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A system and a method for providing content, management and interactivity for client devices are provided. Digital data based on user specified preferences is automatically obtained and transferred from a wide area network to a media server computer. A system control application provides streaming media services to stream-playing client media player devices, and provides digital media file synchronization services to client storage devices, via a local area network. The digital data is then automatically sent from the computer to a client device using a wired or wireless data transceiver. In one embodiment, the client device is a television. In another embodiment the client device is a portable media playback device.
1. A system for selectively providing a content file to a client device, the system comprising:
a server device for storing the content file;
a network communicably coupled to the server device for providing access to the content file; and
programming accessible to the system for selectively determining between a first mode of providing access to the content file and a second mode of providing access to the content file, wherein the programming includes instructions containing at least one predefined criteria input into the system.
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16. A content serving device comprising:
a computer system communicably coupled to a network, the computer system automatically sending a content file to a client device via the network using a first serving mode when a first set of predefined criteria available to the computer system are satisfied, and automatically sending the content file to the client device via the network using a second serving mode when a second set of predefined criteria available to the computer system are satisfied.
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31. A device for receiving content files comprising:
a client system communicably coupled to a network, the client system automatically receiving a content file from a server device via the network using a first receiving mode when a first set of predefined criteria available to the client system are satisfied, and automatically receiving the content file from the server device via the network using a second receiving mode when a second set of predefined criteria available to the client system are satisfied.
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46. In a first electronic device, a computer-readable media having instructions for selectively determining whether a first mode or a second mode of transferring a content file with respect to a second electronic device will be used, the instructions performing steps comprising:
receiving a command for initiating transfer of the content file;
accessing data comprising a predefined criteria for transfer of the content file; and
in response to predefined criteria having a first characteristic initiating transfer of the content file using the first mode, and in response to predefined criteria having a second characteristic initiating transfer of the content file using the second mode.
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This patent application is a Continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/924,646, filed Aug. 7, 2001, entitled "System for Providing Content, Management, and Interactivity for Client Devices," which is a Continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/841,268, filed Apr. 24, 2001, entitled "System for Providing Content, Management, and Interactivity for Thin Client Devices," which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/519,007, filed Mar. 3, 2000, entitled "Docking Station for PDA with Added Functionality."
Through these applications the subject application also claims the benefit of the filing date of the following U.S. provisional applications:
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Number 60/199,638, filed Apr. 25, 2000, entitled "System for Presenting Data and Content from the Internet on Client Devices;"
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Number 60/268,434, filed Feb. 12, 2001, entitled "System for Delivering Content to Client Devices";
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Number 60/223,872, filed Aug. 8, 2000, entitled "Home PC to Electronic Player Device Content Delivery System;" and
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Number 60/122,727, filed Mar. 4, 1999, entitled "Stand or Docking Station for PDA with Added Functionality."
The present invention relates generally to ubiquitous computing devices and, more particularly, to a system for providing content, management, and interactivity for client devices.
The rapid buildup of telecommunications infrastructure combined with substantial investment in Internet-based businesses and technology has brought Internet connectivity to a large segment of the population. Recent market statistics show that a majority of households in the U.S. own at least one personal computer (PC), and a significant number of these PCs are connected to the Internet. Many households include two or more PCs, as well as various PC productivity peripherals such as printers, scanners, and the like. Decreases in the cost of PC components such as microprocessors, hard disk drives, memory, and displays, have driven the commoditization of PCs. Although the majority of household PCs are connected to the Internet by dialup modem connections, broadband connectivity is being rapidly adopted, and is decreasing in price as a variety of technologies are introduced and compete in the marketplace. A large majority of households in the U.S. and Europe are viable for at least one or more type of broadband connection, such as cable, DSL, optical networks, fixed wireless, or two-way satellite transmission.
A market for home networking technology has emerged, driven by the need to share an Internet connection between two or more PCs, and to connect all the PCs to productivity peripherals. There has been innovation in local area network (LAN) technology based on end-user desire for simplicity and ease of installation. Installing Ethernet cable is impractical for a majority of end-users, therefore a number of no-new-wires technologies have been introduced. The Home Phoneline Networking Association (HPNA) promotes networking products that turn existing phone wiring in the home into an Ethernet physical layer. Adapters are required that allow each device to plug into any RJ-11 phone jack in the home. The adapter modifies the signal from devices so that it can be carried by the home phone lines. Existing HPNA products provide data-rates equivalent to 10base-T Ethernet, approximately 10 Mbps. Networking technology that uses the AC power wiring in the home to carry data signals has also appeared. Similar to HPNA devices, adapters are required to convert data signals from devices into voltage fluctuations carried on to and off of the AC wires, allowing any AC outlet to become a network interface. Although both HPNA and power line networking products are convenient to use because they require no new wires, the advantage of AC power line products over HPNA is that AC power outlets are more ubiquitous than RJ-11 phone jacks.
Wireless radio-frequency (RF) LAN technology has also been introduced into the home networking market. Theoretically, wireless technology is the most convenient for the end user to install. There are currently two prevalent standards for wireless networking, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11b and HomeRF. Both of these systems utilize the unlicensed 2.4 Ghz ISM band as the carrier frequency for the transmission of data. Both of these technologies have effective ranges of approximately 150 feet in a typical household setting. IEEE 802.11b is a direct sequence spread spectrum technology. HomeRF is a frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology. Adapters that are RF transceivers are required for each device to communicate on the network. In addition to utilizing Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) protocols, IEEE 802.11b and HomeRF include additional encryption and security protocol layers so that the user's devices have controlled access to data being sent through the LAN.
Due to market competition and the effect of Moore's Law, home networking technology is greatly increasing in performance and availability, while decreasing in price. For example, the current data-rate roadmap shows HomeRF increasing from 10 Mbps to 20 Mbps, utilizing the 5 Ghz band. The IEEE 802.11 technology roadmap shows the introduction of 802.11a at 54 Mbps, also utilizing the 5 Ghz band. It is important to note that LAN data-rates are increasing much faster than wide-area data-rates, such as the data-rates provided by "last mile" technologies including DSL, DOCSIS. Wireless wide area data-rates are also improving slowly. Current digital cellular technology provides less than 64 Kbps data-rates, with most systems providing throughput in the 20 Kbps range.
While networked PCs with Internet connectivity provide greater convenience for productivity applications, there are other trends that are influencing end user's content experiencing habits. For example, Personal Video Recorders (hereafter PVRsare increasing in popularity. These devices are an improvement on VCR "time-shifting" functionality, allowing users to record, pause, and start live broadcast media, almost in real time. These devices digitize terrestrially broadcast television content and store the files on a hard disk drive, providing much faster random access, fast-forwarding, and rewinding. A graphical user interface is provided that allows users to make content preference selections. A PVR supports the trend toward user controlled "anytime" access to digital content.
The MP3 digital audio format is an audio encoding technology that allows consumers to further compress digital audio files such as those found on Compact Disks, to much smaller sizes with very little decrease in sound quality. The MP3 format is the audio layer of MPEG-2 digital audio and video compression and transmission standard. For example, the MP3 format allows for compression of audio content to approximately 1 million bytes per minute of audio, at near Compact Disk quality. This capability, combined with a decrease in the cost of flash memory, a type of non-volatile silicon-based mass memory, has made it possible to develop affordable, portable digital audio playback devices. These are devices that are significantly smaller than portable CD players because they contain no moving parts, only flash memory and a microprocessor for decoding MP3 compressed audio content.
PC-based MP3 software players have been created that provide a convenient graphical user interface and software decoding of MP3 files. Some technology allows users to play MP3 files on their PC, using an existing sound card with external speakers. However, to listen to MP3s the user must interface with the PC, using a mouse and keyboard, and must be nearby the PC sound output equipment.
The smaller size of MP3 encoded audio files has also enabled these files to be shared by users across the Internet, since the transfer of these files takes an acceptable amount of time. Internet-based digital music access and distribution service businesses have appeared that provide various means for users to gain access to digital audio files.
In addition to music, many other types of audio content are now available in digital format, such as spoken-word content, news, commentary, and educational content. Digital files containing audio recordings of books being read aloud are available for download directly from their website.
Graphic content such as video and still images are also increasingly available. Digital still and video cameras allow the capture and rapid transfer of images. Products exist that allows users to share digital images across the Internet. One example is a frame housing similar to a conventional picture frame, but with a large LCD in place of a photograph. The device includes a microprocessor, memory, and modem. The device must be plugged into a phone line, and it functions by automatically dialing-up to a server where new digital images are stored. Based on user instructions made through a setup function on a website, a group of photos are sent to, and stored on, and displayed by the device. These picture frames may be costly due to the fact that they includes a large LCD, and also because they must include enough memory to store the digital images. This type of picture frame is an example of digital content delivered beyond the PC.
