Methods and apparatus for device capabilities discovery and utilization within a content distribution network
US9438946B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 3, 2013 |
| Grant date | Sep 6, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 18, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N21/47202
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for determining and selecting digital coding and/or decoding technology, delivery bitrates, and resolution parameters for programming and data delivery over, e.g., a content-based network. In one embodiment, the network comprises an HFC cable or satellite network that includes a server process interfacing with a plurality of customer premises equipment (CPE), and/or associated client devices, each having different display resolution, bitrate, and/or decoding capabilities profiles. The server determines the one or more capabilities possessed by the CPE or client device, and evaluates one or more program or content choices for possible delivery to that CPE or device based on its profile. The selection process may also take into consideration network and/or CPE operational considerations, such as conservation of downstream bandwidth, CPE uprating capability, client device power consumption, and the like.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.