KR100858849B1 - Methods and apparatus for content delivery to a mobile device - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and apparatus for transmitting content to a mobile device are provided. A method of receiving content in a wireless data network is provided. The method includes initiating download of content having a selected quality level over a first connection that supports a first data rate. The method also includes establishing a second connection that supports the second data rate, and determining whether the second data rate is lower than the second data rate. The method also includes waiting for a third connection establishment that supports a higher data rate than the second data rate, and continuing to download the content using the third connection.

Content Download, Multiple Network Connections

Description

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTENT DELIVERY TO A MOBILE DEVICE}

Claims of Priority under 35 U.S.C §119

This patent application is filed on May 4, 2004 and assigned to the assignee of this application under the provision of a US provisional application entitled "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DELIVERING CONTENT TO MOBILE DEVICES WITH BOTH 1XRTT AND 1XEV-DO NETWORK COVERAGE." Priority is issued to 60 / 568,326, which application is incorporated herein by reference.

background

I. Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to content delivery in a data network, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for delivering content to a mobile device operating in a changing network environment.

II . Background technology

Distribution of content (data) to multiple terminals (subscribers) in a wireless network is a complex problem. For example, a wireless network may cover a wide geographic area, and network coverage and / or available services may be different for each area. Thus, content transfer from zone to zone moving mobile devices requires an efficient delivery system that preserves network resources while providing device users with the content they desire.

Typically, a wireless data network may support content transmission by one or more communication technologies. For example, many wireless networks can transmit information using a single carrier (1x) wireless transmission technique (1xRTT). Using this technique, data and other information may be transmitted over the data network to provide an optional level of service and / or quality. For example, the data transmission rate supported by this technique may be used to transmit text and / or low quality images. In general, lower transmission rates support lower quality of service (QoS) levels. Increasingly, many wireless networks have been upgraded to operate using single carrier (1x) evolution data optimization (1xEV-DO) technology. Using this technique, transmissions over the network may occur at rates two to three times higher than 1xRTT.

As a result of the increased transmission rate, transmission of content with a high level of quality is possible. For example, a 1xEV-DO network can transmit video content at much higher quality than a 1xRTT network. As a result, the 1xEV-DO network can provide the same content at a higher resolution, and thus better quality of service than a 1xRTT network.

Due to the variety of environments, a wireless network covering a large geographic area may have a portion of a network operating using one or both of the above technologies. Such a situation may cause discontinuities or “holes” of coverage that a particular wireless network provides. For example, a mobile terminal may receive content transmitted using 1xEV-DO, but the network may move to another geographic area that supports only 1xRTT. As a result, the terminal may experience a coverage hole that may prevent the reception of content with the required quality level. For example, the terminal may be in the process of receiving high quality content transmitted using 1xEV-DO, and after moving to a different geographic area, the terminal is handed off to a network operating using 1xRTT. . In a new network environment, since it is very inefficient to attempt to transmit high quality content using a low transmission rate, the terminal may not receive the content at the required quality level. Thus, conventional systems may not be able to compensate for holes in the network that may prevent the mobile terminal from receiving content at the required level of quality as the mobile terminal moves across various geographic regions.

Thus, while a mobile device moves across several geographic areas where the network supports one or more transmission techniques, a system is needed that allows content having the quality level required for that mobile device to be transmitted to that mobile device. For example, the system must be able to receive content of the quality required by the device when the device is handed off between data networks that support different data transmission techniques. In addition, the system should operate to automatically select content to download to the device, where the selected content has a particular quality level based on an existing network connected with the device.

summary

In one or more embodiments, a content delivery system is provided that includes an apparatus and method that operates to enable a mobile device to efficiently receive content in a data network. In one embodiment, the system employs logic that operates to determine the content quality that the terminal may receive based on available network connections. The system is particularly suitable for use in wireless networks where different geographic areas may operate using different network transmission techniques.

In one embodiment, a method of receiving content in a wireless data network is provided. The method includes initiating download of content having a selected quality level over a first connection that supports a first data rate. The method also includes establishing a second connection that supports the second data rate, and determining whether the second data rate is lower than the first data rate. The method also includes waiting for the establishment of a third connection that supports a higher data rate than the second data rate, and continuing to download the content using the third connection.

In one embodiment, an apparatus for receiving content in a wireless data network is provided. The apparatus includes transceiver logic operative to initiate download of content having a selected quality level over a first connection that supports the first data rate and to establish a second connection that supports the second data rate. The apparatus also includes receive logic that operates to determine whether the second data rate is lower than the first data rate. The apparatus also includes waiting for the establishment of a third connection that supports a higher data rate than the second data rate, and continuing to download the content using the third connection.

In one embodiment, an apparatus for receiving content in a wireless data network is provided. The apparatus includes means for initiating download of content having a selected quality level via a first connection that supports a first data rate. The apparatus also includes means for establishing a second connection that supports the second data rate, and means for determining whether the second data rate is lower than the first data rate. The apparatus also includes means for waiting to establish a third connection that supports a higher data rate than the third data rate, and means for continuing to download content using the third connection.

