TW201626804A - Streaming and downloading of video content according to available bandwidth - Google Patents

Abstract

Various methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable medium are described herein. A server device (702) may determine (502) whether a bandwidth (204) to stream the video content according to a first configuration exceeds an available bandwidth (206), provide (504) the video content (302, 306) to stream according to a second configuration different from the first configuration, and provide (508) the video content (304) to download according to the first configuration concurrently with the providing (504) of the video content (302, 306) to stream according to the second configuration. A client device (802) may receive (602) a user input to stream the video content according to the first configuration, receive (604) the video content (302, 306) to stream according to the second configuration different from the first configuration, and receive (606) the video content (304) to download according to the first configuration concurrently with the receiving (604) of the video content (302, 306) to stream according to the second configuration.

Description

Streaming and downloading video content based on available bandwidth Cross-reference to related applications

This application claims the Provisional Patent Application No. 62/016,520, filed on Jun. 24, 2014, to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and the Provisional Patent Application No. 62/060,341, filed on Jan. 6, 2014, in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The priority and the rights of the numbers are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

The present invention relates generally to video content and, more particularly, to video content streaming and downloading based on available bandwidth.

A viewer may sometimes desire to view video content provided by a content provider. The content provider can store the video content on its server. The content provider can provide the viewer with an option to stream the video content over a network. Video content can be recorded and played to view at a relatively high resolution. However, in some cases, the available bandwidth of the network may be limited. The limitation of the available bandwidth of the network prevents the streaming of this high resolution video content. In such situations, the viewer may need to download the high resolution video content before being able to view the high resolution video content. However, the duration of downloading the high resolution video content can be lengthy. In particular, if the viewer desires to view the video content as soon as possible, waiting for the video content to be downloaded may cause inconvenience to the viewer. Accordingly, an enhancement to address these limitations can improve the overall experience of the viewer.

Various aspects of the methods, apparatus, and computer readable media are described throughout the disclosure. The following description provides non-limiting examples and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a method of providing video content. The method can be performed by a server device. The method includes determining whether a bandwidth used to stream the video content according to a first configuration exceeds an available bandwidth of a network. The method may also include providing a second configuration stream different from the first configuration when the bandwidth used to stream the video content according to the first configuration exceeds the available bandwidth in the network Video content. The method can also include providing video content downloaded according to the first configuration while providing the video content according to the second configuration stream.

In another aspect, the invention provides an apparatus for delivering content. The device can be a server device. The device includes a memory and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory. The at least one processor is configured to determine whether a bandwidth used to stream the video content according to the first configuration exceeds one of the available bandwidths in the network. The at least one processor can also be configured to provide a second different from the first configuration when the bandwidth used to stream the video content according to the first configuration exceeds the available bandwidth in the network Configure the video content of the stream. The at least one processor can also be configured to provide video content downloaded in accordance with the first configuration while providing video content in accordance with the second configuration stream.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a computer readable medium containing computer executable instructions. The computer readable medium can be included in a server device. The computer executable instructions are configurable to determine whether the bandwidth used to stream the video content according to the first configuration exceeds one of the available bandwidths in the network. The computer executable instructions are also configurable to provide a different from the first configuration when the bandwidth used to stream the video content according to the first configuration exceeds the available bandwidth in the network Second, configure the video content of the stream. The computer executable instructions can also be configured to provide the same video content according to the second configuration stream At the time, the video content downloaded according to the first configuration is provided.

In a further aspect. The present invention provides another method. The method can be performed by a client device. The method can include receiving a user input for streaming the video content in accordance with a first configuration. The method may also include receiving, according to the first configuration, the bandwidth of one of the streaming video content exceeds one of the available bandwidths of the network, and receiving the second configuration string according to one of the first configurations. Streaming video content. The method may also include receiving video content downloaded according to the first configuration while receiving the video content according to the second configuration stream.

In another aspect, the invention provides another device. The device can be a client device. The device can include a memory and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory. The at least one processor can be configured to receive a user input for streaming video content in accordance with the first configuration. The at least one processor can also be configured to receive, when the bandwidth used to stream the video content according to the first configuration exceeds one of the available bandwidths of the network, according to the first configuration different from the first configuration Second, configure the video content of the stream. The at least one processor can also be configured to receive video content downloaded in accordance with the first configuration while receiving video content in accordance with the second configuration stream.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides another computer readable medium. The computer readable medium can be included in a client device. The computer readable medium can include computer executable instructions. The computer executable instructions are configurable to receive user input for streaming video content in accordance with the first configuration. The computer executable instructions are also configurable to receive, when the bandwidth used to stream the video content according to the first configuration exceeds one of the available bandwidths of the network, according to a different configuration than the first configuration A second configuration stream video content. The computer readable medium can also be configured to receive video content downloaded in accordance with the first configuration while receiving video content in accordance with the second configuration stream.

The foregoing is merely an overview of one of the various features described in greater detail herein. Additional features are also described herein. The embodiments described herein can be implemented in any combination or sub-combination (even Not explicitly described in this article). These and other aspects of the present invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description. Other aspects, features, and embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

100‧‧‧ Figure

102‧‧‧Server/Wireless Access Point (AP)

104‧‧‧Internet-based computing environment

112‧‧‧Smart Phone/Wireless Access Point (AP)

