WO2008137945A2

WO2008137945A2 - Asynchronous real-time delivery of internet-based digital video content over imperfect networks

Info

Publication number: WO2008137945A2
Application number: PCT/US2008/062933
Authority: WO
Inventors: Philip S. Smith; Russell Jackson; Todd L. Wood; Timothy Michael MILLIGAN
Original assignee: Butterfly Communications Global, Ltd.
Priority date: 2007-05-07
Filing date: 2008-05-07
Publication date: 2008-11-13
Also published as: WO2008137945A3

Abstract

A system for asynchronously delivering Internet-based digital video content over a digital network that includes a distribution device coupled to the digital network that receives an asynchronous digital video stream compressed and encrypted from a synchronous digital video stream and transmitted over the digital network and distributes the asynchronous digital video stream over an imperfect network that may be routed over an existing wiring network of a building or may include wireless components within the network. The system also includes a management device coupled to the distribution device, the management device including means for providing billing and operational management of the digital video stream including content control and reporting, and a set-top box operably coupled to the imperfect network in the building. The set-top box is adapted to selectively decode and decrypt the asynchronous digital video stream for display on a video monitor.

Description

ASYNCHRONOUS REAL-TIME DELIVERY OF INTERNET-BASED DIGITAL VIDEO

CONTENT OVER IMPERFECT NETWORKS

Related Application The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/928,124, filed May 7, 2007, and entitled ASYNCHRONOUS REAL-TIME DELIVERY OF INTERNET- BASED DIGITAL VIDEO CONTENT OVER IMPERFECT NETWORKS, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the delivery of Internet-based digital content and services. More particularly, the present invention relates to the asynchronous, real-time streaming and management of digital video content over the Internet through imperfect networks that may exist on the last portion of a network to end users.

Background of the Invention

Delivering digital content and services to businesses and residences connected to reliable network infrastructure can be accomplished fairly easily using the best of existing technology. For example, Internet-Protocol Television (IPTV) transmitted as a synchronous stream of data supplies live digital television to consumers connected to fiber-based, or other highly reliable, networks. Traditional IPTV technologies rely on relatively "perfect" high-bandwidth networks to support the time-sensitive, synchronous streaming of digital video data resulting in a high- quality picture. On the other hand, the transmission of this same synchronous digital content over "imperfect" networks that introduce delays, or jitter, into the synchronous data streams, results in anything from poor picture quality to an absence of picture altogether.

In developed regions of the world, and especially in more populous urban areas, existing fiber and other highly reliable networks can often support traditional synchronous data streaming technology. However, in developing regions, especially rural regions, such perfect networks may not exist, or may be too expensive to build. Often, in these regions, a fiber link will reliably carry an IP signal to the regional network. The regional network itself may then implement a variety of less-reliable transmission technology and infrastructure, including wired or wireless transmission, to supply the IP signal to locations in remote or underdeveloped areas. In terms of supporting some traditional forms of Internet-based video streaming, such a network infrastructure may be adequate. For example, technology developed by industry leaders such as Microsoft, IBM, Adobe, Intel and others in the late 1990's allow Internet users to stream asynchronous compressed video files over both perfect and imperfect networks for viewing at their homes and businesses. However, the viewing quality of these compressed video files capable of transmission at low bandwidth is generally considered inferior as compared to high- bandwidth transfers of IPTV digital video. Furthermore, without adequate content protection guarantees implemented through Certificate Authentication (CA) and Digital Rights Management (DRM) technologies, content providers have been reluctant to release their proprietary content in digital format for transmission over Internet-based networks. Traditional IPTV technology provides such content protection, but until now required high bandwidth, perfectly functioning networks to deliver it. In order to deliver secure, high quality digital content, including IPTV, to users beyond the reach of perfect networks, new systems and methods of streaming asynchronous video that support CA and DRM are needed in the industry.

Summary of the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention provide a system for asynchronously delivering Internet-based digital video content over a digital network that includes a distribution device coupled to the digital network that receives an asynchronous digital video stream compressed and encrypted from a synchronous digital video stream and transmitted over the digital network. In one embodiment, an asynchronous digital video stream is distributed over an existing wiring network of a building. The system also includes a management device coupled to the distribution device and the existing wiring network, the management device including means for providing billing and operational management of the digital video stream including content control and reporting, and a set-top box operably coupled to the existing wiring network in the building. The set-top box includes circuitry adapted to selectively decode and decrypt the asynchronous digital video stream for display on a video monitor.

In another embodiment of the present invention is a digital content delivery system that includes digital content receivers, digital content, a transcoder, IP streamers, set-top boxes, a Web portal, an external source of schedule information, billing and OSS capability, video-on- demand (VOD) servers, and optional Certificate Authentication / Digital Rights Management (CA/DRM) servers. In another embodiment, the present invention is a method of delivering real-time, asynchronous Internet-based digital video content over imperfect networks. Digital content is received by satellite or terrestrial receivers. Audio and video (AV) portions of the digital content are compressed and encrypted with DRM, then asynchronously streamed to an imperfect network which then multicasts the content to a database-equipped STB connected to a local network. The STB also receives scheduling and service information via the portal, and may receive CA/DRM information via external CA/DRM servers. The STB manages the digital content, decoding the stream, managing DRM, making the digital content available to a user.