Internet access is also available through the use of wireless phones with Internet browsing capability and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) with wide-area wireless connections. One such device uses the paging network, which provides among the lowest bandwidth connection available at approximately 2.4 Kbps. Another such device uses the cellular wireless infrastructure which provides a maximum of 19.2 Kbps. Many wireless cellular phones now provide "wireless web" limited browsing capability. The slow data-rates provided by these products, as well as limited display area and awkward methods of user interaction, have resulted in slow adoption rates, and signals that users increasingly demand rich media experiences that can only be supported by broadband data-rates. Additionally, use of these products supports the trend of access to Internet content beyond the PC.
Other technology providers provides software that channels content from the Internet to a handheld device through a PC with an Internet connection. The handheld must be docked in its cradle for the transfer to take place. The personal computer is used mainly as a communication link, as none of the content is stored on the computer, it passes through the PC and is stored on the handheld device. The user removes the handheld device from the cradle and then accesses the information from the last download on the handheld device. Many systems do not provide for rich media experiences as that example of a handheld device. Other devices are limited in processing power, and handheld devices do not leverage the processing power of the personal computer. However, handheld devices do further support the trend of access to Internet content beyond the PC.
Cable, as well as satellite TV services are efficient in providing video content to a wide variety of users. However, most existing cable and satellite systems provide video delivery services on a broadcast model, that is, customers must choose from a set number of audio/video programs that are simultaneously broadcast, with the schedule determined by the broadcast networks. With the overlaying of data services over existing cable lines, there is the opportunity to provide a video-on-demand service whereby customers could order video programming of their choice at any time. However, a simple calculation will show that pure video-on-demand cannot be supported by the bandwidth available on the existing networks, due to the high data-rates required to transport high-quality video and audio in real-time.
The convergence of the digitization of content, combined with the proliferation and decreasing cost of networking and data processing components, is providing the opportunity to deliver rich content via the Internet, to a variety of inexpensive devices beyond the personal computer.
What is needed is a system that provides an economically optimal architecture and management system for allowing users to set up preferences for content of varying types, including rich content, and other services, to be automatically delivered to inexpensive client devices.
A system and a method for providing content, management and interactivity for client devices are described. Digital data based on user specified preferences is automatically obtained and transferred from a wide area network to a computer. The digital data is then automatically sent from the computer to a client device using a wireless data transceiver. In one embodiment, the client device is a television.
The present invention will be understood more fully from the detailed description given below and from the accompanying drawings of various embodiments of the invention, which, however, should not be taken to limit the invention to the specific embodiments, but are for explanation and understanding only:
A system and a method for providing content, management and interactivity for client devices are described. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the present invention.
A set of definitions is provided below to clarify the present invention.
The Internet is used interchangeably with the term web or worldwide web. Both of these are defined as the worldwide network of PCs, servers, and other devices.
Broadband connection is defined as a communications network in which the frequency bandwidth can be divided and shared by multiple simultaneous signals. A broadband connection to the Internet typically provides minimum upstream and downstream data-rates of approximately 200K or more bits per second. There are many different types of broadband connections including DSL, cable modems, and fixed and mobile wireless connections.
A Data Over Cable System Interface Specification (DOCSIS) modem is an industry standard type of cable modem that is used to provide broadband access to the Internet over a coaxial cable physical layer that is also used for the delivery of cable TV signals (CATV). DOCSIS modems are well known in the telecommunications industry and will not be described here in detail.
A Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) modem is also an industry standard type of modem that is used to provide broadband access to the Internet, but over conventional copper phone lines (local loops). DSL modems are well known in the telecommunications industry and will not be described here in further detail.
Gateway, used interchangeably with broadband gateway, is defined as an integral modem and router, and may include hub functionality. The modem function is used to change voltage fluctuations on an input carrier line (a DSL line input or a cable TV input) into digital data.
Routers are devices that connect one distinct network to another by passing only certain IP addresses that are targeted for specific networks. Hubs allow one network signal input to be split and thus sent to many devices.
Gateway storage peripheral is defined as an add-on storage device with processing power, an operating system, and a software application that manages the downloading and storage of data. An example scenario for the use of a gateway storage peripheral is a system where a user has a DOCSIS modem and would like to add an always-on storage capability. The gateway storage peripheral is connected to the DOCSIS modem via a USB port or an Ethernet port in the DOCSIS modem. A gateway storage peripheral in combination with a DOCSIS modem or any type of broadband modem is considered a storage gateway system. A PC that is always left on and connected to an always-on gateway with a DSL or broadband cable connection is considered a storage gateway system.
The term "message" is defined as information that is sent digitally from one computing device to another for various purposes. The term "content" is used to mean the information contained in digital files or streams. For example, content may be entertainment or news, or audio files in MP3 format. "Data" is used to mean information such as digital schedule contents, responses from devices sent back through the system, or digital messages and email. "Content" and "data" are sometimes used interchangeably. "Client devices" are those devices that are not fully functional without a host device such as a personal computer.
Local Area Network (LAN) is defined as a network structure that includes two or more devices that can communicate with other devices utilizing a shared communication infrastructure, including wired network technologies, such as Ethernet, or wireless network technologies such as Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11b, g, or a, (collectively "802.11 based") or HomeRF technology. Wireless LAN technology such as IEEE 802.11b and HomeRF are based on the unlicensed 2.4 Ghz ISM (Industrial, Scientific, and Medical) frequency band and are well known the telecommunications and LAN industries. These networking technologies utilize Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocols (TCP/IP) protocols. A LAN typically constitutes a group of interconnected devices that share a common geographic location and are typically grouped together as a subnet. A local network, for example, would be a home network where several computers and other smart devices would be digitally connected for the purpose of transferring content and data, controlling each other, sharing programming, or presenting data and content to a user.
Codec (Compression/Decompression algorithm) is a software application that is used to decode (uncompress) encoded (compressed) media files or streams. Most content is stored and sent in a compressed format so that the content files are smaller and thus take up less storage space and use less bandwidth when being transferred via the Internet. The content is then decoded at the playback device. For example, MP3 audio files are encoded and must be decoded by a microprocessor running the codec in order for the audio content to be presented to the user in an analog format.
HTTP is Hyper-text transfer protocol, the protocol used by Web browsers and Web servers to transfer files, such as text and graphic files.
Data-rate is defined as the data throughput of a telecommunications system or technology, and is measured in a quantity of bits per second, such as millions of bits per second (Mbps).
Content is defined as any digital audio, digital image, and/or digital video files, and may also include multimedia files. Content specific metadata is defined as any information about or concerning the nature of a particular content file or set of content files (i.e. artist, album, song, genre, label, track, year, actor, director, rating, owner, playlist information, and the like.
Thin client stream-playing devices are a category of digital media player devices that do not have or do not rely on mass storage capacity for content storage and playback, and receive their function from the network connection. These devices provide high quality playback by receiving and decoding a digital media stream from a networked media server without the cost burden of mass memory. Some digital media player devices that include mass storage also have the ability to play digital media streams.
Digital media storage player devices are a category of digital media players that include mass storage, such as PDAs (with memory slots), portable media players, and automotive player devices, that can receive digital media as file transfers and store the files in integral mass storage components. These devices require mass storage because they are portable, "sometimes connected" devices that come and go from the local area network. Static devices that are always attached to the network may also include storage and may have digital media transferred to their integral storage.
First, a description of the various components of the system is provided. Then, a description of three functional modes is provided. It should be noted that the functionality of the software and hardware pertinent to the invention disclosed in this document is described at several levels including at the interface level (what the end user sees and experiences) and at the action level (software and hardware interactions involving digital messages, content, and data). It is assumed that software engineers of reasonable ability would be able to program the functions described here using common programming languages and tools.
In one embodiment, the broadband connection 14 is maintained by DOCSIS storage gateway 38.
Referring again to
Referring again to
Content 10 on Internet 8 may be arranged for delivery to local client devices 78 a, b, c, and d by a system that allows for graphical icons, referred to in this disclosure as content objects 20, that exist on content selection web page 22, to be dragged and dropped onto content editors on a PC 34. Drag and droppable content object 20 is a graphical representation of a file system path that points to a digital content file stored locally on hard disk drive 30 on PC 34 or on storage gateway 38, or on a server on Internet 8, or is the graphical designation of a URL or IP address and port number of an digital content stream originating on a server on Internet 8. The purpose of the portal is to simplify and facilitate the discovery and selection of content 10 from Internet 8 for later use on client devices 78.