In one embodiment, a computer readable medium is provided that includes instructions that, when executed by a processor, operate to receive content in a wireless data network. The computer readable medium includes instructions to start downloading content having a selected quality level via a first connection that supports the first data rate. The computer readable medium also includes instructions for establishing a second connection that supports the second data rate, and instructions for determining whether the second data rate is lower than the first data rate. The computer readable medium also includes instructions to wait for establishment of a third connection that supports a data rate higher than the second data rate, and instructions to continue downloading the content using the third connection.

In one embodiment, a method of transmitting content in a wireless data network is provided. The method includes receiving a content request from a device, and determining a network connection associated with the device. The method also includes selecting content with the selected quality level based on the network connection, and transmitting the content with the selected quality level to the device.

In one embodiment, an apparatus for transmitting content in a wireless data network is provided. The apparatus includes processing logic operative to receive a content request from a device, determine a network connection associated with the device, and select content with a selected quality level based on the network connection. The apparatus also includes transmission logic operative to transmit content having the selected quality level to the device.

In one embodiment, an apparatus for transmitting content in a wireless data network is provided. The apparatus includes means for receiving a content request from a device, and means for determining a network connection associated with the device. The apparatus also includes means for selecting content having a selected quality level based on the network connection, and a step of transmitting content having the selected quality level to the device.

In one embodiment, a computer readable medium is provided that includes instructions that, when executed by a processor, operate to transmit content in a wireless data network. The computer readable medium includes instructions for receiving a content request from a device, and instructions for determining a network connection associated with the device. The computer readable medium also includes an instruction to select content having a selected quality level based on the network connection, and an instruction to transmit content having the selected quality level to the device.

Other aspects, advantages, and features of the present invention will become apparent after review of the following brief description of the drawings, the detailed description of the invention, and the claims.

Brief description of the drawings

The foregoing aspects and the accompanying advantages of the embodiments disclosed herein will become more apparent with reference to the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG.

1 illustrates a data network that includes one embodiment of a content delivery system.

2 shows a concrete diagram of one embodiment of a server suitable for use in one embodiment of a content delivery system.

3 illustrates one embodiment of a method of operating a server of one embodiment of a content delivery system.

4 illustrates a concrete diagram of one embodiment of a mobile device suitable for use in one embodiment of a content delivery system.

5 shows a first part of one embodiment of a method for operating a mobile device in one embodiment of a content delivery system.

6 illustrates a second part of the method of FIG. 5 for operating a mobile device in an embodiment of a content delivery system.

7 illustrates one embodiment of a method for operating a server in one embodiment of a content delivery system.

Detailed description of the invention

The detailed description set forth below discloses one or more embodiments of a content delivery system that operates to enable a mobile device to efficiently receive content in a data network. The system is particularly well suited for wireless network environments, but it may be suitable for communication networks such as the Internet, public networks, private networks such as virtual private networks (VPNs), local area networks, wide area networks, long haul networks, or any other type of data network. It may be used in any type of network environment, including but not limited to.

1 illustrates a data network 100 that includes one embodiment of a content delivery system. Network 100 includes content server 102, data network 104, data network 106, and mobile terminal 108. Data network 104, 106 may be any type of wired and / or wireless network and / or combination thereof that enables data to be transmitted between server 102 and terminal 106. Server 102 communicates with networks 104 and 106 via communication link 110. The communication link 110 may be any type of wired or wireless communication link that enables the server 102 to communicate with the data networks 104, 106.

Server 102 includes contact window logic 116 and rate-encoded content 118. Contact window logic 116 provides a contact window that defines when it becomes possible to receive content 118 from data network 104, 106. For example, server 102 makes downloadable content 118 for a time interval defined by the contact window.

Rate-encoded content 118 includes one or more rate encoded content to provide one or more quality levels. For example, content 118 includes content formatted at three encoding rates (R1, R2, and R3). The rate at which content is encoded determines the quality level at which content is provided. For example, the rate may determine the resolution at which content may be rendered. For example, the highest level of quality is provided by content encoded with "R3".

In one embodiment, data network 104 includes a high speed data network that can efficiently transmit content at very high data rates. For example, in one embodiment, data network 104 may support data transmission using 1xEV-DO. As a result, the rate-encoded content 118 (R1, R2, and R3) at the server 102 may all be efficiently transmitted in the data network 104 to provide various levels of service and / or quality.

In one embodiment, the data network 106 includes a low speed data network that can efficiently transmit content at a relatively low data rate compared to the network 104. For example, in one embodiment, data network 106 may support data transmission using 1xRTT. As a result, only a portion of the rate-encoded content at server 102 (118 (ie, R2 and R3 encoded content)) may be efficiently transmitted from data network 104 to device 108. Attempts to transmit R1 encoded content may result in degraded network performance because network 106 cannot transmit data at a rate high enough to support transmission of R1 encoded content.