The above summary of the various embodiments of the invention is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the invention. The figures in the detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify these embodiments.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system architecture of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is .a diagram of geographic fiber links of one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram of a wireless backhaul and mesh network of one embodiment of the present invention FIG. 4 is a diagram of one embodiment of the present invention as implemented through home-plug technology.

FIG. 5 A is a diagram of a first portion of a flow chart describing the steps of transmitting an asynchronous digital signal over an imperfect network. FIG. 5B is a diagram of a second portion of a flow chart describing the steps of transmitting an asynchronous digital signal over an imperfect network.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of a system as implemented in a vertically-oriented building.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a system as implemented in a horizontally-oriented building.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of one embodiment of an asynchronous digital network of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a graphical user interface displaying options for accessing online videos.

FIG. 10 is a graphical user interface displaying new release movie choices available through an asynchronous digital network.

FIG. 11 is a graphical user interface displaying available movie categories. FIG. 12 is a graphical user interface displaying a popup window for movie or video rental.

FIG. 13 is a graphical user interface confirming charges for movie or video rental.

FIG. 14 is a graphical user interface displaying an additional viewing option available within a rental period. FIG. 15 is a graphical user interface displaying available internet video categories.

FIG. 16 is an network architecture diagram of an asynchronous digital network adapted for a hotel. FIG. 17 is a diagram of a one-to-many multicast application of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a diagram of a routing network of one embodiment of the present invention, serving one or more hotels in a particular geographic region. FIG. 19 is a diagram of a digital rights management configuration of one embodiment of the present invention.

While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

FIG. 1 depicts digital content delivery system 10 of the present invention. System 10 includes digital content receivers 12, digital content 13, transcoder 14, IP streamers 16, set- top boxes (STBs) 18, portal 20, external source of schedule information 22, billing and/or

Operational Support Systems (OSS) system 24, video-on-demand (VOD) servers 26, and optional Certificate Authentication / Digital Rights Management (CA/DRM) servers 28.

In operation, digital content receivers 12 receive broadcasts of digital content 13 such as digital audio, video, and other non-audio/video digital information. Such broadcasts may be satellite or terrestrial in nature, but could include other types of broadcasts. In the case of digital television, receivers 12 may receive a synchronous digital data stream representing digital content 13.

The audio and video portion of digital content 13 is routed to transcoder 14 where it is compressed and encrypted with DRM. Prior to encoding, traditional ads may be inserted into digital content 13 and encoded and encrypted along with the originally-received digital content 13. In one embodiment, a Windows-based PC runs Windows Media Encoder (WME) to encode and encrypt the audio and video digital content 13. In some embodiments, the compression is done to SMPTE 421M, or VC-I, specifications. This may include WMV3, WMVA, WMVCl, or other video codecs. Unlike traditional IPTV, in one embodiment, Advanced Systems Format, or Advanced

Streaming Format (AFS) technology is used to create a compressed asynchronous data stream.

Compressed, encoded and encrypted digital content 13 may be transmitted across communications infrastructure to IP streamers 16. The communications infrastructure may include a series of fiber links, regional and local wireless networks, and other local networks. In some areas of the world, such streaming data may be transmitted over imperfect IP networks, such as local wireless networks, existing wiring networks, or a combination, such that the imperfect IP network introduces jitter or delays into the data stream. Existing imperfect wiring networks may include existing electrical wiring (e.g., a home plug network), telephone wiring, or other wiring networks not originally or primarily designed to transmit digital signals. Such IP networks must be considered imperfect networks in that they are not guaranteed to support time- sensitive, synchronous communications. Unlike traditional IPTV, the described asynchronous streaming of digital content of the present invention is not susceptible to the jitter or delays introduced by these imperfect networks.

For example, a traditional IPTV system may only be able to tolerate up to 6ms of jitter without affecting the quality of the viewing experience, as compared to tolerating up several seconds of jitter in one embodiment of system 10 of the present invention.

In one embodiment, IP streamers 16 distribute the asynchronous stream of digital content 13 to multiple STBs 18. IP Streamers 16 may use IP multicast techniques to deliver digital content 13 in the form of "linear" television channels to STBs 18. In one embodiment, an enterprise server, such as a Windows 2003 Enterprise server, makes each channel available to STBs 18 via individual multicast IP addresses. The transmission of digital content 13 to STBs 18 is discussed in further detail below.

In one embodiment, STBs 18 are PC-based devices required to decode and deliver the asynchronous digital stream to televisions or monitors. The video output of STB 18 is connected to the television or monitor. The STB may be wirelessly connected to other devices such as remote controllers, keyboards, game controllers, and possibly laptop computers.

