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and
RAM 412, comprising an operating system 430, one or more
application programs 432, other program modules 434 and program
data 436. All or portions of the operating system, applications,
modules, and/or data can also be cached in the RAM 412. The systems
and methods described herein can be implemented utilizing various
commercially available operating systems or combinations of
operating systems.
[0075] A user can enter commands and information into the computer
402 through one or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a
keyboard 438 and a pointing device, such as a mouse 440. Other
input devices (not shown) can comprise a microphone, an infrared
(IR) remote control, a joystick, a game pad, a stylus pen, touch
screen or the like. These and other input devices are often
connected to the processing unit 404 through an input device
interface 442 that can be coupled to the system bus 408, but can be
connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, an IEEE
1394 serial port, a game port, a universal serial bus (USB) port,
an IR interface, etc.
[0076] A monitor 444 or other type of display device can be also
connected to the system bus 408 via an interface, such as a video
adapter 446. It will also be appreciated that in alternative
embodiments, a monitor 444 can also be any display device (e.g.,
another computer having a display, a smart phone, a tablet
computer, etc.) for receiving display information associated with
computer 402 via any communication means, including via the
Internet and cloud-based networks. In addition to the monitor 444,
a computer typically comprises other peripheral output devices (not
shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.
[0077] The computer 402 can operate in a networked environment
using logical connections via wired and/or wireless communications
to one or more remote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 448.
The remote computer(s) 448 can be a workstation, a server computer,
a router, a personal computer, portable computer,
microprocessor-based entertainment appliance, a peer device or
other common network node, and typically comprises many or all of
the elements described relative to the computer 402, although, for
purposes of brevity, only a remote memory/storage device 450 is
illustrated. The logical connections depicted comprise
wired/wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN) 452
and/or larger networks, e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 454. Such
LAN and WAN networking environments are commonplace in offices and
companies, and facilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such
as intranets, all of which can connect to a global communications
network, e.g., the Internet.
[0078] When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 402
can be connected to the LAN 452 through a wired and/or wireless
communication network interface or adapter 456. The adapter 456 can
facilitate wired or wireless communication to the LAN 452, which
can also comprise a wireless AP disposed thereon for communicating
with the adapter 456.
[0079] When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 402
can comprise a modem 458 or can be connected to a communications
server on the WAN 454 or has other means for establishing
communications over the WAN 454, such as by way of the Internet.
The modem 458, which can be internal or external and a wired or
wireless device, can be connected to the system bus 408 via the
input device interface 442. In a networked environment, program
modules depicted relative to the computer 402 or portions thereof,
can be stored in the remote memory/storage device 450. It will be
appreciated that the network connections shown are example and
other means of establishing a communications link between the
computers can be used.
[0080] The computer 402 can be operable to communicate with any
wireless devices or entities operatively disposed in wireless
communication, e.g., a printer, scanner, desktop and/or portable
computer, portable data assistant, communications satellite, any
piece of equipment or location associated with a wirelessly
detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk, news stand, restroom), and
telephone. This can comprise Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) and
BLUETOOTH.RTM. wireless technologies. Thus, the communication can
be a predefined structure as with a conventional network or simply
an ad hoc communication between at least two devices.
[0081] Wi-Fi can allow connection to the Internet from a couch at
home, a bed in a hotel room or a conference room at work, without
wires. Wi-Fi is a wireless technology similar to that used in a
cell phone that enables such devices, e.g., computers, to send and
receive data indoors and out; anywhere within the range of a base
station. Wi-Fi networks use radio technologies called IEEE 802.11
(a, b, g, n, ac, ag, etc.) to provide secure, reliable, fast
wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can be used to connect
computers to each other, to the Internet, and to wired networks
(which can use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks operate in
the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands for example or with
products that contain both bands (dual band), so the networks can
provide real-world performance similar to the basic 10BaseT wired
Ethernet networks used in many offices.