Data networks 104 and 106 communicate with terminal 108 via wireless communication links 112 and 114, respectively. Depending on its geographical location, terminal 108 may communicate with either data network 104, 106. For example, terminal 108 may experience a handoff 108 process that communicates with network 104 to cause terminal 108 to communicate with network 106. The handoff process may occur when the terminal 108 moves from one geographic location to another. In one or more embodiments, the delivery system may allow the terminal to automatically handle a handoff situation, such that content from server 102 may continue to be received at terminal 108 even after a handoff occurs.

In one embodiment, the wireless communication links 112, 114 are forward communication channels, reverse communication channels, control channels and / or any that may be used to communicate information between the networks 104, 106 and the terminal 108. Type of communication channel. For example, communication link 112 supports data transmission using 1 × EV-DO from data network 104 to terminal 108. The communication link 114 supports data transmission using 1 × RTT from the data network 106 to the terminal 108.

Terminal 108 may be any type of mobile device or terminal, such as a mobile telephone, portable computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), or any other type of portable device capable of receiving high quality content via a wireless communication link. Include. In one embodiment, the terminal 108 includes reception logic 120 operative to enable the terminal to receive any type of information from the data network 104 or the data network 106.

During operation, the content delivery system operates to automatically determine how and what content to send over the two networks involved in the handoff process. For example, terminal 108 may be in communication with network 104 and may request to receive high quality content from server 102. When the request occurs within the selected contact window, as indicated by path 122, server 108 begins downloading the high quality version of the content over data network 104 to terminal 108. For example, content encoded with "R1" is downloaded to terminal 108 at a supported data rate using 1xEV-DO.

During the download process, terminal 108 undergoes handoff 126 to data network 106. For example, terminal 108 may be a moving vehicle moving within a geographic area covered by data network 106. Alternatively, in the coverage provided by network 104, there may be a "hole" in which terminal 108 is handed off to network 106. As a result, the terminal 108 is handed off and then communicates with the network 106 via the link 114. In one embodiment, receive logic 120 operates to identify a new network connection and determine the available download rate supported by network 106. If the new network (network 106) supports downloading content at the same rate, the receiving logic 120 operates to continue downloading content, as indicated by path 124. If the new network (network 106) does not support the same download rate, receive logic 120 operates to perform one or more of the following functions.

1. Wait until a high rate connection is available before continuing with the download.

2. Cancel the current download and request the same content at the quality level supported by the new network connection.

Various handoff situations may occur, and the operation of various embodiments of such situations is more fully described elsewhere herein. However, in one or more embodiments, the content delivery system operates to determine the performance of the data network involved in the handoff process and to automatically determine what content is to be transmitted to terminal 108 after the handoff occurs.

In another embodiment, the terminal 108 operates to report to the content server 102 when a handoff has occurred and what is the current transmission capacity of the new network connection. In response, content server 102 determines what content to download to terminal 108 based on the new available connection. Thus, content server 102 operates to automatically send content having the required quality level to terminal 108.

2 shows a concrete diagram of one embodiment of a server 200 suitable for use in one embodiment of a content delivery system. For example, server 200 may be used as content server 102 of FIG. 1. Server 200 includes processing logic 202, device resources 204, contact window logic 206, transceiver logic 208 and various rate encoded content 210, all of which are internal data buses ( 212).

In one or more embodiments, processing logic 202 includes a CPU, processor, gate array, hardware logic, memory device, virtual machine, software, and / or any combination of hardware and software. Thus, processing logic 202 generally includes logic to perform machine-readable instructions and to control one or more functional elements of server 200 via internal data bus 212.

Device resources and interfaces 204 include hardware and / or software that enables server 200 to communicate with internal and external systems. For example, internal systems may include mass storage systems, memory, display drivers, modems, or other internal device resources. External systems may include user interface devices, printers, disk drives, or other local devices or systems.

Contact window logic 206 includes any type of hardware and / or software that enables server 200 to provide a contact window that determines when content 210 can be downloaded. For example, the window may be based on periodic time intervals, licensed time periods, network conditions, and / or any other type of condition that can be used to determine the size and timing of the contact window.

The transceiver logic 208 includes hardware and / or software that enables the server 200 to send and receive data and / or other information with a remote device, system or network via the communication channel 218. For example, in one embodiment, communication channel 218 includes forward, reverse, and control channels used to communicate with a wireless communication network. In one embodiment, the transceiver logic 208 includes logic to establish a communication channel with one or more data networks operating using one or more transmission techniques. For example, the transceiver logic 208 operates to establish a communication channel with a data network using 1xEV-DO, 1xRTT, and / or other transmission techniques.

Rate-encoded content 210 includes one or more rate encoded content to provide one or more quality levels. For example, content 210 is provided with a selected quality level when encoded and rendered on a device. For example, in one embodiment, quality is provided based on the resolution at which content may be rendered at the receiving device. In one embodiment, the content is rate-encoded at multiple levels (R1, R2, R3) such that based on network transmission capacity, content encoded at a particular rate can be transmitted to provide a selected quality level without degrading network operation. have.

During operation of server 200, transceiver logic 208 receives a content request from a remote device over communication channel 214. The request is processed by processing logic 202. Contact window logic 206 determines whether the window is open for the requested content. If the window is open, processing logic 202 is operative to retrieve the encoded content 210 at the requested rate and send it through the transceiver logic 208 to the requesting device.