114‧‧‧Set-top box

116‧‧‧ display

122‧‧‧Access node

124‧‧‧Smart Phone

126‧‧‧ display

200‧‧‧ Figure

202‧‧‧ Chart

204‧‧‧width

206‧‧‧Available bandwidth

208‧‧‧width

300‧‧‧ Figure

302‧‧‧Video content

304‧‧‧Video content

306‧‧‧Video content

400‧‧‧ Figure

500‧‧‧ Figure

502‧‧‧ operation

504‧‧‧ operation

506‧‧‧ operation

508‧‧‧ operation

600‧‧‧ Figure

602‧‧‧ operation

604‧‧‧ operation

606‧‧‧ operation

700‧‧‧ Figure

702‧‧‧Server device

704‧‧‧ processor

706‧‧‧ computer readable media

708‧‧‧ bus interface

710‧‧‧ transceiver

714‧‧‧ memory

716‧‧ ‧ busbar

720‧‧‧Bandwidth circuit

721‧‧‧Transmission circuit/transmission instructions

722‧‧‧Control circuit/control instructions

723‧‧‧Other circuits

730‧‧‧Download information

731‧‧‧Streaming data

740‧‧‧width instruction

741‧‧ directive

742‧‧‧ directive

743‧‧‧Other directives

800‧‧‧ Figure

802‧‧‧Customer Devices

804‧‧‧ processor

806‧‧‧ computer readable media

808‧‧‧ bus interface

810‧‧‧ transceiver

812‧‧‧User interface

814‧‧‧ memory

816‧‧ ‧ busbar

820‧‧‧Input circuit

821‧‧‧ receiving circuit

822‧‧‧Other circuits

830‧‧‧Download information

831‧‧‧Streaming data

840‧‧‧ input instructions

841‧‧‧ receiving instructions

842‧‧‧Other directives

1 is a diagram showing one example of communication between a server device and a client device in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

2 is a diagram showing one example of bandwidth estimation in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

3 is a diagram showing one example of providing video content in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

4 is another diagram showing another example of providing video content in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

5 is a diagram showing one example of a method and/or procedure performed by a server device in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

6 is a diagram showing one example of a method and/or procedure performed by a client device in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

7 is a diagram showing one example of a hardware implementation of a server device in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

8 is a diagram showing one example of a hardware implementation of a client device in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the drawings is intended to describe one of the various configurations and is not intended to represent only the configuration in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. A detailed description may include specific details for providing a thorough understanding of one of the various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the concept can be practiced without the specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid The concept is not clear.

1 is a diagram 100 showing one example of a server device in communication with various customer premises devices in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. The server device can be a server 102 for illustrative purposes. For purposes of illustration, one client device can be a set-top box 114 and the other client device can be a smart phone 124. Although not shown in FIG. 1, alternative examples of client devices may include desktop computers, laptops, tablets, wearable devices (eg, glasses, watches, etc.) and various other suitable devices. The set-top box 114 is communicably coupled to a display 116, and the smart phone 124 can have a built-in display 126. Although the non-limiting example illustrated in FIG. 1 shows two client devices, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any number of client devices can be implemented without departing from the scope of the present invention. The server device can be local (eg, within the same network and/or physical location) or remote (eg, within a different network and/or physical location) relative to the client devices. For example, the server device can be associated with an internet-based (eg, "cloud-based" based computing environment 104). Communication between the client devices and the server device can be performed via a wired connection and/or a wireless connection. Such communication can be performed using various types of techniques without departing from the scope of the invention. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various types of communication techniques can be used without departing from the scope of the invention. Such communications may be facilitated by various other computers, servers, gateways, routers, and other hardware devices (even though not shown in FIG. 1) without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In some configurations, the server device can communicate with a first client device via a first network, and the server device can also communicate with a second network (different from the first network) The second client device communicates. For example, server 102 can communicate with set-top box 114 via a local area network (LAN) using a wireless access point (AP) 112, and server 102 can also utilize a cellular network via one of access nodes 122. The road communicates with the smart phone 124. The LAN can implement various types of technologies without departing from the scope of the present invention. E.g, The LAN can implement protocols and/or algorithms that conform to various communication standards of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), such as IEEE 802.11. The cellular network can implement various types of technologies without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the cellular network can implement various communication standards conforming to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and 3GPP2 various communication standards (such as 3G and 4G (Long Term Evolution)) and the Next Generation Mobile Network (NGMN) Alliance. Agreements and/or algorithms (such as 5G).

2 is a diagram 200 showing one example of bandwidth estimation for providing video content from a server device to a client device. The video content can be provided in a variety of configurations without departing from the scope of the invention. Generally, the "configuration" of the video content can refer to any aspect of the video content. Although some examples provided herein describe a video content configuration with respect to video content resolution, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that video content configuration may additionally or alternatively include video without departing from the scope of the present invention. Various other aspects of the content. Other non-limiting examples of video content configuration include brightness, color change capabilities, dynamic range (eg, high dynamic range), color gamut (eg, wide color gamut), color range, color spacing, hue, and/or Various other suitable aspects. The server device can determine the available bandwidth in the network before providing the video content configuration to the client device. Generally, the term "bandwidth" can refer to a data rate (eg, bit rate, etc.) of one of a logical or physical communication path in a communication system. In general, the term "available bandwidth" can refer to the data rate (eg, bit rate, etc.) currently available in the network based on current network conditions. The available bandwidth can vary based on various factors such as channel capabilities, channel availability, channel efficiency, network congestion, and various other suitable factors. The server device can determine the available bandwidth by various techniques without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, server 102 can run a bandwidth test to determine the maximum throughput of the network. As another example, the server 102 can transmit a ping command signal to another device (eg, the set-top box 114), and measure the amount of time it takes to receive a reply signal in response to the ping command signal, and based on the Measuring the amount of time determines the available bandwidth of the network. A relatively large amount of time can indicate the network Relatively low bandwidth availability, and vice versa.

In some configurations, the available bandwidth in the network can be based on historical bandwidth information associated with the network. For example, the server device (e.g., server 102) may store historical bandwidth information regarding time periods during which network congestion is relatively high during a day and thus the available bandwidth may be relatively low. As another example, the server device (e.g., server 102) can store a relatively low number of client devices (e.g., set-top box 114, smart phone 124) during a day and thus the available bandwidth may be relative Historical bandwidth information for higher time periods. The server device (e.g., server 102) can utilize this historical information to predict the available bandwidth for the current time.