Content selection web page 22 capability may include, but is not limited to the following functionality:
Content 10 from Internet 8 that may be used in the system disclosed here may be selected from a wide range of content selection web pages 22, that may be formatted differently, and may be available from many different content creators and content aggregators. Content creators include for example the music labels such as firms whose business it is to create or commission to create, and own content. Content aggregators are firms whose business it is to collect certain types of content, such as digital music, for the purpose of enabling ease of selection by end users and distribution.
The capability for determining and aggregating the content objects 20 presented to a specific user on content selection web pages 22 are derived from content preferences selections provided by the user. For example, referring now to
Referring now to
Core module 42 and GUI module 46 access and modify the system control application database 96 using methods called over HTTP and expressed with XML grammar. System control application database 96 is a set of files that contain system parameters and data. For example, a track (song name) shown in audio device content editor 24 is referenced as a file name and a path designation to a particular hard disk drive 30 on either of PC 34 or storage gateway 38, in a listing in system control application database 96. Actions that are taken, such as playing this file, are triggered by XML messages 74 sent from client devices 78 via LAN 70 or from GUI module 46 to core modules(s) 42 over HTTP.
The GUI module includes segments of the software application that run the GUI, including, but not limited to, the following functions:
Core module 42 includes the portion of the system control application 18 that acts on content and data 10 from Internet 8 and also processes commands contained in messages sent from client devices 78, providing, but not limited to, the following functions:
System control application 18 and system control application database 96 are designed to function with a number of instances of core module 42 and GUI module 46 running concurrently on multiple PCs 34 and or storage gateways 38, all connected by the same LAN 70. It is anticipated that users will own and operate multiple PCs 34 in a single home for example, with different content 10 cached on each PC 34. In one embodiment, the focus will be on a singular GUI module located and executed on a PC. PC 34 or storage gateway 38 in combination with system control application may be referred to as a media server.
Client devices 78 may take many physical forms but the common attribute is that it client devices 78 are always or occasionally nodes on a LAN 70, receiving digital content and data 10, and instructions, from core module 42 subsystem of the system control application 18. In an alternative embodiment, client devices 78 may send back XML message 74 control instructions and data from interaction or data that originates at client devices 78. In one embodiment, client devices 78 may include a webpad 92, an audio playback device 86, a digital media player, a portable media storage player, an Internet clock 82, a digital picture frame, and an automotive storage player device.
Client devices 78 depend on LAN 70 connectivity to provide the majority of their functionality. Different client devices 78 may range widely in the amount of integral memory capability. One embodiment described below shows an audio playback device 86 that is connected to a stereo receiver 115. An alternative embodiment shows an Internet connected clock 82. However, it should be clearly understood that the system is designed to function with a wide variety of networked client devices 78. Audio playback device 86 and Internet clock 82 are described as examples of how the system functions.
In one embodiment, an audio playback device 86 may include a plastic injection-molded main housing 168 that contains a printed-circuit board (PCB). PCB electrically connects the components of a computer, and includes a microprocessor with dynamic memory (SDRAM) and programmable (flash) memory. Microprocessor in combination with dynamic memory executes instructions from its operating system and programming, referred to as the firmware 220 stored in programmable memory.
In one embodiment, the audio playback device 86 also includes a wireless network interface sub-system for communicating with PC 34 and storage gateway 38, an infra-red (IR) control sub-system for processing IR commands from the IR remote control 90, and a display 170 sub-system for presenting text and graphical information to the user.
In one embodiment, the audio playback device 86 also includes a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) for converting the uncompressed digital information into analog signals that are presented at the standard left and right RCA connectors, 240 and 244.
In one embodiment, the audio playback device 86 firmware also includes a CODEC for decoding the audio file that is streamed to it from PC 34 or storage gateway 38.
In one embodiment, remote control 90 can be attached to audio playback device 86 front bezel 160, as shown in
In one embodiment, the audio playback device 86 remote control 90 includes button controls for the following functions: Power button 196—for powering the device on and off; Source/User button 204—for selecting the user (owner of playlists and corresponding tracks) or for selecting storage gateway 38, PCs 34, or terrestrial broadcast, from which content 10 from Internet 8 or other terrestrial content will be delivered; Playlist forward button 176 and playlist back button 172—for advancing through and selecting playlists; Track forward button 184 and track backward button 180—for advancing through and selecting tracks for playback; Play/Pause button 192—for starting and pausing (stopping at point in the middle of a playback of an audio file); Stop button 200—for stopping playback of audio content; Tag button 188—for triggering the transmission of information about a currently playing track (file, Internet 8 stream, or terrestrial broadcast) back through the system for delivery to the end user on a website or for delivery to the content creator or content originator; User-defined button 206—This button may be associated with a variety of functions as selected by the user using the audio playback device setup GUI.
The text descriptors associated with the playlists and associated tracks are sent to audio playback device 86 when requests are made by button activations. For example, if the user activates forward playlist button 176, the text string for the next playlist after the one that is currently being played is sent to audio playback device 86 via LAN 70, is processed, and the text is displayed on display 170. Likewise if forward-track button 184 is activated, the text string that is the name of the next sequential file from the current playlist stored in system control application database 96 located on storage gateway 38 or PC 34, is sent by core module 42 to audio playback device 86, where the text string is displayed on display 170. If play button 192 is then activated, the currently playing track is halted and the track that is being displayed is sent, decoded, and played through the stereo system. The functional interface to the user of audio playback device 86 is similar to that found on a typical CD changer, where the CD represents the playlist, and the tracks on the CD represent the tracks in the playlist.
In another embodiment, client device 86 illustrated in
Digital media player 86 may receive a video stream from media server PC 34 or storage gateway 38, such as an MPEG-2 video stream that includes video and audio content, and may decode the MPEG-2 file in real-time.
Digital media player 86′ plays a media stream (video or audio) via the network by receiving successive portions of the digital media file into memory buffer and decoding digital audio/video in memory buffer such that there is no interruption in the audio/video output.
Internet clock 82 includes microprocessor and memory sufficient to receive and decode a full-motion video stream. Internet clock 82 also contains an integral sound system consisting of an amplifier and speakers 136. Therefore Internet clock 82 is capable of presenting audio, video, and interactive multimedia. The digital electronics and packaging technology for such a devices is well known in the consumer electronics industry, so it will not be described in greater detail.
In one embodiment, Internet clock 82 plays a digital media (audio or video) stream via the network by receiving portions of the digital media file into a memory buffer and decoding digital information in the memory buffer such that there is no interruption in the output.
In one embodiment main computer subsystem 304 can operate in two modes: high power mode and low power mode. Portable media player 138 is in high power mode for example when it is decoding a digital audio file. When portable media player is not decoding media or receiving inputs from user interface or network connection subsystem, portable media player enters a low power mode. In low power mode, the main system clock rate of computer subsystem 304 is substantially reduced under control of microprocessor 310 for the purpose of conserving battery power. In an exemplary embodiment microprocessor 310 may utilize a 12 MHz crystal 320 as the main (high power) system clock source and a 37.768 Khz low frequency real time clock crystal as a low power mode clock source. In low power mode, all non-essential functions are suspended with the exception of an event monitoring function and a real time clock application which continuously keeps track of the elapsed time. In one embodiment a software function is active in both high power and low power mode whereby one or more user specified synchronization time values stored in non-volatile memory is continuously compared with the real time clock value. When the real time clock value is equal to a user specified synchronization time value in memory, microprocessor 310 switches main computer system 304 into high power mode (if it was in low power mode). The main computer system 304 then executes software instructions for file transfers via a wireless network from a server computer, if the portable media player is in the presence of a wireless network where new content is available. The new content is downloaded according to user preferences, configured as described hereinafter in conjunction with
In another embodiment, portable media player is a mobile cellular phone that includes a wireless LAN transceiver, mass storage device, and media decoding microprocessor. In another embodiment, portable media player is a single-purpose device that is only used for playing back digital media.
In one embodiment, automobile media player main computer subsystem 330 may includes NAND flash as the mass memory storage component. In another embodiment wireless LAN transceiver 428 is an 802.11b or other 802.11 based compliant transceiver. Main computer subsystem 330 may operate under the control of the Linux operating system and include software drivers for operating peripheral subsystems such as the wireless LAN and mass storage subsystems. Automobile media player 432 may also include application software that allows the user to select digital media files to be decoded and played back on the automobile's integral sound system. Automobile media player includes CODECs in the software stack for decoding a variety of audio formats such as MP3, WMA, and .wav, video formats such as MPEG-2 and MPEG-4, and image formats including JPEG and .bmp.
