Network system of media players sharing content
A portable wireless communications subscriber audio and/or video player apparatus and system and method for selecting, requesting, downloading, and playing audio and/or video data content files from an Internet-based database server. The wireless link is preferably implemented in accordance with the WiFi protocol, which allows connectivity to the Internet by being in proximity with a local base station or WiFi hotspot (i.e., publicly available local wireless access hub connected to the Internet). The portable wireless communications subscriber audio and/or video player apparatus and system preferably include a security means for monitoring and blocking unauthorized use of the player apparatus and system. The player apparatus further preferably has the capability to communicate with other neighboring player apparatus for the purpose of exchanging content data files, playlists and personal messages.
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This application claims priority to provisional application Ser. No. 60/507,110 filed Oct. 1, 2003, and incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONa. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to the field of digital audio and video player devices that are preferably portable and receive content either from a secure subscription-based or “a-la-carte” content delivery service or from other participant devices, and more particularly to a portable player apparatus that is in wireless communications with an Internet-based file server and laterally to a peer player apparatus. The present invention also relates to a system and method for delivery and management of such content to such devices.
b. Description of the Prior Art
The development of compressed digital audio and video formats, such as the Motion Picture Experts Group—Layer 3 (MP3) audio compression standard, MPEG 21, Advanced Audio Coding (AAC), ATRAC, WMA, FLAC, Ogg-Vorbis and others enabled the growth in popularity of recording, storing, transferring, and playing back digital audio and video data on computers, including personal desktop and laptop computers. In particular, compressed digital audio and video formats enabled more efficient storage and transmission of high-quality audio and video content by reducing the amount of digital data that needed to be stored and transmitted, resulting in data files that could be smaller than 1/10th of the original uncompressed digital file without unacceptably degrading the quality of the output. However, due to computational requirements, consumers were generally only able to access and use compressed and uncompressed digital audio and video on their personal laptop and desktop computers (except for conventional commercially-sold pre-recorded CDs and DVDs, which were playable on standard players connected to home stereos and the like). This severely limited portable use and access to such digital audio and video content in that it required the user to be present at or near his or her computer to see and/or hear the playback, which typically could only be through speakers and/or a screen internal to or connected to the computer and not easily transported in digital format to more favorable listening environments, such as the user's car.
More recently, relatively low-cost, lightweight, compact, portable digital media players (“DMPs”) have been developed, e.g., Rios' Karma MP3 player, and Creative's Portable Media Center. These portable devices enable consumers to transfer compressed digital audio and/or video files stored on their computers to the portable devices through the use of associated computer-based software via an external connection, such as a USB or “FireWire” cable, and to play the corresponding media on-demand through their DMPs while not in proximity to their computer. Users most commonly accessed the audio on the device by connecting headphones via a standard jack on the device, although it was also possible to connect a line-out cable to other audio output or recording devices, such as a microphone- or line-input of a standard home stereo system.
Such DMPs originally tended to rely on the use of flash memory, such as compact flash or secure digital, for the storage of audio content, and were capable of holding a maximum of approximately 0.5 to 1 gigabyte of memory. More recently, so-called “portable jukeboxes” have been introduced that can hold an estimated 10,000 songs or more of musical entertainment by including a miniature hard disk recorder in the housing of the device, which can have 40 gigabytes or more of capacity. Portable video players with even greater hard disk capacity have also been developed.
In general, conventional DMPs are capable of allowing their users to (1) transfer compressed media files from a computer to the device through the use of associated transfer management software installed on the computer and a physical connection to the computer, such as a USB cable; (2) store such compressed media files in non-destructive memory; (3) decode for playback any of a variety of compression algorithms; (4) convert a compressed or uncompressed digital file to an analog format, potentially also processing the signal to enhance the resulting sound and images; (5) process and amplify the resulting analog signal; and (6) produce high-fidelity sound and video for the user, which may be played, paused, fast-forwarded, rewound, skipped or replayed instantly and on-demand. Also, typically in the case of audio DMPs (e.g., the Rio Karma), the devices feature a relatively small digital display window that provides information regarding the audio content stored on the device, such as the title and artist, and enables viewing (and in some cases modifying) the sequence of the audio tracks that are currently stored on the device.
Disadvantageously, however, data transfer and advanced sorting and sequencing of selections are difficult or impossible for a user to accomplish unless the DMP is connected to the computer, which does not allow the user to obtain new content or to make other desirable modifications to the content stored on the DMP, such as easily modifying the sequence of the content selections stored on the device while the player device is not connected to the computer. Further, in the case of audio, these players typically do not enable a non-technical user to create and manage custom “playlists” (i.e., fixed song sequences), such that a user can easily develop and use a variety of personalized playlists for use at different times. Also disadvantageously, the display and user interface on these audio devices is typically limited in size, involves the use of multi-functional buttons which are complex for many users and is not touch-sensitive, thereby preventing non-expert users from easily viewing and modifying the listing and sequence of audio tracks stored on the DMP.
A further disadvantage of the prior art is that users are typically required to select content selections one-by-one and then to add them to the device. Such requirement creates an inconvenience for the user since typically the user may prefer variety in the programming, and in many cases may not want to create a selection-by-selection sequence of entertainment, especially in the case of music. Programmed entertainment of this sort is currently available to consumers through traditional broadcast media and through other means that generally require the use of a device connected to a wired input, such as Internet-based streaming, accessible through laptop and desktop computers (and certain specialized wired devices, such as the Streamium audio device made by Royal Philips Electronics), and digital cable television and radio services, accessible through cable-connected television sets. More recently, subscription-based commercial satellite broadcast services have been introduced, such as DirecTV for television and Sirius and XM for radio, which enable consumers to receive hours of programming by selecting among available stations.
However, in all cases involving terrestrial and satellite broadcasts, the user does not have the control to stop, start, rewind, fast-forward, replay or skip any portion of the programming. Also, neither terrestrial and satellite broadcasts, nor Internet-based media services allow the user to call up and access specific new selections on-demand on a portable device that does not have full PC functionality (e.g., a lap top) and is not connected to a wired Internet connection. Accordingly, for the convenience of receiving programming with existing DMPs, the user is required to cede control over delivered content for convenience, or will be required to choose to cede convenience for control. Further, in the case of radio-linked audio player devices, player device reception is typically limited due to physical terrain and geographic features, which can distort radio signals that in all cases need to be continuously present and stable during the audio output to provide the user with a satisfactory entertainment experience. Further, of the forms of media services (e.g., TV and radio) available, only Internet-based streaming and digital cable, each of which require the user to use a stationary wired-device for access (e.g., television set and digital cable decoding box), and satellite broadcasts, which do not permit on-demand access or control by the user, provide digital-quality output, which may be a benefit required by users.