2 also includes a graph 202 showing one example of available bandwidth for the bandwidth of streaming video content at various resolutions. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the video content can be provided in a variety of resolutions without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the video may be provided at a relatively high resolution (eg, designated "Resolution ₁ " in chart 202) or at any lower resolution (eg, designated "Resolution ₂ " in chart 202). content. As shown in FIG. 202, the bandwidth 204 required to stream the video content according to the high resolution (Resolution ₁ ) is higher than the bandwidth required to stream the video content according to the lower resolution (Resolution ₂ ). 208. In some configurations, the high resolution video content may be provided in accordance with one resolution, sometimes referred to as 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD), which may refer to a feature having a horizontal resolution of at least 4,000 pixels. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that this resolution does not necessarily limit the invention, and that the aspects described herein can be readily extended to any other currently known or known in the future. Resolution.

Generally, the term "video content" may refer to any material known to those of ordinary skill in the art to be characteristic of video, video streaming, video editing, moving images, moving pictures, and/or other suitable types of media. In some configurations, the video content may include two or more layers, such as a base layer, an enhancement layer, and possibly additional layers. The term "video content" is not necessarily limited to a specific number of such layers. In some configurations, video content can refer to the basis Floor. In some configurations, video content may refer to the enhancement layer. In some configurations, video content may refer to a plurality of layers (eg, the base layer and a combination of the enhancement layers). Generally, the term "streaming" may refer to one of the times (eg, by the server 102) being provided and/or (eg, by the set-top box 114) at a time that is nearly simultaneous or nearly synchronous with the time at which the video content is displayed to the viewer. Receive the characteristics of video content. A segment of the video content can be streamed sequentially. For example, a first segment of the video content may be streamed during a first time period, and a second segment of the video content may be streamed during a second time period of one of the first time segments. In some configurations, each segment of the video content can be stored in a short-term memory module (which can sometimes be referred to as a "buffer") until it is ready to display the segment of the video content to the viewer. (For example, the streamed video content can be temporarily stored as the stream data 831 in the memory 814 of the client device 802 illustrated in FIG. 8). Generally, the term "download" can display video to and from the viewer. One of the times is unrelated (eg, by server 102) and/or (eg, by set-top box 114) receiving the characteristics of the video content. (For example, the downloaded video content may be temporarily stored as the downloaded material 830 in the memory 814 of the client device 802 illustrated in FIG. 8). For example, the entire video content may be completely downloaded during a certain day. But until the viewer starts playing for the viewer to watch, it can happen on the same day or any future day.

In some cases, streaming of high-resolution video content requires that the network cannot support one of the bandwidths. For example, as depicted in diagram 202, the available bandwidth 206 in the network is lower than the bandwidth 204 required for streaming video at higher resolution (eg, Resolution ₁ ). In other words, a certain video content can be too high to stream the video content while the video content is being provided from the server device (eg, server 102) to the client device (eg, set-top box 114). One resolution. In some cases, high resolution video content may need to be downloaded to the client device (eg, set-top box 114) before being ready to play to the viewer. However, especially if the viewer desires and/or is interested in immediately viewing the video content at any resolution, the viewer may not want to wait for the time required to download the high resolution video content. For example, a viewer can tolerate viewing a relatively lower resolution version of the video content before the high resolution video content has been downloaded.

3 is a diagram 300 showing one example of video content provided for streaming and downloading in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. In the case described above, the server device determines that the bandwidth used to stream video content at a high resolution (e.g., Resolution ₁ ) exceeds the available bandwidth in the network. The server device may provide a different from the first group when the server device determines that the bandwidth used to stream the video content according to a first configuration (eg, Resolution ₁ ) exceeds the available bandwidth in the network The second configuration (eg, Resolution ₂ ) of one of the states (eg, Resolution ₁ ) streams the video content. For example, as depicted in FIG. 3, when the server 102 determines that the bandwidth used to stream the video content according to Resolution ₁ exceeds the available bandwidth in the network, the server 102 provides Resolution ₂ (which is lower than Resolution _1). ) Streaming video content 302. By providing video content 302 in accordance with Resolution ₂ , the viewer has "immediate satisfaction." Accordingly, the viewer does not have to wait for the video content to be completely downloaded before having the opportunity to view the video content.

In some configurations, the server client can also provide video content downloaded according to the first configuration while providing video content according to the second configuration stream. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the server 102 provides the video content 304 downloaded according to Resolution ₁ while providing the video content 302 of the Stream ₂ stream. By providing the video content 302 downloaded by Resolution ₁ while providing the video content 302 streamed according to Resolution ₂ , the viewer can enjoy the video content that is almost instantaneously available when downloading the higher resolution version of the video content for subsequent viewing. Watch "instant gratification" associated with video content.

In some configurations, the server device can determine whether to delay at least a portion of the video content downloaded in accordance with the first configuration based on available bandwidth in the network. For example, in some situations (eg, network congestion, network overload, etc.), the available bandwidth may fluctuate during a time period. In such cases, the server 102 can determine whether to delay providing video content downloaded at a higher resolution (Resolution ₁ ) until the network condition returns to a normal condition.

In the configuration described above, the server device provides video content (streaming at Resolution ₁ ) and streaming (according to Resolution ₂ ) at the same client device. That is, the server 102 provides the video content 304 downloaded (depending on Resolution ₁ ) at the set-top box 114, and simultaneously provides the video content 302 that is also streamed (depending on Resolution ₂ ) at the set-top box 114. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that such aspects are not necessarily limiting of the invention. In some configurations, the server device provides video content for download (depending on Resolution ₁ ) and streaming (depending on Resolution ₂ ) at different client devices. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the server 102 provides the video content 304 downloaded (depending on Resolution ₁ ) at the set-top box 114, and simultaneously provides the video content streamed at the smart phone 124 (according to Resolution ₂ ). 306.

Moreover, in such configurations, the client devices can be on different networks. As described in more detail with respect to FIG. 1, the set-top box 114 can be included in a LAN including the wireless AP 112, and the smart phone can be included in a cellular network including one of the access nodes 122. (Details regarding such networks are provided above with reference to Figure 1 and will therefore not be repeated.) Accordingly, in such configurations, the server 102 can download the video content 304 via the LAN (depending on Resolution) ₁ ) Provided to the set-top box 114, and simultaneously streaming the video content 306 (according to Resolution ₂ ) to the smart phone 124 via the cellular network.

