System and method for providing content, management, and interactivity for client devices Number:7,130,616 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) owispatent 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.<H interactivity, management, System, and, meth, 7130616.html, Patent, pto, 7130616

Title: System and method for providing content, management, and interactivity for client devices

Abstract: 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.

Patent Number: 7,130,616 Issued on 10/31/2006 to Janik

Inventors: Janik; Craig M. (Los Altos Hills, CA)
Assignee: Simple Devices (Cypress, CA)

Appl. No.: 09/924,646

Filed: August 7, 2001

Current U.S. Class: 455/412.1 ; 348/460; 348/552

Current International Class: H04L 12/58 (20060101); H04M 1/725 (20060101); H04Q 7/22 (20060101)

Field of Search: 455/422.1,418-420,3.03,3.06,41.2,550.1,515,553.1,4.1,414,2.01,403,412,412.1 379/102.1,102.2,102.3,67.1,102.01,102.02,102.03,110.1 709/218-219,246,217,203,237,206,224 348/552,460

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Other References

European Search Report, Application No. EP 01 95 9676 / US 0124933, The Hague, Sep. 16, 2004 (5 pages). cited by other.

Primary Examiner: Cumming; William D.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Jarosik; Gary R.

Parent Case Text

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a Continuation-in-part (CIP) of patent application Ser. No. 09/841,268, filed Apr. 24, 2001, entitled "System for Providing Content, Management, and Interactivity for Thin Client Devices."

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of the following U.S. patent applications:

U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/199,638, filed Apr. 25, 2000, entitled "System for Presenting Data and Content from the Internet on Client Devices";

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";

U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/268,434, filed Feb. 12, 2001, entitled "System for Delivering Content to Client Devices", and

U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/223,872, filed Aug. 8, 2000, entitled "Home PC to Electronic Player Device Content Delivery System".

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method comprising: using previously provided user specified preferences to automatically obtain and transfer digitally encoded audiovisual content from a wide area network to a computer; causing a television in communication with the computer via a wireless data transceiver to play a representation of the digitally encoded audiovisual content; and manipulating the play of the representation of digitally encoded audiovisual content on the television from a portable electronic device.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the representation of the digitally encoded audiovisual content comprises the digitally encoded audiovisual content converted to a format capable of being displayed on the television.

3. The method of claim 1 comprising manipulating the play of the representation of the digitally encoded audiovisual content on the television from the computer.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein manipulating the play of the representation of the digitally encoded audiovisual content on the television from the computer includes sending signals to the computer via a remote controller.

5. The method of claim 1 comprising storing the user specified preferences in a database on the computer.

6. The method of claim 1 comprising tagging the digitally encoded audiovisual content to aggregate a record of the digitally encoded audiovisual content on a tag aggregation webpage.

7. A machine-readable storage medium tangibly embodying a sequence of instructions executable by the machine to perform a method, the method comprising: using previously provided user specified preferences to automatically obtain and transfer digitally encoded audiovisual content from a wide area network to a computer; causing a television in communication with the computer via a wireless data transceiver to play a representation of the digitally encoded audiovisual content; and manipulating the play of the representation of the digitally encoded audiovisual content on the television from a portable electronic device.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to ubiquitous computing devices and, more particularly, to a system for providing content, management, and interactivity for client devices.

BACKGROUND

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 PVRs are 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.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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:

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of a system at the highest level;

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of a system control application;

FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of an example console GUI on the PC desktop;

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a web-based content guide GUI window and an audio device content editor GUI on a PC display desktop window;

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a web-based content guide GUI window and an audio device content editor GUI after a content object has been dragged and placed;

FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a web-based content guide GUI window and an audio device content editor GUI with a dialog box launched;

FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of a web-based content guide GUI window and an audio device content editor GUI with a "new playlist" text box open;

FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of a web-based content guide GUI window and an Internet clock content editor GUI;

FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of a web-based content guide GUI window and an Internet clock content GUI after a content module has been dragged and placed;

FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of a web-based content guide GUI window and an Internet clock content GUI after a content module has been expanded from "Monday" to "Friday";

FIG. 11 illustrates one embodiment of a web-based content guide GUI window and an Internet clock content GUI and a softkey assignment pop-up menu;

FIG. 12 illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of a audio playback device;

FIG. 13 illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of an Internet clock;

FIG. 14 illustrates one embodiment of a tag aggregation web page;

FIG. 15 illustrates one embodiment of a PC desktop with a console and an audio device controller;