A further disadvantage of the prior art is that a security method is not provided for content owners to enable distribution of content to users, management of the content and deletion/expiration of their content on a subscription basis using only a standalone DMP that is not reliant on the use of associated desktop or laptop computer software, while still maintaining royalty records and rights, especially against secondary party transfers. Content owners and users would also benefit from a way content can be shared laterally across peer-to-peer device transfers to other users of both the personal playlists and the media data content that may be stored in the player device in a way that is secure and that permits only authorized sharing activities. It can be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that the terms “audio”, “video”, “media”, and words of similar import may be used interchangeably throughout this document to describe the relevant content, since methods of digital video content compression, storage, transfer, playback and control can be accomplished by using very similar methods and technologies and are similarly well-known by those skilled in the art. Note that “content,” as used in this document, shall accordingly mean any audio or video recording that a user may seek to access, and also shall include any other file type capable of being interpreted by a user, such as a written document stored in digital form or a digitally stored and compressed photograph, which may be similarly transferred, shared and used.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention addresses the problems with the prior art described above. A preferred embodiment of the present invention consists of a portable wireless audio and/or video player apparatus having one or more of the following elements: a peer-to-peer audio and/or video data transfer module to allow communications with another wireless audio and/or video player apparatus; a wireless communication link to an Internet-connected base, a communication software module for requesting one or more audio and/or video data files from an Internet-based database server via the Internet-connected base station; a first security means for enabling the downloading and storage of the requested files; a second security means for the management and playing of the stored files; and one or more software modules for interfacing with a user to effect the foregoing features using a easy to understand interface.
More specifically, the player apparatus according to the present invention is able to function as a standalone device to generate, search and obtain new audio and/or video digital data files (containing content and associated metadata (as defined below)) wirelessly over the Internet, without the need to use an intervening device, such as a desktop or laptop computer that temporarily stores the content data files to be transferred to the portable device, or software that runs on a laptop or desktop computer to manage the transfer and arrangement of content on the portable device. This feature enables a non-technical user to access and use digital audio and/or video content without knowledge of how to operate a computer. Further, to overcome the limitations of the display interface of the prior art, the user interface software according to embodiments of the present invention is designed to enable more complex user functions and data organization, and to display these simply and clearly. Such user interface software permits the device to reasonably and comfortably function for the user as a standalone device while permitting the user to search for new content, manage and modify large volumes of content, and share content across a large number of potential users who may be listed by user ID or name. Moreover, the device obtains files from a server or laterally from another device without using a browser-type application.
It is also a feature of the embodiments of the present invention to provide the user with a flexible programming capability both as to time and selection for the playing of the individual audio and/or video files or groups of files. This includes allowing a user to select and play individual content selections from a broad content library stored in a network on-demand, and alternatively to request that hours of continuous programmed content be playable on demand, which programming will be updated on a periodic basis (e.g., daily), without limiting the user's ability to start, stop, rewind or fast-forward through the program.
It is also a feature of the embodiments of the present invention to provide a means for exporting the data content to one or more of a plurality of output devices, including headphones or a home or car stereo, or another storage and/or playback apparatus such as a desktop or laptop computer. Such export may be via either a wired or a wireless communications link.
It is a feature of the embodiments of the present invention to provide a portable player apparatus that is not dependent on favorable physical terrain and geographic features that are typically associated with wireless communications devices. This is mainly accomplished by the pre-storing of desired audio and/or video data and metadata content while in the presence of a communications uplink for accessing/playing at a later time, at which time a continuous wireless connection is not required for navigating the metadata database or for a satisfactory output of the stored audio and/or video content.
It is a feature of the embodiments of the present invention to provide a secure method for content owners to enable distribution of their audio and/or video content to mass-market consumers on a subscription basis.
In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, a media distribution system preferably consists of a broadband network system for wirelessly distributing digital media files to multiple standalone portable digital media player devices in which the devices are: (1) dedicated to and optimized for searching for, receiving and playing audio and/or video files, authorized obtainment from a network or peer device, management and search of metadata and media content (even while no network or Internet connection is present), authorized playback and authorized transfer (such as to a peer device or digital computer) of digital audio and/or video files by a user; (2) capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving audio and/or video data files at “broadband” speeds via conventional broadband protocols, such as that promulgated in the 802.11 standard, both to and from a local network which preferably includes Internet connectivity; and (3) able to communicate with an application service in order to request and download encrypted audio and/or video content and associated metadata. Each portable player device preferably includes at least a first security means that disables playback and transfer of media files, or that selectively enables such playback and transfer when a subscription service is activated. The media distribution system preferably includes one or more Internet-based database servers wherein are stored digital audio and/or video data content in compressed or uncompressed form and associated metadata (i.e., descriptive or associative data concerning the content—in the case of audio, this may include such items as length of track, name of artist, name of song, name of album, encoding format and bit rate), an Internet application server interface that communicates individually with each portable device via a secure certification/authentication link, an upload manager that ensures the secure and efficient delivery of data content files to each of the portable devices, and the communications network, thereby allowing the user to request, download, and store individual titles, groups of titles (i.e. a playlist,) and/or preprogrammed entertainment that fit particular criteria (such as genre or purpose (e.g., work-out, dancing)) on a periodic basis.
The audio and/or video content may be distributed to the portable player devices in encrypted form, capable of being played only when decrypted with a particular private digital decryption key. The portable player device (or apparatus) is preferably constructed with an internal clock that is not settable or re-settable by the user (which is a necessary part of preventing a user from avoiding the expiration and disablement of content for time-based subscriptions), but rather can only be digitally set by establishing a secure and authenticated connection to a secure subscriber network that provides it with accurate time and date information. The portable player device preferably also includes a monitoring module that records the time and date each time a content selection is played or transferred by the device. The monitoring module also preferably includes a reporting module for transferring the monitoring results to the network (via the network's upload manager) when connection is made between the portable player device and the network for any reason.
