Method and apparatus for providing VCR-like “trick mode” functions for viewing distributed video data
US6434748B1 · kind B1 · utility
67Cited by
42References
20Claims
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Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 25, 1997 |
| Grant date | Aug 13, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 25, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N7/17336
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for providing VCR-like “trick mode” functions, such as pause, fast-forward, and rewind, in a distributed, video-on-demand program environment. Trick modes are supported by locally altering the viewing speed for each user who requests such functions, without affecting the operation of the central data source in any way. Thus, a virtual unlimited number of viewers are able to enjoy random access to video programming, including virtually continuous trick mode functionality. This is accomplished in a manner that is operable with existing telephone and cable distribution infrastructure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.