4 is another diagram 400 showing another example of providing video content for streaming and downloading in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. More specifically, the diagram 400 illustrated in FIG. 4 provides one exemplary application of the concepts described herein with respect to a home environment. The various aspects described herein are applicable to the diagram 400 depicted in Figure 4 (but will not be repeated for the sake of brevity).

FIG. 5 is a diagram 500 showing one example of various methods and/or procedures performed by the server device. At block 502, the server device can determine whether the bandwidth used to stream the video content according to a first configuration exceeds one of the available bandwidths in the network. For example, referring to the chart 202 depicted in FIG. 2, the server 102 can determine whether the bandwidth 204 used to stream video content according to Resolution ₁ exceeds the available bandwidth 206 in the network. As described in more detail herein, this first configuration can provide one of the resolutions associated with 4K UHD.

If the bandwidth used to stream the video content according to the first configuration exceeds the available bandwidth in the network, then at block 504, the server device can provide video content according to a second configuration stream. For example, as depicted in diagram 202 of FIG. 2, the bandwidth 204 used to stream video content in accordance with Resolution ₁ exceeds the available bandwidth 206 in the network. Accordingly, in some configurations, the server 102 can provide video content that is streamed at less than one resolution of 4K UHD.

At block 506, the server device can determine whether to delay providing video content downloaded in accordance with the first configuration based on available bandwidth in the network. For example, the server 102 can (i) determine how much bandwidth is left after streaming the video content according to the second configuration; and (ii) determine whether the remaining bandwidth is sufficient to support the video according to the first configuration. Download the content at the same time. If the remaining bandwidth in the network is insufficient to support simultaneous downloading of the video content according to the first configuration, the server 102 may delay downloading the video content according to the first configuration until a certain future time.

Alternatively, if the remaining bandwidth in the network is sufficient to support simultaneous downloading of the video content according to the first configuration, then at block 508, the server device can provide video according to the second configuration stream At the same time as the content 302, the video content downloaded according to Resolution ₁ is provided. For example, referring to FIG. 3, the server 102 can provide the video content 304 downloaded according to the first configuration while providing the video content 302 of the Stream ₂ stream.

In some configurations, the server device can provide the video content downloaded according to the first configuration to a first device via a first network, and simultaneously according to the second configuration via a second network The streaming video content is provided to a second device. For example, referring to FIG. 3, the server 102 can provide the video content 304 downloaded by Resolution ₁ via a LAN to the smart phone 124 while streaming the video content 306 according to the Resolution ₂ stream to the smart phone 124 via a cellular network. Set-top box 114.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the <RTI ID=0.0> </ RTI> </ RTI> sequence and sequence of operations described herein are provided for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting the invention. The methods and/or procedures described with reference to FIG. 5 are provided for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The methods and/or procedures described with reference to FIG. 5 may be performed in a sequence different from the sequence depicted therein without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, some or all of the methods and/or procedures described with reference to FIG. 5 may be performed individually and/or together without departing from the scope of the invention. It will be appreciated that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the disclosed methods is one of the illustrative procedures. Based on design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the reconfigurable method. The accompanying claims are intended to be in a

6 is a diagram 600 showing one example of various methods and/or procedures performed by the client device. At block 602, the client device can receive a user input for streaming video content in accordance with a first configuration. For example, referring to FIG. 2, the user can provide one of the video content streams to be provided to the set-top box 114 according to Resolution ₁ .

At block 604, when the bandwidth used to stream the video content according to the first configuration exceeds one of the available bandwidths in the network, the client device can receive one of the first configurations different from the first configuration. Second, configure the video content of the stream. For example, referring to Figures 2 through 3, when the bandwidth 204 used to stream video content according to the first configuration exceeds the available bandwidth 206 in the network, the set-top box 114 can receive Resolution ₂ (which is lower than Resolution ₁ ) Streaming video content 302. As another example, referring again to FIGS. 2 through 3, the smart phone 124 can receive the Resolution ₂ when the bandwidth 204 used to stream the video content according to the first configuration exceeds the available bandwidth 206 in the network. (It is lower than Resolution ₁ ) Streaming video content 306. In some configurations, the set-top box 114 can be connected to a first network (eg, a LAN), and the smart phone can be connected to a second network (eg, a cellular network), as described herein. A detailed description.

In some configurations, at block 606, the client device can receive video content downloaded in accordance with the first configuration while receiving video content in accordance with the second configuration stream. For example, referring to FIG. 3, the set-top box 114 can receive the video content 304 downloaded according to Resolution ₁ while receiving the video content 302 streamed according to Resolution ₂ . In some embodiments, as described in more detail above (eg, with reference to block 506 in FIG. 5), the client device can provide downloaded video content based on available bandwidth delays in the network. In these embodiments, at least a portion of the video content according to the second configuration stream is received at a first time, and the video content downloaded according to the first configuration is received at a time after the first time. At least part. For example, referring to FIG. 3, the set-top box 114 can receive at least a portion of the video content 304 according to the Resolution ₂ stream at Time ₁ , and the set-top box 114 can receive at least a portion of the video content 302 downloaded by Resolution ₁ at Time _2. Where Time ₂ >Time ₁ ).