In a second embodiment according to the present invention, a portable peer-to-peer wireless communication player device for transferring audio and/or video and related files to and from a second portable peer-to-peer wireless communication player device, the portable peer-to-peer wireless communication player device preferably comprises: a wireless transceiver unit for wirelessly communicating with external devices (such as peer devices and digital computers); an audio output unit for playing audio files; a visual output unit for displaying video and/or displaying user interface information (e.g., LCD screen or other existing or hereafter created output technology, which, in the case of user interface information, may also be replaced (as is familiar to those experienced in the art) with a menu-driven audio output means); a controlling computing unit having a user input interface and a microprocessor; a digital storage means for storing digital data; and an included software method for operating the device, wherein the digital data preferably includes audio and/or video data content and playlists. Further, the audio output unit preferably includes one or more from the group consisting of speakers and headphones, and the user input unit may consist of one or more from the group consisting of buttons, keys, joysticks, toggles, switches, keyboards, touch-pads and touch-sensitive screen locations, which may include infrared, resistive, inductive and capacitive sensing means. The software may include one or more of the following modules: a communications module; a processing module; a security module; a user interface module; a resident database management module; a storage and retrieval module; and a play module.
The user input interface of the second embodiment preferably includes a set of interactive screens displayed on the video output device, further including: the steps required for selection of one or more titles in response to screen display pages in order to generate a content request list for transmitting to the audio and/or video content distribution center upload manager and database. The security module preferably includes means for interaction with upstream base station to enable the operation of the portable peer-to-peer wireless communication player device; interaction with at least one second portable peer-to-peer wireless communication player device; and expiration of audio and video content files according to a set of subscription and usage rules that may be modified through programmed changes at the network. Such rules may include, for example, prohibition on playing any subscription-based content resident on the portable device unless the network has authenticated and validated the subscription on the device within the past 30 days.
In a third embodiment according to the present invention, a portable peer-to-peer wireless communication player device for generating and wirelessly transmitting a playlist to local base station having an Internet connection to an Internet-based database server, and receiving an associated plurality of audio and/or video data content files, preferably comprises: a portable peer-to-peer wireless communication player device as in the second embodiment communicatively coupled to an Internet-based database server via a local wireless base station. In the third embodiment, the wireless communications are preferably accomplished using a WiFi protocol. The Internet-based database server: distributes stored audio and/or video content files in response to playlist transmission request after first verifying that the requesting device has an authorized subscription; sends re-enabling messages to the requesting device to reset a local security module to generate a first enabling action; sends disabling messages to the requesting device to cause the local security module to generate a disabling action if the device does not have an authorized subscription.
In a fourth embodiment according to the present invention, a secure subscription-protected communications system for distributing audio and/or video data content to a portable peer-to-peer wireless communication player device, preferably comprises: 1) a portable peer-to-peer wireless communication player device that generates a content request list via an interactive user interface or by automatically determining a list of one or more selections the user desires but which are not currently stored on the device (e.g., based on a preferred sequence of songs or videos the user has compiled (a “playlist”), only some of which are currently stored on the portable device); transmits the content request list to a local base station; receives and stores associated audio and/or video files transmitted from the local base station; transmits to and receives from, on-demand or in an automated fashion, content files from other peer-to-peer devices; displays a list of available content on the device to its user, as well as to other users who establish a wireless connection with the device; displays a list of possible content choices, even if not resident on the device, to the user; enables management of a large quantity of digital content, including the development and modification of custom playlists; plays audio and/or video files in response to user selection, if the subscription is valid; and expires content if the subscription is invalid, such that the user is not able to play the content on the device; 2) the local base station receiver that receives the content request from the peer-to-peer portable wireless communication player device; and transmits the received request to an Internet-based database server via the Internet communication link; 3) the Internet-based database server that: stores and manages a plurality of audio and/or video files that are accessible by inputting associated titles or file IDs; tracks subscription information (e.g., such as access rights and expiration timing) for a plurality of portable peer-to-peer wireless communication player devices; tracks artist proprietary material and rights; tracks usage of proprietary material on each one of the portable peer-to-peer wireless communication devices; receives the content request list from the local base station via an Internet communications connection; retrieves selected audio and/or video files indicated by the received playlist; transmits the selected audio and/or video files to the local base station for re-transmission to the portable peer-to-peer wireless communication player device; and 4) a local base station transmitter that receives transmitted audio and/or video files from an upstream database server via the Internet communication link and re-transmits the received audio and video files to the requesting portable peer-to-peer wireless communication player device.
In a fifth embodiment according to the present invention, a secure subscription-protected media distribution system for distributing audio and/or video content files to a portable peer-to-peer wireless communication player device in response to a received playlist, preferably comprises: 1) a peer-to-peer wireless communication device that: generates a user content request list via an interactive user interface (or in an automated fashion based on user preferences that the user pre-selects, and/or a predetermined set of rules or other criteria); transmits the generated request list to a local base station; receives and stores associated audio and/or video files transmitted from the local base station; plays audio and/or video files in response to user selection, if subscription is valid; and expires content from memory if the subscription is invalid; 2) the local base station receiver that receives request from the portable peer-to-peer wireless communication player device and transmits the received request to a database server via the Internet communication link; 3) the database server that: stores and manages a plurality of audio and/or video files that are accessible by inputting associated titles or file IDs; tracks subscription information for a plurality of portable peer-to-peer wireless communication player devices; tracks artist proprietary material and rights; tracks usage of proprietary material on each one of the plurality of portable peer-to-peer wireless communication devices; receives the content request list from the local base station via an Internet communications connection; retrieves selected audio and/or video files indicated by the received playlist; and transmits the selected audio and/or video files to the local base station for re-transmission to the portable peer-to-peer wireless communication player device; and 4) a local base station transmitter that receives transmitted audio and video files from upstream database server via the Internet communication link and re-transmits the received audio and/or video files to the requesting portable peer-to-peer wireless communication player device.
In a sixth embodiment according to the present invention, a wireless communications system for selecting, downloading and playing audio and/or video data content using a wireless protocol which, in the present embodiment may be based upon the 802.11 (or similar) standards and related technologies (referred to herein, along with other wireless technologies now existing or hereafter developed which may be substituted, as “WiFi”), preferably comprises: a subscription-based database server further including: a first Internet connection; a plurality of audio and/or video data content files; and a translation and retrieval means for defining and downloading a unique one of the audio and/or video data content files in response to an inputted title or file ID selection request. The wireless communications system also preferably includes: a local WiFi base station, which has a second Internet connection in communication with the first Internet connection; and a portable wireless communication subscription-capable player device, which further includes: a selection means for generating at least one title or file ID selection request; and a WiFi transmission means for transmitting the first title selection request to the local base station and thence to the database server; a WiFi receiving means for receiving the audio and/or video data content file downloaded in response to the transmitted title selection request; and a playing means for playing the downloaded audio and/or video data content file.
