as) United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication 0) Pub. No.: US 2002/0095510 Al
`(43) Pub. Date: Jul. 18, 2002
`
`Sie et al.
`
`US 20020095510A1
`
`(54) PRE-STORING MULTIPLE PROGRAMS
`WITH USER CONTROL OF PLAYBACK
`
`(76)
`
`Inventors: John J. Sie, Englewood, CO (US);
`John C. Beyler, Highlands Ranch, CO
`(US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`TOWNSEND AND TOWNSEND AND CREW,
`LLP
`TWO EMBARCADERO CENTER
`EIGHTH FLOOR
`
`SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111-3834 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`09/877,317
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Jun. 8, 2001
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(63) Continuation-in-part of application No. 09/687,151,
`filed on Oct. 12, 2000, which is a non-provisional of
`provisional application No. 60/159,202,filed on Oct.
`13, 1999, and which is a non-provisional of provi-
`sional application No. 60/159,469, filed on Oct. 13,
`
`1999, and which is a non-provisional of provisional
`application No. 60/163,324, filed on Nov. 3, 1999.
`Non-provisional of provisional
`application No.
`60/275,496, filed on Mar. 13, 2001.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`SD A ©)AAnn GOG6F 15/16
`(52) US. Ch.
`ceeesecssssssssstsesssnstnstvasnesnstnsevesse 709/231
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`According to the invention, a method for receiving a pro-
`gram by a user location is disclosed. The program is sent
`from a content provider. In onestep, at least a first segment
`of each of a first number of programs sent from the content
`provider before any user request for any of the first number
`of programsis recorded. The user request for one of the first
`number of programs is detected. At least a second segment
`of each of a second number of programs sent from the
`content provider is also recorded if the user request is not
`detected before a stagger period expires. The oneofthe first
`number of programs is recorded if the user request
`is
`detected before the stagger period expires.
`
`308
`
`136
`
`se
`
`rogram
`Information
`
` p
`
`Program
`Req uest
`Database
`
`416
`
`I\
`
`4124
`
`Subscriber
`Management
`
`System
`
`120-1
`
`Set Top
`Box #1
`
`120-2
`
`Set Top
`Box #2
`
`312
`
`\
`
`4108
`
`Transmission
`
`System
`
`132
`
`Program
`Server
`
`128
`
`Programs Subscriber
`Server
`
`POTS
`Network
`
`316
`
`120-n
`
`Set Top
`Box n
`
`Comcast, Exhibit-1003
`
`Comcast, Exhibit-1003
`
`1
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 18, 2002 Sheet 1 of 36
`
`US 2002/0095510 Al
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`Jul. 18, 2002 Sheet 2 of 36
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`Jul. 18, 2002 Sheet 3 of 36
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`Jul. 18, 2002 Sheet 4 of 36
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`Jul. 18, 2002 Sheet 5 of 36
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 18, 2002 Sheet 6 of 36
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`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 18,2002 Sheet 7 of 36
`
`US 2002/0095510 Al
`
`704
`
`User Turns On
`Television
`
`
`
`
`User Selects
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`
`712
`
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`
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`Time
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`Playback
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`Provide Free
`Access?
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`User Controls Playback
`of Club Program
`
`
`
`8
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 18,2002 Sheet 8 of 36
`
`US 2002/0095510 Al
`
`712
`
`User Watches
`Subscription Channel
`In Real Time
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`
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`Channel Showing
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`lub Program?
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`lub Program?
`
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`Display Notification
`Symbol
`Symbol
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`765
`
`RemoveIdentifier And
`Notification Symbol
`
`
`
`FIG. 7A.
`
`9
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 18,2002 Sheet 9 of 36
`
`US 2002/0095510 Al
`
`785
`
`
`
`
`Go To Club
`Channel
`
`(Fig. 7D)
`
`
`780
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`712
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`
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`lub Program?
`
`Is User a Club
`Member?
