CA2254130C - Multicasting method and apparatus - Google Patents

Multicasting method and apparatus Download PDF

Info

Publication number
CA2254130C
CA2254130C CA002254130A CA2254130A CA2254130C CA 2254130 C CA2254130 C CA 2254130C CA 002254130 A CA002254130 A CA 002254130A CA 2254130 A CA2254130 A CA 2254130A CA 2254130 C CA2254130 C CA 2254130C
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
stream
information
packets
user
users
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
CA002254130A
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
CA2254130A1 (en
Inventor
Antonio M. Monteiro
James F. Butterworth
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
TWO-WAY MEDIA Ltd
Original Assignee
TWO-WAY MEDIA LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=24583333&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=CA2254130(C) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by TWO-WAY MEDIA LLC filed Critical TWO-WAY MEDIA LLC
Priority to CA002434698A priority Critical patent/CA2434698C/en
Publication of CA2254130A1 publication Critical patent/CA2254130A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA2254130C publication Critical patent/CA2254130C/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L67/00Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
    • H04L67/50Network services
    • H04L67/51Discovery or management thereof, e.g. service location protocol [SLP] or web services
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06QINFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00Commerce
    • G06Q30/02Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00Data switching networks
    • H04L12/02Details
    • H04L12/16Arrangements for providing special services to substations
    • H04L12/18Arrangements for providing special services to substations for broadcast or conference, e.g. multicast
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00Data switching networks
    • H04L12/02Details
    • H04L12/16Arrangements for providing special services to substations
    • H04L12/18Arrangements for providing special services to substations for broadcast or conference, e.g. multicast
    • H04L12/1813Arrangements for providing special services to substations for broadcast or conference, e.g. multicast for computer conferences, e.g. chat rooms
    • H04L12/1818Conference organisation arrangements, e.g. handling schedules, setting up parameters needed by nodes to attend a conference, booking network resources, notifying involved parties
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00Data switching networks
    • H04L12/02Details
    • H04L12/16Arrangements for providing special services to substations
    • H04L12/18Arrangements for providing special services to substations for broadcast or conference, e.g. multicast
    • H04L12/1813Arrangements for providing special services to substations for broadcast or conference, e.g. multicast for computer conferences, e.g. chat rooms
    • H04L12/1827Network arrangements for conference optimisation or adaptation
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00Data switching networks
    • H04L12/02Details
    • H04L12/16Arrangements for providing special services to substations
    • H04L12/18Arrangements for providing special services to substations for broadcast or conference, e.g. multicast
    • H04L12/1859Arrangements for providing special services to substations for broadcast or conference, e.g. multicast adapted to provide push services, e.g. data channels
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L43/00Arrangements for monitoring or testing data switching networks
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L63/00Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security
    • H04L63/08Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security for authentication of entities
    • H04L63/0815Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security for authentication of entities providing single-sign-on or federations
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L65/00Network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communication
    • H04L65/1066Session management
    • H04L65/1101Session protocols
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L65/00Network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communication
    • H04L65/40Support for services or applications
    • H04L65/403Arrangements for multi-party communication, e.g. for conferences
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L65/00Network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communication
    • H04L65/60Network streaming of media packets
    • H04L65/61Network streaming of media packets for supporting one-way streaming services, e.g. Internet radio
    • H04L65/611Network streaming of media packets for supporting one-way streaming services, e.g. Internet radio for multicast or broadcast
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L65/00Network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communication
    • H04L65/60Network streaming of media packets
    • H04L65/61Network streaming of media packets for supporting one-way streaming services, e.g. Internet radio
    • H04L65/612Network streaming of media packets for supporting one-way streaming services, e.g. Internet radio for unicast
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L65/00Network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communication
    • H04L65/60Network streaming of media packets
    • H04L65/75Media network packet handling
    • H04L65/752Media network packet handling adapting media to network capabilities
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L65/00Network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communication
    • H04L65/60Network streaming of media packets
    • H04L65/75Media network packet handling
    • H04L65/765Media network packet handling intermediate
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L67/00Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
    • H04L67/01Protocols
    • H04L67/02Protocols based on web technology, e.g. hypertext transfer protocol [HTTP]
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L67/00Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
    • H04L67/01Protocols
    • H04L67/10Protocols in which an application is distributed across nodes in the network
    • H04L67/1095Replication or mirroring of data, e.g. scheduling or transport for data synchronisation between network nodes
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L67/00Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
    • H04L67/50Network services
    • H04L67/535Tracking the activity of the user
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L67/00Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
    • H04L67/50Network services
    • H04L67/55Push-based network services
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L69/00Network arrangements, protocols or services independent of the application payload and not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
    • H04L69/30Definitions, standards or architectural aspects of layered protocol stacks
    • H04L69/32Architecture of open systems interconnection [OSI] 7-layer type protocol stacks, e.g. the interfaces between the data link level and the physical level
    • H04L69/322Intralayer communication protocols among peer entities or protocol data unit [PDU] definitions
    • H04L69/329Intralayer communication protocols among peer entities or protocol data unit [PDU] definitions in the application layer [OSI layer 7]
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L9/00Cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols
    • H04L9/40Network security protocols
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/20Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/25Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication, learning user preferences for recommending movies
    • H04N21/254Management at additional data server, e.g. shopping server, rights management server
    • H04N21/2541Rights Management
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/45Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies, resolving scheduling conflicts
    • H04N21/462Content or additional data management, e.g. creating a master electronic program guide from data received from the Internet and a Head-end, controlling the complexity of a video stream by scaling the resolution or bit-rate based on the client capabilities
    • H04N21/4621Controlling the complexity of the content stream or additional data, e.g. lowering the resolution or bit-rate of the video stream for a mobile client with a small screen
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/60Network structure or processes for video distribution between server and client or between remote clients; Control signalling between clients, server and network components; Transmission of management data between server and client, e.g. sending from server to client commands for recording incoming content stream; Communication details between server and client 
    • H04N21/63Control signaling related to video distribution between client, server and network components; Network processes for video distribution between server and clients or between remote clients, e.g. transmitting basic layer and enhancement layers over different transmission paths, setting up a peer-to-peer communication via Internet between remote STB's; Communication protocols; Addressing
    • H04N21/64Addressing
    • H04N21/6405Multicasting
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/80Generation or processing of content or additional data by content creator independently of the distribution process; Content per se
    • H04N21/81Monomedia components thereof
    • H04N21/8106Monomedia components thereof involving special audio data, e.g. different tracks for different languages
    • H04N21/8113Monomedia components thereof involving special audio data, e.g. different tracks for different languages comprising music, e.g. song in MP3 format
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00Television systems
    • H04N7/16Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
    • H04N7/173Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal
    • H04N7/17309Transmission or handling of upstream communications
    • H04N7/17318Direct or substantially direct transmission and handling of requests
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04QSELECTING
    • H04Q11/00Selecting arrangements for multiplex systems
    • H04Q11/04Selecting arrangements for multiplex systems for time-division multiplexing
    • H04Q11/0428Integrated services digital network, i.e. systems for transmission of different types of digitised signals, e.g. speech, data, telecentral, television signals
    • H04Q11/0478Provisions for broadband connections
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00Data switching networks
    • H04L12/02Details
    • H04L12/16Arrangements for providing special services to substations
    • H04L12/18Arrangements for providing special services to substations for broadcast or conference, e.g. multicast
    • H04L12/185Arrangements for providing special services to substations for broadcast or conference, e.g. multicast with management of multicast group membership
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00Data switching networks
    • H04L12/02Details
    • H04L12/16Arrangements for providing special services to substations
    • H04L12/18Arrangements for providing special services to substations for broadcast or conference, e.g. multicast
    • H04L12/1854Arrangements for providing special services to substations for broadcast or conference, e.g. multicast with non-centralised forwarding system, e.g. chaincast
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00Data switching networks
    • H04L12/02Details
    • H04L12/16Arrangements for providing special services to substations
    • H04L12/18Arrangements for providing special services to substations for broadcast or conference, e.g. multicast
    • H04L12/1863Arrangements for providing special services to substations for broadcast or conference, e.g. multicast comprising mechanisms for improved reliability, e.g. status reports
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00Data switching networks
    • H04L12/54Store-and-forward switching systems 
    • H04L12/56Packet switching systems
    • H04L12/5601Transfer mode dependent, e.g. ATM
    • H04L2012/5625Operations, administration and maintenance [OAM]
    • H04L2012/5626Network management, e.g. Intelligent nets
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L12/00Data switching networks
    • H04L12/54Store-and-forward switching systems 
    • H04L12/56Packet switching systems
    • H04L12/5601Transfer mode dependent, e.g. ATM
    • H04L2012/5638Services, e.g. multimedia, GOS, QOS
    • H04L2012/564Connection-oriented
    • H04L2012/5642Multicast/broadcast/point-multipoint, e.g. VOD
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L43/00Arrangements for monitoring or testing data switching networks
    • H04L43/08Monitoring or testing based on specific metrics, e.g. QoS, energy consumption or environmental parameters
    • H04L43/0852Delays
    • H04L43/0864Round trip delays
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L63/00Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security
    • H04L63/08Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security for authentication of entities
    • H04L63/0823Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security for authentication of entities using certificates
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L63/00Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security
    • H04L63/08Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security for authentication of entities
    • H04L63/083Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security for authentication of entities using passwords
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L67/00Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
    • H04L67/01Protocols
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L67/00Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
    • H04L67/50Network services
    • H04L67/53Network services using third party service providers
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04LTRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L69/00Network arrangements, protocols or services independent of the application payload and not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
    • H04L69/08Protocols for interworking; Protocol conversion

Abstract

A scalable architecture is disclosed for delivery of real-time information over a communications network. Embedded into the architecture is a control mechanism (10) that provides for the management and administration (60) of users (40) who are to receive the real-time information. Preferably, there are multiple channels of information available simultaneously to be delivered to users, each channel consisting of an independent stream of information. A user (40) chooses to tune in or tune out a particular channel, but does not choose the time at which the channel distributes its information. Advantageously, interactive (two-way) information can be incorporated into the system, multiple streams of information can be integrated for delivery to a user (40), and certain portions of the information being delivered can be tailored to the individual user (40).

Description

Field of the Invention This relates tc~ a method and apparatus for providing audio and/or visual communication services, in real-time to a multiplicity of identifiable users~on a communications network, such as the Internet. In a preferred embodiment, the invention monitors which users are receiving signals on which one of a plurality of channels and modifies the content of at least some signals in response thereto. A particular application is to provide services akin to multi-channel radio or television with commercial programming content adjusted in accordance with the identity of the individual ..
user. -2. eaakground of the Invention Systems such as the Internet typically are point-to-point (or unicast.) systems ire which a message is converted into a series of addressed packets that are routed from a 20-source node through a plurality of routers to a destination node. In most communication protocols the packet includes a header that contains the addresses of the source and the destination nodes as well. as a sequence number that specifies the packet's order in the message.
In general,. these systems do not have the capability of broadcasting a message from a source node to all the other nodes in the network because such a capability is rarely of much use and could easily overload the network.
However, there are situations where it is desirable for one node to communicate with some subset of x.11 the nodes. For example, multi-party conferencing c::apability, analogous to that found in the public telephone system and broadcasting to a limited number of nodes, is of ccansiderable interest to users of packet-switched networks. 'Tc= satisfy such demands, packets destined for several. recipients have been ' encapsulated in a un:icast packet grad forwarded from a source to a point in a network where the packets have been replicated and forwarded on to all desired recipients. This ~ technique is known as IP Multicasting and the network over which such packets are routed is referred to as the Multicast Backbone or MBONE. More recently, routers have become available that can route the mult~.cast addresses (class D
addresses) provided for in communication protocols such a~
TCP/IP and UDPjIP. A multicast address is essentially an ' address for a group of host computers who have indicated their desire to participate in that group. Thus, a multicast packet can be routed from a source node through a plurality of multicast routers (ar mrouters) to one or more devices receiving thc~ multicast packets. From there the packet is distributed to all the host computers that are members of the multicast group:
i5 These techniques hare been used to provide on the Internet audio and video conferencing as well as radio-like _ broadcasting to groups of interested parties. See, for example, K. Savetz et a1. ~Q~E,~g.;~~,~,ca~,~i~dq Tomorrow~s Internet (IDG Books Worldwide Inc., 1996).
p Further details concerning technical aspects of multicasting may be found in the Internet documents Request for Comments (RFC) 1.12 and 3:58, which are reproduced at Appendices A and B of the Savetz book and in D.P. 8rutaman et al., "MBONE provides Audio and Video Across the Internet,"
28 IEEE Computer, Vol. 27, No. 4, pp. 3rJ-36 (April 1994j, Citation of the foregoing documents is not to be construed as an admission that any of such documents is a prior art publication relative to the pres~nt invention.
3. 8u~nmary of th~ Invention The present invention is a scalable architecture for delivery of real-time information over a communications network. Embedded into the architecture is a control mechanism that provides for the m~nagemant and administration of users who are to receive the real-time information.

In the preferred embodiment, the information being delivered is high-quality audio. However, it could also be video, graphics, text or any other type of information that can be transmitted over a digital. network. This information is delivered in real--time to any number of widely distributed users. It is rea2-time in that for a given channel of information, approximately the same information is being sent at approximately the same time to everyone who is enabled to receive the information.
. Preferably, there are multiple channels of information available simultaneously to be delivered to users, each channel consisting of an independent stream of information. A user chooses to tune in or tune out a particular channel, but does not choose the time at which the channel distributes its information. Advantageously, interactive (two--wayy information can be incorporated into the system, multiple streams of information can be integrated for delivery to a user, and certain portions of the information being delivered can be tailored to the individual user.
4. Hri~f Ddsrrriptioa of tbo Drawiag These and other objects, features and advantages of our invention will be more readily apparent from the following Detailed Description of a Preferred Embodiment of our invention in which:
Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram depicting an overview of the system of the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram depicting the network 3o control center for the system of,Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram depicting a unicast distribution structure;
Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram depicting a multicast distribution structure;
Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram depicting the connection between the media server and the user in the system of Fig . 1;

Figs. 6-1i are timing diagrams that depict various . aspects of the operation of the system of Fig. 1; and Figs. 18 and 19 depict the user interface for control of the system of Fig. 1.
Where the same reference numerals appear in ' multiple drawings, the numerals refer to the same or corresponding structure in such drawings.
5. Detailed Description of the Preferr~d Embodiment to ~ Referring to Fig. 2, the system of the present invention comprises a Network Control Center 10, a plurality of Primary Servers 2~, Media Servers 30, users 40 and Control Servers 50 and an Administration Server 60. The servers are interconnected by a communications network, which in the preferred embodiment is the global connected internetwork known as the rnternet. The Network Control Center 10 is the source of the information being distributed, It receives audio feeds from satellite, over the air broadcast or in other ways and processes this information for delivery over 2o the network on multiple channels of information. This processing consists of optionally recording the information for future broadcast and dynamically inserting paid commercial advertisements.
For each channel of information, there is a Primary server 20 that receives the stream of information from the Network Control Center 10 and compresses the information stream to allow for more efficient transmission. The Primary Servers 20 are directly connected to the network.
The Primary Servers forward information via the network to a number of Media Servers 30. There may be a large number of Media Servers and a,n fact there may be many levels of Media Servers. For example, a Media Server that receives a stream of information from a Primary Server may forward that stream via the network. to another Media Server that then forwards it to a User 40. This multilevel , hierarchical structure is described in mare detail below.

The topology of the Internet dictates the ideal placement of Media Servers, the fan-out of each Media Server and the number of levels of Media Servers between the Primary Server and Users. For example, the Media Servers that feed from a Primary Server might be placed at major points of presence (POPS) of each of the large Internet service providers. These Media Servers might also be placed near clouds that serve as high bandwidth exchange points between the major carriers, Similarly, Media Servers that feed to Users might be placed on or close to networks that have a large number of subscribers to minimize the distance and number of data streams being transmitted.
Control Servers 5d are responsible for keeping track of which Users are listening to which channels and for i5 directing the Media~servers to start and stop streams of information to those Users. The Control Servers are also responsible for handling other interactions among the various components of the system.as will be described in more detail below. Each Control Server is responsible for managing a 2o cluster of Media servers; and each Media Server is managed by a single control Server at any given time. As a result, the ..
Control Servers are distributed throughout the Internet, preferably located close to the Media Servers.
The Administration Server 60 is responsible for 2s registering new Users; authenticating Users who want to log onto the system, and maintaining audit logs for haw many Users are listening to which channels and at which times. -Maintaining audit logs and gathering statistics are features critical to monitoring the delivery of paid commercial 30 messages as well as for other purposes. For example, for purposes of assessing copyright royalties, the audit logs can record the number of listeners for each musical or video selection that is distributed by the system. Another application is to determine the percentage of listeners who 35 are interested in listening to a particular musical selection by determining how many listen to the entire selection and how many turn it off.

