Long-Tail Content Delivery via IP Unicast
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional long-tail content broadcasting systems are burdensome for consumers and limited by infrastructure capacity, requiring separate portals or infrastructure support for delivering less frequently viewed content, which restricts the variety of programming offered.
Innovation Solution
A long-tail content delivery system using IP unicast over an Internet protocol network, integrated with a central server, enables real-time streaming of long-tail content without requiring consumers to switch portals, allowing service providers to offer more content on existing infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional long-tail content broadcasting systems are used, then content delivery is achieved, but consumers require separate portals and infrastructure support which increases system complexity and limits content variety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal content delivery system where a single broadcasting infrastructure can deliver both traditional linear content and long-tail content through the same portal. The system uses IP unicast technology to enable the broadcasting network to function as both a traditional broadcast medium and an on-demand delivery mechanism, eliminating the need for separate portals or specialized infrastructure for long-tail content.
2Adaptability or versatility
If switched digital broadcast or IP multicast is used to deliver long-tail content, then content delivery capability is improved, but infrastructure deployment complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system leverages existing IP networking capabilities that are already present in modern broadcasting infrastructure. By using standard IP unicast protocols that routers and switches already support natively, the system avoids the need for specialized SDB equipment or complex IP multicast configurations. The infrastructure serves itself by utilizing existing routing capabilities to deliver long-tail content without requiring additional hardware or complex protocol implementations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If consumers subscribe to long-tail content service through separate portals, then long-tail content access is enabled, but user operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the delivery of long-tail content and traditional linear content into a single unified portal interface. Consumers can access both types of content through the same user interface and subscription mechanism, eliminating the need to switch between different portals or channels. The system presents a consolidated content library where long-tail content is integrated alongside traditional programming, simplifying the user experience and reducing operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for delivering a long-tail content comprising a set-top box configured to couple an external signal to a user device. The long-tail content server also comprises a long-tail content server configured to provide the external signal to the set-top box from a central server. The long-tail content server further comprises a long-tail content asset manager configured to control a communication between at least one of the central server, the long-tail content server and the set-top box and at least one of the central server, the long-tail content server and the set-top box.