Patent ID: 8225362
Filing Date: 2012-07-17
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. An Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) information collector device, comprising: an Internet interface that communicates with an aggregator via the Internet and that communicates with IPTV service providers; a processor that functions to carry out a process of: conducting a query of an IPTV service provider so as to cause the IPTV service provider to transmit a segment of data representing a sample of at least one IPTV program supplied thereby to the IPTV information collector device; gathering quality of service (QOS) information including a resolution measure from available IPTV program and IPTV service providers assigned to the device as a result of the query by analysis of the quality of the sample of data received at the IPTV information collector device representing the at least one IPTV program of the IPTV service provider as a result of the query; and reporting the QOS information to the aggregator device; wherein conducting the query comprises: conducting a sample query of a sample of program of a plurality of all available IPTV service providers as assigned to the IPTV information collector device; and conducting an exhaustive query of all available program of the plurality of all available IPTV service providers as assigned to the IPTV information collector device; and wherein the sample query is conducted on a first periodic basis, and wherein the exhaustive query is conducted on a second periodic basis, and wherein the second period is much longer than the first period.