HK1105733A - Methods and apparatus for hybrid multimedia presentations - Google Patents

Description

Method and apparatus for hybrid multimedia presentation

Priority requirements according to 35 U.S.C. § 119

This patent application claims priority from provisional application No. 60/590,128, entitled "apparatus and METHOD FOR detecting IN a predetermined manner", filed on day 21, 7/2004, assigned to the assignee of the present invention and expressly incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to the operation of data networks, and more particularly, to methods and apparatus for providing hybrid multimedia presentations on devices.

Background

Data networks, such as wireless communication networks, have to trade off between customized services for a single terminal and services provided for a large number of terminals. For example, the distribution of multimedia content to a large number of resource-limited portable devices (subscribers) is a complex problem. Therefore, having a way to distribute content and/or other network services, presented on networked devices, in a fast and efficient manner is very important to network administrators, content retailers, and service providers.

In current content delivery/media distribution systems, real-time media streaming is utilized to deliver content to a large number of devices. For example, real-time media streaming can reduce the amount of memory required at a playback device and is therefore suitable for use with portable devices that have limited memory resources. However, real-time media streams often require a certain amount of acquisition time, and it is possible for the user of the device to choose to tune to other programs while the advertisements in the real-time media stream are being played. In addition, a large bandwidth may be required to transmit the same content, such as advertisements, over and over again.

It is also feasible that the content delivery/media distribution system utilizes caching to distribute non-real time media to a large number of devices. The cached non-real time media starts very quickly and thus solves the problem of long acquisition time. Unfortunately, caching techniques require that the entire non-real-time presentation be cached prior to playback, which means that the playback device must have a large amount of memory resources. As a result, caching large media presentations is not suitable for resource constrained portable devices.

Therefore, there is a need for a way to send selected real-time and non-real-time media arrangements to a large number of devices, thereby addressing issues related to bandwidth usage, media acquisition time, and device resource requirements. It is also desirable to target the selected subscribing user for receipt and submit (render) the selected content arrangement or sequence based on operating parameters, such as the user's subscription activity.

Disclosure of Invention

In one or more embodiments, a hybrid presentation system is provided that delivers real-time and non-real-time content on a device based on various operating conditions. For example, the system determines a particular arrangement, sequence, mix, and/or selection of real-time and non-real-time content for presentation on the target device based on the occurrence of one or more presentation events.

In one embodiment, the cached content item is linked to a real-time media service to provide a fresh user experience on the device, if not, such interaction is very slow. Selected content items (e.g., interfaces, advertisements, or other information items) are cached to minimize the amount of data transfer for the transaction. Thus, the device user will have a quick response, reduced start-up time, and the content retailer can easily and efficiently insert advertisements and other information into the real-time service.

In one embodiment, a method of rendering a hybrid presentation is provided. The method comprises the following steps: caching one or more content items; a presence event associated with a real-time service is detected. The method further includes extracting a selected content item from the one or more content items based on the presentation event; and submitting the selected content item.

In one embodiment, an apparatus for rendering a hybrid presentation is provided. The apparatus comprises: a memory configured to cache one or more content items; client application logic configured to detect a presentation event associated with a real-time service and extract a selected content item from the one or more content items based on the presentation event. The apparatus also includes submission logic configured to submit the selected content item.

In one embodiment, an apparatus for rendering a hybrid presentation is provided. The apparatus comprises: means for caching one or more content items; a module for detecting a presence event associated with a real-time service. The apparatus also includes means for extracting a selected content item from the one or more content items based on the presentation event; and means for submitting the selected content item.

In one embodiment, a computer-readable medium is provided that includes instructions, which when executed by processing logic, operate to render a hybrid presentation. The computer readable medium includes: instructions for caching one or more content items; instructions for detecting a presence event associated with a real-time service. The computer-readable medium further includes instructions for extracting a selected content item from the one or more content items based on the presentation event; and instructions for submitting the selected content item.

In one embodiment, at least one processor configured to implement a method of rendering a hybrid presentation is provided. The method comprises the following steps: caching one or more content items; a presence event associated with a real-time service is detected. The method further includes extracting a selected content item from the one or more content items based on the presentation event; and submitting the selected content item.

In one embodiment, a method for rendering a hybrid presentation is provided. The method comprises the following steps: generating system information parameters for one or more real-time services, wherein the system information parameters associate a presentation event with a cacheable content item; and transmitting the system information parameters.

In one embodiment, an apparatus for rendering a hybrid presentation is provided. The apparatus comprises: logic for generating system information parameters for one or more real-time services, wherein the system information parameters relate presentation events to cacheable content items; logic for transmitting the system information parameters.

Other aspects of these embodiments will become more apparent from a review of the hereinafter set forth brief description of the drawings, detailed description of the invention, and the claims.

