The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 08, 2014
Filed:
Feb. 22, 2012
Patrick J. Donoghue, Sea Cliff, NY (US);
Jay Thomas, Denver, CO (US);
Patrick J. Donoghue, Sea Cliff, NY (US);
Jay Thomas, Denver, CO (US);
Time Warner Cable Enterprises LLC, New York, NY (US);
Abstract
Network content delivery apparatus and methods based on content compiled from various sources and particularly selected for a given user. In one embodiment, the network comprises a cable television network, and the content sources include DVR, broadcast, nPVR, and VOD. The user-targeted content is assembled into a playlist, and displayed as a continuous stream on a virtual channel particular to that user. User interfaces accessible through the virtual channel present various functional options, including the selection or exploration of content having similarity or prescribed relationships to other content, and the ability to order purchasable content. An improved electronic program guide is also disclosed which allows a user to start over, record, view, receive information on, 'catch up', and rate content. Apparatus for remote access and configuration of the playlist and virtual channel functions, as well as a business rules 'engine' implementing operational or business goals, are also disclosed.