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  Method and system for providing and controlling delivery of content on-demand over a cable television network and a data networkUSPTO Application #: 20080077964Title: Method and system for providing and controlling delivery of content on-demand over a cable television network and a data network Abstract: A system and method for delivering content on-demand by way of a cable network are disclosed. Provision of such content is controlled over a data network. Advantageously, a user interface at a conventional computing device may be used to order content and to control its delivery and playing. Commands from the computing device may be provided by way of data network to a network interconnected server. The server under software control causes a media receiver at the customer premises to be properly tuned to receive content on-demand, and content on-demand to be played, as requested by the computing device. The media receiver may include a conventional set-top box that may be tuned remotely in response to a customer placing an on-demand order. (end of abstract)
Inventors: USPTO Applicaton #: 20080077964 - Class: 725087000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Interactive Video Distribution Systems, User-requested Video Program System, Video-on-demand The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20080077964. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to the provision of content on-demand, and more particularly to the provision of content on-demand by way of a cable television network. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The desire to provide home television viewers and listeners with the ability to view video and listen to audio on-demand has existed for some time. In recent years, the introduction of high capacity data networks and improved video and audio compression techniques has made the availability of audio and video content on-demand possible. [0003] For example, high capacity packet or circuit switched networks may be used to carry digital video or audio streams for delivery to suitable viewer or listener appliances. The public internet, private packet switched networks, ATM networks, and broadband ISDN networks have all been suggested as appropriate delivery networks for content on-demand. Complementary viewer or listener equipment located at the customer premises may be addressed over such networks to receive and present the content. Example equipment includes internet appliances, intelligent set-top television boxes, or personal computers with appropriate software. Characteristically, these appliance may typically be uniquely addressed over the delivery network; decode and present the video or audio stream; and permit two-way communication over the delivery network to place on-demand orders and control the playing of the content on-demand. [0004] Existing cable television network operators are also well positioned to provide content on-demand over existing networks. As such, cable television networks have been gradually updated, and continue to be updated, to allow provision of digital content, pay-per-view programming, two-way data access, and ultimately content on-demand. Existing cable subscribers expect these services to be delivered by the cable network operators over the medium with which they are familiar. Moreover, cable network operators have access to content, and experience in providing pay-per-view content. [0005] Cable network operators are also uniquely affected by the constant need to upgrade customer premises equipment. Many subscribers have only recently upgraded set-top-boxes to obtain digital content and enhanced pay-per-view offerings. New features and improvements in user interfaces drive an incessant desire to upgrade these boxes. [0006] Providing content on-demand typically requires additional upgrades. Unlike other customer premises equipment, cable network set-top boxes are typically owned by the cable network and not by subscribers. Upgrading these is therefore costly to the network operator, and even more costly if customer premises equipment for all subscribers is upgraded. Subscribers, on the other hand, often find the need to constantly upgrade as intrusive and bothersome. Allowing subscribers to upgrade equipment only as content on-demand is requested, on the other hand, is more cost efficient but prevents the content from being provided to many subscribers--subscribers who do not have the necessary upgrade simply do not have access to the content. Even subscribers who want the new content may not believe it warrants the effort of an upgrade. [0007] Some existing cable set-top boxes address this dilemma by permitting software upgrades that may be initiated by the network operator, and provided to subscribers transparently over the existing cable network. These upgrades allow set-top boxes to support new features and services. Unfortunately, existing hardware often limits the type of scope of the upgrades. The amount of memory, processor speed, and chipset functionality at existing set-top boxes, for example, limit the types of upgrades that are possible. Provision of content on-demand, for example, often requires sophisticated interface software, or hardware upgrades providing, for example, additional remote control functions, two-way data access and the ability to present and navigate extensive lists of available content. [0008] Accordingly, there is a clearly a need to allow existing cable television subscriber and other customers access to content on-demand, while reducing the need to upgrade existing customer premises equipment. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0009] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, content on-demand is delivered by way of cable network. Provision of such content is controlled by over data network. Advantageously, a user interface at a conventional computing device may be used order content and to control its delivery and playing. [0010] Commands from the computing device may be provided by way of data network to a network interconnected server. The server under software control causes a media receiver at the customer premises to be properly tuned to receive content on-demand, and content on-demand to be played, as requested by the computing device. Advantageously, the media receiver may include a conventional set-top box that may be tuned remotely in response to a customer placing an on-demand order. As such, no additional hardware or hardware upgrades need be provided by the cable network operator to the customer to provide the content on-demand. [0011] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of providing content on-demand to a customer having at least one tunable media receiver interconnected with a cable television network, and a computing device separate from the media receiver and in communication with a data network. The method includes receiving from the computing device over the data network, an indicator of an identity of the customer and a request for a media stream; remotely tuning one of the at least one tunable media receivers over the cable television network, to receive the content over the cable television network on a tuned channel that is not otherwise tunable by the customer; and providing the content over the cable television network for receipt and presentation by the media receiver, when tuned to the tuned channel. [0012] Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0013] In the figures which illustrate by way of example only, embodiments of this invention: [0014] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary cable television network for use in association with a content on-demand system; [0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a system for delivering content on-demand, exemplary of an embodiment of the present invention; [0016] FIG. 3 illustrates a simplified organization of a database used by the system of FIG. 2; [0017] FIG. 4-7 illustrates windows forming part of a user interface for ordering and controlling playing of content on-demand; [0018] FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C is a flowchart illustrating exemplary steps executed at a network server of the system of FIG. 2; [0019] FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C are flowcharts illustrating exemplary steps executed at a media server proxy of the system of FIG. 2; and [0020] FIG. 10 is flowchart illustrating exemplary steps executed at a media server of the system of FIG. 2. Continue reading... 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