Drawings

The foregoing aspects of the embodiments described herein will become more apparent by referring to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In these drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a network including one embodiment of a hybrid presentation system;

FIG. 2 details one embodiment of a server suitable for use in one or more embodiments of a hybrid presentation system;

FIG. 3 depicts one embodiment of cacheable content for use in one or more embodiments of a hybrid presentation system;

FIG. 4 depicts one embodiment of system information for one or more embodiments of a hybrid presentation system;

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a method for operating a server in one embodiment of a hybrid presentation system;

FIG. 6 details one embodiment of an apparatus suitable for use with one or more embodiments of a hybrid presentation system;

FIG. 7 illustrates one method embodiment for operating a device in one embodiment of a hybrid presentation system; and

FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of a method for operating a device to detect a presentation event in one embodiment of a hybrid presentation system.

Detailed Description

In one or more embodiments, a hybrid presentation system is provided that submits a hybrid presentation on a device. For example, a hybrid presentation includes one particular arrangement, sequence, mix, and/or selection of real-time and/or non-real-time content for presentation on a target device. The system is particularly suited for use in a wireless network environment, but may be used in any type of network environment, including but not limited to a communications network, a public network (e.g., the Internet), a private network (e.g., a Virtual Private Network (VPN)), a local area network, a wide area network, a long distance network, or any other type of data network.

One or more embodiments of a hybrid presentation system will be described with the following definitions.

Service: the service includes a sequence of media presentations that represents the smallest unit that the device can reserve.

Layer (b): a tier is a collection of one or more services.

Package (package): a package (or service package) includes any combination of services and/or layers that are offered on a subscription basis.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a network 100 including one embodiment of a hybrid presentation system. Network 100 includes mobile device 102, server 104, and data network 106.

In one embodiment, the server 104 is used to provide services that may be subscribed to by devices in communication with the network 106. Server 104 is connected to network 106 through communication link 108. The communication link 108 includes any suitable communication link, such as any combination of wired and/or wireless links that allow the server 104 to communicate with the network 106. Network 106 includes any combination of wired and/or wireless networks that allow services to be sent from server 104 to devices (e.g., device 102) in communication with network 106.

The device 102 in this embodiment comprises a mobile telephone that communicates with the network 106 over a wireless link 110. It should be noted that other arrangements are possible within the scope of the embodiments. For example, other devices suitable for use in one or more embodiments of the hybrid presentation system include, but are not limited to, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), an email device, a pager, a notebook computer, an MP3 player, a video player, or a desktop computer. The wireless link 110 comprises any suitable wireless communication link that allows the device 102 to communicate with the network 106. The device 102 may also communicate with the network 106 using a wired communication link.

The device 102 participates in an activation process that lets the device 102 make a subscription to receive services over the network 106. In one embodiment, the activation process may be performed with the server 104; however, this activation process may also be performed with another server, service provider, content retailer, or any other entity. For the purposes of this description, it will be assumed that the device 102 and the server 104 together undergo this activation process.

As part of this activation process, the device 102 provides a device identifier, a manufacturer identifier, a subscriber identifier, and/or any other information that can be used to authenticate the device 102 or authorize it to subscribe it to receive services from the server 104. Upon activation, the server 104 transmits the client application 112, the packet database 114, and the system information 116 to the device 102. It is noted that in other embodiments, any of the client application 112, the packet database 114, and the system information 116 may be transmitted to such a device from another network entity, installed on the device during its manufacture, or downloaded from a local storage medium, and activated as a result of the activation process.

The packet database 114 includes information describing services that the device 102 can subscribe to receive. A client application 112 executes on the device 102 and processes a package database 114 to provide an interactive program guide that displays information about services available to the device user. The system information 116 includes information about services that are available, such as required device resources, associated cached content identifiers, or other system information.

In one embodiment, server 104 includes one or more services 118, and cacheable content 122. For example, the services 118 include multimedia content including news, sports, weather, financial information, movies, and/or applications, programs, scripts, or any other type of content or service as appropriate.

In one embodiment, the cacheable content 122 includes content that can be rendered on a device. For example, the cacheable content 122 can include games or other applications, advertisements, content context variables that have temporary importance based on user input, or other information that can open substantially any file type, all of which can be submitted or executed on the device 102. For example, in one embodiment, the cacheable content 122 can include non-real-time content segments that represent advertisements or other media content.

In one embodiment, system information 116 includes information that associates content in cacheable content 122 with one or more services 118. For example, system information 124 associates one or more pieces of content that are part of cacheable content 122 with a selected service that is part of service 118.

In one embodiment, the cacheable content 122 is sent from the server 104 to the device 102 over the network 106. For example, cacheable content 122 is sent to the device 102 and stored as cached content 124 in the device 102. The cacheable content 122 is associated with services available to the device 102.