In one embodiment, server 200 operates to automatically determine content to transmit based on the capacity of a network connection of the requesting device. For example, in one embodiment the request includes information regarding the type of connection between the network and the requesting device. For example, when a device moves from a high data rate network connection (ie 1xEV-DO) to a low data rate network connection (ie 1xRTT), the server 200 may be able to handle content most efficiently by that connection. Select and send.

In one embodiment, the content delivery system includes program instructions stored on a computer readable medium that, when executed by the processing logic 202, provide the functionality of the server 200 disclosed herein. For example, the instructions may be from a computer readable medium, such as a floppy disk, CDROM, memory card, flash memory device, RAM, ROM, or a computer readable medium that interfaces to the server 200 via device resources 208. May be loaded into the server 200. In another embodiment, the instructions may be downloaded to the server 200 from network resources that interface to the server via the transceiver logic 208. The instructions provide one or more embodiments of the content delivery system disclosed herein when executed by the processing logic 202.

3 illustrates one embodiment of a method 300 of operating a server in one embodiment of a content delivery system. For clarity, the method 300 is described with reference to the server 200 of FIG. 2. In one or more embodiments, processing logic 202 executes program instructions to perform the functions described below.

In block 302, the server receives a content request. For example, in one embodiment, the server is connected to a data network in communication with one or more terminals. One or more terminals in the network send a content request to the server. For example, in one embodiment, the request is received by the transceiver logic 208 and forwarded to the processing logic 202 for further processing.

At block 304, a test is performed to determine whether the request was received within the contact window specified for the content request. For example, contact window logic 206 operates to determine whether the request is within a selected contact window. If the request is in a contact window, the method proceeds to block 306. If the request is not in the contact window, the method ends.

At block 306, a determination is made as to the type of network connection available to the requesting device. For example, a server may be in contact with a plurality of data networks using different transmission techniques that may support different data transmission rates. Any suitable technique may be used to find the type of network connection available to the requesting device. For example, the device may indicate how connected to the content request. Alternatively, the server may find this information by communicating with the device or some other network entity. In one embodiment, processing logic 202 operates to determine the type of network connection available to the requesting device. If the requesting device is connected to the network using a high data rate connection (ie, 1xEV-DO), the method proceeds to block 308. If the requesting device is connected to the network using a low data rate connection (ie, 1xRTT), the method proceeds to block 310.

Although two types of network connections (and associated data rates) have been disclosed with reference to FIG. 3, the functions performed at block 306 may determine the capacity and type of any number of additional types of network connections. Thus, the system is suitable for the use of virtually any number of network connections that may support various network transmission rates.

In block 308, the server provides the requested content over a high rate network. For example, the highest rate-encoded content can be provided to the requesting device because the network can support its transmission. For example, processing logic 202 retrieves the requested content and sends it to the device via transceiver logic 208. The method ends at block 312.

In block 310, the server provides the requested content over a low rate network. For example, lower rate-encoded content can be provided to the requesting device because the lower rate network can support its transmission. For example, processing logic 202 retrieves the requested content and sends it to the device via transceiver logic 208. The method ends at block 312.

Method 300 represents just one embodiment, and changes, additions, or rearrangements of functional elements may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosed embodiments.

4 shows a concrete diagram of one embodiment of a terminal 400 suitable for use with one embodiment of a content receiving system. Terminal 400 includes processing logic 402, memory 404, device resources and interfaces 406, transceiver logic 408, all of which are coupled to data bus 410. Terminal 400 also includes receive logic 412 that is also coupled to data bus 410.

In one or more embodiments, processing logic 402 includes a CPU, processor, gate array, hardware logic, memory element, virtual machine, software, and / or any combination of hardware and software. Thus, processing logic 402 generally includes logic to execute machine readable instructions and to control one or more other functional elements of terminal 400 via internal data bus 410.

Device resources and interfaces 406 include hardware and / or software that enables terminal 400 to communicate with internal and external systems. For example, internal systems may include mass storage systems, memory, display drivers, modems, or other internal device resources. The external system may include a user interface device, printer, disk drive, or other logic device or system.

The transceiver logic 408 includes hardware and / or software that operates to enable the terminal 400 to send and receive data and / or other information with an external device or system via the communication channel 414. For example, in one embodiment, the transceiver logic 408 includes a forward channel, a reverse channel, and a control channel that enable the terminal 400 to communicate over a wireless communication network. The transceiver logic 408 is adapted to communicate with the wireless network using one or more transmission techniques. For example, the transceiver logic 408 may communicate with a network using a high rate transmission technique (ie, 1xEV-DO) or a low data rate transmission technique (ie, 1xRTT). Thus, the transmission logic 408 operates such that the terminal 400 may communicate with the data network using various transmission techniques.

Memory 404 includes any type of memory suitable for storing information at terminal 400. For example, terminal 400 may store the received content in memory 404 to download and further process the content.