Main computer subsystem 330 can operate in two modes: high power mode and low power mode. Automobile media player 432 is in high power mode for example when it is decoding a digital audio file. When the ignition is switched off, automobile media player 432 enters a low power mode for the purpose of conserving battery power. In one embodiment of a low power mode, microprocessor is shutdown and a separate low power subsystem 332 functions at a substantially reduced clock rate, for example 32.768 KHz provided by a low frequency real time clock crystal 322, to provide a real time clock subsystem that continuously keeps track of the elapsed time. It will be appreciated that in alternate embodiments such a reduced clock rate low power operational capability may be a built-in feature of microprocessor 310′, as previously illustrated in
In one embodiment, there are three functional modes: (1) setup, (2) real-time user controlled content/data delivery, and (3) automatic content/data delivery.
The setup functions provide the user with the ability to organize and manage content that is to be sent to a device. Content 10 may be stored or generated on Internet 8, or may exist on a local storage device, such on the PC's 34 hard disk drive 30, or on storage gateway 38. In one embodiment, this content is organized and managed with the use of device content editors that are an aspect of GUI module 46 of system control application 18.
A content editor is a part of GUI module 46 and may be used for managing and manipulating content 10 that will be sent to networked client device 78. In one embodiment, an audio device content editor 24 is used to program and control content 10 for audio playback device 86. In an alternative embodiment, an Internet clock content editor 40 is used to program and control content for Internet clock 82. Content editors may be launched from console 16. This is explained below.
Audio device content editor 24 provides the user with the ability to group audio files (tracks) into user-defined playlists, which are text association that contains a list of and paths to audio files or the URLs or IP addresses of audio streams, and are stored in system control application database 96. For example, a user may create a playlist called "Classical Music" that contains ten Beethoven symphonies. A common type of audio file format is the MP3 (MPEG layer 3) format. Certain tracks such as MP3 music files are stored on hard disk drive 30 on PC 34, while other tracks such as streamed Internet 8 radio, are stored as URLS or IP addresses. Streamed media can be in a variety of formats. A popular format is in the Windows Media format, created by Microsoft Corporation. In on embodiment, the audio device content editor 24 capability includes, but is not limited to, the following functionality:
In one embodiment, the audio device content editor also includes a function such that when a CD-ROM is loaded into the PC CD-ROM drive, the audio content on the CD-ROM that is in the PCM format can be automatically transcoded into MP3 files and stored on the PC hard disk drive. This function can be turned on or off by the user in a preference interface box. The interaction between audio device content editor 24 and the other elements of the system will be discussed later.
In one embodiment, the Internet clock content editor 40 manages content 10 that is associated with a scheduled routine, such as a wakeup routine. Internet clock content editor 40 allows the user to associate content 10 such as audio or video files (stored on the user's hard disk drive 30 or streamed over Internet 8) with an associated time and date. A set of content selections for the one-week period shown on Internet clock content editor in
In one embodiment, the Internet clock content editor 40 capability includes, but is not limited to the following functionality:
In one embodiment, both audio device content editor 24 and Internet clock content editor 40 are launched manually by the user by clicking on the associated client device control bar 26 on console 16.
In an alternative embodiment, PC desktop 12 in
The spherical icons on content selection web page 22 are content objects 20 that are dragged and dropped onto the audio device content editor 24 tracks window 34. Using the mouse to control the pointer on PC desktop 12, the user moves the pointer on top of content object 20, depresses the left mouse button, and moves the pointer-content object 20 bundle to tracks window 34 of audio device content editor 24 (while continuing to depress the left mouse button). When the user releases the left mouse button, a text description of content object 20 appears in tracks window 34 of audio device content editor 24.
As shown in
On the software action level, when a user creates or modifies a playlist by adding tracks such as described above using audio device content editor 24, GUI module 46 modifies system control application database 96, a file that contains the text names of playlists, the file names and paths of local content files, and URLs of streams, that the user has selected as tracks. A copy of system control application database 96 is stored on both the PC's hard disk drive and on the storage gateway's hard disk drive.
In one embodiment, a portion of the files that are set up by the user as tracks in playlists that are accessed at audio playback device 86 are stored on storage gateway 38. In this scenario, the user can still access tracks stored on storage gateway 38 at audio playback device 86 if PC 34 has been shutdown. The system may also function with the some or all of the files that constitute the tracks listed in audio device content editor 24 stored on the PC 34. The PC 34 must be booted and functioning for the user to access any files stored on PC 34. Accessing those files at audio playback device 86 is discussed below.
In setup mode, GUI module 46 receives commands from the user via the GUI that is drawn on PC desktop 12. The user's actions and decisions are recorded by device content editors such as Internet clock content editor 40 and audio device content editor 24 which include GUI module 46, are encoded as digitally described messages, and are then communicated to and stored in system control application database 96 by core module 42. In the preferred embodiment, where core module 42 exists as a JAVA software program on storage gateway 38, content 10, the playlists, and names of tracks and stream addresses, are stored on hard disk drive 30 at storage gateway 38. PC 34 also contains a copy of system control application database 96.
In real-time mode, the user can activate and control the delivery of content 10 that has been set-up in audio device content editor 24, either at audio playback device 86, or at PC 34. In one embodiment where audio playback device 86 is connected to stereo receiver 115, the user can access the playlist information on an interface at audio playback device 86.
When play button 192 is pressed, again IR subsystem 104 triggers XML formatted message 74 to be sent to core module 42 stating that play button 192 was activated. Core module 42 determines the present file or stream listing on audio playback device 86 display 170, and initiates a stream of that file or Internet 8 stream to audio playback device 86.
In an alternative embodiment, client devices are controlled by using a device controller GUI on PC 34. Device controllers are launched from console 16 by right clicking on client device control bar 26 on console 16 associated with the specific device that is to be controlled.
The following is a list of controls and features for audio playback device controller 60 for one embodiment: a play/pause button 80 (holding down play button causes the player to fast forward, playing brief samples of the audio file at muted volume); a stop button 76; a track backward button 72; a track forward button 84; and a balance slider 94.
The following is a list of controls for features on Internet clock controller 88 for one embodiment: ramp display back light during wakeup routine (slowly increase the light of the display during the wakeup routine); ramp audio volume during wakeup routine (slowly increase the volume of the device during the wakeup routine; length of dwell time for snooze button (the length of time that Internet clock 82 is dormant after snooze button 120 is activated; deactivate snooze button 120 (no snoozing); and length of time for sleep mode (the length of time Internet clock 82 will play content 10 when activated at night while the user is falling asleep). The function controls now shown in
In one embodiment, in automatic mode, content 10 that the user has selected for playback in the content editor is sent automatically to the playback device, based on some prescribed time setting that was pre-set by the user. A scheduling function in core module 42 compares time inputs listed in system control application database 96 with the current state of PC 34 system timer. When a match occurs between a time input in system control application database 96 and the current state of PC 34 system timer, core module 42 initiates the delivery of content 10 to client device 78. In the case where content 10 is a stream from a URL on Internet 8, a connection is created by core module 42 between the streaming URL via broadband communication link 14, through storage gateway 38, and via LAN 70 to client device 78.
In one embodiment, certain content objects 20 designate a location for file-based content 10 that changes on a regular basis. In this case, a specific file is a content object 20 instance that is cached on local PC 34 or storage gateway 38 and streamed to client device 78. For example, content 10 for Internet clock 82 may include a digital audio file with news located on a server on Internet 8 that may be updated every four hours. If content object 20 instance is a file designation that is not local, the scheduling function in core module 42 will periodically check the file at its location on Internet 8 to see if the file has changed. It will do this by comparing the locally cached file's creation date and title, and other file information, with the file located on Internet 8. If the file's creation date and/or title has changed, the new file will be downloaded and stored on PC 34 or storage gateway 38, so that the latest file can be sent to client device 78 at the prescribed time. This is part of the scheduling function listed in core module 42 functions in
Storage gateway 38 is an "always-on" device. Therefore, in one embodiment, the scheduling function running on core module 42 on storage gateway 38 may be set to automatically access and acquire content 10 on Internet 8 at times when wide area network bandwidth is less expensive, such as overnight or during midday. Core module 42 on storage gateway 38 may also limit data-rates at certain times to further optimize wide area network bandwidth usage. For example, core module 42 can be limited to download data-rate speeds of 200 Kbps during the hours of 4 pm to 10 pm, and allowed to download at the maximum broadband rate any other time. In one embodiment, this download optimization setting can be set by users, who may want access to bandwidth while they are home in the evening. In an alternative embodiment, it may be set by network operators. These data-rate control settings and times may be set using a network bandwidth optimization control GUI, accessible by user at PC 34 or by network operators remotely. The data-rate control settings and times are stored in system control application database 96.
Because LAN 70 technology is a two-way interconnection technology, responses from client devices 78, in one embodiment, may be sent back through the system and processed and presented to the user and other interested entities at both PC 34 and on the web.
The transmission of tag XML message 74 can have different results.
For the tagging function, the core module 42 should have access to accurate time and date information.