Note that it is possible to update elements of server 104 to reflect changes in the information available. For example, the service 118, system information 116, or cacheable content 122 can be updated or changed as needed. When these changes occur, the server 104 sends the latest information to the device 102. For example, system information 116 may be transmitted to device 102 according to a predetermined scheme, thereby enabling the device to receive updates to system information 116 at selectable intervals. Additionally, the transmission of information from server 104 to device 102 may be performed in the background using an "invisible service" that is part of the system, but is not listed as an available service in the interactive program guide.

In one embodiment, the hybrid presentation system implements one or more of the following functions in order to provide hybrid presentations at the device 102.

1. When the device 102 attempts to obtain real-time services, the content is rendered as part of the cached content 124.

2. When the device exits the real-time service, the content is rendered as part of the cached content 124.

3. Content that is part of the cached content 124 is submitted at the time the selected user activity occurs. For example, user activity may be based on a subscription state of the device, or selected actions taken by the device user (not including entering or exiting a real-time service).

In one embodiment, the hybrid presentation system submits selected portions of the cached content 124 when the device 102 attempts to obtain real-time services. For example, the client application 112 processes the package database 114 to provide a list of services available to the device user. When the device user selects to receive a particular service, client application 112 accesses information associated with the selected service in system information 116. The information in the system information 116 specifies selected ones of the cached content 124 to be rendered when the device attempts to obtain the selected real-time service. The client application 112 then extracts the selected content from the cached content 124 and submits it to the device. For example, the content of the selected cache may be an introduction to the service that is desired to join. The client application 112 then transmits a request 126 to the server 104 to obtain the selected service 130. The server responds by transmitting the selected service 130 to the device, as shown by path 128.

In one embodiment, the hybrid presentation system submits the selected portion of the cached content 124 when the device 102 attempts to exit the real-time service. Assuming the device is receiving real-time services from the server 104, the device user may choose to cancel or exit the service. For example, a device user may interact with client application 112, choose to exit, terminate one or more services, or unsubscribe. Client application 112 accesses information associated with the selected service in system information 116. Information in the system information 116 identifies content in the cached content 124 to be rendered when the device attempts to exit the selected real-time service. The client application 112 then extracts the identified content from the cached content 124 and submits it on the device. This content may be, for example, a summary of the service to be exited. The client application 112 then transmits a request to the server 104 to exit the selected service. The server 104 responds by terminating transmission of the selected service to the device 102.

In one embodiment, the hybrid presentation system submits the selected portion of the cached content 124 in response to a selected user activity of the device user, wherein the selected user activity does not include entering or exiting the real-time system. For example, assuming the device is receiving real-time services, the device user may enter information in response to a pop-up menu, a request for information, or provide any other user action. Based on the user action, client application 112 accesses information in system information 116 that is associated with the selected user action. These pieces of information in the system information 116 identify the content to be rendered in the cached content 124. The client application 112 then extracts the content from the cached content 124 and submits it on the device 102. This content may be, for example, an advertisement based on the type of service or subscription associated with the device 102.

In one embodiment, the user activity is determined from a subscription state of the device. For example, system information 116 includes subscription state information that client application 112 processes to determine whether selected conditions have been met. For example, subscription state includes information about the type of service that this device subscribes to, and may also include conditions based on a user profile, demographic information associated with the device user, or any other type of subscription state information. Based on this subscription state, client application 112 accesses information in system information 116 that identifies content to be rendered in cached content 124. The client application 112 then extracts this content from the cached content 124 and submits it on the device 102. This content may be, for example, an advertisement based on the type of service or subscription associated with the device 102.

Thus, in one or more embodiments, the hybrid presentation system provides hybrid presentations, including particular arrangements, sequences, hybrids, and/or selections of real-time and non-real-time content for presentation on a device. It is noted that this hybrid rendering system is not limited to the embodiment described with reference to fig. 1, and that other embodiments are within the scope of these embodiments.

FIG. 2 details one embodiment of a server 200 suitable for use in one or more embodiments of a hybrid presentation system. For example, server 200 may be used as server 104 in FIG. 1. The server 200 includes processing logic 202, cacheable content 204, and transceiver logic 208, all connected to an internal data bus 210. Server 200 also includes service 212, system information 214, client application 216, and package database 218.

In one or more embodiments, the processing logic 202 comprises a CPU, processor, gate array, hardware logic, memory units, virtual machine, software, and/or any combination of hardware and software. Thus, the processing logic 202 generally comprises logic to execute machine-readable instructions and to control one or more other functional units of the server 200 via the internal data bus 210.