The system of the present invention can be ' considered a distribution architecture integrated with a control architecture. The distribution architecture handles scalable real-time delivery of information to any number of Users on a packet switched network, such as the Internet.
The control architecture represents a second scalable system integrated with the distribution architecture for managing and administering the delivery of that information.
The remainder of this description is divided into lo three sections. In the next section the distribution architecture will be described in more detail. Following that, the control architecture will be described. In the third section the User interface will be illustrated.
I. Distribution Architecture The distribution architecture provides for the delivery of real-time information to any number of Users distributed throughout a network. As will be described in 2o detail below, the distribution architecture is scalable to allow for efficient delivery of multipls simultaneous information channels in real-time to a large number of Users.
In the preferred embodiments the infprmation that is being distributed consists of high-quality audio in addition to other information. It should be appreciated that the basic architecture and other general principles set forth herein would also apply to the delivery of video, graphics, text or any other type of information that can be delivered over a digital network. In addition, it should be 3o appreciated that an information stream can consist of audio with supplemental information such as text and graphic images and commands to control software running on the User s computer.
The source of information in the preferred embodiment is the Network Control Center .10, depicted in the schematic diagram of Fig. .2. Control Centers of this type of design are available from ~3roadcast Electronics, Inc. and are similar to what would be found in a conventional radio station serving multiple frequencies.
Referring to Fig. 2, the incoming signal can be received in a variety of ways such as from a satellite, over-the-air broadcast, cable or hard disk. It is then processed by Receiver/Decoder 110, which decodes the signal and provides an incoming audio stream. Routing Switcher 120 is responsible for routing the incoming audio feed from the Receiver to either Delay Recording Workstation 140 or to one of the Playback/Control Workstations 130. Real-time insertion of paid commercial advertising takes place at the Playback/Control Workstations and the resulting integrated audio stream is delivered to the Primary Servers. The Delay Recording Workstation is responsible for recording an incoming broadcast so that it can be played back at a later time.
Supervisory Workstation 150 is responsible for managing and controlling the Playback/Control Workstations, Delay Recording Workstations and other computers as may be connected to the local area network within the Network Control Center. Production Workstation 160 and AudioVAULT-NFS Server 170 are used to manipulate audio samples, such as commercial messages for use by the Playback/Control Workstations. The audio being delivered can consist of syndicated TV or radio programs, such as would be received over satellite or cable and delivered as described above.
These can be delivered live and/or played back at a later time. It is also possible for the delivery of information, such as music, to take place from information that is all stored locally such as on a hard disk. A new play list and its associated music data can then be downloaded periodically to update the channel. Additionally, it is possible to deliver commercial-free programming, for example public service announcements or label-specific music.
In the preferred embodiment the Primary Servers are responsible for compressing the audio stream using an advanced perceptual technique developed and licensed by AT&T
_ 7 _ Corp. and Lucent Technologies, Inc. This highly -sophisticated algorithm is used to maximize the benefit of the bandwidth available. Advantageously, two bitrates are available, a first rate of approximately 20Kbps and a second rate of approximately 56Kbps. Using the perceptual technique, the quality of the first rate is similar to FM
monaural (with a sampling rate of approximately 22,000 16-bit samples per second) and the second rate is close to CD
quality stereo (with a sampling rate of approximately 32,000 16-bit samples in stereo each second). The signals at the two different bitrates comprise two different audio channels and thus require two different compression processes.
The computational requirements of compressing an audio stream in real--time using techniques such as the advanced perceptual technique~'are approximately 100% of a Pentium-Pro 200Mhz computer and the computational requirements of decompressing an audio stream in real time are approximately 30% of a Pentium 75Mhz computer. Future improvements and/or changes to the algorithm could significantly change these requirements. For the present, a dedicated computer is required within the Primary Server to compress the audio stream. The decompression process takes place on end Users computers and preferably would use only a portion of the computers computational requirements, allowing the computers to be used for other tasks while they are processing the audio stream.
It is important to appreciate that the compression and decompression techniques employed by the present invention are not critical to the overall operation of the system and the advantages obtained therefrom could be obtained with other compression methodologies.
Advantageously, the identity of the compression technique used can be encoded into the audio stream in the packet header. This makes it possible to identify to the receiver the nature of the decompression algorithm to use; and thereby make it possible for the computer within the Primary Server _ g _ to select an optimum compression algorithm defending on the~~
nature of the audio stream to be compressed.
The remainder of the distribution architecture comprises the multilevel hierarchy of data transmission originating at the Primary 6erver 20 and terminating at the Users 40 as shown in Figure 3. In the preferred embodiment, ' the network is the global connected Internet. It can also include private networks that are connected to the Internet and it could be implemented on an~r packet switched network, 1p cable-modem-based or satellite-based cable system. It is possible that certain links within the overall system, for example, the :Link between the Frimary Server and the first level of Media Servers, are private data links that carry only data associated with this.system. This could also be true of other data transmission paths in the distribution architecture. The User receiving the information preferably can be anyone who has access to the Internet with sufficient bandwidth to receive the resulting audio data.
It should be appreciated that the distribution architecture of the present invention provides far scalability. Using such a structure, any number of Useirs, and as widely distributed as necessary, can be accommodated.
In the preferred embodiment, the fan-out at each level of Media Server (given the state of technology today) is on the order of ten, but the same structure could be applied_with other fan-outs. The location and fan-out of the Media Servers is chosen to minim~.~e overall network bandwidth consumed.
The flow of information from Primary Server 20 through network to User 40 is based on the delivery of a continuous sequence of individual pieces of information, or packets. Thus the distribution architecture i~aplements a form of multicast packet delivery to a group. The group in this case is the set of all Users who are listening to a given channel at a given time. group membership is dynamic;
users can start and stop listening to a channel at any time.

Multicasting can be implemented in a variety of ' ways, any or all of which can be used in the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, the Media Servers receive unicast packet streams and they then duplicate these streams into more unicast streams to other Media Servers that are in the membership group f.or trrat stream. The lowest level Media Servers use hardware broadcast, multicast - andJor unicast to reach all Users served by that Media Server.
If the Media Server is directly cannected to the same physical network as the User, hardware broadcast or multicast can be used to transmit the packet stream to all Users listening at that time on that network. In this case the Media Servers can translate the incoming packets into i5 broadcast or multicast packets for transmission on the local network. only a single packet is transmitted at-a-time on the local network and any computer directly connected to the local network can receive that packet. Mardware multicast~is built into most networks and it is .lower in overall overhead than hardware broadcast since computers not interested in a -._ transmission do not have to process the packets. In the case that a Media Server is serving a User who is not on the same physical network, a unicast transmission is used to reach that User, which requires a separate packet transmission for each User so connected. Tn the preferred embodiment, the assignment of Users to Media Servers is done using control transactions among the User 40; Control Servers 50, and Administration Server 60. This system will be described more fully in the following section.
Mult,icasting can also be implemented within the Internet at the xF level. using IP class D addresses and the IGMP groug control protocol. ~'ig. 4 illustrates how the multilevel hierarchical distribution architecture would .
operate using IP multicast delivery. Under this system, a packet is transmitted with a multicast address for a .
destination and each rauter maintains group membership lists for each interface that it is connected to and will forward ~,p packets across the Internet to other routers such that all Users within the global group eventually receive a copy of the packet. Unless and until all rauters within the Internet understand mult:icasting in this way, it is necessary to S supplement it with IP tunneling in which multicast packets are encapsulated in unicast packets and routed by unicast routers to multicast routers. The present invention can and will be able to take advantage of IP multicasting as it becomes widely available. Each channel of information would be given its own class D address and the Media Server would then simply transmit packets using the appropriate IP
destination address. Ln this case na Media Servers would be used as this function would be accamplished by the routers in use to store and forward other IP packets.
Thus it can be appreciated that the implementation of the multicast delivery structure can be implemented using a combination of IP unicast, IP muiticast and hardware multicast or any other system. that prc~vi.des far distributed delivery of information to a specific group of destinations.
It is expected that special relationships with Internet providers will be established so that delivery of the audio steams can take place with a guaranteed bandwidth and in the most efficient way possible.
In the preferred embodiment, packets of information for distribution use the UDP protocol under IP rather than the TCP protocol. TCP provides for reliable stream delivery but at the cost of retransmission and delays. For real-time information, it is usually more appropriate to use UDP since the information is time critical and low latency is more important that reliability. Since TCP is a point-to--point protocol, it is incompatible with IP multicasting. HowevpY
TCP could be used on the IP unicast links between Media Servers that are expected to have very Low packet. loss. In order to handle out of order ;lost, duplicate and corrupted packets, the UDP packets are serialized»
In the preferred embodiment the size of the audio packets being transmitted .is variable and can change on a - ~.1 - __ _ packet by packet basis. zt is expected that~when using compression schemes that have a fixed bit rate, such as ADPCM, all packets for that stream would be the same size.
Alternatively when using a variable bit rate compression algorithm, it is expected that packet size would vary so'as to establish approximately the same amount of time for each sample. For example, if each packet corresponds to a 20 millisecond segment of speech, this could correspond to.100 bytes during one time period and 200 bytes during another.
1o Additionally, the Media. Server may choose to dynamically vary the packet size to accommodate changes in network conditions.
Since the resulting playback of audio :~.nformation is sensitive to packet loss and network congestion, software running on the various computers that make up this system i5 monitors the ongoing situation and adapt to it ix1 the best possible way. This may involve using different Media Servers and/or lowering the data rate to the User. For example, similar to analog dynamic signal quality negotiation present in many analog radio receivers, the User software may request 20 a lower bitrate until the situation is improved. Also, note that the audia information being delivered to the User is _ .
preferably interleaved so that a contiguous segment of the audio stream is distributed for transmission over several packets. As a result, the loss of ane packet is spread out 25 over multiple audio samples and causes minimal degradation in audio. Advantageously, a small degree of redundancy may be incorporated within the audio stream to further guard againstw packet loss.
Preferably, there are two bitrate options available 30 to the User for audio delivery. These are approximately 20Kbps for standard audio and approximately 56Kbps for high quality audio. Thus, a 28.8Kbps modem connection over"an analog phone line is sufficient to listen to standard audio .
broadcasts. To listen to high quality audio, an ISDN
35 connection to the Internet is required, or some other .
connection with greater than 56Kbps bandwidth. It should be appreciated that higher bandwidths are currently becoming available to end Users. In particular the use of cable modems and residential fiber networks are enhancing the bandwidths available to Users and thus making broadcasts of higher bitrates more practical.
In addition to the cantent of the audio channel being delivered, it is also possible to deliver out of band of side-bar information such as graphics, images and text.
This side-bar information is synchronized with the audio channel. This may only involve small increases in bandwidth 1o requirements, such as ~.-2Kbps. For example a music program could deliver images of an album cover, the text of song lyrics, or URLs for use by a web browser. The User can preferably choose to have the side-bar information show up automatically or T~e"hidden. It is also possible to incorporate two-way interaction into the system, such that for example Users can participate .in a global chat session during the audio broadcast. These and other details are explained in more detail below under the description of the User interface.
2o The delivery of paid commercial advertising information is an important aspect of the present invention.
Advertising may be incorporated into the audio stream within the Network Control Center as described above. It. may also be incorporated into the audia stream at the User level, or at some intermediate point in the distribution architecture, In addition, the side-bar information discussed above can also include advertising content. Fig. 5 illustrates the provision to the User of two separate streams 32, 34 of packets, one of which may be used for advertising. In this 3o case the insertion of the stream of commercial advertising into the non-commercial stream occurs on the User's computer.
Fig. 5 also illustrates packet stream ~~, which :identifies the User to the system. This enables the system to monitor which Users are listening to which channels and also allows the system to vary, for examgle, the advertising content delivered to a User.
- 13 ' One advantage of this alternative is to allow -targeted commercial delivery based on the individual User.
That is, an individual User would receive the main audio feed plus a particular advertising stream unique to his demographic group. Note that the advertising stream typically is lower in overall bitrate and generally does not require real-time delivery, thus lowering the overall load on the network. For example, the advertising stream could be delivered to the User in advance of the regular programming, l0 stored in a buffer in the User's computer and inserted into the stream of regular programming upon receipt of a cueing signal embedded in the stream of regular programming. Thus, a substantial number of targeted groups, perhaps 10 or 100 or even more could be accommodated without an impractical increase in network load.
II. Control Architecture The control architecture described in this section is responsible for managing and administering the Users who are receiving the information being delivered by the distribution architecture described in the previous section.
The control architecture handles new User registration, User login, the starting and stopping of audio streams and the monitoring of ongoing transmissions. The control architecture is scalable just as is the distribution architecture so that any number of Users can be managed.
This section describes the control protocol, which consists of the format and sequence of control messages that are exchanged among Users, Control Servers, Media Servers, Primary Servers and the Administration Server. These messages are in the form of objects, which have specific data formats. objects are exchanged preferably using the TCP
protocol although other options are possible. Below we describe the sequence of objects passed among the various computers and detail the internal structure of each object.

The major objects used in the present embodiment of the invention are set forth in Table 1. For each object, Table 1 provides a brief description of its function, identification of the names of the fields in the object, - 5 their types and a brief description of their function.
Channel Activation Object Contains information used for channel activalionldeactivation. It is sent 1 o to Media and Primary Servers to tell them to carry or sto ca p crying a specific channel. Media Servers get the channel from another server in the system hierarchy and Primary Servers get and encode the feed from the actual input source.
Field Name Field Type Remarks 15 Token Security Token Object Moniker Moniker Object unique channel identifier Activate Int action flag (activate/deactivate) CompressType Int type of compression to use Host Host Object host carrying the channel Channel Guide Object Contains analytical and descriptive information for an item requested thcat is uniquely identified by a moniker. It is usually the reply to a Channel Guide Request object.
Field Name Field Type Remarks Token Security Token Object Type Int type of content Result the content data itself Channel Guide Request Object Conveys a request for analytical and descriptive information about an 3o item uniquely identified by the contained moniker. The reply is in the form of a Channel Guide object.
Field Name Field Type Remarks ' Token Security Token Object inherited from base class Type Int type of content Moniker Moniker Object unique identifier Table 1 (continued) -Host Object Encapsulates the attributes of a networked computer related to the -operation or services it offers or requests.
Field Name Field Type Remarks Token Security Token Object HostName String computer name and domain - PortNumber Int port number for service DisplayName String descriptive computer name gin Information Object E~~capsulates the name and password by which a User is known to the system.
Field Name Field Type Remarks Token Security Token Object Login String User's system login name Password String User's system password (possibly encrypted) Media Control Interface (MCI) Request Object 2 o Encapsulates a multimedia control command, such as play and stop, and any extra information that may be necessary to perform the requested service.
Field Name Field Type Remarks Token Security Token Object 2 5 Command Int multimedia command String String command-specific extra info Moniker Object A moniker encapsulates the name of an object or process with the intelligence necessary to work with that name. In other words, it 3 o provides naming and binding services. The Moniker Object is used in the system for unique identz; fication of various components, parts or features, such as a channel, a directory, or a computer list.
Field Name Field Type Remarks Token Security Token Object 3 5 ID _ String unique string identifier DisplayName - - String User-readable name WO 97142582 PCTlUS97107893 Table 1 (continued) Ping Object Ping is the name given to the "Are-You-Alive?" operation useful in determining if a specific computer is up and running. This object is s used in the system when a server has to be queried for its operational status. It can also provide timing information for statistical purposes and quality of service evaluations.
Field Name Field Type Remarks Token Security Token Object Date Date system date Time Time system time Protocol List Object Encapsulates a general purpose collection object.
Field Name Field Type Remarks _ -' Token Security Token Object Type Int type of object list Result Message Object 2 o Acts as the acknowledgment for a requested service successfully carried that out or reports errors that occur in the system during a clientlserver transaction.
Field Name Field Type Remarks Token Security Token Object 2 5 Code Int result code Message String message corresponding to code Security Token Object Contains the authorization key for a transaction. The key must be validated before any service is performed, Field Name Field Type Remarks ID String authorization key/transaction ID.

Table 1 (continued) Server Activation Object Contains information used in the server activationldeactivation process.
Used for announcement as well as command purposes (e.g., a server can nott; fy the administration database that is now activated or a server can be instructed to manage someone else).
Field Name Field Type Remarks Token Security Token Object Active Int action flag (activate/deactivate) Manage Int control flag (manage/associate) Type Int server type Host Host Object host to be controlled Server List Request Object Encapsulates a request for a list of available server resources for an ~5 identified service (e.g., a request for a list of Control Servers for a specified channel).
- Field Name Field Type Remarks Token Security Token Object Type Int type of service Moniker Moniker Object content/channel unique identifier 2 0 Host Host Object local host information Statistics Object Contains system-related information that can be used by load-balancing algorithms and for statistical purposes.
2 5 Field Name Field Type Remarks Token Security Token Object Load Int load on the system Threads Int number of threads running Users Int number of Users being Uptime Int serviced 3 0 NumberManaged Int amount of time running NumberAssociated Int number of managed servers number of associated servers Statistics Request Object Encapsulates a request for system-related information that can be used by load balancing algorithms and statistical purposes.
Field Name Field Type Remarks Token Security Token Object Load Int request flag (on/off) Threads Int request flag (on/off) Users Int request flag (on/off) Uptime Int request flag (on/off) NumberManaged Int request flag (on/off) NumberAssociated Int request flag (on/off) User Object Users and Servers use this object to register themselves with the administration database. They provide the,ixnformation for subsequent - logins (name, password) and other system-related info. The end-Users ~5 provide personal, demographic, and system-related information.
Field Name Field Type Remarks Token Security Token Object Login lrogin Information login information(name, Object password) FirstName String User's first name LastName String User's last name 2 0 Title String User's job title Company String User's employer Addressl String User's home street address Address2 String User's address extra City String city, village State String state, province or foreign country ZipCode String zip or postal code Age String User's age 2 5 Gender String User's gender PhoneNumber String telephone number FaxNumber String fax number En:a;l String email address Demographics Dictionary market-targeting extra User info Systemlnfo Dictionary system-related information Version Object Table 1 (continued) All components of the system use this object to report their versioning information to the party they transact with in order to use a protocol they both understand. They are also given the chance to update themselves if a newer version exists.
Field Name Field Type Remarks Token Security Token Object Major Int major protocol version number Minor Int minor protocol version number Type Int sender type Client Version client version information Unlike traditional protocols based on state computers, the control protocol of the present invention is a light-weight, stateless protocol comprising simple sequences of objects. It is light-weight in that in most sequences only two objects are involved in the transaction and after a sequence is completed the connection can be reused. It is also stateless in that the server maintains no information about the client. Every transaction is handled independently of the previous ones. States exist in the lower levels, for example within the TCP layer, to express logical states of a network connection but they are not actually part of the control protocol.
In the preferred embodiment, the software running on the Control Servers, Media Servers and Primary Servers is programmed for Windows NT and UNIX environment using the OLE
environment. In addition, COM interfaces are used between components. The Rogue Wave system is used to transfer objects between the applications running on the various computers. The software running on the User computer is preferably programmed for a Windows 32-bit environment, so it will run on a Windows 95 or Windows NT computer.
Alternatively, Macintosh and UNIX environments can be accommodated by other User software.
The basic process of a control transaction consists of a version sequence followed by one or more protocol sequences. The version sequence starts after the computer initiating the transaction, the client, has established a connection with the computer completing the transaction, the server. The client sends a Version Object (defined in Table S 1) and in response the server then sends back its own Version Object. This version sequence is used so that both client and server are aware of the version numbers of the software they are using. If a version number is older than expected, either client or server can choose to conform to the previous version or abort the transaction, depending on its needs and capabilities. If a version number is newer than expected, in most cases the current transaction can be completed since the software systems are designed to be fully backward compatible with previous versions. Additionally, in the case that the server of the transaction is the Administration Server, the client receives information about what the latest version number is and thus the client can be informed that a software update is needed. The process of handling automatic updating of User software is described more fully below.
After the version sequence, one or more protocol sequences occur in which other objects are exchanged between client and server. When a particular protocol sequence is completed, another independent protocol sequence can be serviced. The protocol sequences that are part of the control architecture of the present invention are summarized in Table 2 and described below in conjunction with Figures 6-17.

summary of Protocol sequences ~,ontro equencelend ewer a~n sects xc ange User RegistrationUser Administration Version Object and Login User Object (see Fig. Channel Guide Object 6) User Login User Administration Version Object (see Fig. Login Information Object 7) Channel Guide Object Channel Play User Administration Version Object (see Figs Server List Object 8a, 8B, 8C) Control Version Object Server List Object Media Version Object MCI Objects -OPEN/PLAY/STOP/CLOSE

Ping Objects (TCP connection stays open) Token ValidationControl or AdministrationVersion Object or (see Figs. Media or Control Security Token Object 9A, 9B) Primary Server Media or Administration Version Object 2 Registration Control User Object 5 and Login Server Activation Object (see Fig.
10) Server Login Media or Administration Version Object (see Fig. Control Login Object 11) Server Activation Object Control ServerAdministration Control Version Object Activation Server Activation Object (see Fig.
12) ontro ' et~uencetent ~e~rver L ..
atn ' Jects xc tinge Media Server Control Media Version Object Activation Server Activation Object (see Fig.
13) Ping Objects (TCP connection stays open) Control ChannelAdministration Control Version Object Activation Channel Activation Object (see Fig.
14) Media ChannelControl Media (open TCP connection) Activation Channel Activation Objects (see Fig.
15) Distribution Media Media or Version Object Activation Primary MCI Objects -(see Fig. - OPEN/PLAY/STOP/CLOSE
16) Ping Objects (TCP connection stays open) Statistics Administration Control Version Object Request or (see Fig. Media 17) Statistics Object The User registration and login sequences are the processes by which a new User registers with the system, logs in and retrieves programming information. The channel play sequence takes place when a User asks to listen to a particular channel. The token validation sequence is used to verify that a computer requesting a service is authorized to do so. The Server registration, login and activation sequences are used by Control and Media Servers when they become active. The Control Server and Media Server 3o activation sequences are used to manage the Control and Media Servers. The control channel, media channel and distribution activation sequences are used to cause a channel to be distributed to a Media Server. Finally, the statistics request is used for administrative purposes.