In one embodiment, STBs 18 include circuity to support an HTML-based browser 30, an audio-video (AV) decoder 32, CA and/or DRJVI capability 34, and database 36. Guided by CA/DRM capability 24, digital content 13 is decoded by decoder 32 and made available to a user at an output of an STB 18. Each STB 18 supports two-way communications such that in some embodiments, a user can browse the Internet using their television (TV) or use a VOIP connection, using a remote control to click buttons displayed on a TV screen, much in the same way that a mouse clicks on buttons for web pages on a PC. In some embodiments, each STB 18 is an x86 embedded platform with embedded or non- embedded Windows XP running a Windows .NET application that uses Windows Media Player (WMP) as a player, hi these embodiments, all of the DRM licensing technology is available at each STB 18 for playing protected content, whether it is live or file based. Each STB 18 "logs into" a portal 20 to verify its channel lineup that gets held along with its electronic program guide (EPG) information in a local database. In one embodiment, the local database 36 may be a Microsoft SQL Express database located within STB 18. Database 36 in STB 18 handles channel changing information, while potentially providing valuable advertising demographical information. Each STB 18 is connected through a portal 20. A worldwide addressing scheme within the portal technology handles content control and reporting, hi one embodiment, portal 20 is a .NET portal with an SQL backend that keeps track of the available channels in database 36. STB 18 logs onto portal 20 to authenticate as well as obtain configuration options. Any .NET-based STB 18 could use this configuration. As such, each STB 18, or head of household, can login and adjust their channel lineup. These changes will be reported on a monthly basis and generate billing information.

Portal 20 receives external source of schedule information 22 and non-AV digital content 13 from receivers 12 to generate a schedule display 38. Similarly, portal 20 is connected to billing and/or OSS system 24, receiving billing and operational information to be managed by service manager 40 of portal 20. Schedule display 26 and service manager 27 data may be sent in XML format to STB 18 to provide scheduling and service information for display to a user via STB 18. VOD servers 26 connect to STB 18, providing digital video-on-demand downloading to STB 18. In one embodiment, video files are transferred using file-transport protocol (FTP), though other methods and protocols may be used. VOD services and usage are tracked by billing and/or OSS system 24, and reported to a user through service manager 40. In some embodiments, STB 18 utilizes the SBE engine built into the Windows operating system XP to allow users to plug in an external USB drive and record shows and movies as desired. Unlike prior art inventions, such as conventional digital video recorder (DVR) technology, a user can add additional drives when they want more recordings. Further, in some embodiments, a burn option allows a user to purchase an option to burn rented movies to a DVD. Referring now to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the asynchronous data stream may be transmitted across fiber links 42 throughout the world. In this example embodiment, digital content 13 may be received, encoded, encrypted and compressed in the United States. The resulting asynchronous stream may then be transmitted on any number of fiber links throughout the Caribbean. As depicted in FIG. 2, in one embodiment, existing fiber links serve a multitude of Caribbean countries including the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and more.

Referring now to FIG. 3, when the IP signal in the form of an asynchronous stream reaches its country or regional destination, the IP signal may be converted to work with region- specific backhaul technology. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, the asynchronous stream, or wireless EP signal in this embodiment, is converted from fiber to Ethernet via a media converter 44 and travels up or down a tower 46 or pole 48 to and from a wireless IP transceiver 50. In some embodiments, the wireless IP signal may travel 5 to 10 or more miles as radio waves between towers and poles in neighborhoods. The EP wireless signal is encrypted and cloaked to prevent interference and give full privacy, eventually arriving at a hotel 52 or home 54. Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, at a building such as a hotel 52, home 54,or other building, the wireless IP signal may be converted to a signal useable by the local building's existing wiring network. In one embodiment, the local wiring network is a HomePlug network utilizing the building's existing electrical wiring. The wireless IP signal is converted by a wireless-to-HomePlug device 56 attached to the outside of the hotel 52 or home 54. Device 56 may take the form of a single device that both receives and converts, or may be split into two or more devices, each performing a separate function, such as receiving or converting, and in separate locations. After conversion, the signal then travels to and from rooms in the building via the building's existing wiring.

The use of wireless technology effectively extends the existing wired network easily, quickly and inexpensively, but at the price of creating an imperfect network due to transmission, collision and interference issues. Furthermore, linking an existing local wiring network restricted to a single building to the wireless extension of the network avoids many of the known problems associated with, for example, HomePlug Powerline Communication networks. For example, local HomePlug networks that connect directly to powerlines carrying the EP signal confront technical challenges relating to signal interference, data protocol restrictions, and so on. Although the wireless network extension and the existing building wiring network of the present invention do become sources of jitter and unwanted disruption, use of the wireless extension and existing wiring networks avoids the costly challenges associated with powerline transmission of IP signals.

Referring again to FIG. 4, home 54, hotel 52, or other building containing rooms 58 to 64, receives the asynchronous stream, or wireless EP signal, at device 56. The EP signal is received and placed onto the existing wiring network, in this example, a local HomePlug network by device 56, then distributed to rooms 58 to 64 via the building's electrical wiring. En other embodiments, the existing wiring network used may be a telephone wiring network. The EP signal is then available at each electrical outlet 66, where a HomePlug device 68 will convert it to Ethernet for use by any EP device. For example, the EP signal is transmitted to room 60 which includes an outlet 66,

HomePlug device 68, STB 18 and television 72. HomePlug device 68 is plugged into outlet 66 and receives the EP signal. The IP signal is converted by HomePlug device 68 to Ethernet and directed to STB 18. As previously described, a user then controls the display of digital content 13 on television 72 via two-way communication. In another example, the EP signal is transmitted to room 62 which includes an outlet 66,

HomePlug device 68, and a computer 74 or other EP device. The EP signal is received at outlet 66, converted by HomePlug device 68, and available for use by computer 74.