The cacheable content 204 includes one or more content items to be distributed to devices over a data network. For example, the cacheable content 204 comprises a plurality of content items to be distributed over a data network for caching at one or more devices. In one or more embodiments, the cacheable content 204 includes games or other applications, advertisements, content scene variables, or other information capable of opening substantially any file type, all of which can be submitted or executed on the device.

Services 212 include any type of real-time service including, but not limited to, multimedia presentations, news, sports, weather, financial information, and/or any other type of real-time service.

The transceiver logic 208 comprises hardware and/or software for the server 200 to transmit and receive data and/or other information over a network connection. In one embodiment, the transceiver logic 208 comprises logic configured to provide a unicast communication channel 220, the unicast communication channel 220 providing any type of unicast communication link as appropriate to allow the server 200 to communicate with the device via unicast transmission. In one embodiment, the transceiver logic 208 comprises logic configured to provide a multicast communication channel 222 that the server 200 communicates with one or more devices using multicast transmissions using any type of multicast communication link suitable for the multicast communication channel 222.

The package database 218 includes information describing the service packages that are available. For example, the package database 218 includes packages and service descriptions, identifiers, pricing, scheduling, and any other suitable information regarding the services and packages that may be obtained.

The client application 216 comprises a program or other type of executable code that executes on the device and processes the package database 218 to provide an interactive program guide to the device user. This interactive program guide allows the device user to see the services available and make subscription selections.

System information 214 includes information related to service 212. For example, system information 214 includes a resource identifier, a content identifier, or any other system information associated with a service that is available to a device. In one embodiment, the processing logic 202 is to generate system information parameters.

In one embodiment, the device undergoes an activation process with the server 200 in order to subscribe to receive one or more services 212 from the server 200. After the activation process, the server 200 transmits the client application 216, the package database 218, and the system information 214 to the activated device.

During operation of one or more embodiments of the hybrid presentation system, the server 200 transmits a portion of the cacheable content 204 over a data network, cached at the device. In one embodiment, this portion of the cacheable content 204 is transmitted to the device 102 as part of the service that can be seen. For example, in one embodiment, the cacheable content 204 is transmitted to the device by the transceiver logic 208 in a unicast transmission provided by the channel 220.

In one embodiment, the hybrid rendering system includes program instructions stored on a computer-readable medium that, when executed by a processor (e.g., processing logic 202), provide the functionality of server 200 described herein. For example, the instructions may be loaded into the server 200 from a computer-readable medium (e.g., a floppy disk, CDROM, memory card, FLASH memory device, RAM, ROM, or any other type of memory device or computer-readable medium). In another embodiment, the instructions may be loaded into the server 200 by the transceiver logic 208 from an external device or network resource connected to the server 200. When executed by the processing logic 202, these instructions provide one or more embodiments of the hybrid rendering system described herein. It is noted that the server 200 is merely one embodiment and that other embodiments are possible within the scope of these embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of cacheable content 300 for use in one or more embodiments of a hybrid presentation system. For example, one or more instances of cacheable content 300 are suitable for use as the cacheable content 204 shown in fig. 2. The cacheable content 300 includes a content identifier 302, a version indication 304, a type indication 306, and actual content 308.

The content identifier 302 is used to identify the content 308. The version indication 304 indicates a specific version of the content 308. The type indication 306 indicates a type characteristic of the content 308. For example, the type indication 306 may indicate whether the content is a content clip, a pop-up, a script, a program, or any other content type. Content 308 represents the actual content to be rendered on the device.

In one embodiment of a hybrid presentation system, one or more instances of cacheable content 300 are transmitted and buffered at a receiving device. The cached content is then submitted on the device in response to one or more operating conditions and/or presentation events 308. It is noted that the format of cacheable content 300 can be any type as appropriate, and that cacheable content 300 can be encoded or encrypted using any technique as appropriate.

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of system information 400 for one or more embodiments of a hybrid presentation system. For example, system information 400 is suitable for use as system information 214 shown in fig. 2. In one embodiment, the system information 400 is assembled, updated, changed, and/or maintained by the processing logic 202.

System information 400 includes one or more examples of the following: header 402, service identifier 404, service version indication 406, service name 408, service description 410, entry content identifier 412, and exit content identifier 414. The system information 400 also includes one or more instances of user activity parameters 424, the user activity parameters 424 including a user activity identifier 416, a subscription state identifier (418, 420), and a content identifier 422.

Header 402 provides information identifying system information 400, its version, or other information about system information 400. Service identifier 404, version 406, name 408, and description 410 are used to describe and identify a particular service. The incoming content identifier 412 is used to identify the content to be submitted when the service is obtained or joined. The logout content identifier 414 is used to identify content to be submitted when logging out, terminating the identified service, or unsubscribing.