FIG. 16 illustrates one embodiment of a PC desktop with a console and an Internet clock controller;

FIG. 17 illustrates a functional block diagram of one embodiment of a storage gateway;

FIG. 18 illustrates one embodiment of a digital image editor GUI;

FIG. 19 illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of an audio playback device/stereo system;

FIG. 20 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the audio playback device with a remote control removed;

FIG. 21 illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of a tag response sequence;

FIG. 22 illustrates one embodiment of a PC desktop with a content preference selection web page;

FIG. 23 illustrates a system block diagram of one embodiment of a storage gateway peripheral;

FIG. 24 illustrates one embodiment of a a home PC storage server setup flowchart;

FIG. 25 illustrates a flowchart of one embodiment of a process of programming client device content on a website;

FIG. 26 illustrates one embodiment of a home PC storage server operation sequence;

FIG. 27 illustrates a schematic for one embodiment of a system for delivering content with a wireless LAN-to-NTSC converter and a TV;

FIG. 28 illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of the wireless LAN-to-NTSC converter hardware;

FIG. 29 illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of a webpad;

FIG. 30 illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of a PDA with wireless LAN adapter module attached;

FIG. 31 illustrates an isometric exploded view of one embodiment of a wireless LAN-to-NTSC converter;

FIG. 32 illustrates a schematic of one embodiment of an interactive digital video system with a LAN TV remote control;

FIG. 33 illustrates a schematic of one embodiment of a system with a TV providing an alarm clock function;

FIG. 34 illustrates a schematic of one embodiment of a system with a TV providing an alarm clock function with a webpad included;

FIG. 35 illustrates an isometric view of an alarm clock remote control;

FIG. 36 illustrates an isometric exploded view of one embodiment of a alarm clock remote control;

FIG. 37 illustrates a schematic of one embodiment of a system with a stereo system providing an alarm clock function;

FIG. 38 illustrates one embodiment of a system for providing content, distribution, management, and interactivity for client devices;

FIG. 39 illustrates one embodiment of an image of a webpage for selecting a client device to program;

FIG. 40 illustrates one embodiment of an image of a webpage which is a first setup page for an Internet clock;

FIG. 41 illustrates one embodiment of an image of a webpage for programming the content for an Internet clock; and

FIG. 42 illustrates one embodiment of an image of a webpage showing the results of a user's selection of content for an Internet clock.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

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.

Definitions

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 broadbandconnection 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.

The term 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 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).

Overview

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.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of a system at the highest level. The system provides a communication connection and a content and data management system including software and hardware on three different computing platforms: (1) the Internet 8, (2) a local PC 34 or PC 34 and a storage gateway 38, and (3) the local client devices 78a, b, c, and d. One embodiment of a PC 34 is shown in FIG. 37. In one embodiment, PC 34 is a conventional computer including a microprocessor, system memory, hard disk drive 30, display, keyboard, and mouse, and runs the Windows operating system, provide by Microsoft Coproration. PC 34 also includes a Universal Serial Bus (hereafter USB) port for connecting peripheral devices. PC 34 is connected to content and data 10 on Internet 8 via a wide area network broadband communication link 14 that provides data delivery rates ranging from 500 kbps to 3,000 kbps.

In one embodiment, the broadband connection 14 is maintained by DOCSIS storage gateway 38. FIG. 17 illustrates a functional block diagram of one embodiment of a storage gateway 38. Hard disk drive 30 is combined with a conventional DOCSIS cable modem and a HomeRF LAN transceiver 50. These subsystems are controlled by a computer comprised of a microprocessor 280, and the SDRAM 284 running an operating system. The core module 42 software application described below, runs on and functionally connects storage gateway 38 to the other system components.

Referring again to FIG. 1, in one embodiment, the high-speed LAN connection 70 between PC 34, storage gateway 38, and devices 78, is a HomeRF wireless network. The communications protocol between PC 34 and Internet 8 is HTTP and TCP/IP. The GUI module 46 software aspect of system control application 18 exists on PC 34. In one embodiment, core module 42 aspect of system control application 18 exists and is run on both storage gateway 38 and on PC 34. The communication message structure between client devices 78 and PC 34 and storage gateway 38 are XML formatted messages 74 sent over HTTP.