An alternative embodiment of this system includes the TV as an output device for using GUI module 46 aspect of system control application 18. In this embodiment, system control application 18 resides on a set-top box that includes the components and functionality of storage gateway 38. Set-top boxes are available that include a DOCSIS cable modem as well as a CATV tuner, hard disk drive 30, and microprocessor.
In this system, the TV can be used as the output device on which the device control GUIs are visually presented, and a set top box remote control with a cursor pointing function is the input device. The GUI images look and function similarly to those shown in
In alternative embodiments, the system can also be operated whereby the system control application resides on the set-top box and the GUI module that runs on a PC. The set-top box and PC are connected via a LAN and the system control application and GUI module are functionally connected using the LAN.
A storage gateway peripheral 134 is defined as a computer with a integral hard disk drive 30 and processing capability, and an integral wireless LAN transceiver 58 to provide LAN 70 connectivity, that is added to an existing gateway 150 device for the purpose of adding content 10 mass storage and serving capability.
In one embodiment, the content editors can be programmed and executed across the network as Java applications stored on storage gateways 38 or on a storage gateway peripheral 134 device. The advantage of this is that any computer with a display and input peripherals such as a keyboard and a mouse, and that has a Java Virtual Machine (JVM), would be a viable client device content programming, set-up, and control workstation. This embodiment could also be implemented so that it was entirely browser-based. A user could access the device content editors within a browser window, with the application running as a Java applet.
In one embodiment, another device that can exist as a client device in this platform is a digital picture frame. One implementation of digital picture frame functionality is to set up Internet clock 82 to present a timed sequence of digital images on LCD 132 when Internet clock 82 is not being used for presentation of other content 10. In one embodiment, the Internet clock 82 may be set up to present digital images automatically. In an alternative embodiment, the Internet clock 82 may be set up to present digital images under direct control of the user.
In one embodiment, the user could attach a digital image to one of the softkey buttons located on Internet clock 82. A separate GUI, the digital image editor 102 would be accessed via the left-mouse-click on Internet clock 82 client device control bar 26 located on console 16. Launching this editor is similar to launching audio device content editor 24, described previously.
Alternatively, dedicated digital picture frame can be used to display digital images. Referring again to
In one embodiment, the system for providing content distribution, management, and interactivity for client devices 78 shown in
In one embodiment the storage gateway system is a set-top cable box that includes a hard disk drive. The digital video files are then streamed to a client device 78 that is a TV 162, or any other client device 78 that can decode and present digital video. For example, a PDA 164 such as an iPaq, manufactured by Compaq Computer Corporation of Houston, Tex., with a wireless LAN 70 capability and the ability to decode MPEG-2 video is a viable terminal client device 78. The advantage of this system, as opposed to streaming digital video directly from a cable headend or DSL ISP is that it provides for more efficient use of network bandwidth. Digital video files are very large, potentially several giga-bytes (billions of bytes). The downloading of these large files can be spread out over a longer period of time than would be required if the digital video files are streamed and viewed in real-time. The digital video files can always be downloading during periods of inactivity on wide area broadband communications connection 14. Additionally, the download data-rates can be controlled from the head-end based on the time of day. For example, core module 42 includes a data-rate control function described in this disclosure. The allowable data-rate can be reduced for peak times of wide area network usage, and can be increased during off-peak times.
The system for delivering video to a TV 162, including the provision for second screen interactive services with a webpad 92, will now be described in detail. Referring now to
The webpad 92 that is included in this system is similar to many PDAs 164 that are currently available except that Webpad 92 includes an integral wireless LAN transceiver 58 integrated circuit and antenna 112, as well as an IR transceiver subsystem 146.
Wireless capability can be added to existing PDAs 164 such as the iPaq. For example, a Compact Flash HomeRF wireless transceiver card, as well as the required software drivers, are available for the iPaq PDA 164.
The PC 34 in combination with the cable modem 94 functions as a gateway storage system by acquiring, storing, distributing, and managing the content that will ultimately be sent to and displayed on the TV 162. The PC 34 gains access to digital content in many ways. In one embodiment, the user may insert a Digital Video Disk (DVD) into a DVD drive integral to the PC 34. The PC 34 is also connected to the Internet 8 and thus has access to a large amount of digital content on the Internet 8 such as MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 files, Flash animations, and the like. TV network stations may provide access to their programming through releases on the Internet 8. Although, here the PC 34 is connected to the Internet 8 through a DOCSIS cable modem, any type of broadband connection 14 will provide the same results.
A Local Area Network (LAN) is established by connecting the PC 34 to a wireless LAN access point 54 that is functionally connected to the PC 34 via a USB 62 connection. LANs and wireless LANs and their functionality have been described in detail in previous embodiments.
The TV 162 is functionally connected to the storage gateway system via a wireless LAN-to-NTSC converter 158.
The software stored and executed in the wireless LAN-to-NTSC converter 158 includes a real-time operating system (RTOS), audio and video (MPEG-2) CODECs, TCP/IP network communication stack, a wireless LAN transceiver 58 driver, and command processing firmware for handling messages sent between the various components of the system for providing content distribution, management, and interactivity for client devices 78. The wireless LAN-to-NTSC converter 158 receives IP-based packetized data send out by the storage gateway system and converts it into a format that is able to be displayed on the TV 162. Specifically, it converts compressed digital video information into the NTSC standard. The NTSC standard defines the television video format used for broadcasts in the United States of America and is currently set at 525 lines of resolution per second and combines blue, red, and green signals with an FM frequency for audio. Through the use of the wireless LAN-to-NTSC converter 158, the TV 162 can display content that is initially stored on the PC 34.
In one embodiment, conversion of digital PC 34 data to common formats such as NTSC, or S-video for input into video playback and recording devices is the function provided by standalone DVD players. Additionally, many PCs 34 include combination CD-ROM/DVD drives and in combination with a video card, provide the capability to present the DVD output on a TV 162. A wireless LAN-to-NTSC converter 158 is an application of this technology. Referring to
There are three different methods for control of the system for providing content distribution, management, and interactivity of digital video by the end user. In one embodiment, the user may manipulate the system with software by using interfaces at the PC 34 directly. In an alternative embodiment, the user may operate a LAN TV remote control 178 that communicates via IR 114 with the wireless LAN-to-NTSC converter 158. In another alternative embodiment, the user may control the system via a webpad 92.
In one embodiment, where the PC 34 is used as the control site for the system, a TV 162 content and control editor GUI is provided as a component of the GUI module aspect of the system control application 18. The TV content and control editor is launched using the system console 16, which includes an icon for the wireless LAN-to-NTSC converter 158/TV 162 combination when it is present on the LAN. The TV 162 content and control editor is similar to the audio device controller, providing on-screen conventional controls to the end user, such as play, pause, stop, fast-forward, fast-backward, chapter skip ahead, chapter skip backward, and main menu.
In one embodiment, where the webpad 92 is the input device, the webpad 92 interacts with the system via the wireless LAN communication link 70 wireless LAN. Thus, the webpad 92 functions as a node on the wireless LAN. By using software on the webpad 92, in conjunction with the system control application 18 on the PC 34 as well as access to the Internet 8, the user is able to select the content that is to be transmitted to the TV 162. Furthermore, the user can interact with the content on the TV 162 by operating the webpad 92. For example, a user who is watching a website can manipulate the website by utilizing the webpad 92 to perform various functions such as scrolling, inputting text, or pushing buttons. An additional function on the webpad 92 would be the ability to tag chosen content so that the system control application 18 in conjunction with tag storage and processing server will aggregate a record of that content on a tag aggregation webpage 56 for subsequent viewing by the end user. The tagging function is provided as a software GUI tag button 420 on the webpad 92. The tag button functionality could also be mapped to an existing control button 408 on the webpad 92. The tagging process is described in detail in a previous embodiment.
In another embodiment, the webpad 92 is also used to control aspects of the TV 162 directly using existing onboard IR capabilities. Webpads 92 and PDAs 164 may include IR transceivers. Since most TVs 162 are designed to communicate with IR remote-controls, the webpad 92 can use its IR transceiver to communicate directly with the TV's 162 IR receiver in order to control aspects of the TV 162 such as channel selection or volume control. The specific IR configurations for individual TV 162 brands can be downloaded from the Internet 8 by the system control application 18 and sent to the webpad 92. Thus, in effect, the webpad 92 can be used to replace the TV remote-control. The IR functions of the webpad 92 can further be controlled and programmed using the wireless LAN communication link 70 that exists between the webpad 92 and the PC 34 so that the PC 34 can effectively control the TV 162 through the IR transmissions from the webpad 92.