`
`
`
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`
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`Control at Beginning
`of Program
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`Do Not Authorize
`Playback Conirol
`
`FIG. 7B
`
`10
`
`10
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 18, 2002 Sheet 10 of 36
`
`US 2002/0095510 Al
`
`712
`
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`
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`
`Subscription Channel
`
`in Real Time
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`No
`
`178
`
`FIG. 7C
`
`11
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 18,2002 Sheet 11 of 36
`
`US 2002/0095510 Al
`
`
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`
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`790
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`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 18,2002 Sheet 12 of 36
`
`US 2002/0095510 A1
`
`804
`
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`FIG. 8A
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`US 2002/0095510 Al
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`Patent Application Publication
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`Jul. 18,2002 Sheet 16 of 36
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`US 2002/0095510 Al
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`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 18,2002 Sheet 17 of 36
`
`US 2002/0095510 A1
`
`New NVOD Program Begins
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`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 18,2002 Sheet 18 of 36
`
`US 2002/0095510 A1
`
`Determine The Programs
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`User Controls Playbackof
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`19
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`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 18,2002 Sheet 19 of 36
`
`US 2002/0095510 A1
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`Jul. 18, 2002 Sheet 27 of 36
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`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 18,2002 Sheet 35 of 36
`
`US 2002/0095510 A1
`
`| Receive NVOD Schedule Information |
`|
`from Content Provider
`
`
`
`Tune to Transponder(s)
`with NVOD Lineup
`
`Record Whole Transponder
`Multiplex from Beginning
`
`
`
`
`
`Lineup?
`
`
`Continue Recording Only
`Selected NVOD Digital Channel
`
`
`
`Begin Playback from
`
`Beginning of VOD Program
`
`Fig. 21
`
`36
`
`36
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`

`

`US 2002/0095510 A1
`
`
`
`NVOD
`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Jul. 18,2002 Sheet 36 of 36
`
`Lineup?
` Gather Remaining Portions from Other
`
`Transponder(s) and Playback from Beginning
`
`
`Fig. 22
`
`37
`
`37
`
`

`

`US 2002/0095510 Al
`
`Jul. 18, 2002
`
`PRE-STORING MULTIPLE PROGRAMSWITH
`USER CONTROL OF PLAYBACK
`
`[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provi-
`sional Application No. 60/159,202 filed on Oct. 13, 1999;
`US. Provisional Application No. 60/159,469 filed on Oct.
`13, 1999; U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/163,324filed
`on Nov. 3, 1999; U.S. Non-Provisional Application No.
`09/687,151 filed on Oct. 12, 2000; and U.S. Provisional
`Application No. 60/275,496, filed on Mar. 13, 2001, all of
`which are incorporated herein by reference.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002] This inventionrelates in general to content delivery
`and, more specifically, to delivering a program to an indi-
`vidual business or a residence.
`
`[0003] Content is delivered bysatellite, microwave, UHF,
`VDSL,optical fiber, VHF, or cable to the set top boxes of
`users in a numberof different ways. Most content is avail-
`able according to a linear schedule published in program-
`ming guides. Certain additional services are available with
`someof these delivery systems, for example, pay per view
`(PPV), video on demand (VOD)and near video on demand
`(NVOD). PPV allowsa user to purchasethe right to view a
`program according to a linear schedule. VOD provides the
`ability to view a program at any time with control of the
`playback by the user. NVOD is a hybrid approach where a
`program is available on a number of channels in a linear
`program with staggered start
`times, but
`the user cannot
`control playback.