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the <RTI ID=0.0> </ RTI> </ RTI> sequence and sequence of operations described herein are provided for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting the invention. The methods and/or procedures described with reference to FIG. 6 are provided for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The methods and/or procedures described with reference to FIG. 6 may be performed in a sequence different from the sequence depicted therein without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, some or all of the methods and/or procedures described with reference to FIG. 6 may be performed individually and/or together without departing from the scope of the invention. It will be appreciated that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the disclosed methods is one of the illustrative procedures. Based on design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the reconfigurable method. The accompanying claims are intended to be in a

FIG. 7 is a diagram 700 showing one example of a hardware implementation of one of server devices 702 in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. Server device 702 can be identical to server 102 described in more detail above. Server device 702 can include a transceiver 710. The transceiver 710 can be configured to communicate with another device to receive data and/or transmit data. Transceiver 710 enables communication with another device via a wired or wireless transmission medium. The transceiver 710 can be configured to These communications are performed using various types of technologies. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many types of techniques can perform this communication without departing from the scope of the invention. The server device 702 can also include a memory 714, one or more processors 704, a computer readable medium 706, and a bus interface 708. The bus interface 708 can provide an interface between a bus 716 and the transceiver 710. The memory 714, the one or more processors 704, the computer readable medium 706, and the bus interface 708 can be connected together via a bus 716. Processor 704 is communicatively coupled to transceiver 710 and/or memory 714.

Processor 704 can include a bandwidth circuit 720. The bandwidth circuit 720 can be configured to determine whether a bandwidth used to stream video content according to a first configuration exceeds one of the available bandwidths in a network. The bandwidth circuit 720 can include a hardware component that determines whether the bandwidth used to stream the video content according to the first configuration exceeds the available bandwidth in the network. The bandwidth circuit 720 can also include a software module that provides an algorithm for determining whether the bandwidth used to stream the video content according to the first configuration exceeds the available bandwidth in the network.

The processor 704 can also include a transmission circuit 721. The transmission circuit 721 can be configured to provide a second configuration stream different from the first configuration when the bandwidth used to stream the video content according to the first configuration exceeds the available bandwidth in the network Video content. The transmission circuit 721 can be configured to provide video content according to the second configuration stream different from the first configuration when the bandwidth used to stream the video content according to the first configuration exceeds the available bandwidth in the network. Hardware components. The transmission circuit 721 can also include providing a second configuration stream different from the first configuration when the bandwidth used to stream the video content according to the first configuration exceeds the available bandwidth in the network The software module of the video content algorithm.

The transmission circuit 721 can also be configured to provide video content downloaded in accordance with the first configuration while providing video content in accordance with the second configuration stream. The transmission circuit 721 can also include a hardware component that provides video content downloaded according to the first configuration while providing video content according to the second configuration stream. The transmission circuit 721 can also include providing for downloading according to the first configuration while providing video content according to the second configuration stream A software module for the algorithm of video content. In some configurations, the video content downloaded according to the first configuration may be provided to a first device via a first network, and the video content according to the second configuration stream may simultaneously pass through a second network. Provided to a second device.

Processor 704 can also include a control circuit 722. Control circuitry 722 can be configured to determine whether to delay providing video content downloaded in accordance with the first configuration based on available bandwidth in the network. Control circuitry 722 can include a hardware component that determines whether to delay providing video content downloaded in accordance with the first configuration based on available bandwidth in the network. Control circuitry 722 can also include a software module that provides an algorithm for determining whether to delay providing an audio content downloaded in accordance with the first configuration based on available bandwidth in the network. One non-limiting example of a processor 704 that provides a server device 702 is described above. Although various circuits have been described above, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that processor 704 can also include various other circuits 723 in addition to and/or in lieu of circuits 720, 721, 722. These other circuits 723 may provide components for performing any one or more of the functions, methods, procedures, features, and/or aspects described herein.

Computer readable media 706 can include a variety of computer executable instructions. The computer executable instructions can include computer executable code configured to perform the various functions described herein and/or to implement the various aspects described herein. The computer executable instructions can be executed by various hardware components of the server device 702 (eg, the processor 704). These instructions can be part of various software programs and/or software modules. Computer readable medium 706 can include bandwidth instructions 740. The bandwidth instruction 740 can include computer executable instructions configured to determine whether the bandwidth used to stream the video content according to the first configuration exceeds the available bandwidth in the network. Computer readable medium 706 can also include a transfer instruction 721. The transfer instruction 721 can include a second configuration stream configured to be different from the first configuration when the bandwidth used to stream the video content according to the first configuration exceeds the available bandwidth in the network Computer executable instructions for video content. The transfer instructions 721 can also include computer executable instructions configured to provide video content downloaded in accordance with the first configuration while providing video content in accordance with the second configuration stream. in In some configurations, the video content downloaded according to the first configuration may be provided to a first device via a first network, and the video content according to the second configuration stream may be provided to the second network via a second network. A second device. Computer readable medium 706 can also include control instructions 722. Control instructions 722 can include computer executable instructions configured to determine whether to delay providing video content downloaded in accordance with the first configuration based on available bandwidth in the network. One non-limiting example of a computer readable medium 706 that provides a server device 702 is described above. Although various instructions (eg, computer executable code) have been described above, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that computer readable media 706 can also include, and/or replace, instructions 740, 741, 742 in addition to instructions 740, 741, 742. Various other instructions 743. These other instructions 743 can include computer executable code configured to perform any one or more of the functions, methods, procedures, features, and/or aspects described herein.

Memory 714 can include various memory modules. The memory modules can be configured to store various values and/or information by the processor 704 or any of its circuits 720, 721, 722, 723 and have various values and/or information readings. The memory modules can also be configured to store various values and/or information when executing computer executable code embodied in computer readable medium 706 or any of its instructions 740, 741, 742, 743 and Readings with various values and/or information. Memory 714 can include download material 730. The download material 730 can include video content provided to a client device in accordance with the first configuration, as described in greater detail herein. Memory 714 can also contain streaming data. Streaming material 731 can include video content provided to a client device in accordance with the second configuration, as described in greater detail herein. The foregoing is an example of one of the materials included in the memory 714 of the server device 702. One of ordinary skill will appreciate that memory 714 can also include various other materials (not shown) in addition to and/or in lieu of the aforementioned materials 730, 731. This additional material (not shown) may contain material for performing any one or more of the functions, methods, procedures, features and/or aspects described herein.