The user activity identifier 416 is used to identify a particular user operation with respect to the identified service 404. For example, the user action may be a response to a pop-up menu or other information request. The reservation state identifier (418, 420) is used to describe the selected reservation state information. For example, subscription state information may be used to identify services that a device may subscribe to.

The content identifier 422 identifies content to be rendered based on the occurrence of the user activity parameter 424. In one or more embodiments, the system information 400 may include multiple instances of user activity parameters 424, thereby enabling various predetermined user activities to be associated with selected cached content. It is noted that the format of system information 400 may be any suitable format and may be encoded or encrypted using any suitable technique.

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a method 500 for operating a server in one embodiment of a hybrid presentation system. For clarity, the method 500 will be described with reference to the server 200 shown in fig. 2. In one or more embodiments, the processing logic 202 executes program instructions and controls the operation of the server 200 to implement the functions described below. It will be assumed that the server 200 has activated one or more devices and has transmitted the client application 216 and the package database 218 to those devices.

In block 502, the server obtains cacheable content associated with one or more services that are available. For example, the server 200 obtains the cacheable content 204 from a content retailer, a service provider, or any other content provider. In one embodiment, the cacheable content 204 includes non-real time content segments, such as advertisements.

In block 504, system information parameters are generated. In one embodiment, the processing logic 202 generates the parameters for inclusion in the system information 214. For example, the processing logic 202 generates the system information parameters shown in FIG. 4, which include the entry content identifier 412, the exit content identifier 414, and the user activity parameters 424. The content identifier is used to identify content to be rendered for caching at the device at the time of one or more presentation events.

In block 506, the cacheable content and the system information are transmitted to one or more devices. For example, in one embodiment, the processing logic 202 transmits the cacheable content 204 and the system information 214 to the device using the channel 222 of the transceiver logic 208.

In block 508, the service is transmitted over the data network. In one embodiment, these services are subscribed to by one or more devices. The selected cached content identified in the system information at the device is submitted when one or more presentation events associated with the transmitted service occur at the device.

It is noted that the method 500 is merely illustrative of one embodiment and that changes, additions, deletions, or rearrangements of the functions described may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments described herein.

FIG. 6 details one embodiment of an apparatus 600 suitable for use in one or more embodiments of a hybrid presentation system. For example, the apparatus 600 may be used as the apparatus 102 in fig. 1. The apparatus 600 includes processing logic 602, commit logic 604, memory 606, and transceiver logic 608, all connected to an internal data bus 610. This device also includes client application logic 612, a package database 614, and system information 616.

In one or more embodiments, the processing logic 602 comprises a CPU, processor, gate array, hardware logic, memory units, virtual machine, software, and/or any combination of hardware and software. Thus, the processing logic 602 generally comprises logic to execute machine-readable instructions and to control one or more other functional units of the apparatus 600 via the internal data bus 610.

The rendering logic 604 comprises hardware and/or software that allows the apparatus 600 to render content. For example, the rendering logic 604 may include audio logic, video logic, a display system, user interface logic, and/or any other hardware and/or software as appropriate to allow the device to render content and receive device input, such as input from a device user.

Memory 606 includes any type of memory device suitable for storing information and content. For example, memory 606 may be used as a cache memory to store content for later submission on device 600.

The transceiver logic 608 comprises hardware and/or software for the device 600 to transmit and receive data and/or other information with a remote device or network system. In one embodiment, the transceiver logic 608 comprises logic configured to provide communications over a unicast communication channel 618. For example, in one embodiment, the communication channel 618 provides any type of suitable unicast link for the apparatus 600 to communicate with one or more data networks. In one embodiment, the transceiver logic 608 comprises logic configured to provide communications over a multicast communication channel 620. For example, in one embodiment, communication channel 620 provides any suitable type of multicast link for apparatus 600 to communicate with one or more data networks.

During operation, device 600 activates a server on the data network, thereby enabling device 600 to subscribe to receive services that are available. In one embodiment, the apparatus 600 receives a client application 612, a package database 614, and system information 616 from a server. The device also receives cacheable content that is stored on the memory 606 as cached content 622. In one embodiment, the apparatus 600 receives the above information through the transceiver logic 608 using the unicast communication channel 618.

In one embodiment, client application 612 comprises any type of program or executable code that is capable of executing on device 600 to process package database 614 and provide an interactive program guide to a device user. Client application 612 controls rendering logic 604 to render the interactive program guide. The interactive program guide provides information to the device user regarding the services that are available. The device user may then choose to receive one or more services.

In one embodiment, client application 612 detects a presentation event. A presentation event is an event that causes selected ones of the cached content 622 to be rendered on the device. In one or more embodiments, presenting events includes one or more of the following events.

1. A device attempting to join or obtain a service;

2. the device attempts to exit or terminate service;

3. user activity that is not part of joining or leaving the service is detected.

