Streaming network adapted to content selection

Abstract

A universal streaming server providing client-defined content at a permissible flow rate is disclosed. The server performs adaptive content filtering of panoramic multimedia signals based on clients' commands and regulates signal flow rate between the server and each of multiple client devices based on respective content specifications and performance measurements. The server sends a derivative of a panoramic signal capturing a panoramic view to a client device, receives content selection parameters, based on the derivative, from the client device, extracts a partial-coverage signal from the full-coverage signal according to the content selection parameters, and transmits the partial-coverage signal to the client device. The performance measurements include measurements pertinent to a client's receiver and measurement pertinent to a network path to the client's receiver. The server may employ multiple content filters and multiple encoders to serve a large number of clients concurrently.