A person skilled in the art will also appreciate that, without departing from the scope of the invention, The server device 702 can include alternative and/or additional features. In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, an element, any portion of any element, or any combination of elements can be implemented by a processing system including one or more processors 704. Examples of one or more processors 704 include a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), configured to perform various functions throughout the present invention, Programmable logic devices (PLDs), state machines, gate logic, discrete hardware circuits, and other suitable hardware. The processing system can be implemented by a busbar architecture generally represented by busbar 716 and busbar interface 708. Bus 716 can include any number of interconnecting bus bars and bridges depending on the particular application and overall design constraints of the processor system. Bus 716 can link various circuits together, including one or more processors 704, memory 714, and computer readable media 706. Bus 716 can also link various other circuits, such as timing sources, peripherals, voltage regulators, and power management circuits as are well known in the art.

The one or more processors 704 can be responsible for managing the bus 716 and general processing, including the execution of software stored on the computer readable medium 706. The software, when executed by one or more processors 704, causes the processing system to perform various functions described below for any one or more devices. Computer readable media 706 can also be used to store material that is manipulated by one or more processors 704 when executing software. Software should be interpreted broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, codes, code segments, code, programs, subroutines, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, sub-normals, objects. Executable files, threads, programs, functions, etc., whether called software, firmware, intermediates, microcode, hardware description languages, and so on. The software can reside on computer readable media 706. Computer readable medium 706 can be a non-transitory computer readable medium. A non-transitory computer readable medium includes, for example, a magnetic storage device (eg, a hard disk, a floppy disk, a magnetic stripe) for storing software and/or instructions that can be accessed and read by a computer, an optical disk (for example, a compact disc (CD) or a digital versatile disc (DVD)), a smart card, a flash memory device (for example, a memory card, a memory stick or a bootable flash drive), a random access Memory (RAM), a read-only memory Body (ROM), a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable PROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), a scratchpad, an extractable disc, and any other suitable medium. The computer readable medium 706 can also include, for example, a carrier wave for transmitting software and/or instructions that can be accessed and read by a computer, a transmission line, and any other suitable medium. The computer readable medium 706 can reside in the processing system, external to the processing system, or distributed across multiple entities, including the processing system. Computer readable media 706 can be embodied in a computer program product. A computer program product can comprise, by way of example and not limitation, a computer readable medium in a packaging material. Those skilled in the art will recognize how to implement the functions presented throughout the present invention depending on the particular application and the overall design constraints imposed on the overall system.

FIG. 8 is a diagram 800 showing one example of a hardware implementation of a client device 802 in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. Client device 802 can be identical to set-top box 114, smart phone 124, and/or any other suitable device configured to display video content in accordance with aspects of the present invention. In some configurations, the client device 802 can include a user interface 812. The user interface can be configured to receive input from a user of the client device 802. The user interface can also be configured to display information (eg, video content). (For example, the user interface 812 of the client device 802 can be similar to the display 126 of the smart phone 124 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3). The client device 802 can include a transceiver 810. The transceiver 810 can be configured to communicate with another device to receive data and/or transmit data. The transceiver 810 enables communication with another device via a wired or wireless transmission medium. Transceiver 810 can be configured to perform such communications using various types of techniques. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many types of techniques can perform this communication without departing from the scope of the invention. The client device 802 can also include a memory 814, one or more processors 804, a computer readable medium 806, and a bus interface 808. The bus interface 808 can provide an interface between a bus 816 and the transceiver 810. The memory 814, the one or more processors 804, the computer readable medium 806, and the bus interface 808 can be connected together via a bus 816. The processor 804 can pass The signal is coupled to transceiver 810 and/or memory 814.

Processor 804 can include an input circuit 820. Input circuit 820 can be configured to receive user input for streaming video content in accordance with a first configuration. Input circuitry 820 can include a hardware component that receives user input for streaming video content in accordance with the first configuration. Input circuitry 820 can also include a software module that provides an algorithm for receiving user input for streaming video content in accordance with the first configuration.

The processor 804 can also include a receiving circuit 821. The receiving circuit 821 can be configured to receive a second configuration stream different from the first configuration when the bandwidth used to stream the video content according to the first configuration exceeds the available bandwidth in the network Video content. The receiving circuit 821 can include receiving, according to the first configuration, the content of the streaming video content exceeds the available bandwidth in the network, and receiving the video content according to the second configuration stream different from the first configuration. Hardware components. The receiving circuit 821 can also include providing for receiving the second configuration stream different from the first configuration when the bandwidth used to stream the video content according to the first configuration exceeds the available bandwidth in the network The software module of the video content algorithm.

The receiving circuit 821 can also be configured to receive the video content downloaded according to the first configuration while receiving the video content according to the second configuration stream. The receiving circuit 821 can also include a hardware component that receives the video content downloaded according to the first configuration while receiving the video content according to the second configuration stream. The receiving circuit 821 can also include a software module that provides an algorithm for receiving video content downloaded in accordance with the first configuration while receiving video content in accordance with the second configuration stream. In some configurations, receiving at least a portion of the video content according to the second configuration stream at a first time, and receiving at least one of the video content downloaded according to the first configuration at a time after the first time A portion, as described in detail above. One non-limiting example of a processor 804 that provides a client device 802 is described above. Although various circuits have been described above, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that processor 804 can also include various other circuits 822 in addition to and/or in lieu of circuits 820, 821. These other circuits 822 can be provided for performing the functions, methods, and procedures described herein. A component of any one or more of a sequence, feature, and/or aspect.