Although HomePlug technology allows quick, inexpensive entry into businesses and homes, use of this imperfect local HomePlug network introduces additional jitter and inadvertent delay on top of that already introduced by any wireless extension of the network that may also be in use. However, because the present invention does not rely on the synchronization of clocks, the system tolerance for jitter and delay is increased dramatically. Even though the timing of the delivery of each message is not perfectly synchronized, the delivery is completed quickly enough, and without losing any portion of the streaming data.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the process steps of one embodiment of asynchronously delivering internet-based digital signals over imperfect networks are described. At step 110, a synchronous digital stream having audio/video data, as well as non-audio video data is received. The non-audio-video data may include EPG or other non-audio/video data. This non-audio/video data may be separated from the synchronous digital stream at step 112, and sent to a database of the STB at step 114. In some cases, advertisements may be inserted into the remaining digital stream at step 118. At step 120, the synchronous digital stream containing audio and/or video data is compressed, forming an asynchronous digital video stream. Encryption may take place at step 122, followed by transmission of the compressed and encrypted asynchronous digital video stream over a relatively perfect portion of a network, such as a fiber optic network, at step 124. The asynchronous digital signal encounters, or is received by an imperfect portion of a digital network as indicated at step 126.

Referring now to FIG. 5B, the process continues at step 128. If the imperfect network is a local wireless network as described in one of the embodiments above, the asynchronous digital signal is converted, and may be encrypted, to form a wireless digital IP signal, as indicated at step 130. The wireless IP signal is transmitted across the wireless network per step 132, which in some embodiments, entails transmission via a series of wireless IP transceivers.

At step 134, the wireless IP signal is received at a building, then converted at step 136 to an Ethernet or other wired asynchronous digital signal compatible with the existing wiring network of the receiving building. If the imperfect network consists only of the existing wiring of a building, and does not include a local wireless network, steps 130 through 136 are unnecessary, and the asynchronous signal is received at the building at step 129 without the wireless conversion steps described. After arriving at the building, the asynchronous digital signal is transmitted over the building's existing wiring network at step 138, and received by various STBs located in the building per step 140. After decoding and decrypting at step 142, a substantially jitterless digital signal is displayed on a monitor, such as a television or computer monitor, in a room of the building. As described above, an asynchronous digital signal received at a building is transmitted over the building's existing wiring network for at least part of the network. In one embodiment, the existing wiring network is the electrical wiring network that delivers electrical power throughout the building. In another embodiment, an existing telephone wiring network may be used. As both types of existing wiring networks exist in a typical building, a number of factors may determine which particular existing wiring network is utilized. These factors may include the relative age, reliability, and complexity of the existing networks, among other factors.

Referring to FIG. 6, the existing electrical wiring of multi-floor buildings, including hotels, that tend to be relatively tall with many rooms above ground level, may provide the most reliable means of transmitting the asynchronous signal throughout the building. As depicted in FIG. 6, a wireless asynchronous digital signal is transmitted via a local wireless network. In the depicted embodiment, the wireless signal is transmitted via wireless transceivers 50 mounted to service poles 48 (typically carrying electrical power, telephone signal, or both) to vertically- oriented building 52a.

The wireless signal is converted at device 53 to an Ethernet, or other asynchronous digital IP signal usable by the existing wiring network 55a. In this embodiment, existing wiring network 55a comprises the electrical wiring of building 52a. Existing wiring network 55a includes an interior power box 57 distributing power to a vertically-oriented bus 59, which in turn feeds individual sub-networks, or rings, 61a to 6 Ie. Each floor includes a sub-network providing power, and ultimately the asynchronous digital signal, to locations throughout each floor of the building. Although in this embodiment, building 52a includes five floors, in other embodiments, building 52a may include more or fewer floors, having more or fewer subnetworks 61.

The asynchronous digital signal is transferred onto existing wiring network 55, and distributed throughout the building via vertical bus 59 and sub-networks 61. In some cases, the existing wiring network 55 may be a HomePlug network. The use of existing electrical wiring as a transmission network works particularly well for vertically-oriented buildings, such as those similar to building 52a. However, horizontally- oriented buildings, namely those with fewer floors, and relatively more rooms located at surface level, may be better served by using other existing wiring networks, such as an existing telephone wiring network. Referring to FIG. 7, a wireless asynchronous digital signal is transmitted via transceivers

50 mounted on poles 48 to horizontally-oriented building 52b. The wireless signal is converted to Ethernet or another asynchronous digital IP signal usable by the existing network at device 63. In this embodiment, the existing wiring network 55b is an existing telephone wiring network.

In this embodiment, utilizing an existing phone wiring network rather than an existing electrical wiring network may increase reliability of this imperfect portion of the digital network. For example, a horizontally-oriented building such as building 52b may tend to have longer runs of more complex electrical wiring that includes more junctions and terminations. Conversely, an existing telephone wiring network of the same building may be more uniform in nature, with fewer junctions, resulting in a more reliable transmission network. Therefore, the structural characteristics of a target building may contribute to the decision of which existing wiring network to use to transmit the asynchronous digital signal.

Referring now to FIG. 8, in another embodiment, the imperfect portion of the digital network includes wireless communication link 160 located at or within a campus 162. Campus 162 may be a single building such as a hotel with multiple rooms, or may be one or more buildings with individual rooms or units 164. As depicted, an asynchronous digital stream is transmitted via fiber link 42 to regional IP transmission network 166. Regional IP transmission network 166 may be a perfect or an imperfect network, such as one of the imperfect networks described in the embodiments above.