`
`{0011] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating another
`embodiment of a set
`top box that has content storage
`capability;
`
`FIG.7 is a flow diagram that shows a process for
`[0012]
`either retrieving real-time programs or previously stored
`programs;
`
`[0013] FIG. 7A is a flow diagram showing the interaction
`of a notification feature with the retrieval of real-time
`programsor previously stored programs;
`
`[0014] FIG. 7B is a flow diagram showing one embodi-
`ment for retrieving a previously stored program;
`
`[0015] FIG. 7C is a flow diagram showing another
`embodimentfor retrieving a previously stored program;
`
`[0016] FIG. 7D is a flow diagram showing a further
`embodimentfor retrieving a previously stored program;
`
`FIG.8A is a flow diagram that illustrates a process
`[0017]
`for selecting a previously stored program;
`
`a block diagram illustrating one
`[0018] FIG. 8B is
`embodimentfor coupling a notification feature with a menu-
`based embodiment;
`
`[0019] FIG. 9A is a block diagram that shows an embodi-
`ment of a viewing of a particular near video on demand
`(NVOD)program;
`
`[0020] FIG. 9B is a block diagram that shows another
`embodiment of a viewing of a program gathered from a
`number channels;
`
`[0021] FIG. 9C is a block diagram that shows yet another
`embodiment of a viewing of a program gathered from a
`number of channels;
`
`PPV, VOD and NVODstore the content remote
`[0004]
`from the user for delivery on a dedicated or shared channel.
`PPV and NVODare broadcast accordingto a linear schedule
`and multiple users share that single channel to view the
`[0022] FIG. 10A isaflow diagram that showsthe steps in
`program simultaneously. Because the single channel
`is
`shared, no user can control the playback of the content. In
`showing a NVOD where the user controls playback;
`contrast, conventional VODis singlecasted on a dedicated
`channel available to a single user, which allows control of
`the playback. For example, a user can start, stop, rewind, fast
`forward, or pause a VOD program.
`
`[0023] FIG. 10B is a flow diagram that shows a process
`for pre-storing a club program local to the user;
`
`[0024] FIG. 11A is a block diagram depicting another
`embodiment of a set top box that records a number of
`programssimultaneously;
`
`[0025] FIG. 11B is a block diagram depicting yet another
`embodiment of a set top box that records a whole multi-
`plexed program stream at one time;
`
`[0026] FIG. 11C is a block diagram depicting still another
`embodiment of a set top box that includes two tuners;
`
`[0027] FIG. 12Ais a block diagram showing yet another
`embodiment of a set top box that records programs on
`several different carrier channels;
`
`[0028] FIG. 12B is a block diagram showingstill another
`embodiment of a set top box that records several different
`carrier channels in their entirety;
`
`[0029] FIG. 13A is a block diagram illustrating an
`embodiment of a program receiver that produces multiple
`digital channels simultaneously;
`
`[0030] FIG. 13B is a block diagram illustrating another
`embodiment of a program receiver that also produces mul-
`tiple digital channels simultaneously;
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0005] The present invention is described in conjunction
`with the appended figures:
`
`[0006] FIG. 1 is a block diagram that shows an embodi-
`ment of a program delivery system;
`
`[0007] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating another
`embodiment of a program delivery system that remotely
`locates an additional content provider away from a cable
`provider;
`
`[0008] FIG. 3 is a block diagram depicting one embodi-
`ment of a program delivery system that wirelessly passes
`content from a cable television provider to a transmission
`system;
`
`[0009] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an embodiment
`of a program delivery system that uses a satellite based
`transmission system;
`
`[0010] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an embodi-
`ment of a set top box that includes a control channel;
`
`38
`
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`
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`

`US 2002/0095510 Al
`
`Jul. 18, 2002
`
`[0031] FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an embodi-
`ment of a program server that uses buffers to store multiple
`digital channels simultaneously;
`
`[0032] FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating another
`embodiment of a program server that usesstatistical multi-
`plexing to combine a numberof digital channels;
`
`[0033] FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing yet another
`embodiment of a program server that uses a mass storage
`device that can store multiple digital channels at one time;
`
`[0034] FIG. 17 is a block diagram of an embodimentof a
`multiplex of NVOD programsplaying over a six hour period
`on a particular transponder;
`
`[0035] FIG. 18 is a block diagram of an embodimentof
`four multiplexes of NVOD programs where each transpon-
`der has start times staggered from the other transponders;
`
`[0036] FIG. 19A is a block diagram of an embodimentof
`four multiplexes of NVOD programs along with stored
`content activity;
`
`[0037] FIG. 19B is a block diagram of another embodi-
`ment of four multiplexes of NVOD programs along with
`stored content activity;
`
`[0038] FIG. 20A is a block diagram of yet another
`embodiment of four multiplexes of NVOD programsalong
`with stored content activity;
`
`[0039] FIG. 20B is a block diagram of still another
`embodiment of four multiplexes of NVOD programsalong
`with stored content activity;
`
`[0045] The present invention provides a program to a user
`location. A user can watch a program with control over
`playback without a dedicated channel to the set top box.
