305 results about "Multimedia servers" patented technology

A wireless device, system and method for receiving and playing multimedia files streamed from a multimedia server over a wireless telecommunications network. A desired multimedia file is selected from one or more multimedia files stored in the multimedia server, which server is operatively connected to the wireless telecommunications network. Successive blocks of data from the desired multimedia file are streamed over the wireless telecommunications network in a digitized and compressed format and received by the wireless telecommunications device. The received blocks of data from the streamed multimedia file are temporarily stored in a buffer in the wireless device, decoded and decompressed, and successively played through an audio and / or video output in the wireless device. The wireless device monitors the blocks of data stored in the buffer and signals the wireless telecommunications network to increase the rate that the data blocks are transmitted over the wireless network in the event that the data stored in the buffer falls below a minimum threshold level.

A method for a client module to provide a channel selection request in a multimedia system begins by receiving an input signal from a client. The method continues by interpreting the input signal to determine type of signal. The method continues, when the type of signal is control information, by determining whether the control information relates to a local command or a system-level command. The method continues, when the control information relates to a system-level command, by processing the control information for conveyance to a multimedia server to produce a control message. The method continues by transmitting the control message to the multimedia server.

A method for providing multimedia data from at least one controllable multimedia source to a mobile device includes providing a request path from the mobile device to a mobile service platform, receiving a request from the mobile device, obtaining a device profile from the mobile device, authenticating the identity of a user of the mobile device, and determining a user profile in response to the user identity. The method further includes authorizing control and access to the at least one multimedia source, providing a control channel from the mobile service platform to at least one multimedia server, providing multimedia data delivery information to the at least one multimedia server, and providing multimedia data to the mobile device in response to the request via the at least one multimedia server.

A communications apparatus is provided comprising a plurality of FIFO buffers, each with independent control and priority logic under software control for supporting different types of message traffic, both send and receive, such as comprise a multimedia server system. Processor software directs messages to specific, optimized FIFO buffers. Further, a system is provided including a plurality of nodes wherein a sending node specifies the communications path through the system, selecting specific FIFO buffers in each node for buffering its messages.

Multiple visual perspectives in video of private and public activities including those in public areas such as entertainment venues captured by cameras located near the activities can be transmitted over data networks to a server where video-related data is processed and recorded for selective display by authorized, remote video display devices (e.g., HDTV, set-top boxes, computers, handheld devices) in wired / wireless communication with the server. Users can be registered and authorized to access the server to provide / access video captured by cameras at activities. Wireless handheld devices can selectively retrieve video-related data captured at activities for server storage and subsequent display by video display devices. Captured video / pictures can be organized in a server based on at least one of: activity title, activity time, activity date, activity place, wireless handheld device location at time of video recording, distance from location of interest. Simultaneous display of multiple videos on a display can be synchronized.

A multimedia server system includes a disk array subsystem including a plurality of multimedia files, e.g., movies, a media file system manager for managing the storage of the plurality of multimedia files within the disk array subsystem, and a playlist which includes a list of titles of specific multimedia files to be played at designated times. The multimedia server system advantageously includes synchronization parameters associated with each of titles specified by the playlist. The synchronization parameters are programmed to specify the manner in which particular files should be truncated in order to compensate for admission delays. An admission delay synchronization unit receives the synchronization parameters and truncates the multimedia files as specified by the synchronization parameters. In one implementation, a first synchronization parameter is used to specify that the current file should be truncated at the time for the play of the next file. A second synchronization parameter specifies that up to a given amount of time should be sacrificed at the beginning of the next file to account for the admission delay of the current file. In this manner, the beginning of the next file is truncated. Still a third synchronization parameter is provided to specify an amount of time up to which the current file will be truncated at it's end to account for it's admission delay. As a result, the truncated file can be played in a shorter amount of time than the scheduled duration, and the "excess time" created is available to absorb any admission delay.

A multimedia server receives a plurality of programs of a multimedia source. The multimedia server includes a tuning module to receive the plurality of programs and to select a set of programs from the plurality of programs based on a set of program select commands that is derived from select requests. A program mixer mixes the set of programs into a stream of program data. One or more transceiving modules transmit the stream of program data on to corresponding communication paths and receive the select requests. A client module produces the select requests for one or more clients. The client module includes a selection module to produce at least one of the select requests. A network interface controller transmits at least one of select requests to the multimedia server and receives the stream of program data via the communication path or paths in response.

The dynamic streaming of multimedia data between a data server and one or more clients is disclosed. Dynamic streaming enables the rapid and accurate characterization of the end-to-end path conditions in a server-client streaming session, as well as the rapid and intelligent response to those conditions in terms of source compression prior to data packetization. The most significant bits of an original bit stream can be adaptively and immediately selected in response to network conditions. The adaptive selection process is informed by feedback from the client receiver indicative of a time-to-transit the network from server to client. A control protocol and server architecture, including file format, data structure, data processing procedures, cache control mechanisms, and adaptation algorithms useful in implementing dynamic streaming are also disclosed.