[0082] Turning now to FIG. 5, an embodiment 500 of a mobile network
platform 510 is shown that is an example of network elements 150,
152, 154, 156, and/or VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. In one or more
embodiments, the mobile network platform 510 can generate and
receive signals transmitted and received by base stations or access
points such as base station or access point 122. Generally, mobile
network platform 510 can comprise components, e.g., nodes,
gateways, interfaces, servers, or disparate platforms, that
facilitate both packet-switched (PS) (e.g., internet protocol (IP),
frame relay, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM)) and circuit-switched
(CS) traffic (e.g., voice and data), as well as control generation
for networked wireless telecommunication. As a non-limiting
example, mobile network platform 510 can be included in
telecommunications carrier networks, and can be considered
carrier-side components as discussed elsewhere herein. Mobile
network platform 510 comprises CS gateway node(s) 512 which can
interface CS traffic received from legacy networks like telephony
network(s) 540 (e.g., public switched telephone network (PSTN), or
public land mobile network (PLMN)) or a signaling system #7 (SS7)
network 560. CS gateway node(s) 512 can authorize and authenticate
traffic (e.g., voice) arising from such networks. Additionally, CS
gateway node(s) 512 can access mobility, or roaming, data generated
through SS7 network 560; for instance, mobility data stored in a
visited location register (VLR), which can reside in memory 530.
Moreover, CS gateway node(s) 512 interfaces CS-based traffic and
signaling and PS gateway node(s) 518. As an example, in a 3GPP UMTS
network, CS gateway node(s) 512 can be realized at least in part in
gateway GPRS support node(s) (GGSN). It should be appreciated that
functionality and specific operation of CS gateway node(s) 512, PS
gateway node(s) 518, and serving node(s) 516, is provided and
dictated by radio technology(ies) utilized by mobile network
platform 510 for telecommunication over a radio access network 520
with other devices, such as radiotelephone 575.
[0083] In addition to receiving and processing CS-switched traffic
and signaling, PS gateway node(s) 518 can authorize and
authenticate PS-based data sessions with served mobile devices.
Data sessions can comprise traffic, or content(s), exchanged with
networks external to the mobile network platform 510, like wide
area network(s) (WAN) 550, enterprise network(s) 570, and service
network(s) 580, which can be embodied in local area network(s)
(LANs), can also be interfaced with mobile network platform 510
through PS gateway node(s) 518. It is to be noted that WAN 550 and
enterprise network(s) 570 can embody, at least in part, a service
network(s) like IP multimedia subsystem (IMS). Based on radio
technology layer(s) available in technology resource(s) of radio
access network 520, PS gateway node(s) 518 can generate packet data
protocol contexts when a data session is established; other data
structures that facilitate routing of packetized data also can be
generated. To that end, in an aspect, PS gateway node(s) 518 can
comprise a tunnel interface (e.g., tunnel termination gateway (TTG)
in 3GPP UMTS network(s) (not shown)) which can facilitate
packetized communication with disparate wireless network(s), such
as Wi-Fi networks.
[0084] In embodiment 500, mobile network platform 510 also
comprises serving node(s) 516 that, based upon available radio
technology layer(s) within technology resource(s) in the radio
access network 520, convey the various packetized flows of data
streams received through PS gateway node(s) 518. It is to be noted
that for technology resource(s) that rely primarily on CS
communication, server node(s) can deliver traffic without reliance
on PS gateway node(s) 518; for example, server node(s) can embody
at least in part a mobile switching center. As an example, in a
3GPP UMTS network, serving node(s) 516 can be embodied in serving
GPRS support node(s) (SGSN).
[0085] For radio technologies that exploit packetized
communication, server(s) 514 in mobile network platform 510 can
execute numerous applications that can generate multiple disparate
packetized data streams or flows, and manage (e.g., schedule,
queue, format . . . ) such flows. Such application(s) can comprise
add-on features to standard services (for example, provisioning,
billing, customer support . . . ) provided by mobile network
platform 510. Data streams (e.g., content(s) that are part of a
voice call or data session) can be conveyed to PS gateway node(s)
518 for authorization/authentication and initiation of a data
session, and to serving node(s) 516 for communication thereafter.
In addition to application server, server(s) 514 can comprise
utility server(s), a utility server can comprise a provisioning
server, an operations and maintenance server, a security server
that can implement at least in part a certificate authority and
firewalls as well as other security mechanisms, and the like. In an
aspect, security server(s) secure communication served through
mobile network platform 510 to ensure network's operation and data
integrity in addition to authorization and authentication
procedures that CS gateway node(s) 512 and PS gateway node(s) 518
can enact. Moreover, provisioning server(s) can provision services
from external network(s) like networks operated by a disparate
service provider; for instance, WAN 550 or Global Positioning
System (GPS) network(s) (not shown). Provisioning server(s) can
also provision coverage through networks associated to mobile
network platform 510 (e.g., deployed and operated by the same
service provider), such as the distributed antennas networks shown
in FIG. 1(s) that enhance wireless service coverage by providing
more network coverage.
