Systems and methods for allocating bandwidth in switched digital video systems based on interest
AssigneeRovi Guides, Inc.
InventorMichael L. Craner
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Systems and methods for allocating bandwidth in a switched digital video (SDV) system based on channel interest. In some embodiments, bandwidth is deallocated from channels and allocated to requested channels having a higher interest. Tiered approaches for allocating bandwidth are disclosed. Embodiments in which QAMs are allocated across services in a multi-service system based on interest are also disclosed. Embodiments for accommodating emergency access system (EAS) functionality in a SDV system are also disclosed.
Claims10
A method for providing a start-over feature that allows a user to watch a program from the beginning even through the user has accessed a source for the program after the program has begun, comprising:
- caching a copy of the program in response to identifying a delay in allocation of bandwidth to the source preventing the user from beginning viewing of the program at its originally scheduled time
- providing an option to the user to watch the program after it has already begun at a rate that is faster than the real time rate of the program so that it will fit into a duration that is less than the originally scheduled duration for the program;
- determining a time remaining for the program;
- receiving a selection from the user of the option;
- and
- in response to receiving the selection by the user of the option, streaming the program to the user from its beginning at a rate that is faster than the real time rate of the program so that the viewing time of the stream is substantially the time remaining in the originally scheduled timeslot for the program.
A system for providing a start-over feature that allows a user to watch a program from the beginning even through the user has accessed a source for the program after the program has begun, comprising:
- a client application, implemented on user equipment, configured to provide an option to the user to watch the program after it has already begun at a rate that is faster than the real time rate of the program so that it will fit into a duration that is less than the originally scheduled duration for the program, wherein a channel interest manager is configured to route the program to a video server for caching in response to the channel interest manager identifying a delay in allocation of bandwidth to the source preventing the user from beginning viewing of the program at its originally scheduled time;
- and
- determine a time remaining for the program;
- receive a selection from the user of the option;
- and
- in response to receiving the selection by the user of the option, receive a stream of the program from its beginning at a rate that is faster than the real time rate of the program so that the viewing time of the stream is substantially the time remaining in the originally scheduled timeslot for the program.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.