The asynchronous digital stream may include any variety of IP data, including an asynchronous television broadcast as described above with reference to FIG. 1. In this embodiment, and as discussed above, receivers 12 receive a satellite broadcast of digital video and/or audio signals, the signals are transcoded and streamed as an asynchronous digital stream by media head end 168 over fiber link 42. In some embodiments, the asynchronous digital stream may be, or may include, IP data transmitted to and from campus 162 as part of an Internet service available at campus 162. hi the depicted embodiment, DRM license server 28 also utilizes fiber link 42 and regional IP transmission network 166 to provide a DRM solution, such as a license key seed, key ID, and so on, to the network of campus 162. DRM solutions are described in further detail below.

Still referring to FIG. 8, in one embodiment, the asynchronous digital stream is transmitted via fiber link 42 and regional transmission network 166 to campus 162. Campus 162 includes a building administrative network 168 linked via existing wiring 163 to multiple rooms 164. In one embodiment, building administrative network 168 includes a modem 170 or other device for receiving the asynchronous digital video stream; a gateway 172, property management system 174, guest portal or administrative server 176, VOD or media server 26, and switch 178.

Modem 170 transmits the asynchronous digital signal to gateway 172, which is networked with property management system 174, portal 176, and VOD server 26. Gateway 172 provides authentication services, manages bandwidth and may provide a

VPN in some cases.

Portal 176 provides essentially the same services as portal 20 described above and with respect to FIG. 1, namely, STB authorization, IP services, and accounting and reporting functions. VOD server 26 provides on-demand digital content 13, including movies, and other video programs. Other video programs may include programs originally broadcast as free, or pay-per- view, television programs in other regions. On-demand digital content 13 is downloaded to, and resides on, VOD server 26. In one embodiment, on-demand digital content 13 may be downloaded to VOD server 26 through fiber link 42 from a remote media server, or may be downloaded from a media storage device located at campus 162.

Similar to the asynchronous delivery of Internet services and television channels, on- demand digital content 13 is transmitted as an asynchronous signal to rooms 164. hi one embodiment, DRM license server 28 ensures only authorized downloading and streaming of on- demand digital content 13.

In one embodiment, the asynchronous digital signal, regardless of whether it consists of on-demand content, television programming, or other IP data, is routed through switch 178. hi some embodiments, switch 178 may be an MT2 Ethernet switch. The asynchronous digital signal is transmitted over existing wiring 163 to one or more wall plates 178.

Existing wiring 163, in one embodiment, is a twisted pair of wires such as an unshielded twisted pair wiring used in telephone or computer networks. In other embodiments, shielded twisted pair wiring, coaxial cable, or even electrical power wiring may be used. The asynchronous digital signal is received at wall plate 180, which in one embodiment is an MT2 wall plate adapted to communicate with an MT2 switch 178. Wall plate 180 may be located at or near room 164, and is connected to wireless access point 182.

Wireless access point 182 may be a wireless router that transmits the asynchronous digital signal to STBs 18 located at room 164. In one embodiment, wireless access point 182 is located at or near a first room 164, but services multiple rooms 164. For example, in one embodiment, a wireless router may serve six to eight rooms 164. hi other embodiments, and depending on bandwidth requirements, campus architecture, and other factors, wireless access point 182 may serve fewer rooms 164.

STB 18, located at room 164 is connected to television or monitor 60 within room 164. STB 18 receives an asynchronous digital signal via wireless link 160, and as described above as well, decodes and delivers the digital data of the asynchronous digital stream to television or monitor 60 to be displayed to a user. Alternatively, the asynchronous digital signal may be received and displayed by a computer, such as a laptop computer 184. As such, on-demand video, Internet services, video games, television programming, and other content becomes available to a user via STB 18 and monitor 60 or laptop computer 184. STB 18 may be one of any known STBs and in one embodiment includes sufficient memory to compensate for the jitter or delay introduced to the asynchronous digital signal by the imperfect network. Unlike a digital video recorder or other similar device which requires a hard disk drive or other large memory device, the buffer of STB 18 buffer may be relatively small since it need only store a limited amount of data. The buffer of STB 18 need only store an amount of data just larger than the amount of data associated with the maximum amount of time delay introduced to the system.

In some embodiments, television or monitor 60 may also be configured to display synchronously streamed local programming content received at television or monitor 60. In one such embodiment, local content is synchronously streamed over existing wiring or via known broadcasting techniques as a supplement to digital content associated with the asynchronous digital stream. In one embodiment, a user utilizes a handheld remote control device to navigate graphical user interfaces displayed on a monitor or television 60. In another embodiment, a user navigates graphical user interfaces displayed on a computer screen using a mouse or keyboard on a computer 184. Referring now to FIGS. 9 to 15, in one embodiment, a series of these graphical user interfaces (GUIs) facilitates the interaction between a user and the systems and networks as described above.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 9, GUI 200 allows a user to select digital video content that is transmitted from several different sources. The depicted GUI 200 includes InTheaters icon 202, BoxOffϊceHits icon 204, Internet Videos 1 icon 206, Internet Videos icon 208 and Favorites icon 210.