Web Content Guide

Referring again to FIG. 1, content and data 10 on Internet 8 may be expressed on web pages as an organization of text and graphical information, some of which is configured as interactive hyperlinks, all of which are formatted using HTML for presentation to end user's PCs 34 via HTTP communication protocols. A content selection web page 22 is shown in FIG. 4 through FIG. 11. The graphical interactive representation of the portal to the end user is as a series of hyper-linked web pages and hyper-linked text and images. The physical manifestation of the portal is that of software and data stored on servers located at various and disparate physical locations, but connected by Internet 8.

Content 10 on Internet 8 may be arranged for delivery to local client devices 78a, 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: 1) Presentation and organization of content and or links to content according to file type (e.g. MP3, MPEG, and the like), and or according to genre (e.g. music or video); 2) Further sub classification of content within file types or genres. For example a "music" category may be further divided into additional classifications such as "classical", "jazz", "pop", "internet radio" and the like; 3) Additional information that is relevant to content links. For example, a song link may be displayed with information about the artist and or reviews and links to further information such as lyrics, artist concert schedule, and the like; 4) A system to search for particular content on the web portal and or its affiliate links; and 5) A system to retain user preference information for the purpose of customizing the web portal content according to the users preferences.

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 FIG. 22 a content preference selection web page 24 is shown with content selection check boxes 42 beside content selection labels 43 that describe a variety of content choices. In one embodiment, the user may use the mouse to click on the boxes next to desired content types, as shown in FIG. 22. Thereafter upon returning to content selection web page 22, only content objects 20 that relate to the selected content types are displayed to the user. Functionally, content selection labels 43 are graphical representations of HTML links to actual content files, such as digital audio or digital video files. These links are organized and stored in a content link database on content link database server. The actual content files to which content selection labels 43 refer are stored at the content creator's or content aggregator's servers.

System Control Application

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a system control application 18 is comprised of two sub-applications, the core module 42 and the Graphical User Interface (hereafter GUI) module 46. In one embodiment, core module 42 is implemented as a multi-threaded Java application with instances running on both PC 34 and storage gateway 38. A Windows version of a Java Virtual Machine (JVM) resides and runs on PC 34 and interprets core module 42 instructions for the Windows operating system. Likewise, a VxWorks version of JVM interprets core module 42 instructions to VxWorks. GUI module 46 may be implemented as a Win32 application and resides and runs on PC 34. System control application 18 serves the function of managing the connection between content 10 and various servers on Internet 8, and PC 34 and storage gateway 38, and also manages the flow of information between PC 34 and storage gateway 38, and client devices 78.

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 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: 1. Displaying GUI elements on a computer display for view by the end user; 2. Acknowledging user responses made via mouse and keyboard, or other pointing and interaction devices; 3. Allowing for manipulation of the GUI elements such as: a. drag and drop 28 of content objects 20, b. GUI button activations, c. text entry, and d. pull down menu and menu selections; 4. Communication between GUI module 46 and core module 42. The selections and control manipulations made by the end user are communicated to core module 42 where they can be acted upon; and 5. Launching of specific device content and control editors from a system console 16, as shown initially in FIG. 3, described below.