The present invention provides for methods, systems, and devices for simultaneously receiving and processing multimedia asset packages transmitted by a plurality of multimedia content providers. The methods and systems of the present invention implement a multiport catcher appliance configured to receive a plurality of transmissions, simultaneously, from multiple content providers in a multimedia asset distribution system. The multimedia catcher receiver includes a multimedia network interface unit configured to simultaneously receive multimedia data segments from content providers, a multimedia network interface unit that provides the multimedia data segments to a receive unit, a receive unit configured to reconstruct and validate a multimedia asset package using multimedia data segments transmitted by a content provider, and a content management system to manage multimedia asset packages and provide multimedia asset packages to a multimedia server.

A system for system administrator to distribute and manage multiple content feeds and supplemental content using an on-screen interactive interface includes: (a) various multimedia sources configured to provide multiple content feeds and supplemental contents, (b) a multimedia server configured to integrate multiple content feeds and supplemental contents over a network, (c) a computer communicatively coupled to the network configured for the system administrator to manage the schedule and the source of the multimedia sources, and (d) a multimedia control platform for various viewers to manage, access, and select the multiple content feeds and supplemental contents from the multimedia server through an on-screen interactive interface, and to display selected contents in various end user devices. The multiple content feeds and supplemental contents include one or more of following contents: (a) real time broadcast contents, (b) multimedia streaming contents, (c) supplemental multimedia contents, (d) multimedia content management information, and (e) advertisement contents.

A client module includes a client transceiver module that receives and demodulates a link signal from a multimedia server module over the communications link to produce a received encoded signal, the link signal including a multimedia signal from a multimedia device. A decoder module decodes the received encoded signal into a decoded output signal that is formatted for the at least one client device. A remote receiver module receives remote control signals from a remote control device wherein the remote control signals are formatted for reception by the multimedia device. A remote control signal encoder module encodes the remote control signals into encoded control signals for transmission to the multimedia server module by the client transceiver module.

A system and computer program for evaluating in real-time streaming multimedia quality. The system including a multimedia server connected to a multimedia source and a remote client in communication with the multimedia server over a network. The multimedia server is configured to receive multimedia content from the multimedia source and to transmit the multimedia content as a multimedia stream. The multimedia stream includes a plurality of audio frames and a plurality of video frames. The remote client is configured to establish a multimedia session with the multimedia server, receive the multimedia stream via the multimedia session, monitor the media quality of the multimedia stream, and passively compute a subjective quality of the multimedia stream

A multimedia server has a communication handler, a log setup unit, and a data receiving unit. The communication handler interfaces with a wireless device using at least one wireless protocol. The log setup unit sets up a mobile log and designates user access rights. The data receiving unit receives multimedia content from a wireless source and enters the received content into a designated mobile log.

Multiple visual perspectives in video of private and public activities including those in public areas such as entertainment venues captured by cameras located near the activities can be transmitted over data networks to a server where video-related data is processed and recorded for selective display by authorized, remote video display devices (e.g., HDTV, set-top boxes, computers, handheld devices) in wired / wireless communication with the server. Users can be registered and authorized to access the server to provide / access video captured by cameras at activities. Wireless handheld devices can selectively retrieve video-related data captured at activities for server storage and subsequent display by video display devices. Captured video / pictures can be organized in a server based on at least one of: activity title, activity time, activity date, activity place, wireless handheld device location at time of video recording, distance from location of interest. Simultaneous display of multiple videos on a display can be synchronized.

A system and method are disclosed for maintaining continuity of a multimedia session between media devices. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computer-readable storage medium in a multimedia server (112) operating in a service management center (SMC) (100) for managing operations of a plurality of service centers (102-110). The storage medium has computer instructions for receiving (210) a departure mark associated with a multimedia session being presented at a first media device, and transmitting (216) to a second media device from a select one of the service centers the multimedia session starting from the departure mark.

A method and apparatus for a multimedia server to function as a hub based network server includes processing that begins by receiving packets from at least one of a plurality of clients. The processing continues by determining whether a network access application is active for this particular client. When the network access application is active for the client, the processing continues by processing the data of the packets in accordance with the network access application. The processing then continues by determining access to a network connection for transmission of the network data. The processing then continues by transporting the network data via the network connection.

A novel system and method for delivering personal computer (PC) based content through a server based relay system using really simple syndication (RSS). The mechanism of the present invention is operative to stream any type of PC content such as directories, files, video, audio, etc. A multimedia server (MMS) resides on the user's source computer (the “server”) and a multimedia client (MMC) resides on the destination or target computing device (the “client”). The MMS converts (i.e. translates or renders) files and resources to be delivered as an RSS document which can be further “stylized” through HTML style sheets (like XSTL) and delivered to anything capable of consuming web pages, such as an ordinary Internet browser like Microsoft Internet Explorer or a specialized reader (i.e. the MMC). The invention provides a user with complete access to the content on their PC through the MMS content server that resides on their source PC. The multimedia server translates or renders files to be delivered as an RSS document, while a reader (i.e. MMC) on the mobile device retrieves the content through HTTP requests to the URI of the file in the RSS document.