Selecting any of these icons 202 to 210 leads to another menu-driven GUI, or may directly launch the asynchronous streaming of the video data itself, hi the depicted embodiment, InTheaters icon 202 and BoxOfficeHits icon 204 correspond to on-demand digital content sourced from VOD server 26. Internet Videos 1 icon 206 and Internet Videos 2 correspond to digital video content streamed asynchronously over the Internet from a remote web server, as part of an Internet service. For example, Internet Videos 1 and Internet Videos 2 may be the popular YouTube and Google Video websites, respectively. Similarly, Favorites icon 210 could correspond to an Internet video website preferred and saved by an individual user. Regardless of the particular source, GUI 200 allows a user to select from all sources of digital content available through the network. Referring now to FIG. 10, if a user does select InTheaters icon 202 from GUI 200, a number of individual movie selections become available as represented by icons 212 through

234. Selecting any one of these icons causes an asynchronous digital stream to be transmitted to

STB 18 of room 164, allowing a user to view, in this example, newly released movies. Back button 236 allows a user to navigate back to a home screen, or the original menu of GUI 200.

Referring now to FIG. 11 , GUI 200 may facilitate the browsing of movies by movie category. In the depicted embodiment, icons 238 to 252 offer movie categories such as Action & Adventure, Children & Family, Classics, and so on. Any number of movie categories may be established by a system administrator or other facilitator, hi most cases, movies will be streamed asynchronously from VOD server 26, although movie content could also be streamed from other remote servers connected to campus 162 via fiber link 42.

Referring now to FIG. 12, menu 254 is displayed as part of GUI 200, and facilitates enhanced VOD services. Menu 254 allows a user to rent a movie, or to try a movie before rental.

Information display bar 255 presents the topic of the menu at a top portion of menu 254. Menu 254 includes menu buttons 256, 258, and 260 representing options to "Rent It Now", "View

Trailer", or "Cancel," respectively.

Referring now to FIG. 13, in one embodiment, if a user chooses to rent a movie by selecting menu button 256, a verification menu 264 requires the user to confirm age and agree to the charges, or to opt out by not agreeing. If a user agrees to the charges, video is streamed asynchronously to STB 18 for the user's viewing as described above, hi this embodiment, information display bar 255 informs the user the amount of money that will be charged to the user's account. Referring now to FIG. 14, in some embodiments, a user may be allowed to view the rented movie multiple times over the rental period. Such an option is presented in information display area 255 of menu 266 as depicted.

Referring now to FIG. 15, alternatively, a user may choose to browse and view Internet videos, such as those associated with internet Videos 1 icon 206. In this embodiment, menu buttons 270 through 282, and others, may be selected using television or monitor 60 remote control, or a mouse of computer 184, to begin the asynchronous streaming of videos from an Internet website. Presentation of the various Internet video options and categories may be made using graphical depictions of folders as depicted in the embodiment of FIG. 15. FIG. 16 depicts another embodiment of an asynchronous digital video network of the present invention similar to the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 8, and as adapted specifically to a hotel. Network 288 of FIG. 16 includes: administrative network 289 and property management system (PMS) 174, located at an administrative office and connected to Internet 290; gateway 172; portal/administrative server 176; media server 26; host rooms 164a with DSL/Ethernet consumer premises equipment (CPE) 291 and wireless access points 182; multiple STBs 18; multiple switches 292; modem 170; network gateway 171; management VLAN 293; firewall 294; and syslog server 296.

Network gateway 171 provides connectivity from the outside world to the hotel. Network gateway 171 may be provisioned as an ADSL modem, but may need to support higher data rates as needed. In other embodiments, network gateway 171 options include enhanced ADSL, bonding multiple ADSL lines, wireless services such as WiMAX, or MetroEthernet. QOS may require monitoring, and services that require high bandwidth, such as Internet videos, may only be offered to the extent that network gateway 171 can support the traffic.

In some embodiments, gateway 172 provides a number of functions and features such as guest connection, service provisioning, multi-mode authentication and access control, billing plan enablement, advance security, policy-based traffic shaping, and PMA support.

Guest connection ensures that everyone gets easy access to the network without requiring any changes to their computer's settings or special client-side software.

Service provisioning features of gateway 172 may intercept a user's browser settings and direct them to a web site to securely sign up for service or log-in if they have a pre-existing account. Redirection opportunities may exist for both pre- and post-authentication as well as at session termination.

Multi-mode authentication and access control simultaneously supports a secure browser- based authentication model, hi one embodiment, SSL and IEEE 802. Ix and other mechanisms are used. The billing plan enablement of gateway 172 in one embodiment may support multiple billing models allowing PASOs and venue owners to create billing plans using credit cards, scratch cards or monthly subscriptions. Billing may then be done by a host of different parameters including time, volume or bandwidth.

The advanced security features of gateway 172 creates an intelligent mapping of IP addresses and their associated VPN tunnels, allowing seamless connectivity of multiple VPN tunnels from the same hotel to the same server, regardless of the client or server (utilizing the pool of static IP addresses to perform this function, one static IP address per user connecting to the same remote server). Session-rate limiting, MAC filtering and ICMP packet blocking may be used. Additionally, tracking logs for lawful intercept initiatives are supported.

With respect to policy-based traffic shaping, in some embodiments, a bandwidth management feature allows usage to be limited on a per-device and per-user basis. This ensures equitable distribution of bandwidth in heavily congested public access networks. Users can also dynamically switch between bandwidth plans, giving the provider the opportunity to upsell higher bandwidth plans.