The portable wireless communication subscription-capable player device of the sixth embodiment preferably further includes a security unit for controlling the operation of the unit in responsiveness to at least one subscription status indicator. The selection means of the portable wireless communication subscriber player device may further include a display unit and a user input means, which may further include at least one from the group consisting of a button, a touch-pad location on the display unit, a joystick, a toggle, a key, a keyboard and a voice recognition input means.
The portable wireless communication subscriber player device of the sixth embodiment preferably further includes a communication means for wirelessly connecting with a second portable wireless communication subscription-capable player device for the purpose of transferring data between the two devices using the WiFi protocol. The portable subscriber wireless communication subscription-capable player device preferably includes means for selecting, downloading and playing audio and/or video data content (or, per the current definition of “content,” any other data files) using a WiFi protocol, comprising: a selection means for selecting at least one from a displayed list of audio and/or video titles and generating at least a first title selection request; and a WiFi transmission means for transmitting the first title selection request to a local base station and thence to a database server; a WiFi receiving means for receiving the audio and/or video data content file downloaded in response to the transmitted title selection request; and a playing means for playing the downloaded audio and/or video data content file. The portable wireless communication subscription-capable player device of the sixth embodiment preferably further includes a security unit for controlling the operation of the unit in response to at least one subscription status indicator.
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail by describing preferred embodiments of the invention.
In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, a digital media distribution system consists of: a broadband network system for wirelessly distributing digital audio and/or video files to multiple standalone digital playback devices that are: (1) dedicated to and optimized for the search, procurement, storage, management, playback and control of digital audio and/or video files by a user from the network; (2) capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving audio and/or video data files at “broadband” speeds via conventional broadband protocols, such as that promulgated in the 802.11 standard, (preferably 802.11 g or other similar standards) both to and from a local network which can include Internet connectivity and connectivity to one or more compatible devices without Internet connectivity (e.g., using a WiFi network in an ad hoc mode); and (3) able to communicate with an application service in order to request and download encrypted audio and/or video content and associated metadata. The devices are preferably portable. The present invention preferably contemplates a means by which the portable player device can connect to the application service and digital data referred to above through at least one of a number of alternate means, including preferably a docking cradle (described below) connected to the Internet and/or a WiFi access hub providing access to the Internet and is wirelessly linked to the portable player unit. In one embodiment, each portable wireless communication player device preferably includes at least one security means that disables playback and distribution of audio and/or video files upon application of a first triggering signal, or that enables such playback and distribution upon application of a second triggering signal when a subscription service is activated. The music distribution system preferably includes one or more Internet-based database servers used to store digital audio and/or video data content in compressed or uncompressed form and associated metadata (as described above). An Internet application server interface is also provided that communicates individually with each portable device via a secure certification/authentication link. In addition, there is an upload manager that ensures the secure and efficient delivery of audio and/or video data content files to each of the portable devices, and the communications network. The user may request individual titles, groups of titles (i.e., a playlist,) and/or preprogrammed audio and/or video entertainment that fit particular criteria (such as genre or purpose (e.g., work-out, dancing)) on a periodic basis.
The system according to the present invention provides a secure method of audio and/or video content distribution due to (i) creation of a secure platform for the distribution of audio and/or video content that cannot easily be used by users to impermissibly share such content, (ii) use of direct security, encryption and digital rights management technologies, and (iii) alteration of the incentives of users to illegally obtain or copy content, which is potentially damaging to content owners, by providing a way they can search for and obtain new content, transfer the content to a portable device, listen to and/or view the content through a variety of output devices (such as headphones or a car or home entertainment system), and share the content with friends and other users. Such security method overcomes disadvantages in current applications in which users are required to use a laptop or desktop computer to perform these functions. Laptop and desktop computer-based systems inherently encourage users to create additional copies of content in order to transfer it to a more desirable listening/viewing environment and also make it easier for them to use illicit file sharing and download services which are merely a “click away.” By delivering content to a portable device that can easily be carried in a pocket, that enables sharing with friends and that enables listening and/or viewing through a wired or wireless connection to headphones, a car stereo or television, a home entertainment system or another desired output device, a user has less incentive to burn a CD or DVD, or make other kinds of copies of such content, including activities that may constitute copyright violations.
In addition, the method simultaneously provides a user with an enhanced entertainment experience by (a) not requiring the use of a computer, which is in many ways inconvenient for users, (b) wirelessly providing content to users so that they are able to obtain and enjoy new audio and/or video selections without connecting wires to a device, without being in their homes or offices, and without the inconvenience of visiting a retail store, and (c) enabling new capabilities for the user, such as wirelessly sharing content with other users in a legal fashion that does not infringe on the property rights of the content owners. The user interface of a preferred embodiment, if based on a touch-screen or similar input technique, is optimized to allow a user to input all selections without using a stylus, but rather by using a fingertip. This is achieved by ensuring selection areas on each screen displayed to the user is sufficiently large to accommodate and accurately reflect the position of an average user's fingertip on the touch-screen. The user interface of a preferred embodiment, if not based on a touch screen or similar input technique, is optimized to allow a user to input all selections by using a toggle, joystick, touch-sensitive mouse pad, roller ball or similar input method to sequentially highlight the various selection options on each screen and to select the desired option. A user interface might also feature, using any of the above input methods, a conventional drag-and-drop functionality to allow users to create and modify the sequential listings of content selections and to thereby store and manage a library of playlists, which is not part of the prior art for DMPs.
Thus, a representative embodiment of a portable digital audio playback device 100 according to the present invention, as shown in
In
Additionally, software on the portable player device may automate certain functions that the user may control. A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes an automatic-off function that shuts off the player to conserve power if it is not in use for a specified period of time and preferably includes a WiFi on/off timer, waking the WiFi functionality of the portable player device to perform a Device-Network Synchronization (as referred to below) at pre-specified times (e.g., 3 am), as counted by the internal clock of the portable player device. If the device then detects an available WiFi network after a WiFi scan, it disables the WiFi functionality to conserve power if such a connection is not available or a Device-Network Synchronization is successfully completed.
The representative embodiment also has an antenna 205 capable of transmitting and receiving data over the WiFi network, a standard line-out jack 206 connected to a printed circuit board (PCB) 208 (on which the components of
The data processing unit 112 may be incorporated within the computer controller 101. Additionally, the portable player device may include one or more of following: Modem/Direct Ethernet connecting circuit; digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital converters; and a USB or “FireWire” port.
A recharging cradle and docking unit connects to the portable player device and preferably includes: a power connector (such as for a 5 volt DC male connection), a data output connector (such as a USB male connector) that connects to the portable player device when the portable device is docked in the cradle; a power transformer; an AC power AC power cable; and an Ethernet line-in jack on the portable player device's cradle unit to enable direct connection to a modem.