In one embodiment, a presence event occurs when a device attempts to join or obtain a selected service. For example, in one embodiment, the device user selects a service to join from the interactive program guide. Client application 612 processes information in system information 610 related to the selected service. The system information 610 includes an incoming content identifier that identifies cached incoming content to be submitted. In one embodiment, the incoming content is part of the cached content 622. Client application 612 then extracts the identified incoming content from cached content 622 and submits it on device 600 using submission logic 604. Client application 612 then controls the transceiver logic to obtain the selected service. This service may be received as a multicast transmission using the communication channel 620, for example. Thus, in one embodiment of the hybrid presentation system, selected content is submitted from the cached content 622 when a device attempts to join or obtain a service.

In one embodiment, the presence event occurs when the device attempts to exit or terminate the selected service. For example, in one embodiment, the device user selects a service to exit from the interactive program guide. For example, device 600 has currently subscribed to receive the selected service. Client application 612 processes information associated with the selected service in system information 610. The system information 610 identifies an exit content identifier that identifies the exit content to be submitted for the selected service. In one embodiment, the exit content is part of the cached content 622. The client application logic 612 then extracts the identified exit content from the cached content 622 and renders it on the device 600 using the rendering logic 604. The client application logic 612 then transmits a request to the server to exit the selected service. For example, the request is transmitted using the transceiver logic 608 and the communication channel 618. Thus, in one embodiment of the hybrid presentation system, content selected from the cached content 622 is submitted when the device attempts to exit the service.

In one embodiment, the presentation event occurs when the selected user activity occurs. For example, in one embodiment, the device user performs selected operations with respect to the service. For example, such an action may include selecting a particular link or any other action in response to a pop-up menu. Each operation is associated with an identifier. When the user performs the selected operation, client application 612 processes the information in system information 610 to determine whether the cached content should be rendered. For example, client application 612 tests the identifier of the user operation to see if it is consistent with the operation identified in system information 610 (i.e., 416 in FIG. 4) to determine if they are the same. If so, system information 610 identifies the content to be rendered (i.e., 422 in FIG. 4). In one embodiment, this content is part of the cached content 620. Client application 612 then extracts the identified content from cached content 622 and submits it on device 600 using submission logic 604.

In one embodiment, a presence event occurs based on a user subscription status. For example, in one embodiment, the client application 612 determines whether the device has the selected subscription state. For example, client application 612 determines whether the device has subscribed to the service identified by subscription state identifier 418, 420 in the system information. For example, in one embodiment, the device includes locally stored information that identifies the service to which the device is subscribed. The locally stored information is compared to the subscription state identifiers 418, 420 in the system information to determine the subscription state of the device. If the subscription status of the device is the same as the identifier in the system information, the content identified by the content identifier 422 is delivered on the device. For example, client application 612 processes information associated with the selected subscription state in system information 610. System information 610 identifies content to be submitted as part of cached content 622. Client application 612 then extracts the identified content from cached content 622 and submits it on device 600 using submission logic 604. In this way, the delivery of the selected content can be adjusted according to the subscription state of the device. As a result, the device having the selected reservation state can be targeted to submit the selected cached content. For example, a device subscribing to one or more sports-related services may be targeted to submit sports-related advertisements.

In one embodiment, the hybrid rendering system includes program instructions stored on a computer-readable medium that, when executed by a processor, such as processing logic 602, provide the functionality of the hybrid rendering system described herein. For example, the instructions may be loaded into the device 600 from a computer-readable medium, such as a floppy disk, CDROM, memory card, FLASH memory device, RAM, ROM, or any other type of memory device or computer-readable medium. In another embodiment, the instructions may be downloaded into the device 600 from an external device or network resource that is connected to the device 600 through the transceiver logic 608. When executed by processing logic 602, provide one or more embodiments of a hybrid rendering system described herein.

It is noted that apparatus 600 is merely illustrative of one implementation and that other implementations are within the scope of the embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of a method 700 for operating a device in one embodiment of a hybrid presentation system. For clarity, the method 700 will be described with reference to the apparatus 600 shown in fig. 6. In one or more embodiments, processing logic 602 executes program instructions to control apparatus 600 to implement the functions described below.

In block 702, the device participates in an activation process that causes the device to subscribe to receive available services from a network server. For example, as part of the activation process, the apparatus 600 receives the client application 612, the packet database 614, and the system information 616 through the transceiver logic 608.

In block 704, cacheable content is received at a device. For example, the network server transmits cacheable content to the device 600, which is received by the transceiver logic 608 and stored in the memory 606 as cached content 622. In one embodiment, the received cacheable content includes content clips, programs, scripts, or any other type of cacheable information.