`Through use of a remote control, for example, the user can
`rewind, fast forward or pause playback of the linearly
`scheduled program to provide video on demand-like (VOD-
`like) functionality. To facilitate this feature, a portion of the
`program(s) is prestored locally before the user decides to
`view the program(s). After the program is selected for
`playback,
`the remaining portion(s) are downloaded from
`near video on demand (NVOD)lineups, for example.
`
`In one embodiment, an additional content provider
`[0046]
`allows users to view a predetermined linear schedule of
`programming on their television. The linear schedule of
`programming provided to the user can be watched in real-
`time, 1.e., as the program is broadcast. In this embodiment,
`a subset of the users who subscribe to the additional content
`may also subscribe to an additional level of benefits, here-
`inafter called the “club.” The club members can also access
`a subset of or all of the linearly scheduled content at any
`time. The club members can rewind, fast-forward or pause
`playback of this content in VOD-like fashion with their
`remote controls. In some embodiments, this VOD-like func-
`tionality does not require club membership or may be paid
`for an individual program where VOD-like functionality is
`desired.
`
`[0047] FIG. 1 showsa block diagram of one embodiment
`of the program delivery system 100. The program delivery
`system 100 includes a transmission system 108, set top
`boxes 120, a subscriber management system 124, a sub-
`scriber server 128, a program server 132, a program request
`[0040] FIG. 20C is a block diagram of another embodi-
`database 136, andasatellite dish 116. The program server
`ment of four multiplexes of NVOD programs along with
`132 and the program request database 136 are part of a
`stored content activity;
`system of an additional content provider. The additional
`content provider system interfaces with the other compo-
`nents that are part of a system of a cable television provider.
`
`[0041] FIG. 21 is a flow diagram of an embodimentof a
`process for using a NVODcycle of programs to provide a
`video on demand-like (VOD-like) service; and
`
`[0042] FIG. 22 is a flow diagram of another embodiment
`of a process for using the NVOD cycle of programs to
`provide VOD-like service.
`
`In the appendedfigures, similar components and/or
`[0043]
`features may have the samereference label. Further, various
`components of the same type may be distinguished by
`following the reference label by a dash and a second label
`that distinguishes amongthe similar components.If only the
`first reference label is used in the specification, the descrip-
`tion is applicable to any one of the similar components
`having the same first reference label
`irrespective of the
`second reference label.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`[0044] The ensuing description provides preferred exem-
`plary embodiment(s) only, and is not intended to limit the
`scope, applicability or configuration of the invention.
`Rather, the ensuing description of the preferred exemplary
`embodiment(s) will provide those skilled in the art with an
`enabling description for implementing a preferred exem-
`plary embodimentof the invention. It being understood that
`various changes may be made in the function and arrange-
`mentof elements without departing from the spirit and scope
`of the invention as set for in the appended claims.
`
`39
`
`[0048] The subscriber management system 124 contains
`account information for all users such as customer names,
`addresses, set top box addresses,credit history, subscription
`status, and VODstatus. This information is used to enable
`programson the set top box(es) 120 of each user.Interactive
`screens for selecting services are formulated by the sub-
`scriber management system 124. The screens allow the user
`to select additional products or services. From thesatellite
`dish 116, the subscriber management system 124 receives
`program information relating to any downloaded programs
`or realtime programsthat are madeavailable to the program
`delivery system 100.