Fig. 6 illustrates the User registration and logiii sequence in more detail. This seguence takes place after the User has installed the User software on hisJher computer. Tt is expected that the User will download the software from the Internet and then invoke it, whioh in the preferred embodiment -will use the 'Windows Wizard interface. This will guide the User through the installation process including filling out the registration form, which we will describe more fully in the next section. After the User has selected a name and l0 password and selected the option to register, the User computer opens a TCP connection to the Administration Server.
Advantageously, the full domain name of the Administration Server is embedded into the User software, although it could be discovered in other ways. The User and Administration l5 Server then exchange version objects with the Administration Server as described above. Tf the version numbers meet expectations, the User sends a Ueer Object to the Administration Server. The format of the User Object is shown in Table 1. Once the Administration Server receives 20 the User Object, it verifies that the information is filled in properly and that the selected User name is unique. If the User Object is invalid for any reason, the Administration Server returns a Result Message Object with a.code indicating the reason. The format of the Result Message Object is shown Z5 in Table 1. If the User information is valid, the Administration,Server updates the global database of User names and passwords and then generates a .security token for that User. This security token is then returned to the User in a Result Message Object.
30 Upon receiving the Result Message Object, the User saves the security token for future use. This token is an identifier that allows the User to request services from the Administration Server and other computers within the overall' -system. The security taken is not saved permanently or 35 registered on the User computer. Normally, the User software -then immediately sends a Channel Guide Request Object to the Administration Server and a Channel Guide Object is returned.

~.., ~.< < ,~.~~~- M~.4~ w ~ ,~., , "m .,, . . ....... . .. ..~" .... .

The format of these objects is also shown in Table 1. Note that in principle, this is a separate transaction and could take place in a separate TOP connection to the Administration Server. In particular, once the User has registered and logged in, he/she can request the Channel Guide Object again since it may have been updated since the previous request.
At this point the TOP connection to the Administration server is closed.
The process of User registration only needs to take i0 place once for each User. However anyone cnn re-register at any time, even after the software has been installed. In particular, it is expected that if' multiple persons use a computer, each person will register and obtain his/her own User name and passiao'r3:" If the registration process is not i5 completed successfully, the User software saves the registration information and asks the User if he~'she would ,.
like to try again the next time the sofitware is ~.nvoked.
Since the security token is not permanently saved by the User software, it is lost when the User software .is 2o closed, and the security token must again be rstrieved from the Administration Server the next time the User wants to use the system. This process is the purpose of the login sequence illustrated in Fig. '~. This sequence is used if a user has already registered and needs only to retrieve a 25 valid security token. In this case the sequence consists of the User s sending a Login Information Object to the Administration Server. The Administration Server then queries the user database to validate the login name and password. If the iogin name and password are.correct, than a .30 security token~is returned to the User. Normally the receipt of the security token will immediately be followed by a channel information request sequence, just as in the . registration sequence described previously.
The control sequence that takes place when a Ussr 35 initiates a channel play operation is illustrated in Figs.
8A, 8B and 8C. First the User software requests a Control Server List from the Administration Server. Note that the Server List Request Object, illustrated in Table 1 contains-a channel identifier. The Administration Server generates a sorted list ~~f Control Servers based on overall system load and the location of the User on the network and returns this list to the User using a Protocol List Object. Once the Control Server List is returned to the User, the Administration Server is no longer needed and the TCP
connection is closed.
The User software then searches the list of Control Servers and opens a TCP connection to the first host listed.
If that host computer does not respond, then the next Control Server on the list is tested and so forth in succession.
Upon obtaining a response from a Control Server, the User software uses a Server List Request Object to requests a Media Server List from the Control Server. If the Control Server is too busy to service the User, it returns a Result Message Object so indicating and the User software tries the next Control Server on the list. However, in the likely scenario that the Control Server is able to handle the User's request, a sorted list of Media Servers is generated and returned to the User computer using a Protocol List Object.
The TCP connection to the Control Server is then closed by the User software.
At this point the User software initiates a TCP
connection to the first Media Server on the list provided by the Control Server. As in the previous case, it attempts to connect to the first host on the list and if unsuccessful tries the next hosts in succession. Once the Version Objects are exchanged, the User software sends an MCI Request Object to the Media Server. An MCI Request Object can be used for four basic commands: OPEN, PLAY, STOP and CLOSE. The User software must first send an OPEN command for the desired channel. If the returned Result Message Object indicates success, the User software then sends a PLAY command.
When the Media Server receives a valid PLAY
command, it initiates the delivery of audio information to the User as described in the previous section. Note that this could be in the form of broadcast, multicast or unicast packets to a specific UDP port. The TCP connection through which the MCI Request Objects were sent stays open during the audio play operation. In addition, Ping Objects are sent to the User on a periodic basis to verify that the computer is still working and active. When the User software receives a Ping Object, it simply returns it. The Media Server uses the Ping Objects to measure round trip time and also to determine when a User's computer has terminated abnormally. In that case the audio stream is terminated.
In the case of normal termination of the audio stream, the User makes an explicit selection to stop and this causes a STOP command to be sent to the Media Server in an MCI Request Object. The Media Server then terminates the audio stream to that User. When the User closes the application software or selects another channel to play, the User software will send a CLOSE command to the Media Server in an MCI Request Object and the TCP connection is closed.
The initiation of the audio stream by the Media Server causes a log entry to be generated and sent to the Administration Server. This information is important so that the Administration Server can update its database to indicate which Users are listening to which channels. The security token is used to identify the User initiating the audio stream. Additionally, when the audio stream is terminated to any User, another log message is generated and sent to the Administration Server.
Fig. 9A illustrates the process by which security tokens are validated. The Administration Server is the only server that can validate a security token. Thus, when a User requests services from a Control Server or from a Media Server, that server must go back to the Administration Server with a token validation sequence. However, Control Servers and Media Servers are allowed to cache validations of security tokens so that they do not have to validate tokens repeatedly once they have validated it the first time. In the case where a Media Server receives a request, the token will be va~.idated with the Control Server that is managing that Media Server. Fig. 9'B identifies the various taken validation scenarios.
Fig. 10 illustrates the process by which a new Server is registered. This process is similar to new User registration. It is expected, however, that the server installation will be through a Web interface rather than a w Wizard. The Administration Server, upon receiving a User Object from a Media Server car Contras. Server, validates the l0 User name and password and generates a security token just as in the case of User registration. Normally the Server then immediately sends back a Server Activation object indicating that it is ready to be used as a system resource. Once this process has been completed, the TCF connection to the is Administration Server is closed.
If a Media Server or control Server that has sent a Server Activation Object to the Administration Server becomes inactive, it will send another Server Activation Abject ' indicating this condition. In the case of a Media Server, 20 this object is sent to the managing Control Server. In-the .,, ' case of a Control Server, this object sent to the Administration Server. As in the case of User registration, Media Server and Control Server registration needs only take place once per computer. However, if the computer is 25 restarted, the server must login and again retrieve a security token. This is the server login and activation sequence shown in Figure 1.1.
once a Control Server has indicated to the Administration Server that it is ready, the Administration 30 Server can activate that Control Server by sending the~~~
control Server a Server Activation Object as illustrated in Fig. 12. This is a separate transaction and is used to tell the Control server which Media servers it is supposed to manage. Recall that a Control Server and a number of Media 35 Servers form a cluster-of Media Servers. The single Control Server that manages that cluster must be given a list of host computers corresponding to the Media Servers in that cluster.

The process by which a Coa~trol Server activates the Media Servers that it manages is illustrated in Fig. 13. The Control Server sends a Server Activation Object to the Media Server indicating that it is responsible for channel management. This TCP connection between the Control Server and the Media Server stays open during the time that both servers are active. The Control Server periodically sends Ping Objects to the Media Server across this open TCP
connection to verify that the Media Server is still_running.
lp Fig. 14 illustrates the process by which a given channel is activated by the Administration Server. The Administration Server opens a connection to a Control Server that its wishes to have carry a given channel and provide a Channel Activation Object. This object indicates to the t5 Control Server which Media or Primary Server the Control Server should direct its Media Servers to get the feed from.
At this point the Control Server is said to be carrying that channel and it will be a valid host on a list of Control Servers requested by a Channel Play sequence.
Z0 FiQ. 15 illustrates what happens when a Control Server needs to provide a channel. First it sends a Channel Activation Object to one of the Media Servers that it manages across the open TCP connection described previously. This object indicates to the Media Server that it should start 25 receiving the channel identified and from where it should receive it.
In Figs. 16A and 168 depict how the Media Server requests distribution of an audio channel from another Media Server or from a Primary Server. This sequence is much the 3o same as that in which a Dser requests the distribution of audio information from a Media Server. Note that a Media Server receives a single incoming stream for each channel that it is carrying and then redistributes this stream ~ta all Users or other Media Servers that request it.
. 35 Finally, Fig. 17 illustrates the statistics request sequence. This sequence is used by the Administration Server to gather information from the Media Servers and Control Servers in order to manage the overall system. It can use ~ this information to detect failures and to balance load as the dynamic conditions change. As indicated above, it can also use this information to monitor which Users are listening to which channel or whether Users stop listening to a channel at any time, such as during the play of a particular sang. It can al.sa use this information to control the advertising content that is downloaded towa particular User in advance of receipt of regular audio programming and/or monitor the delivery of advertising to the Users.
The control architecture described in this section is scalable to handle any number of Users. Note that the User registration process only happens once fox each subscriber and the login process only happens once per session. These interactions, which require the Administration Server, are expect~:d t.o consti.tute a very small percentage of the overall system bandwidth. If the Administration Server were to become a bottleneck, however, it mould be possible to duplicate it and to have the database 2o it maintains distributed and automatically updated to guarantee consistency.
The Control Servers are distributed throughout the network and can handle the lower level interactions with the Users and the Media Servers. A single Control Server can handle preferably on the order of ten Media Servers up to several hundred Users. The bitrate among the Users, the Control Servers and the Media Servers is expected to be small in comparison to the audio transmission bitrate. The Ping Objects normally only involve the User and the nearest Media 3o Server. They are also low in overhead since they are small and only get transmitted infrequently.
ITI. User Interface The User interface is provided by the client application running on an individual computer and its associated graphical interface. In the preferred embodiment the User .
interface is available for 3~-bit Windows (95 and NT), Macintosh and UNIX platforms. Preferably anyone on the Internet can freely download a copy of the client software and install it in their computer.
Figure 18 illustrates the main User screen in the preferred embodiment. The screen is composed of three sections: channel guide (upper left frame), program guide (upper right frame), and multimedia frame (lower half of screen). The channel guide lists, as a tree hierarchy, the channels that are available from the system. The User selects a channel from the list of those displayed on the channel guide. The program guide provides information pertaining to the channel selected. This information can be a detailed schedule of the programming that has played or will be playing on the channel selected. Additionally, other relevant information will be~displayed in this frame, for example, a notice regarding an upcoming special event on another channel. The multimedia frame provides an integrated web browser that displays information via a series of tabbed sections.
The information contained in the channel guide, program guide, and the tabs of the multimedia frame is dynamically transmitted to the client. For example, if a new channel begins operation, the client application can immediately display it as being available. Furthermore, the tabs displayed can be specifically relevant depending on what song is playing. For example, tabs displaying the album cover, information on the artist, song lyrics, tour dates can be displayed. Additionally, as shown in the example in figure 18, a tab can be available allowing the User to place an order for the CD or allowing the User to participate in a chat session related to the channel.
Figure 19 illustrates the key pull-down menus available in the main User screen in the preferred embodiment. Table 3 provides a description of each of the functions available through the pull down menus, as shown in figure 19.

As~will be apparent to those skilled in 'the art, - -- numerous modifications may be made Within the spirit and scope of the invention.
Tabl~ 3 Pull-norn Mmau Functions beau i~sau Bub-C~o'~.oe Descr p on Cho3oe ~"~"

F ~ Log~n A ows~ a User o ogin to the system, i0 Logout Allows tie User o ogou from the system.

Register Brings up a dia og so the User can register with the system for the first time.

c ose Mina.m~.zes a screen.

Eai~t Copy Al laws Vie- ~~er to copy a selection on to the clipboard.

_._ Properties Allows the User tc-s various properties.

Au io P ay Beg ns p ay ng a se ec a channel. ..

s op S ops p ay ng a se ec a channel.

Mu a J ~ S caps t a play~.ng o au ~o View- Tool Bar Display or hide tha tool ~_.

(prQViding access to pull-down menu functions).

Status Har Disp~.ay or hide the statue bar normally situated at bottom of the screen.

Web Bar Display or hide the tool bar section that provides access to the web browser functions.

He~.p Help Topics Brings up a list of available online help topics.

ou ... ~ispxays summary information reg~xrding this application, such as version number, copy-right; information, and so on.

- 3 2 - __ _

Claims (51)

What is claimed is:

What is claimed is:
1. A method for transmitting message packets over a communications network comprising the steps of:
converting a plurality of streams of audio and/or visual information into a plurality of streams of addressed digital packets complying with the specifications of a network communication protocol, for each stream, routing such stream to one or more users, controlling the routing of the stream of packets in response to selection signals received from the users, and monitoring the reception of packets by the users and accumulating records that indicate which streams of packets were received by which users, wherein at least one stream of packets comprises an audio and/or visual selection and the records that era accumulated indicate the time that a user starts receiving the audio and/or visual selection and the time that the user stops receiving the audio and/or visual selection.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of including in at least one stream of packets at least some advertising information.
3. The method of claim 2 further comprising the step of varying the content of the advertising information with the identity of the user to whom the advertising information is provided.
4. The method of claim 2 wherein the advertising information is inserted into the stream of audio and/or visual information before such stream is converted into a stream of packets.
5. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of generating an audio output and/or a visual display from the stream of packets received by the user.
6. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of:
storing a first stream of packets received by the user at a first time and at a later time, inserting the first stream of packets into a second stream of packets received at the user.
7. The method of claim 6 further comprising the step of converting the combined first and second streams of to packets into an audio output and/or visual display.
8. The method of class 6 wherein the first stream of packets contains advertising information.
9. The method of claim 6 wherein the content of the advertising information is varied depending on the identity of the user.
10. The method of claim 2 wherein the records that are accumulated indicate how many users received specific advertising information.
11. The method of claim 1 wherein at least one stream of packets comprises copyrighted music selections and the records that are accumulated indicate how many users received specific music selections.
12. The method o! claim 1 rein at least one stream of packets comprises music selections and the records that so are accumulated indicate how many users did or did not listen to the entire selection.
13. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of:
compressing the stream of packets in their passage from source to user, and decompressing the stream of packets near the user.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein the compressing step uses a compression algorithm that is selected in accordance with the content of the information being communicated in the stream of packets.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein the compressing step inserts into each packet an identification of the compression algorithm used and the decompressing step monitors each packet to read such identification and to vary its decompression algorithm in response thereto.
16. A method for transmitting at least one stream of audio and/or visual information over a communications network to a plurality of users comprising the steps of:
controlling the routing of the stream of information through the network in response to selection signals received tram the users, and monitoring the reception of the stream of information by the users and accumulating records relating to the reception of the stream of information by the users, wherein at least one stream of information comprises an audio and/or visual selection and the records that are accumulated indicate the time that a user starts receiving the audio and/or visual selection and the time that the user stops receiving the audio and/or visual selection.
17. The method of claim 16 further comprising the step of including in at least one stress of information at least some advertising information.
18. The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of varying the content of the advertising information with the identity of the user to whom the advertising information is provided.
19. The method of claim 16 further comprising the steps of:

