Method and apparatus for monitoring an information distribution system
US7607148B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 14, 2000 |
| Grant date | Oct 20, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 19, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N21/6581
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Techniques to monitor operation of an information distribution system and delivery of programming, guide data, and other information by the system. These techniques may be used for diagnostics, quality control, and other purposes, and for various types of systems. In accordance with one method, a directive is received to monitor a particular channel at a particular terminal. In response to the received directive, a command is sent (e.g., via a remote control unit) to the terminal. Contents are then received from the terminal, captured, and reported. The reported contents may be used to visually verify the contents being delivered to the terminals, check what the viewers may observe, mimic and test interactive experiences of the viewers, observe actual viewing conditions at the terminals, and perform other tests and diagnostics. The received contents may be captured as one or more video frames, as a video sequence, or in some other format.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.