In block 706, a presentation event is detected at the device. For example, rendering events includes one or more events that let client application 612 extract and submit content from cached content 622. For example, the presentation event includes the presentation event described above. A more detailed description of the operation of block 706 is provided below in the description of fig. 9.

In block 708, selected ones of the locally cached content are identified based on the detected presentation event. For example, based on the detected presentation event, client application 612 obtains a content identifier that identifies content in locally cached content 622. A more detailed description of the operations in block 708 is provided below in the description of fig. 9.

In block 710, content identified in the locally cached content is extracted. For example, in one embodiment, client application 612 extracts the identified content from cached content 622.

In block 712, the extracted content is submitted on the device. In one embodiment, the client application 612 controls the commit logic 604 to commit the fetched cached content on the device 600.

Thus, the method 700 allows an apparatus to operate in accordance with one embodiment of a hybrid presentation system that submits selected content from locally cached content based on a presentation event. It is noted that method 700 is merely illustrative of one implementation and that changes, additions, or rearrangements of the functional elements may be made without deviating from the scope of the embodiments described herein.

FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of a method 800 for operating a device to detect a presentation event in one embodiment of a hybrid presentation system. For example, method 800 is suitable for use in blocks 706 and 708 of method 700 shown in FIG. 7. In one embodiment, method 800 is entered from block 704 of FIG. 7, as indicated by block 802.

In block 804, a test is conducted to determine if service entry is detected. Service entry occurs, for example, when a device user selects a service to receive or join from an interactive program guide provided by client application 612. If service is to be entered, the method proceeds to block 814. If service is not to be entered, the method proceeds to block 806.

In block 806, a test is made to determine if a service exit is detected. Service logout occurs, for example, when a device user selects to logout or terminate a service from an interactive program guide provided by client application 612. If the service is to be exited, the method proceeds to block 814. If the service is not to be exited, the method proceeds to block 808.

In block 810, a test is conducted to determine whether the user has performed a particular user activity. For example, in one embodiment, the user activity is a selected response to an information request. In another embodiment, the user activity is based on a subscription state of the device. In one embodiment, this testing is performed by client application 612 as described above. If selected user activity is detected, the method proceeds to block 812. If no selected user input is detected, the method proceeds to block 810.

In block 812, the selected content is retrieved from the local cache based on the content identifier located in the system information file. For example, in one embodiment, client application 612 determines that a service entry, a service exit, or a selected user activity has occurred. Client application 612 then accesses system information 616 to obtain a content identifier related to the selected service and based on the detected presentation event. The content identifier identifies content in the cached content 622 that is to be rendered as a result of the detected presentation event. The method then proceeds to block 710 of method 700, where the identified cached content is extracted and submitted.

As such, the method 800 allows a device to detect one or more presentation events in one embodiment of a hybrid presentation system. Upon detecting a presentation event, selected content identifiers are obtained that identify selected content of the locally cached content. The selected content is then submitted on the device. It is noted that method 800 illustrates just one implementation and that changes, additions, or rearrangements of the functional elements may be made without deviating from the scope of the embodiments described herein.

Thus, while one or more embodiments of a hybrid presentation system have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made to the embodiments without departing from their spirit or essential characteristics. Accordingly, the disclosures and descriptions herein are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

Claims (52)

1. A method of rendering a hybrid presentation, the method comprising:

caching one or more content items;

detecting a presence event associated with a real-time service;

extracting a selected content item from the one or more content items based on the presentation event; and

submitting the selected content item.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the detecting comprises detecting a selection to receive the real-time service.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the extracting comprises extracting the selected content item from the one or more content items based on an incoming content identifier associated with the real-time service.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the detecting comprises detecting a selection to exit the real-time service.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the extracting comprises extracting the selected content item from the one or more content items based on an exit content identifier associated with the real-time service.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the detecting comprises detecting selected user activity associated with the real-time service.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the extracting comprises extracting the selected content item from the one or more content items based on a content identifier associated with the user activity.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the detecting comprises detecting a selected subscription state associated with the device.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the extracting comprises extracting the selected content item from the one or more content items based on a content identifier associated with the selected subscription state.

10. An apparatus for rendering a hybrid presentation, the apparatus comprising:

a memory configured to cache one or more content items;

client application logic configured to detect a presentation event associated with a real-time service and extract a selected content item from the one or more content items based on the presentation event; and

a rendering logic configured to render the selected content item.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the client application logic is to detect the presence event when joining a real-time service.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the client application logic is to detect the presence event when exiting a real-time service.

13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the client application logic is to detect the presentation event when a selected user action is detected.

14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the client application logic is to detect the presence event based on a selected subscription state.

15. The device of claim 10, wherein the client application logic further comprises logic configured to access system information to obtain a content identifier that identifies the selected content.