It can be appreciated that various embodiments may be used to arrive at the foregoing portable digital audio playback device of the present invention without deviating from the spirit and intent of the invention. For example, an embodiment of the computer controller 101 may comprise an off-the-shelf PDA or dedicated portable digital audio player that already includes an integrated wireless communications capability, i.e., includes a communications module 108, rather than existing as a separate external module as presented above. An alternate embodiment may include the hard disk as part of the computer controller 101. Such embodiments should be considered as falling within the scope of the present invention.
The portable wireless communication player device 100 according to the present invention is constructed and arranged to operate as a standalone device that can search and obtain content over the Internet.
The data storage devices 103, 104 are used to search locally-stored fully searchable and browseable artist and song databases. The search may be based on indexed and periodically updated digital database files, enabling users to search for new content without being connected to the Internet. The device also enables obtaining the content merely by “clicking” on a selection, initiating a download, pseudo-download, or streaming process directly to the portable device the next time the device is connected to the network (wirelessly or otherwise). This avoids the need to first use a computer to obtain new content and then separately transfer it to a portable device. Finally, because it includes a relatively large screen (which may also be touch sensitive) and a powerful, but intuitive user interface, the software allows the users to easily re-order the sequence of content selections in their play lists, delete unwanted selections, and make other modifications to their content library without knowledge or training in the use a personal computer.
Users of portable digital audio devices often wish to listen to their music and other audio content through a separate output device other than headphones, such as a home/car stereo system or “boom box” portable stereo system. Since connecting the portable device to the preferred output device by means of a wire is also inconvenient for the user, according to the present invention, communications may be established using a wireless transmission protocol, such as WiFi (i.e., 802.11 standard or alternatively 802.16, 802.20, and the like). This is achieved by transmitting the audio output from the portable device in an analog (e.g., FM) or digital (e.g., over WiFi) form to a compatible receiver that is connected to, or built into the output device. Such a receiver, if WiFi-enabled, receives digital data over WiFi in encrypted or unencrypted form (compressed or uncompressed), process the received data (including by decoding and/or decrypting it) and outputting an analog audio signal that can be amplified and output through speakers for the user to hear. (An analog RF output can also be accordingly transmitted and received in a similar fashion using an RF output from the portable devices based on a WiFi communications chipset.) The hardware components that create the WiFi capability of the portable device for these purposes can be the same as those that allow such device, when within range of a WiFi access point connected to the Internet, to securely download and stream music and other audio from the Internet-based database server at broadband speeds, following which, the user can then play back the music in his or her chosen listening environment.
WiFi access hubs are typically provided across a geographic area—as businesses (e.g., coffee shops), the government (e.g., public parks), and residential users are opening up their WiFi networks for public availability. Public WiFi access hubs, commonly referred to as “hotspots,” can be accessed by users in range of such hubs and constitute one available means by which a user of the presently invented portable player device can obtain audio and/or visual content from a network using a wireless access link. In addition to hotspots, users can obtain content in a similar fashion using a variety of other available means contemplated by the present invention, such as via an Internet-connected WiFi access hub located in the user's home, workplace, university, etc.
The media distribution system according to the present invention allows a user to wirelessly obtain digital content directly on a portable device on a subscription basis. This is achieved by (a) ensuring that the access device is incapable of playing subscription content (but not purchased or otherwise owned content) when the subscription is no longer valid, (b) limiting the usage rights associated with the delivered content through the digital rights management (DRM) software and (c) ensuring end-to-end security of content distribution.
Through the design of the network and the portable wireless communication player device, a digital rights management system can ensure that only valid subscribers can continue to access subscription content. This may be achieved by incorporating one or more of the following features: (1) including software on the portable wireless communication player device that will not play or decode the encryption of a content selection that is made available on a subscription basis (but not a purchased song) unless the device has received a verification, such as in the last 30 days, from the network that the device's subscription is valid and fully-paid (2) including an internal clock on the device that is non-resettable by the user (which prevents users from avoiding the expiry and disablement of content based on the passage of time), and which synchronizes with a master clock each time the device connects with the network (a user resettable clock on the unit is merely displayed as an offset from the underlying non-resettable clock), in order to ensure that the time of song playback and current time can be properly recorded and reported to the network; (3) including a counter on the device that counts the number of times, including time and date, that each song was listened to or transferred or that a network authentication occurred, which reports this information back to the network, at which point a rules-based application in the secure network and/or on the portable device evaluates the recorded usage data reported by each device and indicates where inconsistencies or potential tampering may have occurred (e.g., potential tampering would be indicated by: that the clock must have been tampered with because two videos are indicating as having been played at the same time, or at a date prior to the time the device was purchased or prior to the last time-of-use last reported by the device; that it is impossible for x number of songs having a length of y to have been heard during the course of a one-day period; that the device incorrectly reports the times and dates of the last three network connections and/or the time elapsed since that time); (4) computer flagging of unusual activity coupled with human checking of these cases (e.g., a significantly higher than average number of viewings, listens, downloads or transfers per hour, day, week or month), (5) providing for the expiration of audio and video content, such as not permitting the playback of a song more than a predetermined number of times (e.g., 30) without a new authentication by the network and (6) requiring or encouraging subscribers to pay multiple months in advance (e.g., 6 months or 1 year) to diminish the incentive to subscribe for 1 month, download content, and then attempt to break the security measures.
To become a subscriber, or purchase a la carte content, a user is prompted by the device to enter credit card information during a Device-Network Synchronization,
The end-to-end system preferably has the following security components for content transfers: (A) a master content library that is stored in a secure database, (B) a content library that can only be accessed through a secure gateway that requires authentication as a valid portable wireless communication player device and current subscriber (a private key encryption may be used to avoid false identification as a valid account), (C) content that is delivered to the portable unit in encrypted form so that any interception of bits is useless unless the interceptor is otherwise capable of decoding the encryption, which is extremely difficult, (D) the portable wireless communication player device that contains a private key that is able to decode the encryption and play back the delivered audio and/or video files, and (E) device-to-device communications that consist of either (i) sending just a text playlist/titles of content selections, such that the second player device obtains only text named and/or ID data from the peer device and obtains the audio and/or video content securely from the network, or (ii) sending data content in encrypted form (e.g., wirelessly from one portable device to another) such that only the receiving device, which must be authenticated and have a valid subscription, can decode the encryption and make use of the content.