Receive logic 412 includes a CPU, processor, gate array, hardware logic, memory element, virtual machine, software, and / or any combination of hardware and software. Receive logic 412 is operative to determine information about the network that is currently communicating with the terminal. During handoff, receive logic 412 determines information about the new network connection. This information is sent to processing logic 202 that operates to automatically determine how content is received over the new network connection.

In one embodiment, the reception parameter or configuration information is stored in the memory 404. For example, the parameters or configuration information may be stored at the device manufacturing stage or downloaded to the device from an external system and stored in the memory 404. The parameter or configuration information identifies how the terminal should operate to receive the content while the network condition changes. For example, if terminal 400 is downloading content over a high speed connection (i.e., 1xEV-DO), the parameter is how the content is when terminal 400 is handed off to a slow network (i.e., 1x-RTT). Indicates whether to obtain. Thus, processing logic 402 processes the parameter to determine how content should be obtained while the network condition changes.

In one embodiment, the parameter indicates a cost condition such that processing logic 402 can determine how to download the content based on the network and / or content cost. In another embodiment, the parameters indicate efficiency and / or network bandwidth parameters that enable processing logic 402 to determine how to download content based on network efficiency and bandwidth requirements. In another embodiment, the parameter indicates the content type that allows processing logic 402 to determine how to download the content based on the content type. Thus, the parameters and / or configuration information may provide any type of condition that is used by the processing logic 402 to determine how to download the content while the network condition changes. As a result, the content delivery system operates to automatically determine how to download the content without requesting input from the device user or asking the device user to take any particular action while the network condition is changing.

In one embodiment, the content delivery system includes program instructions stored on a computer readable medium that, when executed by the processing logic 402, provide the functionality of the terminal 400 disclosed herein. For example, the instructions may be from a computer readable medium or any type of memory device that interfaces to terminal 400 via floppy disk, CDROM, memory card, flash memory device, RAM, ROM, or device resource 406. It may be loaded into the terminal 400. In another embodiment, the instructions may be downloaded to the terminal 400 from a network resource that interfaces with the server 400 via the transceiver logic 408. The instructions provide one or more embodiments of the content delivery system disclosed herein when executed by the processing logic 402.

5 shows a first part of one embodiment of a method 500 for operating a terminal of one embodiment of a content delivery system. The second part of the method 500 is shown in FIG. 6. For clarity, the method 500 will be described with reference to the terminal 400 of FIG. 4. In one or more embodiments, processing logic 402 executes program instructions to control terminal 400 to perform the functions described below.

In block 502, the mobile terminal establishes a network connection with an available data network to download content. For example, in one embodiment, processing logic 402 communicates with the data network via transceiver logic 408 to establish a network connection that enables the terminal to download content over the network.

At block 504, a test is performed to determine the type of network connection and the data rate the network connection can support. For example, the network may be a high speed network that supports data transmission using 1xEV-DO. Alternatively, the network may be a slow network that supports data transmission using 1xRTT. If the network is a high speed network, the method proceeds to block 506. If the network is a slow network, the method proceeds to point "A" in FIG. In one embodiment, receive logic 412 determines the type of network based on the initialization of the network connection performed at block 502.

In block 506, the network connection is determined to be a high speed network connection, and the network indicator is set to a "high" value. For example, processing logic 402 operates to set internal variables that indicate the type of network connection established by the terminal.

At block 508, the terminal initiates or continues a high data rate download of the content. For example, processing logic 402 sends a content request to content server via transceiver logic 408. In one embodiment, processing logic 402 uses the internal variables to determine the network type and requests the encoded content to provide the selected level of service based on an existing network connection. For example, the request requests encoded content to provide a high level of service (ie, high resolution when rendered).

At block 510, a test is performed to determine whether the terminal has been handed off to the slow network. For example, if a terminal has moved a geographic location, it may be handed off to another network that operates to provide network services at that location. For example, processing logic 402 operates to determine the type of network coverage available in a particular geographic area and to facilitate handoff to a new network if necessary. If a handoff to the slow network connection has occurred, the method proceeds to block 512. If no handoff has occurred, the method proceeds to block 514.

At block 512, after a handoff to the slow network connection occurs, a test is performed to determine whether content download should be canceled. For example, processing logic 402 determines whether content download should be canceled based on configuration information stored in memory 404. For example, in one embodiment, configuration information is stored in the terminal during the manufacturing process. If the current content download is canceled, the method proceeds to block 518. If the download continues, the method proceeds to block 516.

At block 518, the current download is canceled. For example, the terminal sends a message to the content server to cancel the current content download. The method then proceeds to point “A” in FIG. 6, where a request for encoded content for slow transmission is sent to the server. For example, if a handoff to a slow network occurs, the terminal cancels the fast download and requests a slow download of the same content through a new network connection. In one embodiment, processing logic 402 sends a request to content server via transmit and receive logic 408.

At block 514, a test is performed to determine whether content download is complete. For example, when content is downloaded to the terminal, it is stored in memory 404. If the download is complete, the method ends at block 522. If the download is not complete, the method proceeds to block 520.

