Video on demand system with multiple data sources configured to provide vcr-like services
June 30, 2014. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent ReferencesVideo communications system having a remotely controlled central source of video and audio data Multimedia bidirectional broadcast system Disk array system Packet address look-ahead technique for use in implementing a high speed packet switch Secure hierarchial video delivery system and method Communications architecture and buffer for distributing information services Program transmission optimisation Program server for interactive television system Video on demand with memory accessing and or like functions Patent #: 5442390 Inventors
ApplicationNo. 269796 filed on 06/30/1994US Classes:725/88, VCR-like function725/92, Mass storage725/93Control processExaminersPrimary: Peng, John K.Assistant: Miller, John Attorney, Agent or FirmForeign Patent References
International ClassesH04N 007/14H04N 007/173 AbstractA video server for providing Video-On-Demand is disclosed. A plurality of data sources are coupled individually to a first and second bi-directional data/instruction switch. The first switch is additionally coupled to a data storage system and the second switch is coupled to a network interface. A real time controller is coupled to the data sources and the switches and can couple any part of the data storage system to any selected data source and any given network channel to any selected data source. A control system coupled to the real time controller and the second switch provides support services to the real time controller and acts as a gateway to third party services and products. The data storage system is largely comprised of disk drive arrays. Video data is striped across the individual arrays, each video data program that a user requests being striped across one array. Each array provides video data to many users through the data sources. The video server is tolerant of individual failures in the data storage system and among the data sources, as operating portions of the data storage system and spare data sources can be rapidly switched to substitute for failed units. The server can also be readily expanded and provides a user experience similar to that of a video cassette recorder.Other References
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