Apparatus and methods for identifying and characterizing latency in a content delivery network

摘要

Methods and apparatus for identification and characterization of latency in a content delivery network. In one embodiment, interaction of users with content is recorded via the collection of a plurality of tuning records; the latency is then utilize to adjust the timing on the tuning records to account for lapses in time for sending these from between entities of the network and the user devices, and for processing occurring at the devices as required. The latency is determined by taking into account an experimentally or manufacturer-derived device specific latency component, and a network latency component. The network latency component is determined in one variant by sending a message to the device from the network requesting a current system time (or other response). Once the timing of the tuning records is adjusted, these tuning records may be relied upon as being accurate representations of subscriber interaction with content on a second-by-second basis. Accordingly, tuning records may be obtained and analyzed for content which lasts for very short periods of time (e.g. advertisements).

主权项

1. A method for providing data relating to interaction of a client device of a content distribution network with one or more portions of programming content provided over said content distribution network, said method comprising:
determining a first latency attributable to said client device; determining a second latency attributable to a network path within said content distribution network which said programming content must take to be provided to said client device; utilizing said first latency attributable to said client device and said second latency attributable to said network path to determine an aggregate latency specific to said client device; collecting data relating to instances of interaction instantiated by button presses performed by said client device with respect to said one or more portions of said programming content; and adjusting an identified time of said collected data relating to instances of interaction based on said aggregate latency.