Computer readable media 806 can include various computer executable instructions. The computer executable instructions can include computer executable code configured to perform the various functions described herein and/or to implement the various aspects described herein. The computer executable instructions can be executed by various hardware components of client device 802 (e.g., processor 804). These instructions can be part of various software programs and/or software modules. Computer readable medium 806 can include input instructions 840. Input command 840 can include computer executable instructions configured to receive user input for streaming video content in accordance with the first configuration. The computer readable medium 806 can also include a receive command 841. The receive command 841 can include configured to receive the second configuration stream different from the first configuration when the bandwidth used to stream the video content according to the first configuration exceeds the available bandwidth in the network Computer executable instructions for video content. The receive command 841 can also include computer executable instructions configured to receive video content downloaded in accordance with the first configuration while receiving video content in accordance with the second configuration stream. In some configurations, receiving at least a portion of the video content according to the second configuration stream at a first time, and receiving at least one of the video content downloaded according to the first configuration at a time after the first time A portion, as described in detail above. One non-limiting example of a computer readable medium 806 that provides a client device 802 is described above. Although various instructions (eg, computer executable code) have been described above, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that computer readable medium 806 can also include various other instructions in addition to instructions 840, 841 and/or in lieu of instructions 840, 841. . These other instructions 842 can include computer executable code configured to perform any one or more of the functions, methods, procedures, features, and/or aspects described herein.

Memory 814 can include a variety of memory modules. The memory modules can be configured to store various values and/or information by the processor 804 or any of its circuits 820, 821, 822 and have various values and/or information readings. The memory modules can also be configured to store various values and/or information and perform various types of computer executable code embodied in any one of computer readable media 806 or instructions 840, 841, 842 thereof. Reading of values and / or information number. Memory 814 can include download material 830. The download material 830 can include video content received from a server device in accordance with the first configuration, as described in greater detail herein. Memory 814 can also contain streaming data. Streaming material 831 can include video content received from a server device in accordance with the second configuration, as described in greater detail herein. The foregoing is an example of one of the materials included in the memory 814 of the client device 802. One of ordinary skill will appreciate that the memory 814 can also include various other materials (not shown) in addition to and/or in lieu of the aforementioned materials 830, 831. This additional material (not shown) may contain material for performing any one or more of the functions, methods, procedures, features and/or aspects described herein.

A person skilled in the art will also appreciate that the client device 802 can include alternative and/or additional features without departing from the scope of the present invention. In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, an element, any portion of any element, or any combination of elements can be implemented by a processing system including one or more processors 804. Examples of one or more processors 804 include a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) configured to perform various functions throughout the present invention, Programmable logic devices (PLDs), state machines, gate logic, discrete hardware circuits, and other suitable hardware. The processing system can be implemented by a busbar architecture generally represented by busbar 816 and busbar interface 808. Bus 816 can include any number of interconnecting bus bars and bridges depending on the particular application and overall design constraints of the processor system. Bus 816 can link various circuits together, including one or more processors 804, memory 814, and computer readable media 806. Bus 816 can also link various other circuits, such as timing sources, peripherals, voltage regulators, and power management circuits as are well known in the art.

The one or more processors 804 can be responsible for managing the bus 816 and general processing, including the execution of software stored on the computer readable medium 806. The software, when executed by one or more processors 804, causes the processing system to perform various functions described below for any one or more devices. Computer readable media 806 can also be used to store data manipulated by one or more processors 804 when executing software. Software should be interpreted broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, codes, Code fragments, code, programs, subroutines, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executables, threads, programs, functions, etc., regardless of Software, firmware, intermediates, microcode, hardware description languages, and more. The software can reside on computer readable media 806. Computer readable medium 806 can be a non-transitory computer readable medium. A non-transitory computer readable medium includes, for example, a magnetic storage device (eg, a hard disk, a floppy disk, a magnetic stripe) for storing software and/or instructions that can be accessed and read by a computer, an optical disk (for example, a compact disc (CD) or a digital versatile disc (DVD)), a smart card, a flash memory device (for example, a memory card, a memory stick or a bootable flash drive), a random access Memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable PROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), a temporary register, a Extract the disc and any other suitable media. The computer readable medium 806 can also include, for example, a carrier wave for transmitting software and/or instructions that can be accessed and read by a computer, a transmission line, and any other suitable medium. Computer readable media 806 can reside in the processing system, distributed outside of the processing system, or across multiple entities, including the processing system. Computer readable media 806 can be embodied in a computer program product. A computer program product can comprise, by way of example and not limitation, a computer readable medium in a packaging material. Those skilled in the art will recognize how to implement the functions presented throughout the present invention depending on the particular application and the overall design constraints imposed on the overall system.

The foregoing description is provided to enable a person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications of these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Therefore, the scope of the patent application is not intended to be limited to the scope of the invention, but is to be accorded to the full scope of the language of the patent application. The reference to a singular component does not mean "the only one" unless it is so specific. The explanation, on the other hand, means "one or more." Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term "some" refers to one or more. Mention "at least one of the list of items" One of the phrases refers to any combination of such items, including singular components. As an example, "at least one of a, b or c" is intended to cover: a; b; c; a and b; a and c; b and c; and a, b and c. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects of the invention disclosed in the present disclosure are hereby incorporated by reference. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public, regardless of whether the disclosure is explicitly stated in the scope of the patent application. The request element is not to be interpreted under 35 USC § 112(f) unless the phrase "means for" is used to explicitly describe the element, or in the case of a method request, the phrase "used" The step of ... describes the component.

500‧‧‧ Figure

Claims (30)