storing a first stream of information received by the user at a first time and at a later time, inserting the first stream of information into a second stream of information received by the user.
20. The method of claim 19 wherein the first stream of information contains advertising information.
21. The method of claim 17 wherein the records that are accumulated indicate how many users received specific advertising information.
22. The method of claim 17 wherein at least one stream of information comprises copyrighted music selections and the records that are accumulated indicate how many users received specific music selections.
23. The method of claim 17 wherein at least one stream of information comprises music selections and the records that are accumulated indicate how many users did or did not listen to the entire selection.
24. The method of claim 17 further comprising the steps of:
compressing tho stream or information in its passage from source to user, and decompressing the stream of information near the user.
25. The method of claim 24 wherein the compressing step uses a compression algorithm that is selected in accordance with the content of the information being communicated in the stream of information.
26. The method of claim 16 wherein multiple streams of audio and/or visual information are transmitted over the communications network and the user can select which stream to receive.
27. A communication system comprising:
means for converting at least one stream of audio and/or visual information into a stream of addressed digital packets complying with the specifications of a network communication protocol, means for routing such stream via a communication network to selected users, means for controlling the routing of the stream of packets in response to selection signals received from the users, and means for monitoring the reception of packets by the user and for accumulating records that indicate which streams of packsts were received by which users, wherein at least one stream of packets comprises an audio and/or visual selection, and the means for monitoring further includes means for accumulating records that indicate the time that a user starts receiving the audio and/or visual selection and the time that the user stops receiving the audio and/or visual selection.
28. The communication system of claim 27 further comprising means for including in the stream of packets at least some advertising information.
29. The communication system of claim 28 further comprising means for varying the content of the advertising information with the identity of the user to whom the advertising information is provided.
30. The communication system of claim 27 further comprising means for generating from the stream of packets received at the user an audio output and/or a visual display.
31. The communication system of claim 27 further comprising means for storing packets received at the user during a first time period and means for inserting such packets into other packets received at the user at a later time period.
32. The communication system of claim 31 wherein the stream of packets received during the first time period contains advertising information.
33. The communication system of claim 32 wherein the content of the advertising information is varied depending on the identity of the user.
34. The communication system of claim 27 further comprising:
means for compressing the stress of packets in their passage from source to user, and downstream of the compressing means, means for decompressing the stress of packets.
35. The communication system of claim 34 wherein the compressing means is located near the converting means and the decompressing means is located at the user.
36. The communication system of claim 34 wherein the compressing means uses a compression algorithm that is selected in accordance with the content of the information being communicated in the stream of packets.
37. The communication system of claim 34 wherein the compressing means inserts into each packet an identification of the compression algorithm used and the decompressing means monitors each packet to read such identification and to vary its decompression algorithm in response thereto.
38. A method for transmitting message packets over a communications network comprising the steps of:
converting a plurality of streams of audio and/or visual information into a plurality of streams of addressed digital packets complying with the specifications of a network communication protocol, for each stream, routing such stream to one or more users, controlling the routing of the stream of packets in response to selection signals received from the users, and monitoring the reception of packets by the users and accumulating records that indicate which streams of packets were received by which users, wherein at least one stream of packets comprises music selections and the records that are accumulated indicate how many users did or did not listen to the entire selection.
39. A method for transmitting at least one stream of audio and/or visual information over a communications network to a plurality of users comprising the steps of:
controlling the routing of the stream of information through the network in response to selection signals received from the users, and monitoring the reception of the stream of information by the users and accumulating records relating to the reception of the stream of information by the users, wherein at least one strewn of information comprises music selections and the records that are accumulated indicate how many users did or did not listen to the entire selection.
40. A method for transmitting message packets over a communications network comprising the steps of:
converting a plurality of streams of audio and/or visual information into a plurality of streams of addressed digital packets complying with the specifications of a network communication protocol, for each stream, routing such stream to one or more users, controlling the routing of the stream of packets in response to selection signals received from the users, and monitoring the reception of packets by the users and accumulating records that indicate which streams of packets were received by which users, wherein at least one stream of packets comprises an audio and/or visual selection and the records that are accumulated indicate the elapsed time that a user received the audio and/or visual selection.
41. A method for transmitting at least one stream of audio and/or visual information over a communications network to a plurality of users comprising the steps of:
controlling the routing of the stream of information through the network in response to selection signals received from the users, and monitoring the reception of the stream of information by the users and accumulating records relating to the reception of the stream of information by the users, wherein at least one stream of information comprises an audio and/or visual selection and the records that are accumulated indicate the elapsed time that a user received the audio and/or visual selection.
42. A communication system comprising:
means for converting at least one stream of audio and/or visual information into a stream of addressed digital packets complying with the specifications of a network communication protocol, means for routing such stream via a communication network to selected users, means for controlling the routing of the stream of packets in response to selection signals received from the users, and means for monitoring the reception of packets by the user and for accumulating records that indicate which streams of packets were received by which users, wherein at least one stream of packets comprises an audio and/or visual selection, and the means for monitoring further includes means for accumulating records that indicate the elapsed time that a user received the audio and/or visual selection.
43. The method of claim 2 wherein the records that are accumulated indicate which users received specific advertising information.
44. The method of claim 1 wherein at least one stream of packets comprises copyrighted music selections and the records that are accumulated indicate which users received specific music selections.
45. The method of claim 17 wherein the records that are accumulated indicate which users received specific advertising information.
46. The method of claim 16 wherein at least one stream of information comprises copyrighted music selections and the records that are accumulated indicate which users received specific music selections.
47. The communication system of claim 28 wherein the means for monitoring further accumulates records that indicate which users received specific advertising information.
48. The communication system of claim 27 wherein at least one stream of packets comprises copyrighted music selections and the means for monitoring further accumulates records that indicate which users received specific music selections.
49. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of:

storing a first stream of packets received by the user at a first time and inserting the first stream of packets into a plurality of streams of packets received at the user at a plurality of later times.
50. The method of claim 16 further comprising the steps of:
storing a first stream of information received by the user at a first time and inserting the first stream of information into a plurality of streams of information received at the user at a plurality of later times.
51. The communication system of claim 27 further comprising means for storing packets received at the user during a first time period and means for inserting such packets into other packets received at the user at a plurality of later time periods.
CA002254130A 1996-05-09 1997-05-08 Multicasting method and apparatus Expired - Lifetime CA2254130C (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA002434698A CA2434698C (en) 1996-05-09 1997-05-08 Multicasting method and apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US08/644,072 US5778187A (en) 1996-05-09 1996-05-09 Multicasting method and apparatus
US08/644,072 1996-05-09
PCT/US1997/007893 WO1997042582A1 (en) 1996-05-09 1997-05-08 Multicasting method and apparatus

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA002434698A Division CA2434698C (en) 1996-05-09 1997-05-08 Multicasting method and apparatus

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2254130A1 CA2254130A1 (en) 1997-11-13
CA2254130C true CA2254130C (en) 2003-10-07

Family

ID=24583333

Family Applications (3)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA2731354A Expired - Lifetime CA2731354C (en) 1996-05-09 1997-05-08 Methods and systems for playing media
CA002254130A Expired - Lifetime CA2254130C (en) 1996-05-09 1997-05-08 Multicasting method and apparatus
CA2731360A Abandoned CA2731360A1 (en) 1996-05-09 1997-05-08 Methods and systems for playing media

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA2731354A Expired - Lifetime CA2731354C (en) 1996-05-09 1997-05-08 Methods and systems for playing media

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA2731360A Abandoned CA2731360A1 (en) 1996-05-09 1997-05-08 Methods and systems for playing media

Country Status (11)