PMS interfaces enable in-room guest billing for network access. This may include a two- way PMS interface for in-room billing in a WiFi enabled network and bill mirror functionality for posting of billing records to multiple sources. Billing over a TCP/IP connection to select PMS interfaces may also be supported. In one embodiment, a serial connection is established between gateway 172 and PMS 174 to provide a two-way interface for guest-billing purposes.

In this embodiment, administrative network 289, which includes PMS 174 and administrative server 176, is connected to Internet 290 through Ethernet switch 292d and DSL bridging modem 170. Administrative network 289 is further connected to gateway 172. PMS 174 and administrative server 176 substantially function as described above with respect to FIG. 8. Additional access to network 288 and administrative network 289 may be provided to hotel management via VLAN 293.

In one embodiment, network288 also includes a monitoring workstation that provides proactive monitoring using an NSPI tool set, and for RDC sessions to be used to test and configure devices inside the network, such as wireless access points 182. Remote access to the monitoring workstation is given by firewall 294. Digital content enters asynchronous digital video network 288 as an IP signal over

Internet 290, which may include an asynchronous digital stream containing IP television programming, or as streamed video data from media server 26, provided as part of a video-on demand service at the hotel. In this embodiment, media server 26 may also function as the administrative gateway to the billing system.

Regardless of source, the asynchronous digital stream is transmitted over existing phone or Ethernet wiring to DSL/Ethernet CPEs 291 and wireless access points 182 located in host rooms 164a and in other locations throughout the hotel. In the depicted embodiment, wireless access points 182 are also located in the hotel lobby and pool area. In some embodiments, switch 292c coupled to CPEs 291 is a DSL switch utilizing twisted-pair wiring, and capable of delivering 75Mbs down, 3-4Mbps up data rates with QOS to each CPE. hi the depicted embodiments where eighteen CPEs 291 are used, a twenty- five port DSLAM may be used.

Wireless access points 182 provide guests with access to Internet services via a laptop computerl84 (refer also to FIG. 8), and provide the asynchronous digital stream to STBs 18 for viewing digital content as described above. Each wireless access point 182 supplies a wireless signal to multiple non-host rooms 164. hi the embodiment depicted, eighteen host rooms 164a contain wireless access points to supply asynchronous digital data for the remaining rooms 164 and their respective STBs 18. Network 288 may also include a computer 296, syslog, used to sit on the public side of the network to host syslogs for the gateway 172 server. Although the implementation of the present invention as depicted in FIG. 16 defines specific routing and switching, one-skilled-in-the-art will recognize that other switching and routing schemes may be used.

Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 18, the asynchronous IP signal or stream containing digital content 13 may be multicast via a series of routers to minimize bandwidth requirements. The use of multicasting means that each channel may consume less than 1 mbps, whether one client or millions of clients are watching that particular channel.

FIG. 17 depicts one embodiment of a multicast taxonomy that may be employed as part of the present invention. In general, multicast applications can be characterized as one of three types: One-to-Many, Many-to-Many, or Many-to-One. In One-to-Many applications as may be employed in one embodiment of the present invention, a single host or sender 80 dispatches a multicast packet addressed to the multicast group of receivers 86 via a series of routers 82 and 84. hi this embodiment, multicast routes are indicated with the thicker red arrows 88.

Referring now to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 18, multicast techniques are employed to distribute the IP stream beyond the fiber link 42 network and to hotels 52 and homes 54 in a regional geographic area. In this embodiment, network 90 includes headend 76, multicast router

82, hotel router 84, hotel 52, and room x,y,z. In this example of a channel request from a room x,y,z in a hotel 52, headend 76 connected to fiber network 72 provides a series of digital content

13 channels, or television channels, 233.0.0.1 through 233.0.0.x. Multicast enabled router 82 "listens" for channels or groups 233.0.0.1 through 233.0.0.x in this embodiment. The router 84 into hotel 52, listens for STBs 18 located at hotel 52 to request channels 233.0.0.1 through

233.0.0.x to have a channel forwarded to them. When a user employs STB 18 in room x,y,z to request channel 233.0.0.5, for example, if router 84 is already forwarding that channel, room x,y,z receives it as well. If router 84 is not already forwarding requested channel 233.0.0.5, it requests this stream from its next router. If its next router was already forwarding this stream to another hotel 52, it forwards it to this hotel router 84 and into room x,y,z. If the next router is not already forwarding this stream to another hotel, it requests this stream from the next router, which in this example is router 82.

In the embodiment where a hotel 52 is connected to multicast network 90, each STB 18 in a room x,y,z will support two-way communications such that a guest can browse the Internet using their television or use a VOIP connection from their room. hi such an embodiment, each hotel 52 may initially have about 50 digital channels available. Using the 90/10 rule where 90% of the viewers watch 10% of the available channels, each hotel 52 will require 5 mbps of continual multicast bandwidth. Each hotel should be able to burst an additional 5 mbps when the 90/10 rule is not applicable, hi one embodiment, each hotel 52 requires an additional 1.5 mbps of Internet bandwidth for each 100 rooms 60. hi addition to the availability of digital content 13 through digital television channels, digital content 13 may be available through video-on-demand (VOD) as described above, hi one embodiment, the present invention alleviates the huge bandwidth requirements typically associated with VOD applications, hi a typical VOD application, a network must handle a tremendous number of simultaneous streaming requests. However, the network and system of the present invention includes STBs 18 capable of downloading and storing requested digital content 13 video and even games, hi one embodiment, these downloads may be done as a rental supplied with a cookie that expires after a given number of hours. With this technique, VOD applications can be implemented with significantly less bandwidth than would be required for simultaneous viewing over a traditional network.