The audio and/or video data content may be distributed to the portable wireless communication player devices in encrypted form, capable of being played only when decrypted with a particular private digital decryption key. The internal clock of the portable wireless communication player device is preferably digitally set by establishing a secure and authenticated connection to the secure subscriber network that provides it with accurate time and date information not calibrated to time zones (i.e., preferably, only time for a single time zone in the world is used). The portable wireless communication player device preferably also includes a monitoring module that records the time and date each time a content selection is played or transferred by the device. The monitoring module also preferably includes a reporting module for transferring the monitoring results to the networks (i.e., the upload manager) when connection is made between the portable wireless communication player device and the network.
The present invention also allows users to share their content over the network. A user may connect to the network over WiFi and then browse or search the playlists, audio and/or video collections and favorite content of other users in a variety of ways, including by requesting from the network database a list of content sorted in descending order by popularity (e.g., number of users accessing selection, or total number of times listened/viewed), ranking (e.g., on published charts such as Billboard) or user rating; a list of audio and/or video selections sorted by geographic proximity of users (e.g., most popular videos/songs by number of views/listens for Birmingham, Ala., based on the billing addresses of the owners); a list of content selections a particular named user (who may be identified based on ratings or use of a particular playlist or other ways) currently stores on his or her portable device; or sorted in other ways. In each case, the network performs the necessary computation on request (or stores the results from such a computation) and provides it to the user by transmitting the appropriate listing of file IDs to the portable device. Each user is further given the opportunity to provide ratings for each piece of content and playlist they have, which may be shared with other users in a similar fashion, and may be used by the user as a way to personally track his or her favorite selections. Averages and statistics may also be compiled on the network in order to list content selections and playlists in order of their popularity according to user rating, number of listens/views or by other metrics. Users can also search the collections of other users based on the presence of particular content selections contained in the other user's playlists. Users may provide commentary and other information, which may be posted, and be viewable and/or searchable by other users that may be connected to the network. Users preferably will also be able to send messages, recommendations of playlists and pieces of content to other users by asking the network to send an e-mail to that person on the user's behalf.
Importantly, in this manner, a group of users that are either subscribers of a common service, are communicating over a common server, or are located in a common geographic location define a community sharing audio and/or video files. This sharing occurs either over the Internet, through a WiFi connection in an ad hoc mode, or other similar means.
Finally, according to the present invention, the portable wireless communication player device preferably includes an audio recorder and/or videocamera which enables users to record images and/or sounds into a digital file, playable on demand, as well as shareable. Users who create such a recording preferably have the ability to transmit such recording to other users via the wireless device-to-device method described above. This content file may not necessarily be encrypted. Further, the user will preferably be able to wirelessly transmit the recorded digital file to the network that will then further transmit the file, as requested, to other users or to an e-mail or IM address. This will permit “media e-mails/IMs” to occur between users or between the user and virtually anyone with an e-mail or IM account.
In an exemplary application of the embodiments of the current invention, when not within range of a WiFi connection point, the large storage media (209,
Once a media file, playlist or other file is identified and selected for download (901,
The network 315 then performs a number of anti-fraud checks, such as ensuring it does not simultaneously have a connection to the same device ID open (one of which must be fraudulent), that the number of plays is not inconsistent with the time elapsed, that the times and dates reported for plays are not internally inconsistent, etc. Once these processes have been completed, the portable device 311 initiates requests from its “stack.” If a selection was only partially downloaded in a previous session, a download manager 501 using a conventional download mechanism initiates the download from the network 311 at the point the download last left off by communicating a “pointer” to the network 311. Additional new selections the user made are then downloaded automatically in a predetermined order. As part of this process, the network preferably assigns a unique identification to each subscriber device.
The display screen of the device 311 may indicate to the user that download activity is occurring, as well as display the name of the selection being downloaded or information on any other current activity. This procedure may also be implemented if the user does not come within range of a WiFi Internet connection but instead comes into range of another portable device that has the desired content stored on it. The device 311 identifies if a target content selection is on the other device and obtains the selection from the second device using the device-to-device protocol.
The system of the present invention enables the following secure functions:
1) Valid subscribers are able to select a song or video and choose to “beam” it to another player device over a WiFi connection or other similar connections. This is preferably done by selecting the item to be beamed (see
2) Valid subscribers can “beam” playlists to other users in a similar fashion to the above method—instead of transmitting a digital audio or video file, however, a playlist file, which may merely be text, is transmitted. The receiving player device then alerts the user as to content indicated on the playlist that is not stored on his player device. If the user desires, the player device adds the missing selections to the “stack.” It then can obtain the content file directly from the sending player device, or else upon the next network connection over the Internet (see
3) Valid subscribers can scan and pull content files from users that are in WiFi range. The player device will compile a list of all potential device-to-device WiFi connections in the area based on a “scan” (a process known, developed, and available on WiFi-enabled Toshiba e740 or e755 Pocket PC devices) and will display this list to the user. If the user selects one of the player devices, the player device will display a listing of all the content and playlists on the second player device, allowing the user to browse and search the collection. If the user identifies a desired playlist or content file, it can then “pull” the selection from the second player device onto its player device in the way indicated above—i.e., the sending player device will in effect become a server and the receiving player device will “pull” the file from the server device over WiFi (see
4) Alternatively, for greater security, in place of each file transfer described above, the player devices may transmit only the name of the desired file, which will automatically be added to the “stack” and then be obtained by the receiving player device at the next network connection over the Internet.
5) Users preferably have the option to turn privacy on or off in order to disable other users from seeing their audio and/or video files and from obtaining copies from the player device. In the “off” mode a player device receiving a request for playlist, media file information or digital media files, will reject the request, sending a rejection message to the initiating player device.
6) Users will also have the option to turn the WiFi broadcast feature on or off to prevent the WiFi transmitter/receiver from draining battery life on the player device via an easily accessible and clearly marked external button on the player device itself (or, alternatively, via a software switch and graphical user interface.) If the WiFi access is not used for a specified period of time (e.g., 5 minutes) the WiFi transmitter/receiver preferably automatically turns off from active mode to conserve power. When items are queued in the stack, the WiFi will preferably periodically turn on to scan for WiFi connectivity and then turn off again in order to conserve power.
Additionally, by scanning the entire set of player devices in range, a user's player device enables a search-and-browse mode that includes an aggregation of all media files available in the area. The user's player device completes a scan, aggregates and alphabetizes (or otherwise organizes, such as by genre or popularity) the selections available, and then allows the user to search or browse all audio and/or video files in the area at one time. If the user desires to obtain a particular audio or video selection, the player device then indicates which user or users are able to provide the media file.
