3169 results about "Content distribution" patented technology

A portable wireless communications subscriber audio and / or video player apparatus and system and method for selecting, requesting, downloading, and playing audio and / or video data content files from an Internet-based database server. The wireless link is preferably implemented in accordance with the WiFi protocol, which allows connectivity to the Internet by being in proximity with a local base station or WiFi hotspot (i.e., publicly available local wireless access hub connected to the Internet). The portable wireless communications subscriber audio and / or video player apparatus and system preferably include a security means for monitoring and blocking unauthorized use of the player apparatus and system. The player apparatus further preferably has the capability to communicate with other neighboring player apparatus for the purpose of exchanging content data files, playlists and personal messages.

In a network interconnecting a plurality of content providers and a plurality of clients, for providing content to a client, each of the plurality of content providers is coupled to at least one content distribution network of a plurality of content distribution networks, wherein the client is coupled to at least one of the plurality of content distribution networks and a request for the content is sent from the client to a redirector node that receives requests, wherein a redirector at the redirector node provides an address for a server available to serve the requested content. When the client's content distribution network is a primary content distribution network for the content provider providing the requested content, redirecting the client to a server within the client's content distribution network. When the client's content distribution network is not a primary content distribution network for the content provider but the client's content distribution network has a content peering relationship with a primary content distribution network for the content provider, redirecting the client to a server within the client's content distribution network. When the client's content distribution network is not a primary content distribution network for the content provider and the client's content distribution network does not have a content peering relationship with a primary content distribution network for the content provider, redirecting the client to a server outside the client's content distribution network. The redirecting can be done using a domain name service (DNS) server that responds to requests for domain name resolution that include metadata encoding for the content being requested and / or attributes of the resolution request other than a domain name or explicit client / redirector communication to perform the redirection.

The acceleration of peer-to-peer downloads of content files wherein a tracker performs a condition based peer selection that is dynamically adjustable. A further feature relates to the use of enhanced message scheme for communications. One embodiment is a system in a swarm having at least one origin seed capable of at least initially storing the content files with at least one tracker maintaining a list of peers wherein the tracker uses at least one dynamically adjusting peer selection algorithm to generate a condition based peer-list and provides the condition based peer-list to a requesting peer.

A multi-source bridge content distribution system links multiple content owners with access network operators or content distribution providers leasing space on access networks so that multi-media content can be provided from multiple content owners to consumers through a multi-source bridge or data center. Content files and associated content owner preference settings are provided from a plurality of content sources or providers to the multi-source data center. Files stored at the data center or locally at an access network are provided to subscribers through the local access network Content files are provided if the content owner preference settings are a sufficient match with service provider access network preference settings set up by the service provider using the access network to provide content to subscribers.

A system is presented providing content to a plurality of handheld devices (including musical selections). The devices can access a server over the Internet via a Wi-Fi or other similar wireless interconnection and can download songs requested by a user from the server or from other users using, e.g., a P2P protocol. All downloads may be governed by applicable DRM rules. Content and playlists may also be pushed by a server from other sources and means including, e.g., podcasting, based on predetermined rules, favorite preferences of users, and other criteria.

A process and facility supports device-specific delivery of a multimedia object to an end user's device as a function of the device's capabilities, the transport interface to the device, and / or the viewing state and / or access privileges of the device's user with respect to the object or the user's relationship to an owner of the device and / or multimedia object.

A content distribution system has a DNS server which is configured to provide DNS responses in response to DNS requests, and a device which interconnects between a client and the DNS server. The device includes an interface which communicates with the client, and a controller coupled to the interface. The controller can intercept a first DNS request en route from the client to the DNS server, and provide a second DNS request to the DNS server through the interface in response to interception of the first DNS request. The second DNS request selectively includes a client identifier which identifies the client, and not including the client identifier which identifies the client, based on a selection decision. The controller can further convey a DNS response from the DNS server to the client through the interface. The DNS response includes a content server identifier which identifies a content server.

The present invention is a network architecture or framework that supports hosting and content distribution on a truly global scale. The inventive framework allows a Content Provider to replicate and serve its most popular content at an unlimited number of points throughout the world. The inventive framework comprises a set of servers operating in a distributed manner. The actual content to be served is preferably supported on a set of hosting servers (sometimes referred to as ghost servers). This content comprises HTML page objects that, conventionally, are served from a Content Provider site. In accordance with the invention, however, a base HTML document portion of a Web page is served from the Content Provider's site while one or more embedded objects for the page are served from the hosting servers, preferably, those hosting servers near the client machine. By serving the base HTML document from the Content Provider's site, the Content Provider maintains control over the content.

Apparatus and methods for protected content access, browsing and transfer over a network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a premises (e.g., residential) LAN, and the apparatus comprises a server and renderer consumer premise equipment (CPE). The renderer CPE scans the network to search for a server CPE that implement a compatible security framework. The renderer authenticates itself with the server, and the server allows content browsing and selection access only to an authorized and authenticated renderer. A negotiation and exchange protocol comprises messages exchanged between the renderer and the server that include one or more of device identification, encryption key exchange, digital certificates and information regarding security package used by each CPE.