The components described above form an integrated system that allows the user to gain access to digital video and audio content through the use of the system for providing content distribution, management, and interactivity for client devices. By using the PC 34 as a caching server for the TV 162, the user has greater control over the content that is played on the TV 162. Content can be chosen, accessed and stored from multiple reservoirs on the Internet 8 and can be played by the users. Furthermore, through the use of a webpad 92, the user can conveniently control the content that is sent to the TV 162, as well as interact with the material displayed on the TV 162.
The following description is an example of how the PC 34 to TV 162 system can be used. The PC 34 downloads a digital movie news program through the Internet 8 during the night. The PC 34 stores the program until, at some time during the morning, the user requests to view the program by utilizing the webpad 92. The PC 34 then sends the content to the TV 162 where it is played.
In an alternate embodiment, the user requests to view a web page by entering a URL address into the webpad 92. The PC 34 sends the contents of the page to the TV 162 where it is displayed. The user uses the webpad 92 to continue to manipulate page content and browse the Internet 8 in real time.
Another use for this system is to provide content on the webpad 92 that is related or complementary to that which is playing on the TV 162. The content playing on the TV 162 is referred to as primary content and the content that is related or complementary to the primary content is referred to as ancillary content.
Regardless of whether the primary content playing on the TV 162 is obtained through the wireless LAN-to-NTSC converter 158 or via other conventional inputs to the TV, such as a terrestrial antenna or a cable TV converter, a digital record of the currently playing content is available to and stored by, the system control application 18. In the case where content is either stored locally at the PC 34 or whether it is streaming directly through the storage gateway system, the content and timing of delivery are being controlled by the system control application 18. Therefore, the digital information such as content title and embedded meta-data are available.
In the case where the webpad 92 is used as a remote control, the status of the user's system is known. For example, if the user is watching a terrestrial broadcast or a conventional cable TV broadcast, and uses the webpad 92 as a remote control to control the system, the control parameters such as broadcast or cable channel are transmitted by the webpad 92 to the system control application 18. The user has also established an account with an associated Internet 8 server that is for example running the content link database server 130. In this case, the user's geographic location is known. With this information, the currently playing content on a given terrestrial broadcast or cable TV channel can be determined by the system for providing content distribution, management, and interactivity for client devices.
With the ability to determine the currently playing content on the TV 162, a wide variety of ancillary content types and services are possible. In one embodiment, ancillary content is pushed into and displayed on the webpad 92 in real-time. For example, if the primary content playing on the TV 162 is an advertisement for a automobile, the ancillary content that is automatically loaded into and displayed on the webpad 92 is a website for that particular automobile. Or for example if the currently playing primary content on the TV 162 is a popular TV show, ancillary content that is information pertaining to one of the actors is automatically loaded into and displayed by the webpad 92.
The system control application 18 receives the information regarding the state of the system, sends this information to the content link database server 130, and ancillary content is sent back to the system control application 18 which routes the ancillary content to the webpad 92. In the case of where the user is viewing a conventional terrestrial broadcast, an additional function that is required by content link database server 130 is to identify the primary content based on matching the time and date of the viewing action with a lookup table of content that is being broadcast at the at time and date in the user's geographic location. Terrestrial broadcast information is made publicly available by broadcasters, for example through publications such as TV Guide.
The system includes an alarm clock remote control 174 shown in
Referring now to
The alarm clock remote control 174 includes a set of interface control buttons 612 used to perform such functions as inputting a wake up time, tagging specific content that is presented on the TV 162, or turning the TV 162 off for a specific time interval (snooze button 632). In one embodiment, user interaction inputs into the alarm clock remote control 174 are transmitted to the wireless LAN-to-NTSC converter 158, where they are processed and acted upon. For example, when the system is activated and content is streaming from the storage gateway system to the TV 162 and the user activates the snooze button 632 on the alarm clock remote control 174, a message is sent to the wireless LAN-to-NTSC converter 158, via the IR transceiver 640 sub-system, that the snooze button 632 has been activated. The wireless LAN-to-NTSC converter 158 in turn sends a message to the storage gateway system to halt the stream, via the wireless LAN communication link 70. In another embodiment the connection between the alarm clock remote control 174 and the wireless LAN-to-NTSC converter 158 uses a 900 Mhz RF transmission system.
In an alternative embodiment the alarm clock remote control 174 includes a wireless LAN transceiver connection to the wireless LAN-to-NTSC converter, in place of or in addition to the IR transceiver. Here, the alarm clock remote control 174 is a node on the LAN and sends messages to the other devices such as the system control application 18, wireless LAN-to-NTSC converter 158, and the webpad 92.
A system for programming content for the present embodiment is provided. The wireless LAN-to-NTSC converter 158/TV 162 combination appears as an icon on the console 16 on the PC 34. The Internet clock content editor 40 for the present embodiment can be launched from this console 16 icon and used to set up content for transmission to the wireless LAN-to-NTSC converter 158 and TV 162, as described above. An Internet clock controller 88 and Internet clock content editor 40 also exists for the webpad 92 that can be used to set up services for the wireless LAN-to-NTSC converter 158/TV 162 sub-system. For example, the user inputs a wake-up time into the interface at the PC 34, webpad 92, or alarm clock remote control 174.
Each of the PC 34, webpad 92, and alarm clock remote control 174 include a communication link to the system control application 18, therefore the wake-up time input is saved in the system control application database 96. The wireless LAN-to-NTSC converter 158 is used to switch on the TV 162 at the specified time, for example, in order to wake up a person sleeping in the room. A switched AC power line 536 in the wireless LAN-to-NTSC converter 158 may be used to control the on/off function of the TV 162. Alternatively, the TV 162 can be left continuously powered on and receive a blank screen signal from the wireless LAN-to-NTSC converter 158 when the system in inactive, such as overnight.
In an alternative embodiment, the PDA can be used to communicate with the system through an IR communication link only. In this scenario, the PDA would not have a wireless transceiver but would communicate with the system via an IR communication link to the HRF-to-NTSC converter or HRF-to Stereo signal converter. In this embodiment the converter includes an IR transceiver and the necessary circuitry for receiving and interpreting IR data transmissions.
Similarly, an embodiment of the alarm clock control module includes an IR communication link to the HRF-to-NTSC converter or HRF-to-Stereo signal converter, rather than an HRF communication link.
The system for providing content distribution, management, and interactivity for client devices 78 has several permutations that have not yet been explicitly mentioned. For example, some, but not including all, permutations that are implied are the following: the system can be wholly controlled through the PC 34 and can be used without the use of the webpad 92; the system can include numerous player client devices 78 on the LAN such as several TVs 162 and, or several stereos 115 and, or several alarm clock remote controls 174.
In one embodiment, the system for providing content and other information services to client devices can be implemented with just a PC 34. System control application 18 resides on hard disk drive 30 on PC 34 and provides all of the functions and features including those provided by core module 42 and GUI module 46. System control application database 96 also resides on PC 34, as well as all cached content 10. In this embodiment, LAN 70 is established by the use of a HomeRF wireless LAN access point 54. The wireless LAN access point 54 is a self-contained device that communicates with PC 34 via the USB port. Wireless LAN access point 54 includes an RF network interface transceiver, and a microprocessor and firmware for managing the transfer of data between host PC 34, and an antenna. There is also an antenna integrated into a plastic housing. Wireless LAN access point 54 gets its power from the USB connection. In one embodiment, the wireless LAN access point 54 could also be incorporated into an internal add-on bus card, such as a card that would attach to the PCI bus. Such peripheral bus cards are well known in the field of PC design. In the case of a bus card, there would be an external antenna.
The automated services function of core module 42, whereby content 10 is automatically accessed, downloaded and cached on PC 34, and whereby content 10 is automatically streamed to client devices 78, is facilitated if PC 34 is always on, or if PC 34 can be automatically turned on (booted). PC 34 includes a Basic Input Output System (hereafter BIOS) for controlling the basic functions of the system. The BIOS may also be used to automate the booting of PC 34. In the implementation whereby PC 34 boots automatically, system control application 18 includes software that can modify the BIOS software of PC 34 so that automatic pre-scheduled activation of PC 34 is enabled. Subsequent control of PC 34 to connect to the Internet 8 and perform operations, is also provided by the scheduling function in core module 42.