By employing this multicast technique to send the IP stream to multiple STBs 18 throughout the network, bandwidth may be reduced by a factor of eight or more, while still providing perfect pictures regardless of jitter imposed by an imperfect network.

Referring now to FIG. 19, the present invention employs multiple techniques to ensure digital content protection. For example, digital content 13 supplied by a content owner 92 is supplied with a license key seed and key ID 94. Key 94 is combined with digital content file 96 and delivered as prepackaged file 98 to a consumer or user. Licensed clearinghouse 100 supplies a licensed key seed plus key ID 102 in the form of a license 104. A consumer obtains both the packaged file 98 plus license 104 and is able to play digital content 13 using consumer player 106.

Although the present invention has been described with respect to the various embodiments, it will be understood that numerous insubstantial changes in configuration, arrangement or appearance of the elements of the present invention can be made without departing from the intended scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the present invention be determined by the claims as set forth.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A system for asynchronously delivering Internet-based digital video content over a digital network, comprising: a distribution device operably coupled to the digital network that receives an asynchronous digital video stream compressed and encrypted from a synchronous digital video stream and transmitted over the digital network and distributes the asynchronous digital video stream locally over an imperfect portion of the digital network; a management device operably coupled to the distribution device and the imperfect portion of the digital network, the management device including software executing on a computer processor system that provides billing and operational management of the digital video stream including content control and reporting; a plurality of set-top boxes each operably coupled to the imperfect portion of the digital network, the set-top box including circuitry adapted to selectively decode and decrypt the asynchronous digital video stream for display on a video monitor, the circuitry including: means for compensating for transmission imperfections in the asynchronous digital video stream such that a substantially jitterless digital video stream is displayed on the video monitor; and means for communicating with the management device to verify local programming information and selectively authorize display of a decoded and decrypted portion of the asynchronous digital video stream.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the transmission of the asynchronous digital video signal over the digital network includes transmission of the asynchronous digital video signal through a plurality of routers adapted for multicast transmission of digital video signals, thereby minimizing a bandwidth requirement of the digital network.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the asynchronous digital video stream is compressed using advanced streaming format (AFS) technology.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the asynchronous digital video stream contains up to 3 seconds of jitter.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein a portion of the digital network includes a local wireless network.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the local wireless network further comprises a plurality of wireless IP transceivers located on a plurality of towers, the wireless IP transceivers receiving and transmitting the Ethernet signal as a wireless IP signal.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the towers are power poles of a power distribution network.

8. The system of claim 6, wherein the wireless IP signal is converted by a wireless to HomePlug device located within a facility so as to enable distribution of the asynchronous digital video stream over an existing wiring network within the facility

9. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a video-on-demand server operably coupled over the imperfect portion of the digital network to each of the plurality of set-top boxes, the video-on-demand server selectively providing digital downloading of digital videos to each set- top box.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the imperfect portion of the digital network comprises an existing wiring network within a facility.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the existing wiring network is an existing electrical wiring network.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein the existing wiring network is an existing telephone wiring network.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the imperfect portion of the digital network comprises a wireless communication link between a wireless transmission device and a wireless receiving device.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein each set-top box includes a wireless receiving device of the wireless communication link.

15. A system for asynchronously delivering Internet-based digital video content over a digital network, comprising: a hotel hub operably coupled to the digital network that receives an asynchronous digital video stream compressed and encrypted from a synchronous digital video stream and transmitted over the digital network and distributes the asynchronous digital video stream at least in part over an existing wiring network of a hotel; a management device operably coupled to the distribution device, the management device including software executing on a computer processor system that provides billing and operational management of the digital video stream including content control and reporting; a plurality of set-top boxes operably coupled to the hotel hub, each set-top box including circuitry adapted to selectively decode and decrypt the asynchronous digital video stream for display on a video monitor, the circuitry including: means for compensating for transmission imperfections in the asynchronous digital video stream such that a substantially jitterless digital video stream is displayed on the video monitor; and means for communicating with the management device to verify local programming information and selectively authorize display of a decoded and decrypted portion of the asynchronous digital video stream.

16. A method for asynchronously delivering Internet-based digital video content over a digital network, comprising: receiving at a plurality of set-top boxes an asynchronous digital video stream from a distribution device that is compressed and encrypted from a synchronous digital video stream received by the distribution device, the asynchronous digital video stream being delivered by the distribution device network to the plurality of set-top boxes over at least a portion of the digital network which includes an imperfect network; in response to a user input, selectively causing one of the set-top boxes to communicate over the digital network with a management device associated with the distribution device to selectively authorize display of a decoded and decrypted portion of the asynchronous digital video stream, and selectively decoding and decrypting the asynchronous digital video stream for display on a video monitor associated with the one of the set-top boxes, including compensating for transmission imperfections in the asynchronous digital video stream such that a substantially jitterless digital video stream is displayed on the video monitor.