Country Link
US (4) US5778187A (en)
EP (4) EP2323333B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE321305T1 (en)
AU (1) AU3002097A (en)
CA (3) CA2731354C (en)
DE (1) DE69735536D1 (en)
DK (2) DK2323333T3 (en)
ES (2) ES2534293T3 (en)
HK (1) HK1156749A1 (en)
PT (2) PT2323333E (en)
WO (1) WO1997042582A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (609)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4111131C2 (en) * 1991-04-06 2001-08-23 Inst Rundfunktechnik Gmbh Method of transmitting digitized audio signals
US6700958B2 (en) * 1995-04-10 2004-03-02 Starguide Digital Networks, Inc. Method and apparatus for transmitting coded audio signals through a transmission channel with limited bandwidth
US6240451B1 (en) * 1995-05-25 2001-05-29 Punch Networks Corporation Method and apparatus for automatically disseminating information over a network
US6769128B1 (en) 1995-06-07 2004-07-27 United Video Properties, Inc. Electronic television program guide schedule system and method with data feed access
EP0845176A4 (en) * 1995-08-16 2001-09-12 Starguide Digital Networks Inc Dynamic allocation of bandwidth for transmission of audio signals and a video signal
WO1997009801A1 (en) * 1995-09-01 1997-03-13 Starguide Digital Networks, Inc. Audio file distribution and production system
US5822523A (en) 1996-02-01 1998-10-13 Mpath Interactive, Inc. Server-group messaging system for interactive applications
US6185611B1 (en) 1998-03-20 2001-02-06 Sun Microsystem, Inc. Dynamic lookup service in a distributed system
US6560656B1 (en) 1998-02-26 2003-05-06 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Apparatus and method for providing downloadable code for use in communicating with a device in a distributed system
US6578044B1 (en) 1997-11-17 2003-06-10 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Method and system for typesafe attribute matching
US6446070B1 (en) 1998-02-26 2002-09-03 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Method and apparatus for dynamic distributed computing over a network
US6272559B1 (en) * 1997-10-15 2001-08-07 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Deferred reconstruction of objects and remote loading for event notification in a distributed system
US6708171B1 (en) 1996-04-23 2004-03-16 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Network proxy
US6487607B1 (en) 1998-02-26 2002-11-26 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Methods and apparatus for remote method invocation
US6393497B1 (en) 1998-03-20 2002-05-21 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Downloadable smart proxies for performing processing associated with a remote procedure call in a distributed system
US6438614B2 (en) 1998-02-26 2002-08-20 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Polymorphic token based control
US6421704B1 (en) 1998-03-20 2002-07-16 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Method, apparatus, and product for leasing of group membership in a distributed system
US6598094B1 (en) 1998-03-20 2003-07-22 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Method and apparatus for determining status of remote objects in a distributed system
US6138238A (en) 1997-12-11 2000-10-24 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Stack-based access control using code and executor identifiers
US6938263B2 (en) 1996-04-23 2005-08-30 Sun Microsystems, Inc. System and method for facilitating dynamic loading of “stub” information to enable a program operating in one address space to invoke processing of a remote method or procedure in another address space
US6832223B1 (en) 1996-04-23 2004-12-14 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Method and system for facilitating access to a lookup service
US6466947B2 (en) 1998-03-20 2002-10-15 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Apparatus and method for dynamically verifying information in a distributed system
US6182083B1 (en) 1997-11-17 2001-01-30 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Method and system for multi-entry and multi-template matching in a database
US6463446B1 (en) 1998-02-26 2002-10-08 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Method and apparatus for transporting behavior in an event-based distributed system
US5940073A (en) 1996-05-03 1999-08-17 Starsight Telecast Inc. Method and system for displaying other information in a TV program guide
US7266686B1 (en) 1996-05-09 2007-09-04 Two-Way Media Llc Multicasting method and apparatus
US5778187A (en) * 1996-05-09 1998-07-07 Netcast Communications Corp. Multicasting method and apparatus
JP3781213B2 (en) * 1996-06-20 2006-05-31 ソニー株式会社 E-mail system, computer apparatus and incoming call notification method
US7146327B1 (en) * 1996-07-01 2006-12-05 Electronic Data Systems Corporation Electronic publication distribution method and system
JP3862321B2 (en) 1996-07-23 2006-12-27 キヤノン株式会社 Server and control method thereof
US6525761B2 (en) * 1996-07-23 2003-02-25 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Apparatus and method for controlling a camera connected to a network
JP3202606B2 (en) 1996-07-23 2001-08-27 キヤノン株式会社 Imaging server and its method and medium
JP3591996B2 (en) * 1996-08-29 2004-11-24 Kddi株式会社 Bandwidth secure VPN construction method
US7155451B1 (en) 1996-09-03 2006-12-26 Torres Damon C Automated browsing system for publishers and users on networks serving internet and remote devices
US5963547A (en) * 1996-09-18 1999-10-05 Videoserver, Inc. Method and apparatus for centralized multipoint conferencing in a packet network
US6094671A (en) * 1996-10-09 2000-07-25 Starguide Digital Networks, Inc. Aggregate information production and display system
US5832529A (en) 1996-10-11 1998-11-03 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Methods, apparatus, and product for distributed garbage collection
US6728737B2 (en) 1996-10-11 2004-04-27 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Method and system for leasing storage
JP3683051B2 (en) * 1996-10-18 2005-08-17 三菱電機株式会社 Data transmission method
US5996006A (en) * 1996-11-08 1999-11-30 Speicher; Gregory J. Internet-audiotext electronic advertising system with enhanced matching and notification
US6243375B1 (en) * 1996-11-08 2001-06-05 Gregory J. Speicher Internet-audiotext electronic communications system with multimedia based matching
US6282515B1 (en) * 1996-11-08 2001-08-28 Gregory J. Speicher Integrated audiotext-internet personal ad services
US20080172314A1 (en) 1996-11-12 2008-07-17 Hahn-Carlson Dean W Financial institution-based transaction processing system and approach
US8396811B1 (en) 1999-02-26 2013-03-12 Syncada Llc Validation approach for auditing a vendor-based transaction
US20070055582A1 (en) * 1996-11-12 2007-03-08 Hahn-Carlson Dean W Transaction processing with core and distributor processor implementations
US8392285B2 (en) 1996-11-12 2013-03-05 Syncada Llc Multi-supplier transaction and payment programmed processing approach with at least one supplier
US6101180A (en) * 1996-11-12 2000-08-08 Starguide Digital Networks, Inc. High bandwidth broadcast system having localized multicast access to broadcast content
US5930264A (en) * 1997-02-06 1999-07-27 Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (Publ) Inter-node signaling for protocol initialization within a communications network
US6173317B1 (en) 1997-03-14 2001-01-09 Microsoft Corporation Streaming and displaying a video stream with synchronized annotations over a computer network
US6151632A (en) * 1997-03-14 2000-11-21 Microsoft Corporation Method and apparatus for distributed transmission of real-time multimedia information
US7412533B1 (en) 1997-03-31 2008-08-12 West Corporation Providing a presentation on a network having a plurality of synchronized media types
US7490169B1 (en) 1997-03-31 2009-02-10 West Corporation Providing a presentation on a network having a plurality of synchronized media types
US6189039B1 (en) * 1997-04-10 2001-02-13 International Business Machines Corporation Selective tunneling of streaming data
US7167857B2 (en) 1997-04-15 2007-01-23 Gracenote, Inc. Method and system for finding approximate matches in database
US5987525A (en) 1997-04-15 1999-11-16 Cddb, Inc. Network delivery of interactive entertainment synchronized to playback of audio recordings
US7308485B2 (en) * 1997-04-15 2007-12-11 Gracenote, Inc. Method and system for accessing web pages based on playback of recordings
US9113122B2 (en) 1997-04-21 2015-08-18 Rovi Guides, Inc. Method and apparatus for time-shifting video and text in a text-enhanced television program
US7039008B1 (en) * 1997-05-02 2006-05-02 Cisco Technology, Inc. Method and apparatus for maintaining connection state between a connection manager and a failover device
US6339780B1 (en) * 1997-05-06 2002-01-15 Microsoft Corporation Loading status in a hypermedia browser having a limited available display area
US6243725B1 (en) * 1997-05-21 2001-06-05 Premier International, Ltd. List building system
US7284187B1 (en) 1997-05-30 2007-10-16 Aol Llc, A Delaware Limited Liability Company Encapsulated document and format system
US6128649A (en) * 1997-06-02 2000-10-03 Nortel Networks Limited Dynamic selection of media streams for display
US6081907A (en) * 1997-06-09 2000-06-27 Microsoft Corporation Data delivery system and method for delivering data and redundant information over a unidirectional network
US6041359A (en) * 1997-06-09 2000-03-21 Microsoft Corporation Data delivery system and method for delivering computer data over a broadcast network
US6108706A (en) * 1997-06-09 2000-08-22 Microsoft Corporation Transmission announcement system and method for announcing upcoming data transmissions over a broadcast network
US6134589A (en) * 1997-06-16 2000-10-17 Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson Dynamic quality control network routing
US7058720B1 (en) * 1997-06-30 2006-06-06 Microsoft Corporation Geographical client distribution methods, systems and computer program products
US20010054064A1 (en) * 1997-07-02 2001-12-20 Pallipuram V. Kannan Method system and computer program product for providing customer service over the world-wide web
US6223292B1 (en) * 1997-07-15 2001-04-24 Microsoft Corporation Authorization systems, methods, and computer program products
DK1036466T3 (en) 1997-07-21 2003-07-14 Guide E Inc Steps to navigate a TV listings with creatives
CA2302948A1 (en) 1997-09-02 1999-03-11 Damon C. Torres Automated content scheduler and displayer
US6259701B1 (en) * 1997-09-11 2001-07-10 At&T Corp. Method and system for a unicast endpoint client to access a multicast internet protocol (IP) session
US7313810B1 (en) 1997-09-25 2007-12-25 The Weather Channel Multimedia information transmission and distribution system
US7301944B1 (en) 1997-10-24 2007-11-27 Tranz-Send Broadcasting Network, Inc. Media file distribution with adaptive transmission protocols
US6351467B1 (en) * 1997-10-27 2002-02-26 Hughes Electronics Corporation System and method for multicasting multimedia content
US6594682B2 (en) * 1997-10-28 2003-07-15 Microsoft Corporation Client-side system for scheduling delivery of web content and locally managing the web content
EP0971496A4 (en) * 1997-11-11 2006-07-05 Sony Corp Transmitter and transmitting method, information editor and editing method, receiver and receiving method, information storage and storing method, and broadcasting system
US7024681B1 (en) * 1997-12-04 2006-04-04 Verizon Laboratories Inc. Method and apparatus for near video on demand
EP1040645B1 (en) * 1997-12-16 2018-03-28 Nokia Solutions and Networks GmbH & Co. KG Method and apparatus for receiving full-motion digital video multi-casts, interactive data and interactive voice via a dsl circuit
US6134243A (en) * 1998-01-15 2000-10-17 Apple Computer, Inc. Method and apparatus for media data transmission
US6744763B1 (en) 1998-01-15 2004-06-01 Apple Computer, Inc. Method and apparatus for media data transmission
US6453355B1 (en) * 1998-01-15 2002-09-17 Apple Computer, Inc. Method and apparatus for media data transmission
US6185598B1 (en) 1998-02-10 2001-02-06 Digital Island, Inc. Optimized network resource location
US7949779B2 (en) * 1998-02-10 2011-05-24 Level 3 Communications, Llc Controlling subscriber information rates in a content delivery network
GB9803819D0 (en) * 1998-02-24 1998-04-22 Philips Electronics Nv Context sensitive web communications
US6421706B1 (en) * 1998-02-25 2002-07-16 Worldcom, Inc. Multicast and unicast internet protocol content distribution having a feedback mechanism for real-time and store and forward information transfer
KR20010034514A (en) 1998-02-26 2001-04-25 케네쓰 올센 Method and system for deterministic hashes to identify remote methods
US6604127B2 (en) 1998-03-20 2003-08-05 Brian T. Murphy Dynamic lookup service in distributed system
US7194757B1 (en) * 1998-03-06 2007-03-20 Starguide Digital Network, Inc. Method and apparatus for push and pull distribution of multimedia
US6170014B1 (en) * 1998-03-25 2001-01-02 Community Learning And Information Network Computer architecture for managing courseware in a shared use operating environment
US6160797A (en) 1998-04-03 2000-12-12 Starguide Digital Networks, Inc. Satellite receiver/router, system, and method of use
US8284774B2 (en) 1998-04-03 2012-10-09 Megawave Audio Llc Ethernet digital storage (EDS) card and satellite transmission system
JPH11288421A (en) * 1998-04-03 1999-10-19 Fujitsu Ltd Service providing device, service receiving device, service providing host, computer readable recording medium for recording selective service reception program, computer readable recording medium for recording selective service transmission program, service selecting method for service receiving device and transmission method for selective service for service providing host
US7445146B2 (en) * 1998-04-17 2008-11-04 Diebold, Incorporated Card activated cash dispensing automated banking machine system and method
US6078954A (en) * 1998-05-26 2000-06-20 Williams Communications, Inc. Server directed multicast communication method and system
US6182084B1 (en) 1998-05-26 2001-01-30 Williams Communications, Inc. Method and apparatus of data comparison for statistical information content creation
US6163810A (en) * 1998-06-02 2000-12-19 At&T Corp. System and method for managing the exchange of information between multicast and unicast hosts
US20050028206A1 (en) * 1998-06-04 2005-02-03 Imagictv, Inc. Digital interactive delivery system for TV/multimedia/internet
US6112196A (en) * 1998-06-25 2000-08-29 International Business Machines Corporation Method and system for managing connections to a database management system by reusing connections to a database subsystem
US7394816B1 (en) * 1998-06-26 2008-07-01 Aol Llc, A Delaware Limited Liability Company Distributing personalized content
US6591305B2 (en) * 1998-06-30 2003-07-08 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Method and system for delivering data from a server object to a client object using a non-proprietary data transfer protocol
JP4170448B2 (en) * 1998-07-03 2008-10-22 富士通株式会社 Group contact system and recording medium recording program for executing contact system
IL125221A0 (en) 1998-07-06 1999-03-12 Toy Control Ltd Motion activation using passive sound source
CN1867068A (en) 1998-07-14 2006-11-22 联合视频制品公司 Client-server based interactive television program guide system with remote server recording
JP3925586B2 (en) * 1998-07-17 2007-06-06 ソニー株式会社 Data receiving apparatus and method, and data transmission / reception system and method
AR020608A1 (en) 1998-07-17 2002-05-22 United Video Properties Inc A METHOD AND A PROVISION TO SUPPLY A USER REMOTE ACCESS TO AN INTERACTIVE PROGRAMMING GUIDE BY A REMOTE ACCESS LINK
US6539000B1 (en) 1998-07-21 2003-03-25 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Multicast communication method and apparatus
EP1103115A1 (en) * 1998-08-03 2001-05-30 Pipe Dream, Inc. Method for connecting client systems into a broadcast network
US6567981B1 (en) 1998-08-03 2003-05-20 Elysium Broadband Inc. Audio/video signal redistribution system
US6898762B2 (en) 1998-08-21 2005-05-24 United Video Properties, Inc. Client-server electronic program guide
AU5781599A (en) * 1998-08-23 2000-03-14 Open Entertainment, Inc. Transaction system for transporting media files from content provider sources tohome entertainment devices
US6959323B1 (en) * 1998-08-27 2005-10-25 Lucent Technologies Inc. Scalable atomic multicast
IL127569A0 (en) 1998-09-16 1999-10-28 Comsense Technologies Ltd Interactive toys
US6505240B1 (en) * 1998-08-31 2003-01-07 Trevor I. Blumenau Ameliorating bandwidth requirements for the simultaneous provision of multiple sets of content over a network
US8914507B2 (en) 1998-09-01 2014-12-16 International Business Machines Corporation Advice provided for offering highly targeted advice without compromising individual privacy
US6263362B1 (en) 1998-09-01 2001-07-17 Bigfix, Inc. Inspector for computed relevance messaging
US7197534B2 (en) * 1998-09-01 2007-03-27 Big Fix, Inc. Method and apparatus for inspecting the properties of a computer
US7246150B1 (en) 1998-09-01 2007-07-17 Bigfix, Inc. Advice provided for offering highly targeted advice without compromising individual privacy
US6256664B1 (en) 1998-09-01 2001-07-03 Bigfix, Inc. Method and apparatus for computed relevance messaging
EP0984584A1 (en) * 1998-09-04 2000-03-08 America Online, Inc. Internet multimedia broadcast system
AU5820899A (en) * 1998-09-11 2000-04-03 Sharewave, Inc. Shadow clients for computer networks
WO2000021020A2 (en) 1998-10-02 2000-04-13 Comsense Technologies, Ltd. Card for interaction with a computer
US6607136B1 (en) 1998-09-16 2003-08-19 Beepcard Inc. Physical presence digital authentication system
US6349329B1 (en) * 1998-09-29 2002-02-19 Radiowave.Com, Inc. Coordinating delivery of supplemental materials with radio broadcast material
US6317784B1 (en) * 1998-09-29 2001-11-13 Radiowave.Com, Inc. Presenting supplemental information for material currently and previously broadcast by a radio station
US6321250B1 (en) 1998-10-01 2001-11-20 Ericsson Inc. Data communication system and method for transporting objects over a permanent connections
WO2000022761A1 (en) * 1998-10-13 2000-04-20 Radiowave.Com, Inc. System and method for determining the audience of digital radio programmes broadcast through the internet
US6993034B1 (en) 1998-10-15 2006-01-31 International Business Machines Corporation Cluster destination address table—IP routing for clusters
US7260221B1 (en) 1998-11-16 2007-08-21 Beepcard Ltd. Personal communicator authentication
US6859799B1 (en) 1998-11-30 2005-02-22 Gemstar Development Corporation Search engine for video and graphics
US20020048224A1 (en) * 1999-01-05 2002-04-25 Dygert Timothy W. Playback device having text display and communication with remote database of titles
US6502140B1 (en) * 1999-01-29 2002-12-31 International Business Machines Corporation Multicast support for small groups
US7490053B1 (en) 1999-02-10 2009-02-10 The Surfer Network System for modifying and targeting advertising content of internet radio broadcasts
FI106593B (en) * 1999-02-15 2001-02-28 Valtion Teknillinen IP multicast service without return connection
US7610607B1 (en) 1999-02-19 2009-10-27 Chaincast Networks, Inc. Chaincast method and system for broadcasting information to multiple systems within the internet
US6249810B1 (en) * 1999-02-19 2001-06-19 Chaincast, Inc. Method and system for implementing an internet radio device for receiving and/or transmitting media information
US6901604B1 (en) * 1999-02-19 2005-05-31 Chaincast, Inc. Method and system for ensuring continuous data flow between re-transmitters within a chaincast communication system
US6873618B1 (en) * 1999-03-16 2005-03-29 Nortel Networks Limited Multipoint network routing protocol
US6446130B1 (en) 1999-03-16 2002-09-03 Interactive Digital Systems Multimedia delivery system
US7277919B1 (en) 1999-03-19 2007-10-02 Bigfix, Inc. Relevance clause for computed relevance messaging
GB9906628D0 (en) * 1999-03-23 1999-05-19 Koninkl Philips Electronics Nv Data network load management
US6604129B2 (en) 1999-03-25 2003-08-05 At&T Corp. Method and apparatus for a conference call mediation service
US6192417B1 (en) * 1999-03-30 2001-02-20 International Business Machines Corporation Multicast cluster servicer for communicating amongst a plurality of nodes without a dedicated local area network
US7050432B1 (en) * 1999-03-30 2006-05-23 International Busines Machines Corporation Message logging for reliable multicasting across a routing network
US8479251B2 (en) * 1999-03-31 2013-07-02 Microsoft Corporation System and method for synchronizing streaming content with enhancing content using pre-announced triggers
US6434621B1 (en) * 1999-03-31 2002-08-13 Hannaway & Associates Apparatus and method of using the same for internet and intranet broadcast channel creation and management
US6832377B1 (en) * 1999-04-05 2004-12-14 Gateway, Inc. Universal registration system
US6486892B1 (en) * 1999-04-07 2002-11-26 Joseph L. Stern System and method for accessing, manipulating and viewing internet and non-internet related information and for controlling networked devices
US6526580B2 (en) * 1999-04-16 2003-02-25 Digeo, Inc. Broadband data broadcasting service
WO2000064111A1 (en) * 1999-04-16 2000-10-26 Unifree, L.L.C. Media file distribution with adaptive transmission protocols
US6473858B1 (en) 1999-04-16 2002-10-29 Digeo, Inc. Method and apparatus for broadcasting data with access control
US20050198574A1 (en) * 1999-04-21 2005-09-08 Interactual Technologies, Inc. Storyboard
US6529949B1 (en) * 2000-02-07 2003-03-04 Interactual Technologies, Inc. System, method and article of manufacture for remote unlocking of local content located on a client device
US20060041639A1 (en) * 1999-04-21 2006-02-23 Interactual Technologies, Inc. Platform detection
US20050182828A1 (en) * 1999-04-21 2005-08-18 Interactual Technologies, Inc. Platform specific execution
JP2003529118A (en) * 1999-04-21 2003-09-30 リサーチ・インベストメント・ネットワーク・インコーポレーテッド System, method, and article of manufacture for updating content stored on a portable storage medium
US20050166232A1 (en) * 1999-04-21 2005-07-28 Lamkin Allan B... Presentation of media content from multiple media sources
US7346920B2 (en) * 2000-07-07 2008-03-18 Sonic Solutions, A California Corporation System, method and article of manufacture for a common cross platform framework for development of DVD-Video content integrated with ROM content
US7861275B1 (en) * 1999-04-23 2010-12-28 The Directv Group, Inc. Multicast data services and broadcast signal markup stream for interactive broadcast systems
US7660868B1 (en) 1999-04-26 2010-02-09 John Albert Kembel Apparatus and method for interacting with internet content via one or more applications that do not include native web browsing navigation control features
US6760422B1 (en) * 1999-04-30 2004-07-06 Lucent Technologies Inc. Apparatus and method for providing conference call service
JP2002544609A (en) * 1999-05-10 2002-12-24 エクスパンス ネットワークス インコーポレイティッド Advertising subgroup for digital streams
US7206820B1 (en) 2000-03-18 2007-04-17 Digimarc Corporation System for linking from object to remote resource
AU777778B2 (en) * 1999-05-20 2004-10-28 Aceinc Pty Limited Methods and apparatus for information broadcasting and reception
AUPQ045599A0 (en) 1999-05-20 1999-06-10 Aceinc Pty Limited Methods and apparatus for information broadcasting and reception
WO2000072159A1 (en) 1999-05-24 2000-11-30 Hewlett-Packard Company Reliable datagram
US7318102B1 (en) 1999-05-24 2008-01-08 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Reliable datagram
US6428155B1 (en) 1999-05-25 2002-08-06 Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd Printer cartridge including machine readable ink
EP1186144B1 (en) * 1999-06-08 2013-10-23 The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York Network telephony appliance and system for inter/intranet telephony
US6697365B1 (en) 1999-06-10 2004-02-24 Charles Hayes Messenger Method of listener transmitted broadcasting
US6853651B1 (en) 1999-06-17 2005-02-08 Cingular Wireless Ii, Inc. System and method for outbox-capable wireless transmission
US7296091B1 (en) * 1999-06-18 2007-11-13 The Trustees Of Columbia University In The City Of New York System and method for receiving over a network a broadcast from a broadcast source
US7188186B1 (en) * 1999-09-03 2007-03-06 Meyer Thomas W Process of and system for seamlessly embedding executable program code into media file formats such as MP3 and the like for execution by digital media player and viewing systems
IT1310467B1 (en) * 1999-09-08 2002-02-18 Maria Grazia Lungarini SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THE TRANSMISSION IN DIGITAL CODED FORM OF DATA WITH AUDIOVISUAL CONTENT.
EP1083686A3 (en) * 1999-09-10 2004-05-26 Psuedo Programs, Inc. System for providing interactive entertainment services to an audience using a communications network
US6771644B1 (en) * 1999-09-17 2004-08-03 Lucent Technologies Inc. Program insertion in real time IP multicast
US6701355B1 (en) 1999-09-29 2004-03-02 Susquehanna Media Co. System and method for dynamically substituting broadcast material and targeting to specific audiences
US8341662B1 (en) 1999-09-30 2012-12-25 International Business Machine Corporation User-controlled selective overlay in a streaming media
MXPA00008664A (en) * 1999-09-30 2002-07-04 Ibm Method and apparatus for dynamic targeting of streaming media using statistical data.
US7010492B1 (en) * 1999-09-30 2006-03-07 International Business Machines Corporation Method and apparatus for dynamic distribution of controlled and additional selective overlays in a streaming media
US7280970B2 (en) 1999-10-04 2007-10-09 Beepcard Ltd. Sonic/ultrasonic authentication device
US8019609B2 (en) 1999-10-04 2011-09-13 Dialware Inc. Sonic/ultrasonic authentication method
US8434113B1 (en) * 1999-10-06 2013-04-30 Tvworks, Llc Electronic commerce using streaming media
US6618750B1 (en) * 1999-11-02 2003-09-09 Apple Computer, Inc. Method and apparatus for determining communication paths
US6710702B1 (en) * 1999-11-22 2004-03-23 Motorola, Inc. Method and apparatus for providing information to a plurality of communication units in a wireless communication system
US6564064B1 (en) * 1999-12-01 2003-05-13 Trimble Navigation Limited Cellular telephone using pseudolites for determining location
US6674994B1 (en) 1999-12-01 2004-01-06 Panamsat Corporation Pickup and delivery of data files
US20010027493A1 (en) * 1999-12-03 2001-10-04 Wallace Christopher Ryall Method for providing streaming media data in a network-based environment
US20010039585A1 (en) * 1999-12-06 2001-11-08 Leonard Primak System and method for directing a client to a content source
AUPQ469399A0 (en) * 1999-12-17 2000-01-20 Right Hemisphere Pty Limited Video recorder scheduling
US6826612B1 (en) * 1999-12-21 2004-11-30 Alcatel Canada Inc. Method and apparatus for an improved internet group management protocol
KR100375121B1 (en) * 1999-12-23 2003-03-08 주식회사 아라기술 Web contents transmission method
US6823332B2 (en) * 1999-12-23 2004-11-23 Larry L Russell Information storage and retrieval device
US20010025377A1 (en) * 1999-12-30 2001-09-27 Hinderks Larry W. High bandwidth transmission system and method having local insertion, delay play and demand play
US20040220791A1 (en) * 2000-01-03 2004-11-04 Interactual Technologies, Inc. A California Corpor Personalization services for entities from multiple sources
US7392481B2 (en) * 2001-07-02 2008-06-24 Sonic Solutions, A California Corporation Method and apparatus for providing content-owner control in a networked device
US7069432B1 (en) * 2000-01-04 2006-06-27 Cisco Technology, Inc. System and method for providing security in a telecommunication network
US6804254B1 (en) 2000-01-04 2004-10-12 Cisco Technology, Inc. System and method for maintaining a communication link
US7079495B1 (en) 2000-01-04 2006-07-18 Cisco Technology, Inc. System and method for enabling multicast telecommunications
US7006494B1 (en) 2000-01-04 2006-02-28 Cisco Technology, Inc. System and method for a virtual telephony intermediary
US6665726B1 (en) * 2000-01-06 2003-12-16 Akamai Technologies, Inc. Method and system for fault tolerant media streaming over the internet
EP1198752A4 (en) * 2000-01-17 2002-10-16 Egc & C Co Ltd System and method for providing internet broadcasting data based on hierarchical structure
US20050251732A1 (en) * 2000-01-20 2005-11-10 Interactual Technologies, Inc. System, method and article of manufacture for executing a multimedia event on a plurality of client computers using a synchronization host engine
AU2001227882A1 (en) * 2000-01-20 2001-07-31 Digital:Convergence Corporation Method and apparatus for utilizing coded signals to conduct commerce over the internet
US6671715B1 (en) * 2000-01-21 2003-12-30 Microstrategy, Inc. System and method for automatic, real-time delivery of personalized informational and transactional data to users via high throughput content delivery device
US20010034788A1 (en) * 2000-01-21 2001-10-25 Mcternan Brennan J. System and method for receiving packet data multicast in sequential looping fashion
US6389467B1 (en) 2000-01-24 2002-05-14 Friskit, Inc. Streaming media search and continuous playback system of media resources located by multiple network addresses
US6505169B1 (en) * 2000-01-26 2003-01-07 At&T Corp. Method for adaptive ad insertion in streaming multimedia content
WO2001056285A1 (en) * 2000-01-27 2001-08-02 Berberet Suzanne M System and method for providing broadcast programming, a virtual vcr, and a video scrapbook to programming subscribers
WO2001056266A2 (en) * 2000-01-28 2001-08-02 Ibeam Broadcasting Corporation Method and apparatus for encoder-based distribution of live video and other streaming content
US7028071B1 (en) * 2000-01-28 2006-04-11 Bycast Inc. Content distribution system for generating content streams to suit different users and facilitating e-commerce transactions using broadcast content metadata
KR100587763B1 (en) * 2000-02-01 2006-06-09 주식회사 위즈맥스 The method of providing multimedia files combined with advertisements over the Internet
IL140504A0 (en) * 2000-02-03 2002-02-10 Bandwiz Inc Broadcast system
US6513003B1 (en) 2000-02-03 2003-01-28 Fair Disclosure Financial Network, Inc. System and method for integrated delivery of media and synchronized transcription
CN102160326A (en) * 2000-02-05 2011-08-17 迪布尔特有限公司 System and method for dispensing digital information from an automated transaction machine
US7959077B2 (en) 2000-02-05 2011-06-14 Diebold, Incorporated Banking system controlled responsive to data bearing records
US7644041B1 (en) * 2000-02-05 2010-01-05 Diebold Self-Service Systems Division Of Diebold, Incorporated Automated banking machine providing a cash payment option
US7058064B2 (en) * 2000-02-08 2006-06-06 Mips Technologies, Inc. Queueing system for processors in packet routing operations
US7032226B1 (en) 2000-06-30 2006-04-18 Mips Technologies, Inc. Methods and apparatus for managing a buffer of events in the background
US7155516B2 (en) 2000-02-08 2006-12-26 Mips Technologies, Inc. Method and apparatus for overflowing data packets to a software-controlled memory when they do not fit into a hardware-controlled memory
US7082552B2 (en) 2000-02-08 2006-07-25 Mips Tech Inc Functional validation of a packet management unit
US6519773B1 (en) 2000-02-08 2003-02-11 Sherjil Ahmed Method and apparatus for a digitized CATV network for bundled services
US7649901B2 (en) * 2000-02-08 2010-01-19 Mips Technologies, Inc. Method and apparatus for optimizing selection of available contexts for packet processing in multi-stream packet processing
US7165257B2 (en) 2000-02-08 2007-01-16 Mips Technologies, Inc. Context selection and activation mechanism for activating one of a group of inactive contexts in a processor core for servicing interrupts
WO2001061926A1 (en) * 2000-02-18 2001-08-23 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Method for requesting goods and/or services via a packet oriented data network
US6442517B1 (en) 2000-02-18 2002-08-27 First International Digital, Inc. Methods and system for encoding an audio sequence with synchronized data and outputting the same
KR20010085150A (en) * 2000-02-29 2001-09-07 곽태영 Distributed internet broadcasting system using camera and screen capture
US6763377B1 (en) * 2000-03-03 2004-07-13 International Business Machines Corporation Asset management and scheduling graphical user interface for media streamer
US7117259B1 (en) * 2000-03-03 2006-10-03 International Business Machines Corporation Server time window for multiple selectable servers in a graphical user interface
US6963910B1 (en) * 2000-03-03 2005-11-08 International Business Machines Corporation Graphical user interface for creating assets
US6477150B1 (en) * 2000-03-03 2002-11-05 Qualcomm, Inc. System and method for providing group communication services in an existing communication system
US20020198996A1 (en) 2000-03-16 2002-12-26 Padmanabhan Sreenivasan Flexible failover policies in high availability computing systems
WO2001071987A1 (en) * 2000-03-20 2001-09-27 Lake Technology Limited Audio distribution and playback system
US6732189B1 (en) 2000-03-20 2004-05-04 International Business Machines Corporation Method and apparatus for fault tolerant tunneling of multicast datagrams
US6735200B1 (en) 2000-03-21 2004-05-11 International Business Machines Corporation Method and apparatus for monitoring the availability of nodes in a communications network
US6791981B1 (en) 2000-03-21 2004-09-14 International Business Machines Corporation Method and apparatus for building a medium cost, self similar, self organizing multicast routing tree
US20030088878A1 (en) * 2000-03-25 2003-05-08 Karl Rogers System and method for integration of high quality video multi-casting service with an interactive communication and information environment using internet protocols
US7650376B1 (en) 2000-03-27 2010-01-19 Blumenau Trevor I Content distribution system for distributing content over a network, with particular applicability to distributing high-bandwidth content
US6725274B1 (en) * 2000-03-29 2004-04-20 Bycast Inc. Fail-safe system for distributing streaming media having a dynamically reconfigurable hierarchy of ring or mesh topologies
US6728715B1 (en) * 2000-03-30 2004-04-27 International Business Machines Corporation Method and system for matching consumers to events employing content-based multicast routing using approximate groups
US6687846B1 (en) 2000-03-30 2004-02-03 Intel Corporation System and method for error handling and recovery
ES2497091T5 (en) 2000-03-31 2018-05-29 Rovi Guides, Inc. System and procedure to reduce cuts in program recording
US7650424B2 (en) * 2000-04-04 2010-01-19 Alcatel-Lucent Usa Inc. Supporting mobile hosts on an internet protocol network
US6748447B1 (en) * 2000-04-07 2004-06-08 Network Appliance, Inc. Method and apparatus for scalable distribution of information in a distributed network
AU2000263270A1 (en) 2000-04-13 2001-10-30 Worldlink Information Technology Systems Limited Apparatus and a method for supplying information
JP2003532189A (en) * 2000-04-19 2003-10-28 コーニンクレッカ フィリップス エレクトロニクス エヌ ヴィ Method and apparatus for adapting a graphical user interface
US7051111B1 (en) 2000-04-25 2006-05-23 Digeo, Inc. Multiple source proxy management system
US7934232B1 (en) 2000-05-04 2011-04-26 Jerding Dean F Navigation paradigm for access to television services
US6917976B1 (en) 2000-05-09 2005-07-12 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Message-based leasing of resources in a distributed computing environment
US7260543B1 (en) 2000-05-09 2007-08-21 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Automatic lease renewal with message gates in a distributed computing environment
US7188251B1 (en) 2000-05-09 2007-03-06 Sun Microsystems, Inc. System and method for secure message-based leasing of resources in a distributed computing environment
US7370091B1 (en) 2000-05-09 2008-05-06 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Method and apparatus for obtaining space advertisements
US6643650B1 (en) 2000-05-09 2003-11-04 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Mechanism and apparatus for using messages to look up documents stored in spaces in a distributed computing environment
US8082491B1 (en) 2000-05-09 2011-12-20 Oracle America, Inc. Dynamic displays in a distributed computing environment
US7200848B1 (en) 2000-05-09 2007-04-03 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Migrating processes using data representation language representations of the processes in a distributed computing environment
US6918084B1 (en) 2000-05-09 2005-07-12 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Spawning new repository spaces using information provided in advertisement schema messages
US6792466B1 (en) 2000-05-09 2004-09-14 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Trusted construction of message endpoints in a distributed computing environment
US6950875B1 (en) 2000-05-09 2005-09-27 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Message conductors in a distributed computing environment
US7716492B1 (en) 2000-05-09 2010-05-11 Oracle America, Inc. Method and apparatus to obtain service capability credentials
US7395333B1 (en) 2000-05-09 2008-07-01 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Method and apparatus to obtain negotiated service advertisement
US6868447B1 (en) 2000-05-09 2005-03-15 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Mechanism and apparatus for returning results of services in a distributed computing environment
US6789077B1 (en) 2000-05-09 2004-09-07 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Mechanism and apparatus for web-based searching of URI-addressable repositories in a distributed computing environment
US8001232B1 (en) 2000-05-09 2011-08-16 Oracle America, Inc. Event message endpoints in a distributed computing environment
US6970869B1 (en) 2000-05-09 2005-11-29 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Method and apparatus to discover services and negotiate capabilities
US7016966B1 (en) 2000-05-09 2006-03-21 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Generating results gates in a distributed computing environment
US6862594B1 (en) 2000-05-09 2005-03-01 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Method and apparatus to discover services using flexible search criteria
US7577834B1 (en) 2000-05-09 2009-08-18 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Message authentication using message gates in a distributed computing environment
US8135796B1 (en) 2000-05-09 2012-03-13 Oracle America, Inc. Mechanism and apparatus for accessing and addressing services in a distributed computing environment
US6973493B1 (en) 2000-05-09 2005-12-06 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Mechanism and apparatus for security of newly spawned repository spaces in a distributed computing environment
US7010573B1 (en) 2000-05-09 2006-03-07 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Message gates using a shared transport in a distributed computing environment
US6898618B1 (en) 2000-05-09 2005-05-24 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Client-specified display services in a distributed computing environment
US7065574B1 (en) 2000-05-09 2006-06-20 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Messaging system using pairs of message gates in a distributed computing environment
US7243356B1 (en) 2000-05-09 2007-07-10 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Remote method invocation with secure messaging in a distributed computing environment
US6850979B1 (en) 2000-05-09 2005-02-01 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Message gates in a distributed computing environment
US7080078B1 (en) 2000-05-09 2006-07-18 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Mechanism and apparatus for URI-addressable repositories of service advertisements and other content in a distributed computing environment
US7072967B1 (en) 2000-05-09 2006-07-04 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Efficient construction of message endpoints
US7680912B1 (en) * 2000-05-18 2010-03-16 thePlatform, Inc. System and method for managing and provisioning streamed data
US7171484B1 (en) 2000-05-24 2007-01-30 Krause Michael R Reliable datagram transport service
US7181743B2 (en) * 2000-05-25 2007-02-20 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Resource allocation decision function for resource management architecture and corresponding programs therefor
US8082355B1 (en) * 2000-05-26 2011-12-20 Thomson Licensing Internet multimedia advertisement insertion architecture
US6769028B1 (en) 2000-05-26 2004-07-27 Sonicbox, Inc. Method and apparatus for sharing streaming media links
US6684249B1 (en) 2000-05-26 2004-01-27 Sonicbox, Inc. Method and system for adding advertisements over streaming audio based upon a user profile over a world wide area network of computers
US6557030B1 (en) * 2000-05-31 2003-04-29 Prediwave Corp. Systems and methods for providing video-on-demand services for broadcasting systems
US7729943B1 (en) * 2000-05-31 2010-06-01 Leglise Claude M Remotely managing and controlling a consumer appliance
US6957237B1 (en) 2000-06-02 2005-10-18 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Database store for a virtual heap
US6865657B1 (en) 2000-06-02 2005-03-08 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Garbage collector for a virtual heap
US6941410B1 (en) 2000-06-02 2005-09-06 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Virtual heap for a virtual machine
US6760815B1 (en) 2000-06-02 2004-07-06 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Caching mechanism for a virtual heap