`
`[0049] The subscriber server 128 stores content that is
`provided to the transmission system 108 for distribution to
`the set top boxes 120. Programs are stored in compressed
`digital form. Preferably, MPEG-2 compression is used,
`although, other embodiments could use different algorithms
`such as MPEG-4. The programs are downloaded from the
`satellite dish 116 for later broadcast or are provided on
`removable storage media such as tapes or disks. Addition-
`ally, real-time content is provided to the subscriber server
`128 for immediate broadcast from sources such as the
`satellite dish 116 or a broadcast television antenna.
`
`[0050] The cable television provider interacts with the
`systems of additional content providers in order to supply
`additional programs to users. This additional content could
`
`39
`
`

`

`US 2002/0095510 Al
`
`Jul. 18, 2002
`
`include commercial supported channels, commercial-free
`channels, home shopping,interactive services, pay-per-view
`(PPV), VOD, or NVOD. In this embodiment, a program
`request database 136 and program server 132 respectively
`provide additional information to the cable television pro-
`vider for billing, for example, and content
`to the cable
`television provider for broadcast to specific set top boxes
`120. An interface standard or custom software allowsinter-
`action between the systems of the additional content pro-
`vider and the cable television provider. Interaction between
`the systems allows communicating program, billing and
`other information.
`
`[0051] The subscriber management system 124 interacts
`with the program request database 136 in order to provide
`program entitlement to users. The program request database
`136 stores user specific information, club specific informa-
`tion and programming information. The user specific infor-
`mation includes such things as name, address, set top box
`address, membership privileges, membership history, and
`available credit. The club specific information includes such
`things as program listings and descriptions; coming attrac-
`tions, premieres and specials; a membership history sum-
`mary; and program usage by class of program. Forreal-time
`broadcasts,
`the programming information includes such
`things as schedules, program descriptions and upcoming
`specials.
`[0052] The user specific information, club specific infor-
`mation and programming information are available to the
`subscriber management system 124 for accounting purposes
`and for formulating the menu screens presented to the user.
`For example,
`the user may want to know their account
`balance or the numberof times certain classes of programs
`were viewed. Additionally, some embodiments can limit the
`amount of times a user can replay a program during a
`defined period or numberof uses in a period. This usage
`information is stored in the program request database 136
`and used by the subscriber management system 124 before
`entitling a set top box 120 to watch a program.
`[0053] The program server 132 stores programsassociated
`with an additional content provider. The subscriber manage-
`ment system 124 checks with the program request database
`136 to determine if a program is available. The program
`server 132 can load the programs onto the subscriber server
`128 or directly couple the program to the transmission
`system 108. Accordingly, the subscriber management sys-
`tem 124 uses the information from program request database
`136 in order to entitle the program for the users.
`[0054] The transmission system 108 takes the various
`programs and multiplexes them onto a conduit coupled to
`the set top boxes 120. Typically, frequency division multi-
`plexing techniques are used in order to transmit the various
`program streamsonto a single coaxial cable, an optical fiber
`or a combination thereof. The transmission system 108 may
`include analog to digital converters, digital compression
`hardware, multiplexers and other items in order to make the
`best use of the available bandwidth. The subscriber man-
`
`agement system 124 controls the transmission system 108 to
`route the appropriate program streamsto the desired set top
`box 120 of the user. Although not showninthe figure, a node
`can be interposed between the transmission system 108 and
`the set top box 120 as is well knownin theart.
`[0055] Although the program request database 136 is
`separate from the subscriber management system 124 in the
`
`above embodiment, some embodiments could combine
`these functions. Program information could be provided to
`the subscriber management system 124 for management
`from there with appropriate software and hardware.