Further, because users can record audio and/or video on the player device, creating a compressed digital media file, users can, in effect, send “media e-mails”, “media IMs” and other recordings to one another through a direct device-to-device or indirect device-to-network-to-device connection. For security purposes, these recordings can, in a preferred embodiment, be limited in length (e.g., to one minute) by use of a software timer, making piracy and distribution of copyrighted music and video difficult and inconvenient for the user in order to protect content owner rights.
The network 315 includes a network application and logic engine 402 that manages communications with the portable device 311, authentication and logic at the network (such as application of security rules) and communications via the upload and data transmission manager 401/304. A local base station receiver 405 (i.e., wireless Internet access point) 404 connects to a wired Internet access point 405. The base station receiver connects over WiFi protocols to the portable device 311, triggering the Device-Network Synchronization procedure. Alternatively, placement in a wired docking cradle 406 triggers this process.
As shown in
Device 709 (“Jill's player”) detects the presence of other devices in range by performing a periodic scan using WiFi (or another acceptable wireless technology). The device then performs the following functions. Device 709 identifies whether devices are in privacy “on” mode. Where privacy is “off,” 703, 707, device 709 identifies the name given to each device, (e.g., “Jack's player” 706). Device 709 displays a list of available devices to the user by listing the names of each player, and the current content selection being played at that time on the player (e.g., 706, Beethoven's 5th Symphony). Device 709 enables the user to select one or more other user devices (701-708) and browse files and playlists available on those devices, e.g., 706 would show 50 available selections and 2 playlists. Device 709 also compiles a list of all media files and playlists available on all other available devices in one list and enables the user to search and browse the list. If the user selects a file on device 709, the device will know which of devices 701-708 have the file available and will seek it out. Here, the files available on devices 701-708, except devices 703 and 707, would be displayed (because the latter have privacy “on”). When the user of device 709 selects a particular file or playlist (e.g., from Jack's Player 706), the file is then delivered over a wireless connection to device 709. Alternately, 709 may obtain only the name and unique ID of the selected file or playlist from 706 and may obtain the file itself later from the distribution network once a connection is available. Once the file is obtained, 709 will only allow the user to access it if the digital rights management software on 709 permits it to do so.
Additionally, device-to-device and device-to-network-to-device functions include the following functions. A user of 709 can choose to “beam” a file to another user by selecting the file and selecting “beam.” At that point 709 displays a list of available non-private devices (701-708 except 703 and 707). The user of 709 selects the target device, 706 and initiates transmission. Device 706 then indicates, “Jill's player, 709, is sending you [name of file or musical or non-musical audio selection]. Accept?” User of 706 can then either select “yes” and accept transmission or “no” and reject transmission. If “yes” is selected, the file is transmitted over a wireless connection from 709. Alternatively, 709 will merely transmit the metadata information for the file and 706 will add the information to its stack for acquisition from the network during the next connection with the network over the Internet.
The user of 709 can record audio content using a built-in microphone and recorder, or create another sort of file, and beam it to another user in a similar way described above. In this way, users may send “audio e-mails” to one another. They may also make available audio thoughts for others to browse and download to their player.
Users can develop “public” digital profiles including their photo, first name, favorite music and hobbies, etc. and enable other users in range to browse and search this information at will.
Alternatively, any of the device-to-device functions described in this application can be transferred device-to-network-to-device to permit users who are not in wireless range or are not present at the same time to share data and files in much the same way.
Simple matching software can be added as well to enable devices to automatically scan profiles of other users and indicate if there is a match in interests between users.
Additionally, this system can be used to create ad hoc peer-to-peer networks for file and data sharing in particular geographic locations, where users are in range of one another.
Users can extend this capability by posting data and listings on a network for other users to browse and search at other times and from other locations.
In
The network immediately uploads to the device the current version of the requested programmed content list (e.g., “workout mix”), including the file IDs, titles, and content files (including DRM) to the device (a “Programmed Content Delivery”), in a specified order, which may include alternative disc-jockey voice-tracking content and cues interspersed between content selections that are triggered dependent on the current date and time of play, or number of times a particular selection is played. Before a Programmed Content Delivery, the network reviews its subscriber data database to identify any content on the selected playlist which is already resident on the portable player—content already resident will not be re-sent.
The user can access the program and initiate continuous play by pressing the play button. Play may be stopped/paused, fast-forwarded/rewound or skipped/repeated at the user's option at any time. Individual selections may be saved for future use or permanently deleted at the user's option.
Following a network connection after the next periodic interval (e.g., daily or weekly), the network will perform a Programmed Content Delivery, replacing the prior listing of content selections and providing a new list and new content for the user to access in a similar fashion.
Summarizing the above, the present invention preferably provides an apparatus and method of sharing media content by subscribers that is more convenient for users and more secure for content owners, than existing systems. The present invention preferably also allows users who wish to share playlists with other subscribers to do so by transceiving device-to-device a text-based copy of the playlist from one device to the other over a WiFi connection. When the receiving device obtains the playlist, the device automatically contacts the network to confirm that the receiving device has a valid subscription and to download any content selections the receiving device does not already have stored in its memory that are included on the playlist. The device then fully assembles the playlist for the user so that it is playable on demand.
Alternatively, users may share content files by transmitting over a WiFi connection encrypted audio and/or video recordings. The receiving device can browse the content on the first device via a wireless connection to the device and “pull” a selection to the receiving device on-demand, or, alternatively, the transmitting device can choose a selection to “push” to the receiving device. In order to ensure (A) the transmission cannot be intercepted and used illegitimately and (B) the receiving device is validly subscribed, the transmitting device preferably transmits encrypted data and preferably authenticates the receiving device as having a valid subscription pursuant to a Device-Network Synchronization (described in
In an alternate embodiment of a lateral transfer process, in the event a connection to the network is not available to the transmitting device, the transmitting device can send a request to the receiving device for authentication. If the receiving device has recently been through the procedure outlined in the preceding paragraph, the transmitting device will record this and will not require further verification procedures. If not, the receiving device will then provide data that verifies it having a valid subscription. If the transmitting device verifies this information, it then preferably establishes a new key-based security system with the receiving device. It preferably encrypts the audio and/or video and transmits them to the receiving device over the WiFi communications link. A special flag may also be included in the audio and video data that indicates to the receiving device that the content file may only be playable a limited number of times (e.g., 3 times and then the content expires and is no longer playable). If the receiving device then contacts the network and verifies a valid subscription, the special flag can be removed and the user can access the content as he or she would any other subscription content, without a limitation on the number of listens/viewings possible, and without re-downloading the content to the receiving device.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed herein and, although specific terms are employed, they are used and are to be interpreted in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purpose of limitation. Accordingly, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form, substance and details may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Taken together this makes it more convenient and easier for users to search, obtain, manage and enjoy content, and makes it more secure for content owners to distribute their content to users digitally and at low cost.