US6934755B1 (en) 2000-06-02 2005-08-23 Sun Microsystems, Inc. System and method for migrating processes on a network
US6763440B1 (en) 2000-06-02 2004-07-13 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Garbage collection using nursery regions for new objects in a virtual heap
US7812856B2 (en) 2000-10-26 2010-10-12 Front Row Technologies, Llc Providing multiple perspectives of a venue activity to electronic wireless hand held devices
US7630721B2 (en) 2000-06-27 2009-12-08 Ortiz & Associates Consulting, Llc Systems, methods and apparatuses for brokering data between wireless devices and data rendering devices
US7020709B1 (en) * 2000-06-30 2006-03-28 Intel Corporation System and method for fault tolerant stream splitting
US7318107B1 (en) 2000-06-30 2008-01-08 Intel Corporation System and method for automatic stream fail-over
AU7198001A (en) * 2000-07-11 2002-01-21 Launch Media Inc Online playback system with community bias
AU2002224573A1 (en) * 2000-07-14 2002-02-05 Infinite Broadcast Corporation Multimedia player and browser system
KR20040005813A (en) * 2000-07-26 2004-01-16 아이드로이드.콤 Method of transmitting multimedia contents from the internet to client systems
WO2002009009A1 (en) * 2000-07-26 2002-01-31 Cool Partners, Inc. Method and apparatus for selecting streaming media in real-time
US6910069B1 (en) 2000-07-31 2005-06-21 The Boeing Company Joining a broadcast channel
AU2001277241A1 (en) 2000-07-31 2002-02-13 The Boeing Company Broadcasting network
US6920497B1 (en) 2000-07-31 2005-07-19 The Boeing Company Contacting a broadcast channel
US6732147B1 (en) 2000-07-31 2004-05-04 The Boeing Company Leaving a broadcast channel
FI112307B (en) 2000-08-02 2003-11-14 Nokia Corp communication Server
US7133922B1 (en) * 2000-08-07 2006-11-07 The Hong Kong University Of Science And Technology Method and apparatus for streaming of data
WO2002017591A2 (en) * 2000-08-08 2002-02-28 Hiwire, Inc. Data item replacement in a media stream of a streaming media
RU2003106394A (en) 2000-08-11 2004-08-20 Дзе Трастиз Оф Коламбия Юниверсити Ин Дзе Сити (Us) SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR UNIFIED MESSAGE EXCHANGE IN INTER / INTERNET TELEPHONY
US6954641B2 (en) * 2000-08-14 2005-10-11 Vesivius, Inc. Communique wireless subscriber device for a cellular communication network
US6907023B2 (en) 2000-08-14 2005-06-14 Vesuvius, Inc. Communique system with dynamic bandwidth allocation in cellular communication networks
US7024200B2 (en) * 2000-08-14 2006-04-04 Vesuvius, Inc. Communique system with active feedback for cellular communication networks
US6829486B2 (en) * 2000-08-14 2004-12-07 Vesuvius Communique system for combined cellular and wireline communication networks
DE60140135D1 (en) 2000-08-23 2009-11-19 Gracenote Inc METHOD FOR IMPROVED PLAYBACK OF INFORMATION, CLIENT SYSTEM AND SERVER SYSTEM
US7142934B2 (en) * 2000-09-01 2006-11-28 Universal Electronics Inc. Audio converter device and method for using the same
US7689510B2 (en) * 2000-09-07 2010-03-30 Sonic Solutions Methods and system for use in network management of content
US7840691B1 (en) 2000-09-07 2010-11-23 Zamora Radio, Llc Personal broadcast server system for providing a customized broadcast
JP2002091863A (en) * 2000-09-12 2002-03-29 Sony Corp Information providing method
US8370507B1 (en) * 2000-09-13 2013-02-05 Rockstar Bidco Lp System, device, and method for receiver access control in an internet television
US8205237B2 (en) 2000-09-14 2012-06-19 Cox Ingemar J Identifying works, using a sub-linear time search, such as an approximate nearest neighbor search, for initiating a work-based action, such as an action on the internet
AU2001292738A1 (en) * 2000-09-19 2002-04-02 Phatnoise, Inc. Device-to-device network
FI20002063A (en) * 2000-09-19 2002-03-20 Domiras Oy Method for transmitting and displaying image information
DE60126474T2 (en) * 2000-09-22 2007-10-31 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. INTERNET RECEPTION DEVICE WITH APPARATUS FOR QUALITY TESTING
US6704576B1 (en) 2000-09-27 2004-03-09 At&T Corp. Method and system for communicating multimedia content in a unicast, multicast, simulcast or broadcast environment
JP2002108350A (en) * 2000-09-28 2002-04-10 Internatl Business Mach Corp <Ibm> Method and system for music distribution
US20020039148A1 (en) * 2000-09-29 2002-04-04 Mitsuru Yamamoto Multimedia on-demand system, information transmission method, and storage medium
MXPA03002785A (en) * 2000-09-29 2003-07-28 Thomson Licensing Sa Internet multimedia advertisement insertion system selection architecture.
US7103906B1 (en) 2000-09-29 2006-09-05 International Business Machines Corporation User controlled multi-device media-on-demand system
US6774908B2 (en) * 2000-10-03 2004-08-10 Creative Frontier Inc. System and method for tracking an object in a video and linking information thereto
US8255961B2 (en) 2000-10-11 2012-08-28 United Video Properties, Inc. Systems and methods for caching data in media-on-demand systems
KR20120032046A (en) 2000-10-11 2012-04-04 유나이티드 비디오 프로퍼티즈, 인크. Systems and methods for delivering media content
US7203758B2 (en) 2000-10-19 2007-04-10 Loudeye Technologies, Inc. System and method for selective insertion of content into streaming media
CA2426941A1 (en) * 2000-10-20 2002-05-30 Wavexpress, Inc. System and method of providing relevant interactive content to a broadcast display
AU2002239807A1 (en) * 2000-10-20 2002-05-27 Wavexpress, Inc. Browser including multimedia tool overlay and method of providing a converged multimedia display including user-enhanced data
US6934768B1 (en) * 2000-10-23 2005-08-23 International Business Machines Corporation Dynamic modification of fragmentation size cluster communication parameter in clustered computer system
US6983324B1 (en) 2000-10-23 2006-01-03 International Business Machines Corporation Dynamic modification of cluster communication parameters in clustered computer system
US7036138B1 (en) 2000-11-08 2006-04-25 Digeo, Inc. Method and apparatus for scheduling broadcast information
US6732325B1 (en) 2000-11-08 2004-05-04 Digeo, Inc. Error-correction with limited working storage
US7069310B1 (en) 2000-11-10 2006-06-27 Trio Systems, Llc System and method for creating and posting media lists for purposes of subsequent playback
WO2002069073A2 (en) * 2000-11-13 2002-09-06 Starguide Digital Networks, Inc. Ethernet digital storage (eds) card and satellite transmission system including faxing capability
US7549160B1 (en) * 2000-12-21 2009-06-16 Cisco Technology, Inc. Method and system for authenticated access to internet protocol (IP) multicast traffic
US6651141B2 (en) 2000-12-29 2003-11-18 Intel Corporation System and method for populating cache servers with popular media contents
WO2002054708A2 (en) 2001-01-02 2002-07-11 Tranz-Send Broadcasting Network, Inc. System and method for providing load balanced secure media content and data delivery in a distributed computed environment
US6885630B2 (en) 2001-01-03 2005-04-26 At&T Corp. Combined simulcasting and dedicated services in a wireless communication system
US7296275B2 (en) * 2001-01-04 2007-11-13 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Method and system for passing objects in a distributed system using serialization contexts
US20020091761A1 (en) * 2001-01-10 2002-07-11 Lambert James P. Technique of generating a composite media stream
US6961773B2 (en) 2001-01-19 2005-11-01 Esoft, Inc. System and method for managing application service providers
US8554940B2 (en) 2001-01-19 2013-10-08 Single Touch Interactive, Inc. System and method for routing media
US20040025186A1 (en) * 2001-01-19 2004-02-05 Jennings Charles A. System and method for managing media
US7054949B2 (en) 2001-01-19 2006-05-30 World Streaming Network, Inc. System and method for streaming media
US7191244B2 (en) * 2001-01-19 2007-03-13 Streamworks Technologies, Inc. System and method for routing media
US8144837B2 (en) * 2001-01-22 2012-03-27 Dialogic Corporation Method and system for enhanced user experience of audio
US8458754B2 (en) * 2001-01-22 2013-06-04 Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Method and system for providing instant start multimedia content
WO2002065782A1 (en) * 2001-02-12 2002-08-22 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Generating and matching hashes of multimedia content
US7162314B2 (en) * 2001-03-05 2007-01-09 Microsoft Corporation Scripting solution for interactive audio generation
US7376475B2 (en) * 2001-03-05 2008-05-20 Microsoft Corporation Audio buffer configuration
US7107110B2 (en) * 2001-03-05 2006-09-12 Microsoft Corporation Audio buffers with audio effects
US7386356B2 (en) * 2001-03-05 2008-06-10 Microsoft Corporation Dynamic audio buffer creation
US7126051B2 (en) * 2001-03-05 2006-10-24 Microsoft Corporation Audio wave data playback in an audio generation system
US7089068B2 (en) * 2001-03-07 2006-08-08 Microsoft Corporation Synthesizer multi-bus component
US6970822B2 (en) * 2001-03-07 2005-11-29 Microsoft Corporation Accessing audio processing components in an audio generation system
US7305273B2 (en) * 2001-03-07 2007-12-04 Microsoft Corporation Audio generation system manager
US20020129159A1 (en) 2001-03-09 2002-09-12 Michael Luby Multi-output packet server with independent streams
US7174373B1 (en) 2001-03-13 2007-02-06 Panamsat Corporation Self-contained demonstration node in a satellite based content delivery system
US7130908B1 (en) 2001-03-13 2006-10-31 Intelsat Ltd. Forward cache management between edge nodes in a satellite based content delivery system
US7154898B1 (en) 2001-03-13 2006-12-26 Intelsat, Ltd. Scalable edge node
US20020131428A1 (en) * 2001-03-13 2002-09-19 Vivian Pecus Large edge node for simultaneous video on demand and live streaming of satellite delivered content
US6886029B1 (en) * 2001-03-13 2005-04-26 Panamsat Corporation End to end simulation of a content delivery system
US7237017B1 (en) 2001-03-13 2007-06-26 Panamsat Corporation Micronode in a satellite based content delivery system
US20030028643A1 (en) * 2001-03-13 2003-02-06 Dilithium Networks, Inc. Method and apparatus for transcoding video and speech signals
US7089309B2 (en) 2001-03-21 2006-08-08 Theplatform For Media, Inc. Method and system for managing and distributing digital media
US9219708B2 (en) 2001-03-22 2015-12-22 DialwareInc. Method and system for remotely authenticating identification devices
US20060235988A1 (en) * 2001-03-26 2006-10-19 Ogram Mark E Apparatus and method for communicating over a distributed system of computers
EP1246394A1 (en) * 2001-03-26 2002-10-02 Koninklijke KPN N.V. System for personalised information distribution
US7284050B1 (en) 2001-03-26 2007-10-16 Cisco Technology, Inc. Method and system for a voice multicast hardware accelerator
US9100457B2 (en) 2001-03-28 2015-08-04 Qualcomm Incorporated Method and apparatus for transmission framing in a wireless communication system
US8121296B2 (en) 2001-03-28 2012-02-21 Qualcomm Incorporated Method and apparatus for security in a data processing system
US8077679B2 (en) 2001-03-28 2011-12-13 Qualcomm Incorporated Method and apparatus for providing protocol options in a wireless communication system
US8572278B2 (en) 2001-04-30 2013-10-29 Facebook, Inc. Generating multiple data streams from a single data source
US7627887B2 (en) * 2001-04-30 2009-12-01 Scientific- Atlanta, Inc. System and method for multicasting packets in a subscriber network
US7237033B2 (en) * 2001-04-30 2007-06-26 Aol Llc Duplicating switch for streaming data units to a terminal
US7292571B2 (en) * 2001-04-30 2007-11-06 Aol Llc, A Delaware Limited Liability Company Load balancing with direct terminal response
US7433957B2 (en) * 2001-04-30 2008-10-07 International Business Machines Corporation Group access privatization in clustered computer system
US7124166B2 (en) 2001-04-30 2006-10-17 Aol Llc Duplicating digital streams for digital conferencing using switching technologies
US7430609B2 (en) 2001-04-30 2008-09-30 Aol Llc, A Delaware Limited Liability Company Managing access to streams hosted on duplicating switches
WO2003105006A1 (en) * 2001-04-30 2003-12-18 America Online, Inc. Load balancing with direct terminal response
US7266609B2 (en) * 2001-04-30 2007-09-04 Aol Llc Generating multiple data streams from a single data source
US8600813B2 (en) * 2001-05-11 2013-12-03 Clear Channel Management Services, Inc. Technique of providing targeted media items
US10346884B2 (en) 2001-05-11 2019-07-09 Iheartmedia Management Services, Inc. Split spot breaks
US10855782B2 (en) 2001-05-11 2020-12-01 Iheartmedia Management Services, Inc. Attributing users to audience segments
US11132720B2 (en) 2001-05-11 2021-09-28 Iheartmedia Management Services, Inc. Media delivery to limited capability platforms
US7890368B2 (en) * 2001-05-11 2011-02-15 Clear Channel Management Services, Inc. Providing targeted advertising inventory
AU2002312747A1 (en) * 2001-05-15 2002-11-25 Netadtack Aps Method and system for transmitting multicast data signals
US7995603B2 (en) * 2001-05-22 2011-08-09 Nds Limited Secure digital content delivery system and method over a broadcast network
US7159014B2 (en) * 2001-06-04 2007-01-02 Fineground Networks Method and system for efficient and automated version management of embedded objects in web documents
US7305011B2 (en) * 2001-06-14 2007-12-04 International Business Machines Corporation Periodic broadcast and location of evolving media content with application to seminar and stroke media
US6976010B2 (en) * 2001-06-28 2005-12-13 International Business Machines Corporation Method for syndicating online content
US20030009578A1 (en) * 2001-07-03 2003-01-09 Apostolopoulos John G. Method and system for delivering streaming media to fixed clients or mobile clients with multiple description bitstreams
KR20030004567A (en) * 2001-07-05 2003-01-15 주식회사 제이엠지코리아 Method and system for providing multicast advertisement of moving image
US20050190934A1 (en) * 2001-07-11 2005-09-01 Speicher Gregory J. Internet-audiotext electronic advertising system with respondent mailboxes
KR20010079465A (en) * 2001-07-23 2001-08-22 노재혁 Moving picture AD method using a internet
KR20030010938A (en) * 2001-07-27 2003-02-06 나이스굿엔터테인먼트 주식회사 Method for controlling of interactive multimedia service
US7103011B2 (en) * 2001-08-30 2006-09-05 Motorola, Inc. Use of IP-multicast technology for 2-party calls in mobile communication networks
WO2003021464A2 (en) * 2001-09-05 2003-03-13 Rubenstein, Allen, I. Secure remote access between peers
US7660887B2 (en) * 2001-09-07 2010-02-09 Sun Microsystems, Inc. Systems and methods for providing dynamic quality of service for a distributed system
US7756969B1 (en) 2001-09-07 2010-07-13 Oracle America, Inc. Dynamic provisioning of identification services in a distributed system
JP2003087761A (en) * 2001-09-11 2003-03-20 Sony Corp Information supply system, information processor, information processing method, and program
JP2003087765A (en) * 2001-09-12 2003-03-20 Pioneer Electronic Corp Device for supplying viewing information to subscriber terminal
US7009972B2 (en) * 2001-09-24 2006-03-07 Motorola, Inc Multicast IP zones for fast spanning tree convergence in wide-area packet network systems
US7697523B2 (en) * 2001-10-03 2010-04-13 Qualcomm Incorporated Method and apparatus for data packet transport in a wireless communication system using an internet protocol
US7184789B2 (en) * 2001-10-03 2007-02-27 Qualcomm, Incorporated Method and apparatus for data packet transport in a wireless communication system using an internet protocol
US7352868B2 (en) 2001-10-09 2008-04-01 Philip Hawkes Method and apparatus for security in a data processing system
US7649829B2 (en) 2001-10-12 2010-01-19 Qualcomm Incorporated Method and system for reduction of decoding complexity in a communication system
US8914480B1 (en) 2001-10-15 2014-12-16 6020356 Canada Inc. Method and device for transparent interception of socket connections
GB0125023D0 (en) * 2001-10-18 2001-12-12 Koninkl Philips Electronics Nv Service data delivery scheme
US20030078969A1 (en) * 2001-10-19 2003-04-24 Wavexpress, Inc. Synchronous control of media in a peer-to-peer network
US20030083977A1 (en) * 2001-10-26 2003-05-01 Majid Syed System and method for providing electronic bulk buying
US7721337B2 (en) * 2001-10-26 2010-05-18 Ibiquity Digital Corporation System and method for providing a push of background data
WO2003039053A2 (en) * 2001-10-31 2003-05-08 Blue Falcon Networks, Inc. Data transmission process and system
US7636793B1 (en) * 2001-11-02 2009-12-22 At&T Intellectual Property I, Lp Multimedia distribution in a heterogeneous network
US20030098869A1 (en) * 2001-11-09 2003-05-29 Arnold Glenn Christopher Real time interactive video system
US8068832B2 (en) * 2001-11-19 2011-11-29 Nokia Corporation Multicast session handover
US20030097663A1 (en) * 2001-11-19 2003-05-22 Matti Puputti Method and apparatus for dynamic provisioning of IP-based services in a DVB network
US20040128693A1 (en) 2002-12-27 2004-07-01 Weigand Gilbert G. System and method for enabling access to content through a personal channel
US9167036B2 (en) 2002-02-14 2015-10-20 Level 3 Communications, Llc Managed object replication and delivery
US20030163343A1 (en) * 2002-02-27 2003-08-28 International Business Machines Corporation Method and system for dynamically modifying an electronic campaign based on network activity
EP1485810A4 (en) * 2002-03-20 2010-01-13 Thomson Licensing Videoconference system architecture
US7203909B1 (en) * 2002-04-04 2007-04-10 Microsoft Corporation System and methods for constructing personalized context-sensitive portal pages or views by analyzing patterns of users' information access activities
US20030195964A1 (en) * 2002-04-10 2003-10-16 Mane Pravin D. Managing multicast sessions
US20030204602A1 (en) * 2002-04-26 2003-10-30 Hudson Michael D. Mediated multi-source peer content delivery network architecture
US20050034171A1 (en) * 2002-05-03 2005-02-10 Robert Benya Technique for delivering programming content based on a modified network personal video recorder service
US20030206549A1 (en) * 2002-05-03 2003-11-06 Mody Sachin Satish Method and apparatus for multicast delivery of information
US7073189B2 (en) 2002-05-03 2006-07-04 Time Warner Interactive Video Group, Inc. Program guide and reservation system for network based digital information and entertainment storage and delivery system
US7657644B1 (en) * 2002-05-10 2010-02-02 Netapp, Inc. Methods and apparatus for streaming media multicast
US7945636B2 (en) * 2002-05-15 2011-05-17 In-Store Broadcasting Network, Llc Providing a multi-tier enterprise level application
US20030216958A1 (en) * 2002-05-15 2003-11-20 Linwood Register System for and method of doing business to provide network-based in-store media broadcasting
KR100449018B1 (en) * 2002-05-28 2004-09-18 삼성전자주식회사 Method for providing multicast service and server employing the method
US20030227916A1 (en) * 2002-06-06 2003-12-11 Toni Paila System and method for the multicast distribution of multimedia messaging service messages
TWI265697B (en) * 2002-06-06 2006-11-01 Ibm Digital contents distribution system, digital contents distribution method, computer readable recording medium storing the program therein, and server and client therefor
US7020710B2 (en) * 2002-06-21 2006-03-28 Thomson Licensing Streaming media delivery on multicast networks for network and server bandwidth minimization and enhanced personalization
AU2003267975A1 (en) 2002-06-27 2004-01-19 Piranha Media Distribution, Inc. Method and apparatus for the free licensing of digital media content
US8028092B2 (en) 2002-06-28 2011-09-27 Aol Inc. Inserting advertising content
US7801838B2 (en) * 2002-07-03 2010-09-21 Ramp Holdings, Inc. Multimedia recognition system comprising a plurality of indexers configured to receive and analyze multimedia data based on training data and user augmentation relating to one or more of a plurality of generated documents
US20040006628A1 (en) * 2002-07-03 2004-01-08 Scott Shepard Systems and methods for providing real-time alerting
US7263099B1 (en) * 2002-08-14 2007-08-28 Juniper Networks, Inc. Multicast packet replication
US7197071B1 (en) * 2002-09-09 2007-03-27 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Film resource manager
US7376183B2 (en) 2002-09-09 2008-05-20 Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc. Post-production processing
US8411594B2 (en) * 2002-09-20 2013-04-02 Qualcomm Incorporated Communication manager for providing multimedia in a group communication network
US20040204939A1 (en) * 2002-10-17 2004-10-14 Daben Liu Systems and methods for speaker change detection
US20040103444A1 (en) * 2002-11-26 2004-05-27 Neal Weinberg Point to multi-point broadcast-quality Internet video broadcasting system with synchronized, simultaneous audience viewing and zero-latency
US7720999B2 (en) * 2002-11-26 2010-05-18 Qualcomm Incorporated System and method for optimizing multimedia compression using plural encoders
US7278920B1 (en) 2002-12-31 2007-10-09 Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc. Theater-based gaming system enabling a multi-player game throughout a system of the theaters
US7599655B2 (en) 2003-01-02 2009-10-06 Qualcomm Incorporated Method and apparatus for broadcast services in a communication system
JP2007525038A (en) * 2003-01-09 2007-08-30 トムソン ライセンシング Method and apparatus for converting MPEG transport stream to IP packet for WLAN distribution
US7493646B2 (en) 2003-01-30 2009-02-17 United Video Properties, Inc. Interactive television systems with digital video recording and adjustable reminders
DE10303958B4 (en) * 2003-01-31 2005-03-03 Siemens Ag Method and system for inserting a multimedia message multiple element into a multimedia message
US7404002B1 (en) 2003-03-06 2008-07-22 Nvidia Corporation Method and system for broadcasting live data over a network
JP4385834B2 (en) * 2003-04-15 2009-12-16 パナソニック株式会社 Routing control method and router apparatus
US20040210927A1 (en) * 2003-04-21 2004-10-21 Bahr Charles C. Multicasting systems using distributed user authentication
US20060051059A1 (en) 2004-09-08 2006-03-09 Krakirian Haig H Video recorder having user extended and automatically extended time slots
US8977763B1 (en) 2003-04-25 2015-03-10 Aol Inc. Systems and methods for distributing streams and stream metadata
US20040249965A1 (en) * 2003-05-05 2004-12-09 Huggins Guy Dwayne Node caching system for streaming media applications
US20040225743A1 (en) * 2003-05-05 2004-11-11 Huggins Guy Dwayne Streaming media creation tool
JP3731885B2 (en) * 2003-07-03 2006-01-05 インターナショナル・ビジネス・マシーンズ・コーポレーション DIGITAL CONTENT DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM, DIGITAL CONTENT DISTRIBUTION METHOD, SERVER FOR THE SAME, CLIENT, COMPUTER EXECUTABLE PROGRAM FOR CONTROLLING COMPUTER AS SERVER, AND COMPUTER EXECUTABLE PROGRAM FOR CONTROLLING COMPUTER AS CLIENT
US8098818B2 (en) 2003-07-07 2012-01-17 Qualcomm Incorporated Secure registration for a multicast-broadcast-multimedia system (MBMS)
US8718279B2 (en) 2003-07-08 2014-05-06 Qualcomm Incorporated Apparatus and method for a secure broadcast system
US20050033829A1 (en) * 2003-08-04 2005-02-10 Nokia Corporation System and method for wireless multicast downloading
US8291062B2 (en) * 2003-08-20 2012-10-16 Aol Inc. Managing access to digital content sources
US8724803B2 (en) 2003-09-02 2014-05-13 Qualcomm Incorporated Method and apparatus for providing authenticated challenges for broadcast-multicast communications in a communication system
KR100949020B1 (en) * 2003-09-22 2010-03-23 엘지전자 주식회사 Service method and system for multicast streaming
US20050114527A1 (en) * 2003-10-08 2005-05-26 Hankey Michael R. System and method for personal communication over a global computer network
US20070271366A1 (en) * 2003-10-09 2007-11-22 Demers Timothy B Multimedia player and browser system
WO2005041456A1 (en) * 2003-10-24 2005-05-06 Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ) A method and device for audience monitoring on multicast capable networks
JP2005135008A (en) * 2003-10-28 2005-05-26 Sony Corp Information distribution system and information distribution method
US8544050B2 (en) * 2003-12-30 2013-09-24 Aol Inc. Rule-based playlist engine
US8161388B2 (en) 2004-01-21 2012-04-17 Rodriguez Arturo A Interactive discovery of display device characteristics
US7792874B1 (en) 2004-01-30 2010-09-07 Oracle America, Inc. Dynamic provisioning for filtering and consolidating events
CN1926816A (en) * 2004-03-05 2007-03-07 日本电气株式会社 Communication quality management method and apparatus
US20060031548A1 (en) * 2004-03-19 2006-02-09 Funchess Samuel W Electronic media distribution system and method
US20050210525A1 (en) * 2004-03-22 2005-09-22 Microsoft Corporation Method and apparatus for maintaining state information
US7571232B2 (en) * 2004-03-22 2009-08-04 Microsoft Corporation Method and apparatus for managing channel information
US9161068B2 (en) 2004-03-24 2015-10-13 Onstream Media Corporation Remotely accessed virtual recording room
US7756033B2 (en) * 2004-05-03 2010-07-13 Verizon Business Global Llc Systems and methods for managing multicast data transmissions
US20050256985A1 (en) * 2004-05-13 2005-11-17 Wildtangent, Inc. Sending progress information of other users for transmitted shared content
US7574386B2 (en) 2004-06-09 2009-08-11 U.S. Bank National Association Transaction accounting auditing approach and system therefor
US8762238B2 (en) 2004-06-09 2014-06-24 Syncada Llc Recurring transaction processing system and approach
CN101385044A (en) 2004-06-09 2009-03-11 美国银行和许可股份有限公司 Transaction processing with core and distributor processor implementations
CN101036169A (en) 2004-06-09 2007-09-12 美国银行和许可股份有限公司 Order-resource fulfillment and management system and approach
US7925551B2 (en) * 2004-06-09 2011-04-12 Syncada Llc Automated transaction processing system and approach
EP1782649A1 (en) * 2004-07-08 2007-05-09 Andrew Corporation A radio base station and a method of operating a radio base station
KR20060004260A (en) * 2004-07-09 2006-01-12 삼성전자주식회사 Self biased differential amplifier
US8086575B2 (en) 2004-09-23 2011-12-27 Rovi Solutions Corporation Methods and apparatus for integrating disparate media formats in a networked media system
CN101036329B (en) * 2004-10-07 2011-06-08 汤姆逊许可公司 Audio/video router
TWI252697B (en) * 2004-10-14 2006-04-01 Avermedia Tech Inc TV server cluster system
US7596585B2 (en) * 2004-11-03 2009-09-29 Honeywell International Inc. Object replication using information quality of service
KR100700605B1 (en) 2004-11-06 2007-03-28 엘지전자 주식회사 Broadcast? multicast service method and system in mobile communication
WO2006066052A2 (en) * 2004-12-16 2006-06-22 Sonic Solutions Methods and systems for use in network management of content
US7865917B2 (en) * 2004-12-17 2011-01-04 Martin E Hellman Security enhanced tiered subscription broadcast system
US8270901B2 (en) * 2004-12-17 2012-09-18 Martin E. Hellman Dropout-resistant media broadcasting system
US8627354B2 (en) 2004-12-17 2014-01-07 Martin E. Hellman Tiered subscription broadcast system
US20060282474A1 (en) * 2005-01-18 2006-12-14 Mackinnon Allan S Jr Systems and methods for processing changing data
CN100488163C (en) * 2005-01-19 2009-05-13 华为技术有限公司 Multicast service processing method and system
MX2007012245A (en) 2005-04-04 2007-12-06 That Corp Signal quality estimation and control system.
US9973817B1 (en) 2005-04-08 2018-05-15 Rovi Guides, Inc. System and method for providing a list of video-on-demand programs
US20060253525A1 (en) * 2005-05-09 2006-11-09 Slota Kirk M Remote control and delivery of personalized digital content
AU2005202526B2 (en) * 2005-06-10 2008-10-23 Chao-Hung Wu System for real-time transmitting and receiving of audio/video and handwriting information
US7840178B2 (en) * 2005-07-12 2010-11-23 Martin E. Hellman FM broadcast system competitive with satellite radio
US20070022156A1 (en) * 2005-07-19 2007-01-25 Grubbs Gregory J Digital music system
US20070022215A1 (en) * 2005-07-19 2007-01-25 Singer David W Method and apparatus for media data transmission
US20070074258A1 (en) * 2005-09-20 2007-03-29 Sbc Knowledge Ventures L.P. Data collection and analysis for internet protocol television subscriber activity
US20070180151A1 (en) * 2005-09-20 2007-08-02 Honeywell International Inc. Model driven message processing
US20070079342A1 (en) 2005-09-30 2007-04-05 Guideworks, Llc Systems and methods for managing local storage of on-demand content
US8161159B1 (en) 2005-10-31 2012-04-17 Adobe Systems Incorporated Network configuration with smart edge servers
JP4881610B2 (en) * 2005-11-30 2012-02-22 株式会社日立製作所 MEASUREMENT SYSTEM, MANAGEMENT DEVICE, AND PROCESS DISTRIBUTION METHOD THEREOF
US9681105B2 (en) 2005-12-29 2017-06-13 Rovi Guides, Inc. Interactive media guidance system having multiple devices
US8607287B2 (en) 2005-12-29 2013-12-10 United Video Properties, Inc. Interactive media guidance system having multiple devices
US20070179854A1 (en) * 2006-01-30 2007-08-02 M-Systems Media predictive consignment
US7716238B2 (en) * 2006-02-15 2010-05-11 Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. Systems and methods for server management
US7979460B2 (en) 2006-02-15 2011-07-12 Sony Computer Entainment America Inc. Systems and methods for server management
US7716586B2 (en) * 2006-02-17 2010-05-11 International Business Machines Corporation Apparatus, system, and method for progressively disclosing information in support of information technology system visualization and management
US20070220587A1 (en) * 2006-03-15 2007-09-20 Loyer Douglas E Systems, Methods, and Apparatus for Most Advantageous Media Delivery for Rich Media Applications
US9386327B2 (en) 2006-05-24 2016-07-05 Time Warner Cable Enterprises Llc Secondary content insertion apparatus and methods
US8280982B2 (en) 2006-05-24 2012-10-02 Time Warner Cable Inc. Personal content server apparatus and methods
US8024762B2 (en) 2006-06-13 2011-09-20 Time Warner Cable Inc. Methods and apparatus for providing virtual content over a network
US20080004957A1 (en) * 2006-06-29 2008-01-03 Microsoft Corporation Targeted advertising for portable devices
US8577889B2 (en) * 2006-07-18 2013-11-05 Aol Inc. Searching for transient streaming multimedia resources
US20080031243A1 (en) * 2006-08-01 2008-02-07 Gidon Gershinsky Migration of Message Topics over Multicast Streams and Groups
US8712884B2 (en) 2006-10-06 2014-04-29 Syncada Llc Transaction finance processing system and approach
GB2444974B (en) * 2006-12-22 2011-12-28 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd Media device and interface
GB2444973A (en) * 2006-12-22 2008-06-25 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd Media demand and playback system
TWI339522B (en) * 2007-02-27 2011-03-21 Nat Univ Tsing Hua Generation method of remote objects with network streaming ability and system thereof
US8181206B2 (en) 2007-02-28 2012-05-15 Time Warner Cable Inc. Personal content server apparatus and methods
US7801888B2 (en) 2007-03-09 2010-09-21 Microsoft Corporation Media content search results ranked by popularity
WO2008150936A1 (en) * 2007-05-30 2008-12-11 Creatier Interactive, Llc Method and system for enabling advertising and transaction within user generated video content
WO2009000306A1 (en) * 2007-06-26 2008-12-31 Soporte Multivendor S.L. Method and device for managing multicast groups
US20100046516A1 (en) 2007-06-26 2010-02-25 Media Patents, S.L. Methods and Devices for Managing Multicast Traffic
US20090019492A1 (en) 2007-07-11 2009-01-15 United Video Properties, Inc. Systems and methods for mirroring and transcoding media content
CN101374066B (en) * 2007-08-24 2012-04-04 华为技术有限公司 Method, apparatus and system for controlling multicast/unicast business admission
US9483405B2 (en) 2007-09-20 2016-11-01 Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. Simplified run-time program translation for emulating complex processor pipelines
JP5194673B2 (en) 2007-09-26 2013-05-08 株式会社日立製作所 Mobile terminal and information transmission / reception method
US8064449B2 (en) * 2007-10-15 2011-11-22 Media Patents, S.L. Methods and apparatus for managing multicast traffic
EP2213042A1 (en) * 2007-10-15 2010-08-04 Media Patents, S. L. Method for managing multicast traffic in a data network and network equipment using said method
EP2215772A1 (en) * 2007-10-30 2010-08-11 Media Patents, S. L. Method for managing multicast traffic between routers communicating by means of a protocol integrating the pim protocol; and router and switch involved in said method
JP5026598B2 (en) * 2007-12-20 2012-09-12 ヘドンブリッジ シーオーエルティディ Group communication system using distributed structure media server and method thereof
US8751337B2 (en) 2008-01-25 2014-06-10 Syncada Llc Inventory-based payment processing system and approach
WO2009095041A1 (en) * 2008-02-01 2009-08-06 Soporte Multivendor S.L. Method for managing multicast traffic through a switch operating in the layer 2 of the osi model, and router and switch involved in said method
US20100031057A1 (en) * 2008-02-01 2010-02-04 Seagate Technology Llc Traffic analysis resistant storage encryption using implicit and explicit data
US9031068B2 (en) * 2008-02-01 2015-05-12 Media Patents, S.L. Methods and apparatus for managing multicast traffic through a switch
US9503691B2 (en) 2008-02-19 2016-11-22 Time Warner Cable Enterprises Llc Methods and apparatus for enhanced advertising and promotional delivery in a network
WO2009109684A1 (en) * 2008-03-05 2009-09-11 Media Patents, S. L. Method for monitoring or managing devices connected to a data network
US10924573B2 (en) 2008-04-04 2021-02-16 Level 3 Communications, Llc Handling long-tail content in a content delivery network (CDN)
EP2274684A4 (en) 2008-04-04 2012-12-05 Level 3 Communications Llc Handling long-tail content in a content delivery network (cdn)
US9762692B2 (en) 2008-04-04 2017-09-12 Level 3 Communications, Llc Handling long-tail content in a content delivery network (CDN)
TW200948075A (en) * 2008-05-09 2009-11-16 Avermedia Tech Inc Method for providing audio/video stream signal and share system
EP2311292B1 (en) 2008-07-28 2020-12-16 Voip-Pal.Com, Inc. Mobile gateway
US8818567B2 (en) * 2008-09-11 2014-08-26 Deere & Company High integrity perception for machine localization and safeguarding
US9235214B2 (en) * 2008-09-11 2016-01-12 Deere & Company Distributed knowledge base method for vehicular localization and work-site management
US8478493B2 (en) * 2008-09-11 2013-07-02 Deere & Company High integrity perception program
US9026315B2 (en) 2010-10-13 2015-05-05 Deere & Company Apparatus for machine coordination which maintains line-of-site contact
US8229618B2 (en) * 2008-09-11 2012-07-24 Deere & Company Leader-follower fully autonomous vehicle with operator on side
US8392065B2 (en) * 2008-09-11 2013-03-05 Deere & Company Leader-follower semi-autonomous vehicle with operator on side
US8224500B2 (en) 2008-09-11 2012-07-17 Deere & Company Distributed knowledge base program for vehicular localization and work-site management
US9188980B2 (en) * 2008-09-11 2015-11-17 Deere & Company Vehicle with high integrity perception system
US20100063652A1 (en) * 2008-09-11 2010-03-11 Noel Wayne Anderson Garment for Use Near Autonomous Machines
US8195358B2 (en) * 2008-09-11 2012-06-05 Deere & Company Multi-vehicle high integrity perception
US8195342B2 (en) * 2008-09-11 2012-06-05 Deere & Company Distributed knowledge base for vehicular localization and work-site management
US8989972B2 (en) 2008-09-11 2015-03-24 Deere & Company Leader-follower fully-autonomous vehicle with operator on side
US10063934B2 (en) 2008-11-25 2018-08-28 Rovi Technologies Corporation Reducing unicast session duration with restart TV
KR101623226B1 (en) * 2009-01-14 2016-05-31 텔레폰악티에볼라겟엘엠에릭슨(펍) An IPTV device and a method adapted for such a device
US9088757B2 (en) 2009-03-25 2015-07-21 Eloy Technology, Llc Method and system for socially ranking programs
US11076189B2 (en) 2009-03-30 2021-07-27 Time Warner Cable Enterprises Llc Personal media channel apparatus and methods
US9215423B2 (en) 2009-03-30 2015-12-15 Time Warner Cable Enterprises Llc Recommendation engine apparatus and methods
US8189584B2 (en) 2009-07-27 2012-05-29 Media Patents, S. L. Multicast traffic management in a network interface
US9166714B2 (en) 2009-09-11 2015-10-20 Veveo, Inc. Method of and system for presenting enriched video viewing analytics
EP2478678B1 (en) 2009-09-17 2016-01-27 Digifonica (International) Limited Uninterrupted transmission of internet protocol transmissions during endpoint changes
US9014546B2 (en) 2009-09-23 2015-04-21 Rovi Guides, Inc. Systems and methods for automatically detecting users within detection regions of media devices
US8560604B2 (en) 2009-10-08 2013-10-15 Hola Networks Ltd. System and method for providing faster and more efficient data communication
US9445158B2 (en) 2009-11-06 2016-09-13 Eloy Technology, Llc Distributed aggregated content guide for collaborative playback session
US20110149960A1 (en) * 2009-12-17 2011-06-23 Media Patents, S.L. Method and apparatus for filtering multicast packets
US9386116B2 (en) 2010-05-13 2016-07-05 Futurewei Technologies, Inc. System, apparatus for content delivery for internet traffic and methods thereof
US8433759B2 (en) 2010-05-24 2013-04-30 Sony Computer Entertainment America Llc Direction-conscious information sharing
US9350733B2 (en) * 2011-11-07 2016-05-24 International Business Machines Corporation Emergency server access for offline users
US8805418B2 (en) 2011-12-23 2014-08-12 United Video Properties, Inc. Methods and systems for performing actions based on location-based rules
US9467723B2 (en) 2012-04-04 2016-10-11 Time Warner Cable Enterprises Llc Apparatus and methods for automated highlight reel creation in a content delivery network
US9253124B2 (en) * 2012-05-15 2016-02-02 TV Band Service, LLC Techniques for sending and relaying information over broadcast and non-broadcast communications media
US9426053B2 (en) * 2012-12-06 2016-08-23 International Business Machines Corporation Aliasing of named data objects and named graphs for named data networks
US20140282786A1 (en) 2013-03-12 2014-09-18 Time Warner Cable Enterprises Llc Methods and apparatus for providing and uploading content to personalized network storage
CN103248958B (en) * 2013-04-08 2016-06-29 深圳创维-Rgb电子有限公司 The exchange method of a kind of player, device and television set, playback equipment
US20140351871A1 (en) * 2013-05-22 2014-11-27 Microsoft Corporation Live media processing and streaming service
US9241044B2 (en) 2013-08-28 2016-01-19 Hola Networks, Ltd. System and method for improving internet communication by using intermediate nodes
US9674563B2 (en) 2013-11-04 2017-06-06 Rovi Guides, Inc. Systems and methods for recommending content
US11055747B2 (en) 2013-11-11 2021-07-06 Iheartmedia Management Services, Inc. Split spot breaks
US11216828B2 (en) 2013-11-11 2022-01-04 Iheartmedia Management Services, Inc. Managing local and general advertisement spot allocations
AU2015249674B2 (en) * 2014-04-23 2019-08-15 Sgph, Llc Smart routing synchronization system and methods for socializing a synthetic rebroadcast and group stream
US10206196B2 (en) 2014-10-23 2019-02-12 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Dynamic wireless multicast orthogonal frequency division multiple access architecture
US9948962B2 (en) 2014-11-13 2018-04-17 Time Warner Cable Enterprises Llc Apparatus and methods for efficient delivery of electronic program guide data
KR20160061681A (en) * 2014-11-24 2016-06-01 삼성전자주식회사 Message transmitting system, message transmiting server, user terminal apparatus, method for transmitting message, and method for receiving message
US10341713B2 (en) 2014-12-15 2019-07-02 Comcast Cable Communications, Llc Methods and systems for providing content
US10116676B2 (en) 2015-02-13 2018-10-30 Time Warner Cable Enterprises Llc Apparatus and methods for data collection, analysis and service modification based on online activity
US11057446B2 (en) 2015-05-14 2021-07-06 Bright Data Ltd. System and method for streaming content from multiple servers
US20170277154A1 (en) * 2016-03-28 2017-09-28 Simmonds Precision Products, Inc. Reconfigurable control of digital sensors
KR20180001292A (en) * 2016-06-27 2018-01-04 에스프린팅솔루션 주식회사 Method and system for registering plurality of devices
US11108840B2 (en) 2017-07-03 2021-08-31 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Transport layer network service for live content broadcasting
US10271077B2 (en) 2017-07-03 2019-04-23 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Synchronizing and dynamic chaining of a transport layer network service for live content broadcasting
US10637662B2 (en) * 2017-08-28 2020-04-28 International Business Machines Corporation Identity verification using biometric data and non-invertible functions via a blockchain
EP4199479A1 (en) 2017-08-28 2023-06-21 Bright Data Ltd. Improving content fetching by selecting tunnel devices grouped according to geographic location
US20200004929A1 (en) * 2018-06-29 2020-01-02 Korea Content Platform, Llc Platform-in-platform content distribution
WO2020037437A1 (en) * 2018-08-22 2020-02-27 Fuenzalida Ferdinand Daniel Ernesto Method for measuring a radio station audience in real time
EP4220441A1 (en) 2019-02-25 2023-08-02 Bright Data Ltd. System and method for url fetching retry mechanism
WO2020202135A2 (en) 2019-04-02 2020-10-08 Luminati Networks Ltd. System and method for managing non-direct url fetching service
EP4147453A1 (en) 2020-05-06 2023-03-15 EXA Properties, L.L.C. Composite video competition composite video competition
US11438551B2 (en) * 2020-09-15 2022-09-06 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Virtual audience using low bitrate avatars and laughter detection

