You can freely build on How to Seamlessly Switch Video Streams for Many Viewers
This patent expired in 2020. Every claim — 0 independent, 0 dependent — is now unenforceable. Anyone can use, reproduce, manufacture, sell, or offer for sale this technology without a license.
Original assignee
BroadWare Technologies LLC
Patent granted
2004
Expired
2020
Forward citations
98
What this patent covers
The system provides streaming media to multiple client devices over a network. It uses a 'network server module' to send a video stream from a 'first streaming media source' to all viewers on a single channel (Claim 1). When a 'switching terminal' (which could be an administrator or even one of the viewers, per Claims 6 and 7) requests a change, a 'proxy module' steps in. This proxy module, which usually forwards the current stream, then starts forwarding the new 'second streaming media source' to the network server module. Crucially, this happens *while* the network server is still sending the old stream to the viewers (Claim 2), allowing for a smooth, 'seamless transition' on the same channel, like switching camera feeds during a live event.
What is now free to use
All 0 claims of US 6732183 are in the public domain. Specifically:
The 0 dependent claims add narrowing limitations and are also free.
What is NOT covered
Patent expiry frees this specific invention. Separately-patented improvements made after expiry may still be protected.
Does not cover systems where only a single client receives streaming media, as it specifies a 'plurality of clients' (Claim 1).
Does not cover switching between streams that results in a noticeable interruption or 'hiccup' for the viewer, as it emphasizes 'seamless transition' (Claim 1).
Does not cover systems where the new stream is sent on a completely different channel, as the transition occurs 'on the first channel' (Claim 1).
Does not cover direct client-to-source streaming without an intermediary 'network server module' and 'proxy module' (Claim 1).
Does not cover systems that switch streams without the proxy module forwarding the new stream while the old stream is still active (Claim 2).
Who is building on this today
Companies like Akamai, Cloudflare, and Amazon Web Services (AWS) with their Media Services offer advanced streaming infrastructure that builds upon these foundational concepts. Major content delivery networks (CDNs) and video platform providers continuously refine methods for seamless stream switching, load balancing, and dynamic content insertion for live and on-demand video.
Products built on expired version of this technology
Live sports broadcasts online with multiple camera angles
Webinars or online conferences switching between presenters or screens
Streaming services transitioning between episodes or advertisements
Television news programs switching between live feeds from different locations
How to cite this patent in your documentation
BroadWare Technologies LLC. US Patent 6732183. Video and audio streaming for multiple users. Granted 2004, expired 2020. Now in the public domain.
Note: This is a convenience citation. Consult a patent attorney for formal freedom-to-operate analysis.
PatentBrief is an educational resource and does not provide legal advice. Patent expiration information is derived from USPTO records and may not reflect continuation patents, divisional filings, or separately-patented improvements. For commercial use or production decisions, obtain a formal freedom-to-operate (FTO) opinion from a registered patent attorney.