A circuit for use in a multimedia server module includes an encoder module that encodes a multimedia signal to produce an encoded signal that includes a sequence of packets having a packet size. An RF server transceiver module, coupled to the encoder module, that produces a channel signal that includes the encoded signal, and that wirelessly transmits the channel signal at a link data rate over a wireless communication path to at least one client module The RF server transceiver module includes a quality of service module that adjusts the packet size based on first RF performance signals determined by the RF transceiver, based on second performance signals received from a client module and / or based on adjustments made to the link data rate.

A radio receiver includes a first receiver module for converting a first radio frequency (RF) signal at a first carrier frequency into a first baseband signal. A second receiver module converts a second RF signal at a second carrier frequency into a second baseband signal. A recombination module combines the first baseband signal and the second baseband signal into an output signal.

A system, method and computer program product that allows real-time, secure access to digital multimedia files over a communications network (e.g., the Internet) is provided. The system allows a user to receive large amounts of multimedia data without requiring a high bandwidth data path to an Internet server. The method and computer program product allow the user to employ a selection process from a hypertext data page to obtain and view / play the contents of specific sets of multimedia data which are stored in a storage device local to the user. The files on the local device are unusable without the instructions from the hypertext page. The present invention involves no change to standard WWW protocols, allows the user to interact in a regular-fashion with all other WWW servers and controls the multimedia server over a standard Internet connection.

A method for transmitting prioritized data encoded by a Forward Error Coding operation wherein a media object is separated into different classes of data forming a base layer and at least one enhancement layer of information, with each layer having associated parity data. Data of the separated media object, formed of classified data, is later encoded and stored, whereby information of the base layer is assigned a higher priority for transmission than enhancement layer data. Such priority classifications are used when a server transmits the classified data over a network fabric as prioritized data. Optionally, the composition of transmitted classified data is adjusted in view of a change in network conditions.

A multimedia on demand system includes a multimedia server configured to connect to an internet-based network and to transmit audio / video programs on demand via said internet-based network. A plurality of customer premises units connected to the internet-based network via a network interface are configured to receive the audio / video programs via the internet-based network. A remote control unit in communication with each customer premises unit provides user input to the unit. An audio video system is connected to each customer premises unit for reproduction of the audio / video programs. The system can be used to provide multimedia on demand services over the internet, including but not limited to movies, TV shows, audio and video programs, product catalogs, tourist guides, and video games. In one embodiment the system includes an “instant watch” mode and “wait and watch” mode, thereby allowing users to enjoy multimedia services instantly as the audio video program is being downloaded or after the download is substantially complete.

The approach is for controlling a data rate of proxy server of a user device that includes a multimedia player, and a proxy server adapted to communicate with the multimedia player. The proxy server also communicates with a multimedia server. The approach includes receiving a request for a multimedia content from the multimedia player, requesting the multimedia content to the multimedia server, receiving a plurality of packets for the multimedia content from the multimedia server, estimating a data rate between the user device and the multimedia server, and sending a data stream for the multimedia content to the multimedia player based on the estimated data rate.

A method for enabling traffic to be carried between devices which may use different communications protocols employs a multimedia service provide, which provides an interface between two devices or between a device and a multimedia network. The service provider enables conversion between the communications protocols used by the two devices by comparing the protocols used by each device and, preferably, carrying out a conversion which minimises the amount of traffic conversion required. If two devices are interfaced to an intermediate network via respective service providers, the service providers preferably negotiate before communication between the devices begins to ensure, if possible, that traffic conversion is only performed by one of the service providers. Each device is connected to the service provider at a network access server of a type matched to the device type and traffic conversion is carried out as required using an Asynchronous Transfer Mode Virtual Channel switch controlled by a multimedia server.

Multimedia contents moving method and system. In a multimedia system including a media server for transmitting media data, at least one multimedia device for playing the media data and at least one controller for controlling the multimedia device, the method includes the steps of: sending a copy command to a first multimedia device using the controller; sending the copy command to the media server from the first multimedia device; sending a play-stop command to the first multimedia device from the multimedia server; storing a current play location of the multimedia data by the media server; sending a paste command from the controller to a second multimedia device so as for the second multimedia device to play the later part of the multimedia data which was being played by the first multimedia device, and sending the paste command from the second multimedia device to the media server; and transmitting the media data from the media server to the second multimedia device. A user can continuously use the multimedia contents using different kinds of multimedia devices by simply operating a controller while moving around, that is, moving from a place to a different place, in a home network system, even in a case where the user moves from a place to a different place.

A playback resume system and method for a media center are described. This invention is applied to a scheme of the media center. Particularly, a personalized device capable of transmitting a proprietary identifier is used to be a controller of the media center. By means of the proprietary identifier, the invention can be implemented in a multi-user environment, and used for different playback devices or in different playback situations. Since the playback scheduled progress can be saved, the invention reaches a more convenient and fast resume purpose. The preferred embodiment includes the steps of establishing a connection between a multimedia controller and a multimedia server, and receiving a proprietary identifier and a playback command transmitted from the controller and the server. After that, the multimedia server reads the last playback multimedia data and its scheduled progress with corresponding identifier, and then resumes the playback progress.