Family Cites Families (31)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4566030A (en) * 1983-06-09 1986-01-21 Ctba Associates Television viewer data collection system
CA1337132C (en) * 1988-07-15 1995-09-26 Robert Filepp Reception system for an interactive computer network and method of operation
US5155591A (en) * 1989-10-23 1992-10-13 General Instrument Corporation Method and apparatus for providing demographically targeted television commercials
US5105184B1 (en) * 1989-11-09 1997-06-17 Noorali Pirani Methods for displaying and integrating commercial advertisements with computer software
US5220501A (en) * 1989-12-08 1993-06-15 Online Resources, Ltd. Method and system for remote delivery of retail banking services
US5446919A (en) * 1990-02-20 1995-08-29 Wilkins; Jeff K. Communication system and method with demographically or psychographically defined audiences
US5319455A (en) * 1990-09-28 1994-06-07 Ictv Inc. System for distributing customized commercials to television viewers
US5132992A (en) * 1991-01-07 1992-07-21 Paul Yurt Audio and video transmission and receiving system
US5706290A (en) * 1994-12-15 1998-01-06 Shaw; Venson Method and apparatus including system architecture for multimedia communication
WO1993009624A1 (en) * 1991-11-08 1993-05-13 Calling Communications Corporation Switching methods for satellite communication system
US5283731A (en) * 1992-01-19 1994-02-01 Ec Corporation Computer-based classified ad system and method
US5305195A (en) * 1992-03-25 1994-04-19 Gerald Singer Interactive advertising system for on-line terminals
ES2129038T3 (en) * 1992-11-27 1999-06-01 Ibm ROAD TO MULTIPLE DESTINATIONS BETWEEN DOMAINS.
JP3259996B2 (en) * 1992-12-03 2002-02-25 キヤノン株式会社 camera
US5508732A (en) * 1993-03-22 1996-04-16 International Business Machines Corporation Data server, control server and gateway architecture system and method for broadcasting digital video on demand
IL106746A (en) * 1993-08-19 1997-02-18 News Datacom Ltd CATV systems
US5410698A (en) * 1993-10-12 1995-04-25 Intel Corporation Method and system for dynamic loading of software libraries
US5493514A (en) * 1993-11-24 1996-02-20 Intel Corporation Process, apparatus, and system for encoding and decoding video signals
NZ278185A (en) * 1993-12-02 1998-04-27 Discovery Communicat Inc Network manager for cable television system headend components and set top terminals in a television delivery system which coordinates the reception of programming and control signals at a headend
US5555017A (en) * 1994-07-08 1996-09-10 Lucent Technologies Inc. Seamless multimedia conferencing system using an enhanced multipoint control unit
US5617565A (en) * 1994-11-29 1997-04-01 Hitachi America, Ltd. Broadcast interactive multimedia system
US5649013A (en) * 1994-12-23 1997-07-15 Compuserve Incorporated Royalty tracking method and apparatus
US5604542A (en) * 1995-02-08 1997-02-18 Intel Corporation Using the vertical blanking interval for transporting electronic coupons
US5930493A (en) * 1995-06-07 1999-07-27 International Business Machines Corporation Multimedia server system and method for communicating multimedia information
US5675510A (en) * 1995-06-07 1997-10-07 Pc Meter L.P. Computer use meter and analyzer
US5878384A (en) * 1996-03-29 1999-03-02 At&T Corp System and method for monitoring information flow and performing data collection
US5862329A (en) * 1996-04-18 1999-01-19 International Business Machines Corporation Method system and article of manufacture for multi-casting audio visual material
US5931961A (en) * 1996-05-08 1999-08-03 Apple Computer, Inc. Discovery of acceptable packet size using ICMP echo
US5778187A (en) * 1996-05-09 1998-07-07 Netcast Communications Corp. Multicasting method and apparatus
US5936940A (en) * 1996-08-22 1999-08-10 International Business Machines Corporation Adaptive rate-based congestion control in packet networks
US5928331A (en) * 1997-10-30 1999-07-27 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Distributed internet protocol-based real-time multimedia streaming architecture

