초록 ▼

An apparatus for providing VCR-like "trick mode" functions, such as pause, fast-forward, and rewind, in a distributed, video-on-demand program environment. Trick modes are supported by locally altering the viewing speed for each user who requests such functions, without affecting the operation of th

An apparatus for providing VCR-like "trick mode" functions, such as pause, fast-forward, and rewind, in a distributed, video-on-demand program environment. Trick modes are supported by locally altering the viewing speed for each user who requests such functions, without affecting the operation of the central data source in any way. Thus, a virtual unlimited number of viewers are able to enjoy random access to video programming, including virtually continuous trick mode functionality. This is accomplished in a manner that is operable with existing telephone and cable distribution infrastructure.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method for presenting a video program to a plurality of users, wherein each of the users is allowed to select a desired presentation speed, said method comprising the following steps:receiving a repeatedly transmitted number of interleaved temporal segments of program data at a predetermined ra

1. A method for presenting a video program to a plurality of users, wherein each of the users is allowed to select a desired presentation speed, said method comprising the following steps:receiving a repeatedly transmitted number of interleaved temporal segments of program data at a predetermined rate from a central data source; specifying, by one of the users, the desired speed; selecting one or more of the temporal segments in response to the specified desired speed; writing the selected temporal segment(s) into a local storage medium of the one of the users; and while continuing to receive said program data from said central data source, reading and presenting the program data from the local storage medium continuously and at the desired speed, without altering the predetermined rate said program data is delivered from the central data source.