The BIOS consists of a set of instructions and data that the microprocessor uses as part of its initial sequence of operation. These instructions are stored in a BIOS flash memory chip, which is a non-volatile type of memory chip, so that the instructions and data are retained when power to the computer is turned off. BIOS software and design, as well as reprogrammable flash memory technology, is well known in the PC industry and will not be described in detail here. The date and time that the computer uses for various purposes is a function that is controlled by the BIOS chip and interface. Typically, a PC motherboard includes a timer and date function that is backed up by a battery on the motherboard. The purpose of this system is so that when the computer is turned on, the operating system has access to accurate time and date information. Since the time and date (timer) function is always operating on a computer motherboard, and this system is connected to the BIOS, most BIOS systems include an automated wakeup function. This is a function that operates internal to the BIOS chip and can be activated or de-activated. If the automatic wake-up function is turned on and a specific time and date is entered and stored in the BIOS memory, a software function operating in the BIOS continually compares the current date and time with a designated wake-up time and function that is stored in memory. When the two times and dates match, a power-on command is given and PC 34 power-up sequence begins. The BIOS modification software automatically modifies the BIOS from the OS level, so that the user doesn't have to access the BIOS during the early phase of PC 34 boot.
Another function that is performed by the BIOS modification software is to modify the internal settings of PC 34 that control the power saving modes and control parameters which include parameters such as when the PC display is turned off, and when drives are spun down while PC 34 is operating. The BIOS modification software allows for the "always-on" operation of PC 34. In this case, the PC can be put into a low-power mode with monitor off and with the drive not spinning. Control of various power saving modes is also provided for users at the operating system level. The Advanced Configuration and Power Interface is a set of functions that provide control of PC 34 power usage, allowing the computer to be put into various suspend states, as well as spinning down drives and other functions. Power control functions in core module 42 modify ACPI settings, providing for quiet, low power operation of PC 34.
PC 34 exists in the user's home, or other location where there is a desire for the ability to play Internet content or data 10, including multimedia content, on one or more standalone devices apart from PC 34. There is a setup activity for the system, requiring several one-time actions by the user. Then there is an actual use scenario. Referring now to
PC 34 is booted (started up) and a connection to Internet 8 is made. This is achieved by using the dial-up networking function that is standard on any machine with the Windows operating system. This connection could also be an always-on DSL, ISDN, or cable modem connection. Once a connection is made to Internet 8, browser software is started and the user would navigate to a specific information appliance setup website associated with the system and the devices. This website would have a particular URL that would be supplied in the instruction materials that come with wireless LAN access point 54 or client device 78. Using the browser, or other interface to the website server, the user would navigate to a setup page at the website that asks for a serial number of client device 78 that the user is planning to use. The user would then connect the USB cable on wireless LAN access point 54 to the USB port on PC 34. The user would then enter this serial number, which is included in the documentation that is included with the end-user device. The online application has a database of these serial numbers that are associated with each individual manufactured client device 78 (including both wireless LAN access point 54 and client device 78) that are distributed into the market. Once a match is made between the serial number that the user entered at the website, and a serial number that is included in the online database, an online application automatically begins downloading and installing system control application 18 to user's PC 34. This software is installed on user's PC 34 and provides the following functions.
A scheduling function determines when PC 34 automatically connects to the Internet. If PC 34 is running in a power saving mode, such as with the display turned off and with the drives not spinning, the scheduling function will initially act to take the PC 34 out of power saving mode, and then to automatically connect to the Internet using the Dialup Action. Many users will already have PC 34 set up to dial up to an Internet service provider (ISP). In this case, the dialup networking function that already exists will be used. If the user does not have this installed on PC 34, an application is included that will install the correct dialup information, so that a connection is made to the correct ISP and server.
At 12 am, PC 34 automatically boots and dials up the ISP. An Internet 8 connection is established. PC 34 automatically connects to the web server associated with client device 78. Here the user's account is referenced as well as the identifying serial number of user's client device 78. A volume of content 10 that the user specified to be automatically delivered to Internet clock 82 is downloaded to user's PC 34, where it is stored on the PC 34 hard disk drive 30. After the content has completely downloaded, PC 34 terminates the connection to the ISP, and shuts down. This occurs at 1:30 am. At this point PC 34 may also be kept on, as selected by the user during the configuration of the system.
At 5:30 am, the PC again automatically boots. The wireless communication system establishes a connection to Internet clock 82. At 6:00 am, the specified wake up time of the user, PC 34 initiates the transfer of content to Internet clock 82. This content is presented to the user as sound and images, waking up the user.
In an alternative embodiment there is a website that is accessed for the purpose of downloading and setting up the system control application 18 on PC 34, and for controlling the content that is sent to client devices 78, and for controlling the features of client devices 78. This website is accessible from any computer that is connected to the Internet 8 and includes a browser. The website also contains a database for storing the content preferences of the user or owner of client devices 78. These content preferences include pointers to the locations of the content entities, such as audio files, video files, or text files, on Internet 8 that the user had specified to be played on client device 78. The website could also include a server-based version of system control application 18 that would retrieve and store content and data according to user preferences on the web.
In one embodiment, client device 78 is a portable computing device referred to as a webpad 92, able to be carried around the house or within range of LAN 70. Webpad 92 includes a set of rechargeable batteries and a battery recharging system. There is also a dock into which the webpad 92 is placed during times when it is not used. When it is docked, there are electrical contacts in the dock that make contact with the electrical contacts on webpad 92 and the batteries are recharged. Webpad 92 also has stored in its non-volatile memory an identifying serial number, which is used to identify webpad 92 on the wireless network, and is also used to coordinate the content that is specified by the user to be sent to and cached at the local PC 34, and ultimately sent wirelessly to webpad 92. For example, users can access cached content on PC 34 or storage gateway 38 such as digital, searchable Yellow Pages or White Pages, and other reference databases. Additionally, webpad 92 can access the Internet 8 via PC 34 or storage gateway 38, utilizing PC 34 or storage gateway 38 as a router.
Furthermore, webpad 92 can be used to control other client devices 78. For example, a webpad 92 version of audio device content editor and audio device controller GUI allow the user to access playlists and tracks, and control audio playback device 86 in real time while away from PC 34. XML messages 74 are sent from webpad 92 to PC 34 or storage gateway 38, processed by core module 42, and appropriate XML messages are sent to audio playback device 86. An embodiment of the audio device content editor and audio device controller that is implemented as a web-page and runs in a browser, using HTTP and HTML, can be used to operate the audio playback device on the PDA. Browsers are available for PDAs.
LAN 70 could be implemented with a number of different of wireless systems such as 802.11b, 802.11a, or Bluetooth™. The wireless communication system could be a 900 Mhz system used on many cordless phones. The system could be implemented with a phone line network system where the house wiring is used as the network physical layer for communication between PC 34 and client devices 78. The system could be implemented using an AC power line networking technology that uses the AC wiring in the home as the network physical layer. It should be noted also, that the system will work with any type of connection to the internet, including other broadband technologies such as DSL or fixed wireless, or a dialup modem connection.
A phone that includes a microprocessor, memory, and network interface is also a client device. The content 10 that would be transferred to it would be the digital address books, such as those that are a part of PDA databases and desktop organizer software. The phone numbers from these personal information managers, and other relevant phone numbers could be downloaded from the web and cached at the PC, and subsequently transferred to the phone database, so that dialing can be made much easier.
A system and a method for providing content, management and interactivity for client devices have been described. Although the present invention is described herein with reference to specific embodiments, many modifications and variations therein will readily occur to those with ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, all such variations and modifications are included within the intended scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims.
Referring now to
Referring now to
Referring to
As will be understood, the various types of content, audio, video, and images, are synchronized or made accessible to various client devices depending on the capability of the specific client device to render a particular type of content. The content type capabilities of each client device are registered with system control application 18 when the client devices are initially connected to media server PC 34 or storage gateway 38. System control application logic manages whether a type of content is manageable for a given device. For example, in one embodiment, audio playback device 86 of
The GUI module user interface shown in
While various concepts have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those concepts could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. For example, it should be appreciated that various configurations of media servers and client devices for rendering content files may be implemented in an content streaming/synchronization system, and as such many combinations and variations of the above described synchronization methods, parameters, and settings are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Additionally, while the embodiments presented above are described primarily in the context of electronic devices having media streaming, synchronization, and rendering capabilities as being most broadly representative of the devices for which the streaming/synchronization system of the present invention is most applicable, it will be appreciated that the teachings of this disclosure may be equally well applied to other devices and media systems wherein selective determination of content file distribution by way of streaming and synchronization methods are required without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Additionally, it be understood that the networking methodologies and systems for enabling content streaming and synchronization described above may implemented with a variety of currently known and future networking technologies, for example HomeRF, WiFi 802.11 based networking, Bluetooth, Ethernet, etc. As such, the particular concepts disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any equivalents thereof.
