Dave Kimble

US Patent:

20100251305, Sep 30, 2010

Filed:

Mar 30, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/414576

Inventors:

Dave Kimble - Boulder CO, US
Fee Ling Chin - Lafayette CO, US

International Classification:

H04N 5/445

US Classification:

725 46

Abstract:

Recommendation engine apparatus and associated methods provide content compiled from various sources and selected to match user preferences. In one embodiment, the recommendation apparatus comprises a headend entity; in another, it is co-located on a user's CPE. In one embodiment, the recommendation engine creates content records from content metadata for comparison to a user profile. The user profile is pre-programmed; however has the ability to dynamically shift toward a user's preferences as the user takes actions regarding content. Client applications are utilized to compile and present content; feedback mechanisms are utilized to enable “learning” from user activities to generate more precise recommendations as well as to “unlearn” stale preferences. Recommended content is displayed in the form of a playlist, or as a continuous stream on a virtual channel, or presented in an electronic program guide. A business rules “engine” useful in implementing operational or business goals is also disclosed.