In block 516 the terminal waits for the establishment of a high data rate connection and continues to download the content as before. For example, content download is not complete before a handoff to a low data rate connection occurs. The terminal waits to establish a high data rate connection and continues to download the content. For example, the terminal may only temporarily leave the high speed network and will only be handbaged to the high speed network after a short interval. Therefore, when the connection to the high speed network is restored, content download continues. For example, processing logic 402 operates to wait for a handoff or other event to restore the high data rate connection. In another embodiment, if the original high data rate network connection is not restored, another connection that supports a higher data rate than the low data rate connection is established. Thus, a new connection is faster than a low data rate connection and may be used to download content at a selected quality level.

At block 520, a test is performed to determine whether the contact window is still available and content may be downloaded from the server. If the contact window is still open, the method proceeds to block 524 to continue downloading the content. If the contact window is not open, the method ends at block 522.

At block 524, content download continues using a high data rate connection. The method then proceeds to block 510 where a test for a handoff situation occurs.

The method 500 illustrates just one embodiment, and changes, additions, combinations, or rearrangements of the functional elements may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosed embodiments. For example, tests for contacts may be performed while blocks 516 and 520 are combined to wait for a high speed network connection to return. Also, the second part of the method 500 is described with reference to FIG. 6. The second part of method 500 shows how the content delivery system downloads content when a handoff occurs to a low data rate network.

6 shows a second portion of a method 500 for operating a mobile device of an embodiment of a content receiving system. For clarity, the second part of the method 500 is described with reference to the terminal 400 shown in FIG. In one or more embodiments, processing logic 402 executes program instructions to perform the functions described below.

In block 602, if the network connection to the terminal is determined to be a low data rate connection, the network indicator is set to a "low" value. For example, processing logic 402 operates to set internal variables that indicate the type of network connection to which the terminal is connected.

In block 604, the terminal initiates content download using a low data rate connection. For example, processing logic 402 sends a content request to transceiver to content server via transceiver logic 408. In one embodiment, processing logic 402 uses internal variables to determine the type of network connection available and to request encoded content for transmission at an appropriate rate. For example, the request requests content encoded at a low data rate.

At block 606, a test is performed to determine whether the terminal has been handed off to a high speed network connection. For example, if a terminal has moved its geographical location, it may be handed off to another network that operates to provide network services at that location. For example, receive logic 412 operates to determine the type of network coverage available in a particular geographic area and to facilitate handoff to a new network if necessary. If a handoff to the high speed network connection has occurred, the method proceeds to block 608. If no handoff has occurred, the method proceeds to block 614.

At block 608, a test is performed to determine whether slow content download should be canceled after a handoff to the high speed network occurs. For example, processing logic 402 determines whether content download should be canceled based on configuration information stored in memory 404. For example, in one embodiment, configuration information is stored in memory 404 during the manufacturing process. If the current slow content download should be canceled, the method proceeds to block 610. If the download continues, the method proceeds to block 612.

At block 610, content download is canceled. For example, a handoff to a high speed network occurs and the terminal cancels the slow download. In one embodiment, processing logic 402 sends a request to cancel content download via transceiver logic 408 to the content server. The method then proceeds to point “B” in FIG. 5 and describes how a request for high quality content download should be processed.

At block 614, a test is performed to determine if slow content download is complete. For example, the test determines whether low speed content has been completely downloaded to the terminal and stored in memory 404. If the download is complete, the method ends at block 618. If the download is not complete, the method proceeds to block 612.

In block 612, the terminal attempts to continue downloading slow content over the slow network. For example, if no handoff occurs and the content download is not completed, the terminal continues to download the content using a low rate network connection. For example, processing logic 402 continues to receive content and store in memory 404.

However, if a handoff to a high speed network occurs and the terminal does not cancel the download, the terminal continues to download the content using the low rate over the new high speed network. For example, the terminal may download content at low speed even when handed off with a high speed network connection.

At block 616, a test is performed to determine if the contact window is still available and content may be downloaded from the server. If the contact window is still open, the method proceeds to block 606 to test the new handoff situation. If the contact window is not open, the method ends at block 618.

The second portion of method 500 represents just one embodiment, and changes, additions, or rearrangements of functional elements may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosed embodiments.

7 illustrates one embodiment of a method 700 for operating a server of one embodiment of a content delivery system. For clarity, the method 700 is described with reference to the server 200 shown in FIG. 2. In one or more embodiments, processing logic 202 executes program instructions to perform the functions described below.

In block 702, a content request is received at a server. For example, the request is received from the requesting device in communication with the wireless network. For example, the request is received by the transceiver logic 208.

At block 704, a test is performed to determine if the contact window is still open for the requested content. For example, in one embodiment, contact window logic 206 operates to determine whether the requested content is downloadable. If the contact window is not open, the method ends at block 706. If the contact window is open, the method proceeds to block 708.

At block 708, a determination is made to determine the transmission capacity of the network connection of the requesting device. For example, in one embodiment, the information about the network connection of the requesting device is included in the content request. In another embodiment, the processing logic 202 finds information about the network connection of the requesting device by communicating with other network entities. For example, processing logic 202 finds a transmission rate related to the network connection of the requesting device.