`[0056] With reference to FIG. 2, another embodimentis
`shown which separates the additional content provider sys-
`tem 204 from the cable television provider system. This
`embodiment allows the additional content provider to have
`a central location that could communicate with a number of
`cable television providers in remote geographical locations.
`A first and second satellite dishes 216, 220 communicate
`through a satellite 208. The satellite 208 provides bi-direc-
`tional communication such that the subscriber management
`system 124 can interact with the program request database
`136 and the program server 132 can send the program to the
`subscriber server 128 or send the program to the set top
`boxes 120 using the transmission system 108.
`[0057] Referring next to FIG. 3, an embodiment of a
`program delivery system 300 is shown which usesa satellite
`link to receive the program. A satellite television provider
`uplinks the program with a first satellite dish 304 to a
`satellite 308. A transmission system 108 is coupled to a
`second satellite dish 312 in order to downlink the program.
`The transmission system 108 converts the signal from the
`satellite to a format understood by the set top boxes 120.
`Although not shown in FIG. 3, other satellites, cables,
`microwavedishes, and antennas could provide the program
`to the transmission system 108 for distribution to the set top
`boxes 120.
`
`[0058] Control information passes between the subscriber
`management system 124 and the set top boxes 120 by way
`of either a plain old telephone service (POTS) network 316,
`a control data channel to each set top box 120 or a bi-
`directional satellite link. Data is sent to the set top box 120
`by wayof the control data channel, and data is received from
`the POTS network 316. Rather than reporting usage in near
`real-time, the POTS network 316 operates in a “store and
`forward” mode where the set top box 120 reports usage
`according to a predetermined schedule such as the middle of
`every night. Alternatively, the subscriber management sys-
`tem 124 could periodically query the set top boxes 120
`through the POTS network 316.
`[0059] With reference to FIG. 4, another embodimentof
`a program delivery system 400 is shown which places the
`transmission system 108 in a satellite 408. Although only
`one satellite television provider is shown, multiple satellite
`television providers could uplink to the satellite 408. A
`transmission system in the satellite 408 combines programs
`from a number of content providers and downlinks the
`combinedsignalto satellite dishes 412 for each user. The set
`top boxes 120 decode the downlinkedsignal.
`top box 120
`[0060] A modem transceiver in each set
`communicates over a POTS network 416 to the subscriber
`management system 124 in order to provide entitlement and
`other information. This embodiment uses the POTS network
`for bi-directional communication in near real-time. Once a
`
`program that requires special authorization is requested, the
`subscriber management system 124 is queried for entitle-
`ment. In contrast, other embodiments could use broadband
`packet switched networks for this communication such as
`the Internet.
`
`[0061] Referring next to FIG. 5, an embodimentofa set
`top box 120 is depicted in block diagram form. The set top
`
`40
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`40
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`

`

`US 2002/0095510 Al
`
`Jul. 18, 2002
`
`box 120 recovers a digital channel and presents the digital
`channelto the television on a display channelselected by the
`user. The set top box 120 includes a program receiver 500,
`a controller 504, a display interface 524, a control trans-
`ceiver 528, a remote control receiver 532, and a channel
`display 536. Included in the program receiver 500 are a tuner
`508, a digital channel demodulator 512, a digital channel
`select circuit 516, and a decryption engine 520. The set top
`box 120 receives programs from the satellite dish 412 that is
`coupled to the satellite, but other embodiments could use
`other transmission methods. Control information is sent and
`
`received through the POTS network 316 or other bi-direc-
`tional channel.
`
`[0062] The program receiver 500 selects the desired digi-
`tal channel from the frequency division multiplexed signal
`received from the transmission system 108. A control signal,
`which corresponds to a particular carrier channel
`to be
`downconverted, is sent from the controller 504 to the tuner
`508. The tuner 508 downconverts a selected carrier to an
`intermediate frequency (IF) carrier. The signal modulating
`the IF carrier