Network Media Program Restart Server Logic

The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the client device and the media content. The server stores media programs and manages trick mode operations, allowing the client device to access and manipulate media content without requiring local storage capacity. The server acts as a remote buffer, enabling pause and rewind operations while eliminating the need for physical hard disk storage at the client side.

The patent implements dynamic trick mode capability where the availability of trick modes is not fixed but determined at runtime based on server conditions and media program properties. The server dynamically decides whether to permit pause, rewind, or fast-forward operations by generating appropriate trick mode indicator data, allowing Restart TV service to offer trick modes under certain conditions rather than universally restricting them.

The patent changes the parameter of program availability by introducing expiration time as a controllable variable. Media programs are assigned specific time windows during which they can be accessed for restart operations. The server monitors current time against expiration times and dynamically controls access, allowing flexible program availability within defined temporal boundaries rather than unlimited or fixed availability periods.

The patent uses the server as a remote buffer intermediary that holds media programs and manages trick mode operations. Instead of requiring local buffer storage at the client device, the server maintains the media content and handles pause, rewind, and fast-forward operations remotely. The server generates trick mode indicator data to control playback speed and timing, eliminating the need for local storage while maintaining full trick mode functionality.