At block 710, content with the selected quality level is selected for transmission to the requesting device. For example, processing logic 202 operates to select encoded content from content 210 for transmission to the device. In one embodiment, the quality level of the content is selected based on the network connection associated with the requesting device. For example, if the device is connected to the network using a high data rate connection (ie 1xEV-DO), the highest quality level will be selected for transmission to the device. When the device is connected to the network using a low data rate connection (ie, 1xRTT), lower quality content is selected to be sent to the device.

In block 712, the server initiates transmission of the selected content to the requesting device. For example, processing logic 202 controls transceiver logic 208 to transmit the selected content to the device using a network connection associated with the device.

At block 714, a test is performed to determine if a termination request has been received from the device. For example, the device may transmit a request to end content transmission when handed off to a different type of network connection. In one embodiment, processing logic 202 processes the received termination request to end the content transmission. If a termination request has been received, the method proceeds to block 716. If no termination request has been received, the method proceeds to block 718.

At block 716, the service terminates content transmission to the requesting device. For example, in one embodiment, processing logic 202 operates to end content transmission. The method then ends at block 720.

In block 718, a test is performed to determine if content transmission is complete. For example, in one embodiment, processing logic 202 operates to determine whether content transmission is complete. If the content transmission is complete, the method proceeds to block 720. If the content transmission is not complete, the method proceeds to block 722.

At block 722, a test is performed to determine whether the network connection associated with the remote device has changed. For example, if a remote device has experienced a network handoff, the network connection used by that device may be faster or slower than a conventional connection. Processing logic 202 operates to discover the current network connection associated with the remote device. If the network connection has not changed, the method proceeds to block 712 where the content transfer continues. If the network connection of the remote device has changed, the method proceeds to block 724.

At block 724, a test is performed to determine whether the server should automatically adjust the quality of the content sent to the device based on the new network connection associated with the device. For example, if the device experiences a handoff to a faster or slower network connection, the server may need to automatically adjust the quality of the content sent to the device, and the new connection is most efficiently used. In one embodiment, the parameters associated with the device are used to determine whether the quality level of the content should be adjusted automatically. For example, the device may have subscribed to a server to receive a "premium service." In this case, the server will attempt to provide the highest quality content to the device in all or most situations. In one embodiment, the server determines whether to automatically adjust the quality level of the content based on the network parameters. For example, the server attempts to meet the selected network efficiency level so that the network is not overloaded to attempt to transmit high data rate content over a low data rate connection. Thus, processing logic 202 operates to process any type of parameter or indicator associated with the device, content or network connection, to determine whether the quality level of the content should be automatically adjusted.

If the quality level of the content should be adjusted automatically, the method proceeds to block 710 where the quality level of the content is selected and the transmission of the content occurs at block 712. The content is continuously sent to the device without interruption but at a new quality level. For example, depending on the data rate associated with the new network connection, the quality level of the content may be increased or decreased. For example, higher or lower resolution content may be provided.

If the quality level of the content is not automatically adjusted based on the new network connection, the method proceeds to block 712 where the content continues to be sent to the device at the same quality level. For example, if a device is receiving low quality content over a low data rate network connection and the device is handed off to a high data rate connection, the device continues to receive low quality content over a high data rate connection. something to do. Accordingly, the content delivery system operates so that content of various quality levels can be provided to the device when the device is handed off between network connections that support different data rates.

The method 700 represents just one embodiment, and changes, additions, or rearrangements of the functional elements may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosed embodiments.

Thus, while one or more embodiments of a content delivery system have been disclosed and described herein, it will be apparent that various changes may be made to the embodiments without departing from the spirit and essential characteristics thereof. Accordingly, the disclosure and description of this specification are intended to illustrate the spirit of the invention described below in the following claims, and are not intended to be limiting.

Various exemplary logic, logic blocks, modules, and circuits disclosed in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be general purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or Other programmable logic devices, separate gate or transistor logic, separate hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein may be implemented or performed. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in other ways, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, eg, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other configuration.

The steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. The software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, removable disk, CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor, which can read information from and write information to the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside within an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in a user terminal. In the alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in a user terminal.

The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Those skilled in the art will clearly appreciate various modifications to these embodiments, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments described herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. The term "exemplary" means herein "functioning as an example, illustration, or illustration." Any "exemplary" embodiments disclosed herein need not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

Claims (40)

