User-request-initiated transmission of data files

• Main Authors: MAGNUS LUNDMARK, LARS LINDBACK, ANDERS SUNDSTROM, MATTIAS CHRISTENSEN
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 17.12.2009
• Subjects: ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE; ELECTRICITY; TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHICCOMMUNICATION

A computer node (100) connected to a network (N) is associated with a collection of data files (F1, . . . , Fm) adapted to be supplied to user terminals (T1, T2) for playback/display therein. The node (100) receives user requests (R) from user terminals (T1, T2) via a request input interface (110). Each request (R) identifies a requested data file (F1) in the collection of data files (F1, . . . , Fm). In response to and based on each such request (R), a control unit (120) derives at least two basic request components (r1, r2, r3). Each basic request component (r1, r2, r3) reflects a respective set of features characterizing specific aspects of a playback/display capacity of the user terminal (T1) from which the user request (R) was originated. Based on the at least two basic request components (r1, r2, r3), the control unit (120) also executes a playback/display capacity algorithm containing at least two consecutive steps. Based on a result of the of the algorithm, the control unit (120) derives a composite playback/display capacity (Cτ-tot) of the user terminal (T1); selects (vID) a version (F1vi) of the requested data file (F1) which version (F1vi) matches the composite playback/display capacity (Cτ-tot) in respect of the particular contents of the file (F1); and causes forwarding of the selected version (F1vi) of the requested data file (F1) to the user terminal (T1).