16. An apparatus for rendering a hybrid presentation, the apparatus comprising:

means for caching one or more content items;

means for detecting a presence event associated with a real-time service;

means for extracting a selected content item from the one or more content items based on the presentation event; and

means for submitting the selected content item.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the means for detecting comprises means for detecting selection of receiving the real-time service at a device.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the means for extracting comprises means for extracting the selected content item from the one or more content items based on an incoming content identifier associated with the real-time service.

19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the means for detecting comprises means for detecting a selection to exit the real-time service.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the means for extracting comprises means for extracting the selected content item from the one or more content items based on an exit content identifier associated with the real-time service.

21. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said means for detecting comprises means for detecting selected user activity associated with the real-time service.

22. The device of claim 21, wherein the means for extracting comprises means for extracting the selected content item from the one or more content items based on a content identifier associated with the user activity.

23. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said means for detecting comprises means for detecting a selected subscription state associated with said device.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the means for extracting comprises means for extracting a selected content item from the one or more content items based on a content identifier associated with the selected subscription state.

25. A computer-readable medium comprising instructions, which when executed by processing logic, operate to render a hybrid presentation, the computer-readable medium comprising:

instructions for caching one or more content items;

instructions for detecting a presence event associated with a real-time service;

instructions for extracting a selected content item from the one or more content items based on the presentation event; and

instructions for submitting the selected content item.

26. The computer-readable medium of claim 25, wherein the instructions for detecting comprise instructions for detecting selection of receiving the real-time service at an apparatus.

27. The computer-readable medium of claim 26, wherein the instructions for extracting comprise instructions for extracting the selected content item from the one or more content items based on an incoming content identifier associated with the real-time service.

28. The computer-readable medium of claim 25, wherein the instructions for detecting comprise instructions for detecting a selection to exit the real-time service.

29. The computer-readable media of claim 28, wherein the instructions for extracting comprise instructions for extracting the selected content item from the one or more content items based on an exit content identifier associated with the real-time service.

30. The computer-readable medium of claim 25, wherein the instructions for detecting comprise instructions for detecting selected user activity associated with the real-time service.

31. The computer-readable medium of claim 30, wherein the instructions for extracting comprise instructions for extracting the selected content item from the one or more content items based on a content identifier associated with the user activity.

32. The computer readable medium of claim 25, wherein said instructions for detecting comprise instructions for detecting a selected subscription state associated with a device.

33. The computer-readable medium of claim 32, wherein the instructions for extracting comprise instructions for extracting a selected content item from the one or more content items based on a content identifier associated with the selected reservation state.

34. At least one processor configured to implement a method of rendering a hybrid presentation, the method comprising:

caching one or more content items;

detecting a presence event associated with a real-time service;

extracting a selected content item from the one or more content items based on the presentation event; and

submitting the selected content item.

35. The processor of claim 34, wherein the detecting comprises detecting a selection to receive the real-time service at a device.

36. The processor of claim 35, wherein the extracting comprises extracting the selected content item from the one or more content items based on an incoming content identifier associated with the real-time service.

37. The processor of claim 34, wherein the detecting comprises detecting a selection to exit the real-time service.

38. The processor of claim 37, wherein the extracting comprises extracting the selected content item from the one or more content items based on an exit content identifier associated with the real-time service.

39. The processor of claim 34, wherein said detecting comprises detecting selected user activity associated with said real-time service.

40. The processor of claim 39, wherein the extracting comprises extracting the selected content item from the one or more content items based on a content identifier associated with the user activity.

41. The processor of claim 34, wherein said detecting comprises detecting a selected subscription state associated with the device.

42. The processor of claim 41, wherein the extracting comprises extracting a selected content item from the one or more content items based on a content identifier associated with the selected reservation state.

43. A method for rendering a hybrid presentation, the method comprising:

generating system information parameters for one or more real-time services, wherein the system information parameters associate a presentation event with a cacheable content item;

and transmitting the system information parameters.

44. The method of claim 43, wherein the presentation event comprises determining entry into a real-time service.

45. The method of claim 43, wherein the presentation event comprises determining to exit a real-time service.

46. The method of claim 43, wherein the presentation event comprises determining a selected device user activity.

47. The method of claim 43, wherein the presenting the event comprises determining a selected device subscription status.

48. An apparatus for rendering a hybrid presentation, the apparatus comprising:

logic for generating system information parameters for one or more real-time services, wherein the system information parameters relate presentation events to cacheable content items;

logic for transmitting the system information parameters.

49. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the presentation event comprises a determination to enter a real-time service.

50. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the presentation event comprises a determination to exit a real-time service.

51. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the presentation event comprises a determination of a selected device user activity.

52. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the presentation event comprises determining a selected device subscription status.