Patent · US Active

Personal media channel apparatus and methods

US9380329B2 · kind B2 · utility

1Cited by
183References
24Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 7, 2014
Grant dateJun 28, 2016
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 7, 2034

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH04N21/47
  • WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

Network content delivery apparatus and methods based on content compiled from various sources and particularly selected for a given user. In one embodiment, the network comprises a cable television network, and the content sources include DVR, broadcast, nPVR, and VOD. The user-targeted content is assembled into a playlist, and displayed as a continuous stream on a virtual channel particular to that user. User interfaces accessible through the virtual channel present various functional options, including the selection or exploration of content having similarity or prescribed relationships to other content, and the ability to order purchasable content. An improved electronic program guide is also disclosed which allows a user to start over, record, view, receive information on, “catch up”, and rate content. Apparatus for remote access and configuration of the playlist and virtual channel functions, as well as a business rules “engine” implementing operational or business goals, are also disclosed.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.