A method (500) for providing video content, the method (500) comprising: determining (502) whether a bandwidth (204) of the video content is streamed according to a first configuration is greater than one of a network available a bandwidth (206); when the bandwidth (204) used to stream the video content according to the first configuration exceeds the available bandwidth (206) in the network, providing (504) different from the a first configuration of the second configuration stream video content (302, 306); and providing (504) the video content (302, 306) according to the second configuration stream, providing (508 The video content downloaded according to the first configuration (304). The method (500) of claim 1, wherein while the video content (302, 306) according to the second configuration stream is provided (504), the video downloaded according to the first configuration is provided (508) The content (304) includes: providing the video content (304) downloaded according to the first configuration to a first device (114) via a first network; and simultaneously according to the second network via a second network The video content (306) of the configuration stream is provided to a second device (124). The method (500) of claim 2, wherein: the first network comprises a regional network; and the second network comprises a cellular network. The method (500) of claim 1, further comprising: determining (506) whether to delay providing the video content downloaded according to the first configuration based on the available bandwidth (206) in the network (304). The method (500) of claim 1, wherein the available bandwidth (206) is based on historical bandwidth information associated with the network. The method (500) of claim 1, wherein the first configuration comprises at least 4,000 (4K) images One of the horizontal resolutions. A device (702) configured to provide video content, the device (702) comprising: a memory (714) for storing data; at least one processor (704) communicatively coupled to the memory (714) and configured to: determine (502) whether the bandwidth (204) of the video content according to a first configuration stream exceeds one of the available bandwidths (206) in a network; Providing (504) according to the first configuration that the bandwidth (204) of the video content exceeds the available bandwidth (206) in the network, according to one of the second configuration different from the first configuration Configuring streaming video content (302, 306); and providing (504) the video content (302, 306) according to the second configuration stream, providing (508) downloading according to the first configuration Video content (304). The device (702) of claim 7, wherein the video content (302, 306) according to the second configuration stream is provided (504), the video downloaded according to the first configuration is provided (508) The content (304) includes: providing the video content (304) downloaded according to the first configuration to a first device (114) via a first network; and simultaneously according to the second network via a second network The video content (306) of the configuration stream is provided to a second device (124). The device (702) of claim 8, wherein: the first network comprises a regional network; and the second network comprises a cellular network. The apparatus (702) of claim 7, wherein the at least one processor (704) is further configured to: determine (506) whether to delay providing based on the first bandwidth based on the available bandwidth (206) in the network Configure the downloaded video content (304). The device (702) of claim 7, wherein the available bandwidth (206) is based on historical bandwidth information associated with the network. The apparatus (702) of claim 7, wherein the first configuration comprises one of horizontal resolutions of at least 4,000 (4K) pixels. A computer readable medium (706) comprising computer executable instructions configured to: determine (502) a stream width of a video content according to a first configuration (204) Whether it exceeds one of the available bandwidths in the network (206); when the bandwidth (204) used to stream the video content according to the first configuration exceeds the available bandwidth (206) in the network Providing (504) video content (302, 306) according to a second configuration stream different from the first configuration; and providing (504) the video content according to the second configuration stream (302) At the same time as 306), the video content (304) downloaded according to the first configuration is provided (508). The computer readable medium (706) of claim 13, wherein (508) is provided (508) for downloading according to the first configuration while providing (504) the video content (302, 306) according to the second configuration stream The video content (304) includes: providing the video content (304) downloaded according to the first configuration to a first device (114) via a first network; and simultaneously via a second network The video content (306) of the second configuration stream is provided to a second device (124). The computer readable medium (706) of claim 14, wherein: the first network comprises a regional network; and the second network comprises a cellular network. The computer readable medium (706) of claim 13, wherein the computer executable instructions are further configured to: (506) determine whether to delay providing the root based on the available bandwidth (206) in the network The video content is downloaded (304) according to the first configuration. The computer readable medium (706) of claim 13, wherein the available bandwidth (206) is based on historical bandwidth information associated with the network. The computer readable medium (706) of claim 13, wherein the first configuration comprises one of a horizontal resolution of at least 4,000 (4K) pixels. A method (600) for receiving video content, the method (600) comprising: receiving (602) a user input for streaming a video content according to a first configuration; and using the first configuration string according to the first configuration When a bandwidth (204) of the video content exceeds one of the available bandwidths (206) in the network, receiving (604) the video content according to the second configuration stream different from the first configuration ( 302, 306); and receiving (604) the video content (304) downloaded according to the first configuration while receiving (604) the video content (302, 306) according to the second configuration stream. The method (600) of claim 19, wherein: receiving at least a portion of the video content (302, 306) according to the second configuration stream at a first time; and receiving at a time after the first time At least a portion of the video content (304) downloaded in accordance with the first configuration. The method (600) of claim 19, wherein the available bandwidth (206) is based on historical bandwidth information associated with the network. The method (600) of claim 19, wherein the first configuration comprises one of a horizontal resolution of at least 4,000 (4K) pixels. A device (802) configured to receive video content, the device (802) comprising: a memory (814) for storing data; and at least one processor (804) communicatively coupled to the memory Body (814) and configured to: Receiving (602) a user input for streaming the video content according to a first configuration; wherein a bandwidth (204) of the video content is used to stream over the network according to the first configuration An available bandwidth (206), receiving (604) video content (302, 306) according to a second configuration stream different from the first configuration; and receiving (604) according to the second configuration Simultaneously streaming the video content (302, 306), receiving (606) the video content downloaded according to the first configuration (304). The device (802) of claim 23, wherein: receiving at least a portion of the video content (302, 306) according to the second configuration stream at a first time; and receiving at a time after the first time At least a portion of the video content (304) downloaded in accordance with the first configuration. The device (802) of claim 23, wherein the available bandwidth (206) is based on historical bandwidth information associated with the network. The apparatus (802) of claim 23, wherein the first configuration comprises one of a horizontal resolution of at least 4,000 (4K) pixels. A computer readable medium (806) comprising computer executable instructions configured to: receive (602) a user input for streaming video content according to a first configuration; According to the first configuration, when one of the video content bandwidths (204) exceeds one of the available bandwidths (206) in a network, the receiving (604) is different according to one of the first configurations. Configuring the streaming video content (302, 306); and receiving (604) the video content (302, 306) according to the second configuration stream, receiving (606) downloading according to the first configuration Video content (304). A computer readable medium (806) as claimed in claim 27, wherein: Receiving at least a portion of the video content (302, 306) according to the second configuration stream at a first time; and receiving the video content downloaded according to the first configuration at a time after the first time ( At least part of 304). The computer readable medium (806) of claim 27, wherein the available bandwidth (206) is based on historical bandwidth information associated with the network. The computer readable medium (806) of claim 27, wherein the first configuration comprises one of a horizontal resolution of at least 4,000 (4K) pixels.