[0086] It is to be noted that server(s) 514 can comprise one or
more processors configured to confer at least in part the
functionality of mobile network platform 510. To that end, the one
or more processor can execute code instructions stored in memory
530, for example. It is should be appreciated that server(s) 514
can comprise a content manager, which operates in substantially the
same manner as described hereinbefore.
[0087] In example embodiment 500, memory 530 can store information
related to operation of mobile network platform 510. Other
operational information can comprise provisioning information of
mobile devices served through mobile network platform 510,
subscriber databases; application intelligence, pricing schemes,
e.g., promotional rates, flat-rate programs, couponing campaigns;
technical specification(s) consistent with telecommunication
protocols for operation of disparate radio, or wireless, technology
layers; and so forth. Memory 530 can also store information from at
least one of telephony network(s) 540, WAN 550, SS7 network 560, or
enterprise network(s) 570. In an aspect, memory 530 can be, for
example, accessed as part of a data store component or as a
remotely connected memory store.
[0088] In order to provide a context for the various aspects of the
disclosed subject matter, FIG. 5, and the following discussion, are
intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitable
environment in which the various aspects of the disclosed subject
matter can be implemented. While the subject matter has been
described above in the general context of computer-executable
instructions of a computer program that runs on a computer and/or
computers, those skilled in the art will recognize that the
disclosed subject matter also can be implemented in combination
with other program modules. Generally, program modules comprise
routines, programs, components, data structures, etc. that perform
particular tasks and/or implement particular abstract data
types.
[0089] Turning now to FIG. 6, an illustrative embodiment of a
communication device 600 is shown. The communication device 600 can
serve as an illustrative embodiment of devices such as data
terminals 114, mobile devices 124, vehicle 126, display devices 144
or other client devices for communication via either communications
network 125.
[0090] The communication device 600 can comprise a wireline and/or
wireless transceiver 602 (herein transceiver 602), a user interface
(UI) 604, a power supply 614, a location receiver 616, a motion
sensor 618, an orientation sensor 620, and a controller 606 for
managing operations thereof. The transceiver 602 can support
short-range or long-range wireless access technologies such as
Bluetooth.RTM., ZigBee.RTM., WiFi, DECT, or cellular communication
technologies, just to mention a few (Bluetooth.RTM. and ZigBee.RTM.
are trademarks registered by the Bluetooth.RTM. Special Interest
Group and the ZigBee.RTM. Alliance, respectively). Cellular
technologies can include, for example, CDMA-1X, UMTS/HSDPA,
GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO, WiMAX, SDR, LTE, as well as other next
generation wireless communication technologies as they arise. The
transceiver 602 can also be adapted to support circuit-switched
wireline access technologies (such as PSTN), packet-switched
wireline access technologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP, etc.), and
combinations thereof.
[0091] The UI 604 can include a depressible or touch-sensitive
keypad 608 with a navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a
joystick, a mouse, or a navigation disk for manipulating operations
of the communication device 600. The keypad 608 can be an integral
part of a housing assembly of the communication device 600 or an
independent device operably coupled thereto by a tethered wireline
interface (such as a USB cable) or a wireless interface supporting
for example Bluetooth.RTM.. The keypad 608 can represent a numeric
keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a QWERTY keypad with
alphanumeric keys. The UI 604 can further include a display 610
such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED
(Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technology
for conveying images to an end user of the communication device
600. In an embodiment where the display 610 is touch-sensitive, a
portion or all of the keypad 608 can be presented by way of the
display 610 with navigation features.
[0092] The display 610 can use touch screen technology to also
serve as a user interface for detecting user input. As a touch
screen display, the communication device 600 can be adapted to
present a user interface having graphical user interface (GUI)
elements that can be selected by a user with a touch of a finger.
The display 610 can be equipped with capacitive, resistive or other
forms of sensing technology to detect how much surface area of a
user's finger has been placed on a portion of the touch screen
display. This sensing information can be used to control the
manipulation of the GUI elements or other functions of the user
interface. The display 610 can be an integral part of the housing
assembly of the communication device 600 or an independent device
communicatively coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface
(such as a cable) or a wireless interface.