The invention facilitates the distribution of content over a network (e.g., the Internet, a television network) and, in particular, the distribution of high-bandwidth (i.e., data intensive) content, such as video content or customized content. At least one of the sites of the network (a “core server”) is controlled (at least in part) by an entity that desires to distribute content to one or more other network sites (“client(s)”) at which the content is to be used. In accordance with the invention, a core server uses one or more other network sites (“node server(s)”) to distribute content on behalf of the core server to one or more clients. In particular, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the entit(ies) having control (at least in part) of each of one or more network sites (node server(s)) can be recruited to use their site(s) to distribute content on behalf of a core server to one or more clients.

A method of securely providing data to a user's system over a broadcast infrastructure. The method comprising the steps of: encrypting the data using a first encrypting key; encrypting a first decrypting key using a second encrypting key; dividing at least part of the encrypted data into a series of logical packages; placing at least some of the logical packages into a broadcast carousel for cyclical broadcast over the broadcast infrastructure; broadcasting the packages in broadcast carousel so that they can be received by at least one user's system, wherein the broadcast is cyclical and repeats periodically; and transferring the encrypted first decrypting key, which has been encrypted with the second encrypting key, to the user's system.In another embodiment, a system is disclosed to carry out the above method in a broadcast infrastructure and an image overlaid on top of a primary image being displayed isused to denote that additional logical packages are available for receipt by broadcast.

Methods and apparatus for supporting content delivery service are described. In accordance with the invention content can be supplied to temporary storage of a regional or local server used to supply the content to a customer's premises when the requested content is not already available in the regional or local server. A content server hierarchy may be implemented with servers higher up in the hierarchy including more content, e.g., titles, than the number of titles stored in the lower level servers. By storing less frequently accessed content in servers higher in the hierarchy and frequently requested titles lower in the hierarchy, a vast number of titles can be supported without overburdening the storage available at local and regional servers. In addition, a national or other server high in the hierarchy can be used to store, move, and distribute local or other content as part of an on demand service.

A distributed network-attached storage network provides content distribution using conventional file transfer protocols such as NFS and CIFS. A filer proxy accepts a client request and translates the client request to a file transfer protocol accepted at the file system having the file requested in the client request. The filer proxy generates a file handle for the file containing redundant filer proxy information to be used for failover to a backup filer proxy in the event of a network error or failure of an original filer proxy. The file handle also contains information for network security purposes such as detection of forged file handles.

Methods and systems for network traffic management are provided. A content distribution network application manages data in a cache. A network rate shaper application controls and manages requests for access to an external network connection. The content distribution network application determines priorities associated with requests and communicates these priorities to the rate shaper application. The rate shaper application adjusts access levels or data transfer rates for the requests based on the received priorities.

A network architecture or framework that supports hosting and content distribution on a truly global scale allows a Content Provider to replicate and serve its most popular content at an unlimited number of points throughout the world. The inventive framework comprises a set of servers operating in a distributed manner. The actual content to be served is preferably supported on a set of hosting servers (sometimes referred to as ghost servers). This content comprises HTML page objects that, conventionally, are served from a Content Provider site. A base HTML document portion of a Web page is served from the Content Provider's site while one or more embedded objects for the page are served from the hosting servers, preferably, those hosting servers near the client machine. By serving the base HTML document from the Content Provider's site, the Content Provider maintains control over the content.

The present invention provides an internet based or locally hosted business to business full service secure commercial electronic marketplace which facilitates transactions between suppliers and buyers. The system transforms the suppliers' content into generic content and enables the suppliers to review, correct and update the supplier content. The system distributes the content back to the supplier and to selected buyers in a generic and usable format across multiple forums. The system further provides multiple levels of sourcing for the suppliers and buyers including a private on-contract sourcing level, a, private off-contract sourcing level, a private index off-contract sourcing level, a private supplier or seller sourcing level, a public buyer sourcing level, and content distribution for buy side sourcing levels, supply side sourcing levels, multi-buyer exchanges and multi-supplier exchanges.

The memory device contains control structures that allow media content to be stored securely and distributed in a manner envisioned by the content owner, or service providers involved in the distribution. A wide variety of different avenues become available for distributing media content using such memory devices, such as where the devices contain one or more of the following: abridged preview media content, encrypted unabridged media content, prepaid content, rights and / or rules governing access to such content. The memory device has a type of control structures that enable a service provider (who can also be the content owner) to create a secure environment for media content distribution where end users and terminals register with the service provider, and gain access to the content in a manner controlled by the service provider. The various components to be loaded (e.g. abridged preview media content, encrypted unabridged media content, prepaid content, rights and / or rules governing access to such content) may be generated and loaded in a secure and efficient manner.

Mechanisms and techniques operating in a content distribution network in a peering relationship with a second content distribution network. The system maintains a first client list identifying a first set of client devices associated with a first content distribution network. The system also obtains a second client list identifying a second set of client devices associated with a second content distribution network. The system applies a client list filtering technique to the first client list and the second client list to produce a preferred client list associated with the second content distribution network. The preferred client list potentially identifies at least one preferred client device for which the second content distribution network preferably processes client requests. The system then operates a content routing technique to direct a client request associated with a client device to a content distribution network having a preferred client list that identifies the client device associated with the client request as a preferred client device.

