Methods and apparatus for selectively caching (and de-caching) video content in network so as to reduce content transformation requirements and also cache storage requirements. In one embodiment, a content caching controller associated with a content server differentiates content requests based on content attributes such as the requested codec format (e.g., MPEG or Windows Media), resolution, bitrate, and/or encryption type or security environment. If the content requested by a user is not available with the requested attribute(s), the content server transfers to content to the user by first transforming it. The content server also speculatively caches the transformed content locally, so that a future request for the same content with the same attributes can be filled by transferring without the intermediate transformation step. The controller allows the network operator to optimize use of available storage and transcoding resources.

Methods and apparatus for content caching in a video network

Methods and apparatus for selecting and delivering advertising or promotional content based on, eg, the attributes of a desired demographic In one embodiment, the invention enhances advertising or promotional penetration into a particular demographic of a network subscriber pool by correlating the advertising/promotion (and even the contextual program content) with specific users or groups of users within the pool This approach decouples the advertising or promotion from any given program or lineup, and gives the network operator flexibility in deciding where, when, and how often to insert advertisements or promotions in order to achieve the desired result Dynamic network architectures such as broadcast switched architectures can also be leveraged to further enhance flexibility and targeting precision In effect, the network advertising or promotion model is made results-driven (versus program-centric) Subscriber privacy is also optionally maintained, thus ensuring that stored data is not traceable to a specific user

Methods and apparatus for user-based targeted content delivery

Methods and apparatus for optimizing the distribution and delivery of multimedia or other content within a content-based network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a broadcast switched cable television network, which utilizes a Network optimization controller (NOC) that processes subscriber program viewing requests to identify options available to fulfill the request (including, e.g., the creation of one or more “microcasts” specifically targeting one or more users), and evaluate these options to determine one that optimizes network operation. The NOC performs these decisions by considering various parameters including network resource availability, type of CPE, subscriber's targeted advertisement profile, and business rules programmed by operator of the network. Business methods based on such network optimization are also described.

Methods and apparatus for revenue-optimized delivery of content in a network

Methods and apparatus for assigning bandwidth to a network based on two or more different service levels. In an exemplary embodiment, video on-demand (VOD) session requests within a service group of an HFC cable network are assigned bandwidth such that maximum opportunity is given to grant HD VOD request among SD VOD requests, while meeting the goal of minimizing service disruption by spreading the sessions over multiple QAM channels, and limiting the maximum number of active VOD sessions of any kind.

Method and apparatus for network bandwidth allocation

Apparatus and methods for protected content access, browsing and transfer over a network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a premises (e.g., residential) LAN, and the apparatus comprises a server and renderer consumer premise equipment (CPE). The renderer CPE scans the network to search for a server CPE that implement a compatible security framework. The renderer authenticates itself with the server, and the server allows content browsing and selection access only to an authorized and authenticated renderer. A negotiation and exchange protocol comprises messages exchanged between the renderer and the server that include one or more of device identification, encryption key exchange, digital certificates and information regarding security package used by each CPE.

Methods and apparatus for premises content distribution

An end user/station can dynamically control the service levels to/from a second user/station (i.e., locally or remotely controlling service levels). The service levels being provided over packet based networks (which may include Internet Protocol (IP) networks). Dynamic control may be provided for either or both of the service level (e.g., priority of transmission, class or type of service, bandwidth, etc.) and allocation of the costs associated with the service levels provided to users of the embodiments. In some embodiments, users, subscribing to a level of service (e.g., a set bandwidth and/or type of service) can request and obtain a different (e.g., better or worse) level of service (e.g., higher bandwidth access, higher priority of transmissions, etc.) for each call or session between the user and a called station over the packet network. Moreover, the level of service provided for the upstream direction (i.e., transmissions from the user) can be different from the level of service provided for the downstream direction (i.e., transmissions to the user). Further, the settlement procedures for the costs of these services can be allocated to the user, to the station called by the user, or a third station.

Vincent Y. Chen

Papers

Method for controlling service levels over packet based networks