[0093] The UI 604 can also include an audio system 612 that
utilizes audio technology for conveying low volume audio (such as
audio heard in proximity of a human ear) and high volume audio
(such as speakerphone for hands free operation). The audio system
612 can further include a microphone for receiving audible signals
of an end user. The audio system 612 can also be used for voice
recognition applications. The UI 604 can further include an image
sensor 613 such as a charged coupled device (CCD) camera for
capturing still or moving images.
[0094] The power supply 614 can utilize common power management
technologies such as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply
regulation technologies, and/or charging system technologies for
supplying energy to the components of the communication device 600
to facilitate long-range or short-range portable communications.
Alternatively, or in combination, the charging system can utilize
external power sources such as DC power supplied over a physical
interface such as a USB port or other suitable tethering
technologies.
[0095] The location receiver 616 can utilize location technology
such as a global positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of
assisted GPS for identifying a location of the communication device
600 based on signals generated by a constellation of GPS
satellites, which can be used for facilitating location services
such as navigation. The motion sensor 618 can utilize motion
sensing technology such as an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or other
suitable motion sensing technology to detect motion of the
communication device 600 in three-dimensional space. The
orientation sensor 620 can utilize orientation sensing technology
such as a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the
communication device 600 (north, south, west, and east, as well as
combined orientations in degrees, minutes, or other suitable
orientation metrics).
[0096] The communication device 600 can use the transceiver 602 to
also determine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth.RTM., or
other wireless access points by sensing techniques such as
utilizing a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) and/or signal
time of arrival (TOA) or time of flight (TOF) measurements. The
controller 606 can utilize computing technologies such as a
microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), programmable gate
arrays, application specific integrated circuits, and/or a video
processor with associated storage memory such as Flash, ROM, RAM,
SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologies for executing computer
instructions, controlling, and processing data supplied by the
aforementioned components of the communication device 600.
[0097] Other components not shown in FIG. 6 can be used in one or
more embodiments of the subject disclosure. For instance, the
communication device 600 can include a slot for adding or removing
an identity module such as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card
or Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC). SIM or UICC cards can
be used for identifying subscriber services, executing programs,
storing subscriber data, and so on.
[0098] The terms "first," "second," "third," and so forth, as used
in the claims, unless otherwise clear by context, is for clarity
only and doesn't otherwise indicate or imply any order in time. For
instance, "a first determination," "a second determination," and "a
third determination," does not indicate or imply that the first
determination is to be made before the second determination, or
vice versa, etc.
[0099] In the subject specification, terms such as "store,"
"storage," "data store," data storage," "database," and
substantially any other information storage component relevant to
operation and functionality of a component, refer to "memory
components," or entities embodied in a "memory" or components
comprising the memory. It will be appreciated that the memory
components described herein can be either volatile memory or
nonvolatile memory, or can comprise both volatile and nonvolatile
memory, by way of illustration, and not limitation, volatile
memory, non-volatile memory, disk storage, and memory storage.
Further, nonvolatile memory can be included in read only memory
(ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM
(EPROM), electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory.
Volatile memory can comprise random access memory (RAM), which acts
as external cache memory. By way of illustration and not
limitation, RAM is available in many forms such as synchronous RAM
(SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data
rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM
(SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM). Additionally, the
disclosed memory components of systems or methods herein are
intended to comprise, without being limited to comprising, these
and any other suitable types of memory.
[0100] Moreover, it will be noted that the disclosed subject matter
can be practiced with other computer system configurations,
comprising single-processor or multiprocessor computer systems,
mini-computing devices, mainframe computers, as well as personal
computers, hand-held computing devices (e.g., PDA, phone,
smartphone, watch, tablet computers, netbook computers, etc.),
microprocessor-based or programmable consumer or industrial
electronics, and the like. The illustrated aspects can also be
practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are
performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a
communications network; however, some if not all aspects of the
subject disclosure can be practiced on stand-alone computers. In a
distributed computing environment, program modules can be located
in both local and remote memory storage devices.