A method and system of performing IP multicast includes a client at one of many downstream networks that sends a request signal to an upstream network via a return channel (e.g., the Internet), and the upstream network sends the request to a media server. The media server, and for live data, a media encoder, processes a media stream to generate a real-time IP multicast communication that is output to a unidirectional satellite that transmits the IP multicast communication to the client without delay via the downstream network, and can convert the IP multicast to unicast. The bidirectional return channel allows the source to calculate billing information based on client usage statistics, and transmits confirmation acknowledgement based on a confirmation request from the upstream network. Because the routing configuration is transparent to the rest of the network, the invention applies to multi-hop networks on both sides of the satellite link.

The present invention is a network architecture or framework that supports hosting and content distribution on a truly global scale. The inventive framework allows a Content Provider to replicate and serve its most popular content at an unlimited number of points throughout the world. The inventive framework comprises a set of servers operating in a distributed manner. The actual content to be served is preferably supported on a set of hosting servers (sometimes referred to as ghost servers). This content comprises HTML page objects that, conventionally, are served from a Content Provider site. In accordance with the invention, however, a base HTML document portion of a Web page is served from the Content Provider's site while one or more embedded objects for the page are served from the hosting servers, preferably, those hosting servers near the client machine. By serving the base HTML document from the Content Provider's site, the Content Provider maintains control over the content.

A method for clustering together network clients for guiding of placement of network servers is disclosed. A number of routing table prefix / netmask entries are aggregated and unified into a tubular format. The routing table entries may be converted into a singular format. A network server log is used to extract a number of client IP addresses which are compared to the entries within the unified routing table. A common prefix shared by a number of the client IP addresses and an entry in the unified routing table is determined and used to cluster the clients together in a client cluster. Network servers, such as proxy server, cache servers, content distribution servers and mirror server may be placed in the network according to the client clusters.

A computer-implemented method for delivering targeted advertising in an asynchronous messaging-based social networking platform, the system comprising: providing a messaging server configured to managed asynchronous message delivery to a plurality of users, wherein a message comprises: a content title; a timestamp; a profile id, wherein the profile id is a unique identifier associated with a publisher of the message; and a message; providing a user authentication database configured to store and manage user authentication information for the plurality of users; maintaining a plurality of bindings configured to associate at least one user of the system with at least one other user of the system; storing an articles database configured to store messages within the system; identifying a plurality of publishers wherein each publisher posts a plurality of messages within the system; determining a plurality of channels; for each channel, associating a plurality of the publishers with the channel; and providing advertising within the system.

The present invention provides a hybrid central / distributed and tiered video on demand (VOD) service network with tiered content structure. In particular, the present invention uses media servers located in both the headend station and the hub stations. Set-top boxes generally would be supplied VOD services from the high-demand content media servers located in the hub station nearest to the user. The central media server located in the headend would be used as an installed backup to the hub media servers; as the primary source for lower demand VOD services and as the source of the real time, centrally encoded programs with PVR (personal video recorder) capabilities.By distributing the servers to the hub stations, the size of the fiber transport network associated with delivering VOD services from the central headend media server is reduced. The invention provides that each user has access to several server ports located on at least two servers. Multiple paths and channels are available for content distribution to each user, assuring high system reliability and enhanced asset availability. Substantial cost benefits are derived from the reduced need for a large content distribution network and the reduced storage capacity requirements for hub servers.

The invention includes a method and apparatus for facilitating distribution of content from content sources to content distributors. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving meta-data associated with a content item available from the content source and propagating a notification regarding availability of the content item from the content source, where the notification comprises at least a portion of the associated meta-data. The meta-data is received from a content source from which the content item is available. The notification message for the content item, including at least a portion of the meta-data is propagated toward a content distributor, thereby enabling the content distributor to obtain a copy of the content item for use in serving requests for the content item originating from end users served by the content distributor.

A method, system and apparatus for storage and distribution of content in a content delivery network (CDN) are provided. The method includes acquiring and storing popularly accessed content from a content engine's cache file system. The method further includes mechanisms that distribute the stored content in the persistent content delivery network file system to the CDN network.

A computer implemented method and system simultaneously distributes content data streams (CDSs) of multiple content formats, for example, live cable television content, gaming content, social media content, user generated content, etc., to one or more computing devices. An interactive content distribution platform (ICDP) receives user selections of the CDSs and the content formats via a graphical user interface (GUI) and receives one or more CDSs in one or more content formats from multiple content sources based on the user selections. The ICDP synchronizes the CDSs by encoding the CDSs into a common data format and adjusting a transmission rate of the CDSs. The ICDP simultaneously transmits and displays the synchronized CDSs in one or more configurable windows on a display screen of each computing device at configurable time instances via the GUI. The ICDP facilitates interactions and initiates transactions between computing devices during the simultaneous display of the synchronized CDSs.