Initiating a download of content having a selected quality level via a first connection supporting a first data rate; Establishing a second connection supporting the second data rate; Determining if the second data rate is lower than the first data rate; Waiting to establish a third connection that supports a higher data rate than the second data rate; And Continuing to download the content using the third connection. The method of claim 1, The wait and continue step, Canceling the download of the content; And Initiating a second content download via the second connection to receive a second selected quality level of content. The method of claim 1, Determining whether the contact window is open. The method of claim 1, The determination, wait and continue steps, Determining if the second data rate is higher than the first data rate; And Continuing to download the content using the first connection. The method of claim 4, wherein The continuing step, Canceling the download of the content via the first connection; And Requesting to receive the content over the second connection. The method of claim 1, Wherein the first connection comprises a 1xEV-DO connection and the second connection comprises a 1xRTT connection. Transceiver logic operative to initiate download of content having a selected quality level over a first connection that supports the first data rate and establish a second connection that supports the second data rate; Receiving logic operative to determine if the second data rate is lower than the first data rate; And Processing logic operative to wait for a third connection supporting a data rate higher than the second data rate and continue downloading the content using the third connection. The method of claim 7, wherein The processing logic is Logic operative to cancel the content download; And And logic to operate to initiate a second content download over the second connection to receive a second selected quality level of content. The method of claim 7, wherein The processing logic further comprises logic operative to determine if a contact window is open. The method of claim 7, wherein The receiving logic is, Logic operative to determine whether the second data rate is higher than the first data rate; And Logic to operate to continue downloading the content using the first connection. The method of claim 7, wherein The processing logic is Logic operative to cancel downloading of the content via the first connection; And Logic further operative to request receipt of the content over the second connection. The method of claim 7, wherein Wherein the first connection comprises a 1xEV-DO connection and the second connection comprises a 1xRTT connection. Means for initiating download of content having a selected quality level via a first connection supporting a first data rate; Means for establishing a second connection that supports the second data rate; Means for determining if the second data rate is lower than the first data rate; Means for waiting for establishment of a third connection that supports a higher data rate than the second data rate; And Means for continuing to download the content using the third connection. The method of claim 13, The wait and continue means, Means for canceling the download of the content; And Means for initiating a second content download via the second connection to receive a second selected quality level of content. The method of claim 13, And means for determining if a contact window is open. The method of claim 13, The determination, wait, and continue means, Means for determining if the second data rate is higher than the first data rate; And Means for continuing to download the content using the first connection. The method of claim 16, The continuation means, Means for canceling the content download via the first connection; And Means for requesting receipt of the content via the second connection. The method of claim 13, Wherein the first connection comprises a 1xEV-DO connection and the second connection comprises a 1xRTT connection. A computer readable medium comprising instructions, when executed by a processor, the instructions operative to receive content in a wireless data network, comprising: Instruct to start downloading of content having a selected quality level over a first connection that supports the first data rate; Instructions to establish a second connection that supports the second data rate; Instructions to determine if the second data rate is lower than the first data rate; Instruct to wait for establishment of a third connection that supports a higher data rate than the second data rate; And And instructions to continue downloading the content using the third connection. The method of claim 19, The wait and continue instructions, Instruct to cancel the download of the content; And Instructions for initiating a second content download via the second connection to receive the content of a second selected quality level. The method of claim 19, Further comprising instructions to determine if the contact window is open. The method of claim 19, The determination, wait, and continue instruction, Instructions to determine if the second data rate is higher than the first data rate; And Instructions for continuing to download the content using the first connection. The method of claim 22, The continue instruction, Instruct to cancel downloading of the content via the first connection; And Instructions for requesting receipt of the content over the second connection. The method of claim 19, Wherein the first connection comprises a 1xEV-DO connection and the second connection comprises a 1xRTT connection. Receiving a content request from a device; Determining a network connection to which the device is connecting; Selecting content having a selected quality level based on the network connection; Transmitting the content having the selected quality level to the device; And Determining a new network connection for the device to connect to. delete The method of claim 25, Continuing to transmit the content having the selected quality level via the new network connection. The method of claim 25, Selecting content having a second selected quality level based on the new network connection to send to the device; Transmitting the content having a second selected quality level to the device. Processing logic operative to receive a content request from a device, determine a network connection to which the device is connecting, and select content with a selected quality level based on the network connection; And Transmission logic operative to transmit the content having the selected quality level to the device, And the processing logic further comprises logic to determine a new network connection to which the device will connect. delete The method of claim 29, The transmission logic further comprises logic operative to continue transmission of the content with the selected quality level via the new network connection. The method of claim 29, The processing logic further comprises logic operative to select content with a second selected quality level based on the new network connection to send to the device. Means for receiving a content request from a device; Means for determining a network connection to which the device is connecting; Means for selecting content having a selected quality level based on the network connection; Means for transmitting the content having the selected quality level to the device; And Means for determining a new network connection for the device to connect to. delete The method of claim 33, wherein Means for continuing the transmission of the content having the selected quality level via the new network connection. The method of claim 33, wherein Means for selecting content having a second selected quality level based on the new network connection to send to the device; And Means for transmitting the content having a second selected quality level to the device. A computer readable medium comprising instructions, when executed by a processor, the instructions operative to transmit content in a wireless data network, Instruct to receive a content request from the device; Instructing to determine a network connection to which the device is connecting; Instruct to select content having a selected quality level based on the network connection; Instruct to send the content having the selected quality level to the device; And Instructing the device to determine a new network connection to connect to. delete The method of claim 37, wherein And instructions to continue transmitting the content with the selected quality level via the new network connection. The method of claim 37, wherein Instruct to select content having a second selected quality level based on the new network connection to send to the device; And Further comprising instructions to send the content having a second selected quality level to the device.

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