[0101] Some of the embodiments described herein can also employ
artificial intelligence (AI) to facilitate automating one or more
features described herein. The embodiments (e.g., in connection
with automatically identifying acquired cell sites that provide a
maximum value/benefit after addition to an existing communication
network) can employ various AI-based schemes for carrying out
various embodiments thereof. Moreover, the classifier can be
employed to determine a ranking or priority of each cell site of
the acquired network. A classifier is a function that maps an input
attribute vector, x=(x1, x2, x3, x4, . . . , xn), to a confidence
that the input belongs to a class, that is, f(x)=confidence
(class). Such classification can employ a probabilistic and/or
statistical-based analysis (e.g., factoring into the analysis
utilities and costs) to determine or infer an action that a user
desires to be automatically performed. A support vector machine
(SVM) is an example of a classifier that can be employed. The SVM
operates by finding a hypersurface in the space of possible inputs,
which the hypersurface attempts to split the triggering criteria
from the non-triggering events. Intuitively, this makes the
classification correct for testing data that is near, but not
identical to training data. Other directed and undirected model
classification approaches comprise, e.g., naive Bayes, Bayesian
networks, decision trees, neural networks, fuzzy logic models, and
probabilistic classification models providing different patterns of
independence can be employed. Classification as used herein also is
inclusive of statistical regression that is utilized to develop
models of priority.
[0102] As will be readily appreciated, one or more of the
embodiments can employ classifiers that are explicitly trained
(e.g., via a generic training data) as well as implicitly trained
(e.g., via observing UE behavior, operator preferences, historical
information, receiving extrinsic information). For example, SVMs
can be configured via a learning or training phase within a
classifier constructor and feature selection module. Thus, the
classifier(s) can be used to automatically learn and perform a
number of functions, including but not limited to determining
according to predetermined criteria which of the acquired cell
sites will benefit a maximum number of subscribers and/or which of
the acquired cell sites will add minimum value to the existing
communication network coverage, etc.
[0103] As used in some contexts in this application, in some
embodiments, the terms "component," "system" and the like are
intended to refer to, or comprise, a computer-related entity or an
entity related to an operational apparatus with one or more
specific functionalities, wherein the entity can be either
hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or
software in execution. As an example, a component may be, but is
not limited to being, a process running on a processor, a
processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution,
computer-executable instructions, a program, and/or a computer. By
way of illustration and not limitation, both an application running
on a server and the server can be a component. One or more
components may reside within a process and/or thread of execution
and a component may be localized on one computer and/or distributed
between two or more computers. In addition, these components can
execute from various computer readable media having various data
structures stored thereon. The components may communicate via local
and/or remote processes such as in accordance with a signal having
one or more data packets (e.g., data from one component interacting
with another component in a local system, distributed system,
and/or across a network such as the Internet with other systems via
the signal). As another example, a component can be an apparatus
with specific functionality provided by mechanical parts operated
by electric or electronic circuitry, which is operated by a
software or firmware application executed by a processor, wherein
the processor can be internal or external to the apparatus and
executes at least a part of the software or firmware application.
As yet another example, a component can be an apparatus that
provides specific functionality through electronic components
without mechanical parts, the electronic components can comprise a
processor therein to execute software or firmware that confers at
least in part the functionality of the electronic components. While
various components have been illustrated as separate components, it
will be appreciated that multiple components can be implemented as
a single component, or a single component can be implemented as
multiple components, without departing from example
embodiments.
[0104] Further, the various embodiments can be implemented as a
method, apparatus or article of manufacture using standard
programming and/or engineering techniques to produce software,
firmware, hardware or any combination thereof to control a computer
to implement the disclosed subject matter. The term "article of
manufacture" as used herein is intended to encompass a computer
program accessible from any computer-readable device or
computer-readable storage/communications media. For example,
computer readable storage media can include, but are not limited
to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk,
magnetic strips), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digital
versatile disk (DVD)), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g.,
card, stick, key drive). Of course, those skilled in the art will
recognize many modifications can be made to this configuration
without departing from the scope or spirit of the various
embodiments.
[0105] In addition, the words "example" and "exemplary" are used
herein to mean serving as an instance or illustration. Any
embodiment or design described herein as "example" or "exemplary"
is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous
over other embodiments or designs. Rather, use of the word example
or exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion.
As used in this application, the term "or" is intended to mean an
inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or". That is, unless
specified otherwise or clear from context, "X employs A or B" is
intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That
is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then "X
employs A or B" is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances.
In addition, the articles "a" and "an" as used in this application
and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean "one
or more" unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be
directed to a singular form.
