Embedding data in media metadata tracks during playback

Abstract

Data is embedded onto new or existing media metadata tracks during playback of a media stream. A content server provides a media stream to a mobile device. Data associated with the playback of the media stream on the mobile device is obtained by the content server and saved to the media stream itself. Data may include playback statistics, viewing characteristics, channel changes, comment logs, etc. The information can be stored in a time-correlated manner to allow extraction and analysis of data.

1 . A method, comprising:
 receiving a media stream, the media stream including a video track and an audio track;   transmitting the media stream to a plurality of user devices over a network including a plurality of network devices;   receiving user data from the plurality of user devices;   embedding the user data in a time-correlated manner in a track associated with the media stream;   storing the media stream for subsequent playback.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein user data comprises channel changes and device settings. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the user data is embedded in a new track in the media stream. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising receiving network data from the plurality of network devices. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein network data comprises transmissions rates. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the network data is embedded in a new track in the media stream. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising receiving network data from the plurality of network devices. 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the user data indicates the percentages of user devices switching channels when a particular portion of the media stream is played. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein user data comprises commercial feedback and user ratings. 
   
   
       10 . A system, comprising:
 means for receiving a media stream, the media stream including a video track and an audio track;   means for transmitting the media stream to a plurality of user devices over a network including a plurality of network devices;   means for receiving user data from the plurality of user devices;   means for embedding the user data in a time-correlated manner in a track associated with the media stream;   means for storing the media stream for subsequent playback.   
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein user data comprises channel changes and device settings. 
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the user data is embedded in a new track in the media stream. 
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 10 , further comprising means for receiving network data from the plurality of network devices. 
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein network data comprises transmissions rates. 
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the network data is embedded in a new track in the media stream. 
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 10 , further comprising means for receiving network data from the plurality of network devices. 
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the user data indicates the percentages of user devices switching channels when a particular portion of the media stream is played. 
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein user data comprises commercial feedback and user ratings. 
   
   
       19 . A computer readable medium having computer code embodied therein, the computer readable medium comprising:
 computer code for receiving a media stream, the media stream including a video track and an audio track;   computer code for transmitting the media stream to a plurality of user devices over a network including a plurality of network devices;   computer code for receiving user data from the plurality of user devices;   computer code for embedding the user data in a time-correlated manner in a track associated with the media stream;   computer code for storing the media stream for subsequent playback.   
   
   
       20 . The computer readable medium of  claim 19 , wherein user data comprises channel changes and device settings.