All documents cited within this application for patent are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
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Originally written on Pro Sports Daily | Last updated 12/26/12
SAN ANTONIO - The San Antonio Spurs used a balance attack, with Tim Duncan scoring 15 points and Manu Ginobili 14, as they defeated the Toronto Raptors 100-80 Wednesday night at the AT&T Center. Tony Parker had 13 points, and Boris Diaw and Tiago Splitter each had 10, as San Antonio won its third in a row and improved its record to 22-8. Kawhi Leonard had 10 rebounds to go with nine points for the Spurs. Toronto, playing the first game of a three-game road trip, kept it close for most of the game, until the Spurs closed out the third quarter with a 13-4 run. San Antonio went up by 15 on a Parker layup with 22 seconds in the quarter, but a John Lucas jump shot cut it to 70-57 entering the fourth quarter. The Spurs went ahead by 19 points midway through the final quarter when Diaw connected on a nine-foot jump shot. Toronto, which has held its opponents under the century mark the last seven games, couldn't keep San Antonio under 100. The Spurs shot 48 pe...
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Viewers: in countries Watching now:
In this series on productivity, author Jess Stratton takes you through the latest tools that will help you run your business and life more efficiently. Each installment covers a particular feature or technique in a different online tool, such as Google Apps, Skype, YouTube, Mint.com, Etsy, and more. Learn about topics ranging from recording and publishing video chats to managing your finances online.
Note: Monday Productivity Pointers is currently on a break, but stay tuned for new tutorials!
My name is Jess Stratton, and welcome to Monday Productivity Pointers. In the last video, I showed you how fun it was to go online, to postagramapp.com, and send your own postcards, real, printable postcards, from pictures that you already have on your computer, or on your phone. Now, I'm going to show you how to log into your I phone using the Postagram app and do the same thing. So, I have my sub folder on my iPhone. I have my travel sub folder, so that I know where to find Postagram when I am traveling and as you can see it's called Postagram and you can find it in the app store.
It's completely free and it's just 99 cents to send a post card to somebody through the mail. So, i'll tap postagram to get into the app, and you'll notice that you can connect up to four services. The first one is your photo library, which is just all the pictures that you have on your phone. I've also connected it up to my Instagram app, and I've connected up to Facebook. So I could simply tap See All if I wanted to see all my Facebook photos. The last service is Dropbox, and if you haven't connected to a service, you'll see the word login next to that service on the right-hand side.
I'm going to create a postagram from my Instagram photos, which I've connected to. I can simply swipe through my list of photos or I can tap See All on the right-hand side to get into all the photos. I can easily scroll to find the particular one I'm looking for, tap the photo, and you'll see a preview of what you're postcard's going to look like. Now remember, this is something that is actually going to get printed out and sent in the mail to somebody, which is wonderful. On the right-hand side, you can see your photo, and on the left-hand side, you can see the caption that you gave it when you created that photo and put it on Instagram.
You can also edit it by tapping Edit Your Message. It zooms in, and I can simply use the keyboard, and start typing to add more to it. When you're done, simply tap the Done button. From here, tap Continue. Now you can tap the recipients of who you want to send the postcard to. Now, in the last video, I had the same recipient, which was myself in there, and it knows that because I've already logged into the Postagram app. So the two work in sync. So you could simply tap the name to send the postcard to the person in your list.
Or you could tap Add a Recipient to easily add somebody new. When you're done, you could tap Continue, but in this case I'll tap the Back button. I'm going to tap my name, 'because in this case I'll send my recipient to myself, and you can also add additional recipients. You can simply tap as many people as you want and it'll place check-boxes next to them and send them separate postcards. Now remember, it's $0.99 for each postcard. I'll tap the yellow continue button, and here's where it tells me when the Postagram is going to arrive at the person's house.
It tells me who the recipient is. I can see the postcard just to make sure it's exactly how I want it. I can tap the Next button and here's where I put in my card information. Now, I'm not going to do that part here because all I have to do after that is tap the yellow Done button. It's that easy to pluck photos that you take and send them to somebody as a postcard. I'm going to tap Cancel and just keep going back, because I want to get back to that main screen. Here's what you see again. So it's that easy to take your phone while you're out cruising a city or a tourist attraction or somewhere with a beautiful vista, take your phone, snap a photo, and choose it from your photo library and create a postcard to send to somebody from what you've seen.
So I encourage you to download the Postagram app and get started sending old fashion post cards right away.
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UNICEF Supports Government to Launch Second-ever Mother and Child Health WeekRwanda, 24 March 2009 - During a week long campaign launched today by the Minister of Health, children and women across Rwanda will be reached with a package of key life-saving interventions to protect them from preventable illnesses.
Despite recent data that indicates a decline in the number of children dying in Rwanda from diseases such as acute respiratory illness, diarrhea and malaria, over 30,000 children a year do not make it to their first birthday.
"Fifty per cent of these deaths could be prevented," said HE Richard Sezibera, Rwanda's Minister of Health, while inaugurating the week, "but since all health facilities around the country are not yet equipped to offer key life saving services, we have decided that the best way to save lives is to organize these bi-annual Mother and Child Health Weeks".
During this week, nearly one and half million children under the age of five will be targeted for key immunizations, deworming and vitamin A supplementation to boost their immunity, while an additional three million school children under the age of sixteen will get tablets to prevent intestinal infection. Over 300,000 pregnant women will receive anti-tetanus immunization and iron/folic acid as required, while some 48,000 recent mothers will receive vitamin A supplementation.
In addition to these critical interventions, families will also have the opportunity to access information on family planning, antenatal care, malaria, breastfeeding, hygiene, nutrition and the importance of health insurance.
UNICEF has provided over USD 350,000 to help make this week a success including assisting with logistics, training and social mobilization.
"We are pleased that through our procurement services, we have been able to support the government in bringing in all the vaccines and vitamin A capsules," said UNICEF's Representative to Rwanda, Dr. Joseph Foumbi.
About UNICEF
UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.
For more information, please contact:
Hillevi Ekberg, UN Communication Adviser, Tel: +250 783159085, Email: email@example.com
Cyriaque Ngoboka, Communication Specialist, Tel: + 250 788 30 52 21, Email: firstname.lastname@example.com


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We are a family of 6 and recently stayed in a 3 bedroom penthouse apartment for 7 nights. The Mandalay is in a great location and a short walk to the beach and the many restaurants and shops. The interior of the our apartment was very spacious and well equipped with everything that makes a stay very comfortable, and having the third bathroom was a bonus with our teenagers. The pool was fantastic and was great for younger children also as there were shallow areas. The tennis court is set around a beautiful garden and you almost feel like you are walking in a rainforest as the gardens are so beautiful. The front staff are fantastic and booked several day tours for us during our stay, nothing was too much trouble. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here and would absolutely stay here again.
- Official Description (provided by the hotel):
- Mandalay Port Douglas Accommodation offers luxury beachfront apartments surrounded by lush gardens, directly across from Four Mile Beach and only a five minute stroll to the centre of Port Douglas. With an exclusive walkway direct to the Four Mile Beach, Mandalay Shalimar Luxury Beachfront Apartments offer the opportunity to relax in five star comfort. Spacious resort surroundings, tennis courts and a large swimming pool are features of the two and three bedroom luxurious holiday apartments. ... more less
- Reservation Options:
- TripAdvisor is proud to partner with Expedia, Booking.com, Hotels.com, Travelocity, Cheap Tickets, Odigeo, Priceline, HotelTravel.com and Agoda so you can book your Mandalay & Shalimar Luxury Beachfront Apartments reservations with confidence. We help millions of travelers each month to find the perfect hotel for both vacation and business trips, always with the best discounts and special offers.
- Also Known As:
- Mandalay & Shalimar Luxury Beachfront Apartments Hotel Port Douglas
- Mandalay And Shalimar Luxury Beachfront Apartments


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Milwaukee police are investigating two minor shootings in separate incidents Sunday afternoon.
Officers were sent to Mount Sinai Hospital around 4:30 p.m. after a 20-year-old man sought treatment for a superficial gunshot wound to his chest. The shooting happened at 24th and Hopkins streets. The circumstances surrounding the shooting are under investigation.
About half an hour later, officers were sent to St. Francis Medical Center where a 25-year-old man was being treated for a gunshot wound to his foot. The man was shot during a robbery in the 1400 block of W. Grant St.


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With the shift to new owners at Panther and recent updates in the airsoft community, the Lower Mainland Airsoft Group hereby waives 2015 renewal dues for Members in Good Standing with dues paid in 2014.
We're going to assess what part the community would like LMAG to fulfill and then put LMAG's accumulated resources towards that.
Thank you for continuing to support LMAG, on behalf of the current admins and marshals.
PS. If you know someone who needs another barrel condom, we still have our signature wide-mouth barrel condoms available ($5 each, or free when you join).


text: I had a great stay at the Noble House. The room was large and comfortable and the bed was extremely comfortable. I stayed in room six . It was toward the back and was quiet. The staff was great and went above and beyond to make sure the trip was enjoyable. It is well worth the trip off of I-40.