[0106] Moreover, terms such as "user equipment," "mobile station,"
"mobile," subscriber station," "access terminal," "terminal,"
"handset," "mobile device" (and/or terms representing similar
terminology) can refer to a wireless device utilized by a
subscriber or user of a wireless communication service to receive
or convey data, control, voice, video, sound, gaming or
substantially any data-stream or signaling-stream. The foregoing
terms are utilized interchangeably herein and with reference to the
related drawings.
[0107] Furthermore, the terms "user," "subscriber," "customer,"
"consumer" and the like are employed interchangeably throughout,
unless context warrants particular distinctions among the terms. It
should be appreciated that such terms can refer to human entities
or automated components supported through artificial intelligence
(e.g., a capacity to make inference based, at least, on complex
mathematical formalisms), which can provide simulated vision, sound
recognition and so forth.
[0108] As employed herein, the term "processor" can refer to
substantially any computing processing unit or device comprising,
but not limited to comprising, single-core processors;
single-processors with software multithread execution capability;
multi-core processors; multi-core processors with software
multithread execution capability; multi-core processors with
hardware multithread technology; parallel platforms; and parallel
platforms with distributed shared memory. Additionally, a processor
can refer to an integrated circuit, an application specific
integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a
field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic
controller (PLC), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a
discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components or
any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described
herein. Processors can exploit nano-scale architectures such as,
but not limited to, molecular and quantum-dot based transistors,
switches and gates, in order to optimize space usage or enhance
performance of user equipment. A processor can also be implemented
as a combination of computing processing units.
[0109] As used herein, terms such as "data storage," data storage,"
"database," and substantially any other information storage
component relevant to operation and functionality of a component,
refer to "memory components," or entities embodied in a "memory" or
components comprising the memory. It will be appreciated that the
memory components or computer-readable storage media, described
herein can be either volatile memory or nonvolatile memory or can
include both volatile and nonvolatile memory.
[0110] What has been described above includes mere examples of
various embodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe
every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for
purposes of describing these examples, but one of ordinary skill in
the art can recognize that many further combinations and
permutations of the present embodiments are possible. Accordingly,
the embodiments disclosed and/or claimed herein are intended to
embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that
fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
Furthermore, to the extent that the term "includes" is used in
either the detailed description or the claims, such term is
intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term
"comprising" as "comprising" is interpreted when employed as a
transitional word in a claim.
[0111] In addition, a flow diagram may include a "start" and/or
"continue" indication. The "start" and "continue" indications
reflect that the steps presented can optionally be incorporated in
or otherwise used in conjunction with other routines. In this
context, "start" indicates the beginning of the first step
presented and may be preceded by other activities not specifically
shown. Further, the "continue" indication reflects that the steps
presented may be performed multiple times and/or may be succeeded
by other activities not specifically shown. Further, while a flow
diagram indicates a particular ordering of steps, other orderings
are likewise possible provided that the principles of causality are
maintained.
[0112] As may also be used herein, the term(s) "operably coupled
to", "coupled to", and/or "coupling" includes direct coupling
between items and/or indirect coupling between items via one or
more intervening items. Such items and intervening items include,
but are not limited to, junctions, communication paths, components,
circuit elements, circuits, functional blocks, and/or devices. As
an example of indirect coupling, a signal conveyed from a first
item to a second item may be modified by one or more intervening
items by modifying the form, nature or format of information in a
signal, while one or more elements of the information in the signal
are nevertheless conveyed in a manner than can be recognized by the
second item. In a further example of indirect coupling, an action
in a first item can cause a reaction on the second item, as a
result of actions and/or reactions in one or more intervening
items.
[0113] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and
described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement
which achieves the same or similar purpose may be substituted for
the embodiments described or shown by the subject disclosure. The
subject disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or
variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above
embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described
herein, can be used in the subject disclosure. For instance, one or
more features from one or more embodiments can be combined with one
or more features of one or more other embodiments. In one or more
embodiments, features that are positively recited can also be
negatively recited and excluded from the embodiment with or without
replacement by another structural and/or functional feature. The
steps or functions described with respect to the embodiments of the
subject disclosure can be performed in any order. The steps or
functions described with respect to the embodiments of the subject
disclosure can be performed alone or in combination with other
steps or functions of the subject disclosure, as well as from other
embodiments or from other steps that have not been described in the
subject disclosure. Further, more than or less than all of the
features described with respect to an embodiment can also be
utilized.
* * * * *