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: 1. Communication links: a. Accessing content 10 on Internet 8 at a prescribed location as determined by user inputs into the GUI content editors such as audio device content editor 24 and Internet clock content editor 40, b. Accessing and communicating with GUI module 46, and c. Accessing and communicating with client devices 78; 2. Managing the caching (local storage) of content 10 from Internet 8 or otherwise digital content files; 3. Streaming of content 10 from Internet 8 to client devices 78 connected to PC 34 and storage gateway 38 via LAN 70: a. Managing and routing streaming digital content 10 from Internet 8 to client devices 78,and b. Managing and routing streams of cached digital content 10 files on storage gateway 38 or PC 34 to the client devices 78; 4. Scheduling--time-based automation of the accessing, caching, and streaming of content 10 from Internet 8 at times prescribed by the user or at times derived by direction given by the user through the GUI content editors such as audio device content editor 24 and Internet clock content editor 40. The scheduling function accesses time and date inputs associated with actions stored in system control application database 96 by GUI module. The scheduling function periodically compares these time and date entries with the current state of PC's 34 or storage gateway's 38 internal timer. When there is a match, the action is taken; 5. Managing user responses at client devices 78--messages are sent from client devices 78 to core module 42, based on button activations at client devices 78; 6. Network Address Translation (NAT) and routing--certain client devices 78 must be connected to the Internet 8 in real time. Core module 42 acts to connect messages and streams from client devices 78 to Internet 8, and from Internet 8 to the client devices 78; 7. Client device 78 Application/Software Delivery--Client device 78 application code can be stored at PC 34 or storage gateway 38 and delivered to client devices 78 on an as-needed basis. For example, if the network device is audio playback device 86 that must be able to decode a variety of different encoded audio streams, then a specific CODEC (sent as a BLOB--binary large object) can be delivered to audio playback device 86 via LAN 70 and installed into memory immediately before a content stream requiring that specific CODEC. Many different types of applications can be delivered just-in-time to client devices 78. The advantage of this feature is that is requires for example audio playback device 86 to have smaller quantities of non-volatile (flash) memory and smaller quantities of volatile (SDRAM) memory. Reprogramming or modifying the firmware at client devices 78 is also made easier since the software is accessible at PC 34 or storage gateway 38; 8. Transcoding--Certain types of content will be received at PC 34 or storage gateway 38, decoded, re-encoded using a different CODEC at PC 34, and then streamed to client devices 78; 9. Auto-discovery--Client devices 78 connected to PC 34 via LAN 70 will automatically appear as a specific client device control bar 26 on console 16 located on PC 34 desktop 12. One or more client device control bars 26 constitute console 16, shown in FIG. 3 through FIG. 11; 10. Message Transactions--text or other content or data from the Internet 8 can be transferred and presented on display 170 and display 132 client devices 78; 11. Tag servicing--when a tag button 128 or tag button 188 is pressed on one of client devices 78, time, data, and information pertaining to currently playing content is aggregated into a message and sent to tag storage and processing server. Tag processing services included in core module 42 acquire information that is included in the message. Tagging is described in greater detail later in this document. Tag servicing includes a function where core module 42 periodically accesses a specific location on Internet 8 to acquire and store an accurate time and date; 12. Synchronization--Data, such as user data and related information, such as an accurate time and date, must be synchronized across the three platforms (web, device, and local server). Core module 42 time and date data is thus synchronized with an external (absolute) standard; and 13. Mirroring--Users can specify that content selections they make using the device content editors are to be mirrored at various other devices. For example, a user may have audio playback device 86 and a car caching and playback device. The user can specify that they want content 10 from Internet 8 that is cached on storage gateway 38 in the home to be mirrored exactly in the car-based caching device. The end user can thereby access all of the exact same content 10 in the same playlist structure in both the home and in the automobile.

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.

Client Devices

Client devices 78 may take many physical forms but the common attribute is that it client devices 78 are 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, an Internet clock 82, a digital picture frame, and an automotive storage device.

Client devices 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.

FIG. 12 illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of a audio playback device 86. The audio playback device 86 functionally connects digital audio content from a remote digital audio source to an conventional stereo system. Audio playback device 86 receives a stream of encoded audio content from PC 34 or storage gateway 38, decodes it in real-time, and converts the uncompressed digital information into analog electrical signals.

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 FIG. 12. FIG. 20 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the audio playback device with a remote control 90 removed. FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing how left analog output 240 and right analog output 244 included in audio content playback device 86 are connected respectively to the left line input 248 and right line input 252 on existing stereo receiver 115. Stereo receiver 115 functions in the conventional way, pre-amplifying and amplifying the audio signals and delivering them to the left speaker 272 and the right speaker 276. As shown in FIG. 19, audio playback device 86 also includes a terrestrial broadcast tuner subsystem for tuning local AM and FM broadcast radio.

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.

FIG. 13 illustrates an isometric view of one embodiment of an Internet clock 82. Internet clock 82 includes a plastic injection-molded main housing 122 with a microprocessor, dynamic memory, non-volatile memory, TFT display 132, and operating system and firmware programming. In one embodiment, the display 132 on the Internet clock 82 is a large TFT graphics LCD, capable of showing images with 8-bit color. The control buttons or dials on Internet clock 82 may include the following: 1. The Softkey buttons 124a, b, c, d, and e, along-side display 132 that are labeled by graphics on display 132. Softkey buttons 124a e can be used as presets to allow the user to jump to content presentations that are associated with each button by a GUI pull-down menu 52 on Internet clock content editor 40, as shown in FIG. 11. 2. Volume dial 3. Snooze button 120 (on/off) 4. Source select (terrestrial radio, Internet 8 content) 5. The Tag Button 128--for triggering the transmission of information about a currently playing track (file, Internet 8 stream, or terrestrial broadcast) back through the system for presentation to the end user on tag aggregation web page 56, or for delivery to the content creator or content originator.

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.

Three Function Modes of the System

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