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2278775B1 (en) 2012-09-05
PT2323333E (en) 2015-04-21
US5983005A (en) 1999-11-09
HK1156749A1 (en) 2012-06-15
ES2534293T3 (en) 2015-04-21
EP0965087B1 (en) 2006-03-22
DK2323333T3 (en) 2015-05-26
EP1582991A2 (en) 2005-10-05
DE69735536D1 (en) 2006-05-11
WO1997042582A1 (en) 1997-11-13
ATE321305T1 (en) 2006-04-15
AU3002097A (en) 1997-11-26
CA2731354A1 (en) 1997-11-13
DK2278775T3 (en) 2013-01-07
CA2254130A1 (en) 1997-11-13
CA2731360A1 (en) 1997-11-13
EP2323333A2 (en) 2011-05-18
US6119163A (en) 2000-09-12
EP2323333B1 (en) 2015-02-25
EP0965087A4 (en) 2004-07-28
US5778187A (en) 1998-07-07
US6434622B1 (en) 2002-08-13
EP1582991A3 (en) 2010-06-16
CA2731354C (en) 2012-07-17
ES2394182T3 (en) 2013-01-23
EP0965087A1 (en) 1999-12-22
EP2323333A3 (en) 2011-11-23
EP2278775A1 (en) 2011-01-26
PT2278775E (en) 2012-12-11

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CA2254130C (en) Multicasting method and apparatus
US7600120B2 (en) System for delivering media
WO1997042582A9 (en) Multicasting method and apparatus
US9948692B1 (en) Apparatus, method, and computer readable medium for providing a presentation on a network having a plurality of synchronized media types
US9383893B1 (en) Providing a presentation on a network having a plurality of synchronized media types
US7054949B2 (en) System and method for streaming media
US7103906B1 (en) User controlled multi-device media-on-demand system
CA2614654C (en) Methods and systems for playing media
CA2434698C (en) Multicasting method and apparatus
CA2546118C (en) Multicasting method and apparatus
WO2001022711A9 (en) System and method for distribution of telephone audio data via a computer network

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
EEER Examination request
MKEX Expiry

Effective date: 20170510

MKEX Expiry

Effective date: 20170510