Hybrid networks
US7962632B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 3, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jun 14, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 7, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N21/6175
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A user through a mobile or fixed terminal (5) informs an agent (33) hosted by an operator server (13) of subjects in respect of which content is requested. The agent (33) searches the internet for relevant content, and determines from a set of user preferences, relating to cost and timing of delivery preferences, a network for use in delivering the content to the terminal. Delivery may be made by a free network, e.g. a WLAN or Bluetooth network, if one is available, or over an expensive network such as a 3G, GSM or GPRS network if the content is requited quickly. If delivery is to be made over a broadcast network (11), such as a DVB-T network (11), a signal is sent to the terminal over a mobile telephone network (7) giving the time of broadcast, in response to which the terminal (5) enables its broadcast receiver at the appropriate time. Also, the agent (33) periodically reviews the content on a data carousel (45) which is awaiting broadcast, and informs the terminal (5) of any forthcoming content which is relevant to the user request.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.