Note that scans for a WiFi network, referred to above, through a local access point connected to the Internet can be achieved by the current art, such as by using a Toshiba e755 personal digital assistant with built-in WiFi communications in “infrastructure” mode. Similarly, such a device can perform scans for other WiFi-enabled devices in the absence of any available Internet connection by using an “ad hoc” mode. Connections to available WiFi local access points can be automated through the use of software that automatically initiates a scan and analyzes the results of a scan performed by such a device, identifies an optimal network (e.g., by highest signal strength), uploads required password and ID authentication if stored by the user and establishes a connection. The appropriate process, invisible to the user, is triggered in the present invention based on the desired user function, such as “beaming” a content selection (which requires a connection to a peer device in “ad hoc” mode) or downloading new content from a network (which requires an Internet connection in “infrastructure” mode). Network and peer-to-peer validations and authentications, along with reports from the device counter to the network regarding number of times a content selection was played, times and dates of other events and other data, can be performed in a way that is not visible to the user as a “background” operation, so that simultaneously with these events the user can perform other operations on the portable device, such as listen to music or view videos, and search the metadata database stored locally on the device.
It is further noted that the embodiment of the present invention includes the ability to allow a user, if so desired, to share files of all types without DRM or other security methods over a WiFi connection. Accordingly, the features of the embodiments described herein, which refer to the ability of one device to search and find files on and to transmit files to and receive files from, a peer device can easily be applied, as one experienced in the art would know, to a method of using portable devices to share content across multiple portable wireless devices located in proximity to one another.
As discussed above, a feature of the present invention is that one device can download an audio or video clip (which may have a duration of, for example, 30 seconds) from another, using for example direct download sharing. For this purpose, a user can select an item for download (e.g., “Concerto in G”) on the user interface of the device. The request is queued up until a network connection becomes available, either through a wired or wireless interface.
Upon connection, the device sends the request. The server authenticates the device, user, and request. If authenticated, the server sends a sample file of the content that includes DRM (digital rights management).
The device receives the sample file and can allow the user to render (i.e., play) it, enabling the user to sample the content. At that point the user is offered the opportunity to purchase the full file (which may have already been delivered to the device, but its DRM may not be “unlocked” because the “key” for that file has not been provided yet). The key is sent after the user purchases the file.
Rights management can also be embedded into the sample file and limit the rights of the user, per instructions of the content owner. For example, it may allow the user to play it once, or three times, or as much as they like in a 24-hour period, but then no more.
Rights management rules may also specify the sharing rules—e.g., can send the sample file to one friend, who can play it one time, or can send it unlimited times to unlimited friends, or cannot send it at all, or can only send it to other subscribers (e.g., the subscribers of a particular system).
Samples can be shared by other means, such as a P2P connection. When this latter type of connection is used, one user can see the collection of another user in multiple ways. User A can choose to browse User B's song collection by connecting to user B (wirelessly or otherwise) and requesting a list of User B's content files
User A can also see a selection from user B if user B decides to “beam” a file to user A. In this case, user A does nothing and user B pushes a file to a user A. User A's device pops up a question, “Would you like to receive this from User B?”
User A and User B can be connected directly through a true P2P wireless (or wired) connection, with no device or network in between (e.g., ad hoc Wi-Fi communications). Alternatively, user A and user B can be connected through a dedicated central server. Each user separately connects to the Internet and is connected via the dedicated back-end system
A slight variation on this configuration consists of two users who are connected to the Internet via the same Wi-Fi access point, and communicate directly with each other without going through the Internet (essentially reflecting through the local access point).
When User A obtains a file from User B in any of the manners described above, the software at the dedicated server allows User A to receive a sample file (for example, a re-made 30-second clip) from User B, subject to applicable rights restrictions, rather than the full content file. This is true even though User B has the full file on his player and the user interface doesn't display the sample file to him.
This is accomplished by storing the sample file on User B's player in addition to the full content file, but not listing the sample file in the user interface.
The device redirects a request for a full content file to the sample file stored on User B's player
User A is then offered the opportunity to buy the full content file from the central server (and later potentially from User B)
An important feature of the invention is that a device can access and download information and content without a browser.
Other devices use a browser to enable a user to purchase content. This offers numerous advantages. When items get added, deleted, or modified from the available catalog of content selections, this information is changed at the back-end of the independent server. Since users are searching in “real time”, they will always be seeing the latest, modified results.
Similarly, purchase price terms and information are always current when using a browser. As these change and are updated, current customers (at the “point of purchase”—i.e., the time they decide to make the purchase) see the most current information.
The devices can be very “dumb”—i.e., thin client model. The devices merely need to place a request to the server and receive back a limited amount of relevant data—e.g., the cost and title, etc. of a piece of content. There is no need for large storage on the device, or complex processing, etc., because all of that happens on the server side.
Without a browser the same features have to be provided. This is not a simple task. The device is portable and has limited processing power and user interface to obtain, manage and render a significant volume of information. These were difficult problems to solve, which we have done:
The device initially receives a complete copy of the available catalog that is stored on the local storage media of the device (e.g., mini hard disc or FLASH).
The format of this copy is important, as it optimizes for performance and storage requirements.
An indexed file is created by the back-end system for each different sort method on the device (e.g., Search by Artist, Search by Album, Search by Composer, Search by Genre, Search by Year . . . ). The index allows for a fast lookup on the device with minimal processing power, even for a large list.
The indexes include lookup pointers for the information that needs to be displayed to the user. For example, the list might say: 35678, 98475, 32412, etc. These numbers then represent text that is displayed to the user, such as “Billy Joel,” “Nat King Cole”, “Miles Davis”, etc., where the numbers represent names. This greatly reduces the size of each indexed file that needs to be stored on the device.
The indexed lists are sent down to the device in small chunks, so that the size of the “packets” of information that need to be transmitted can be sent in a step-wise manner, without requiring time-consuming 50 MB downloads that would be subject to connection breakage and other problems.
This information on the device is subject to “expiration dates” (as well as start dates). This allows the device to know if it is displaying current information to the user, or whether it should require the user to reconnect to the network before seeing information.
For example, a piece of content has a price of $1.00 for the month of January. On January 1 the device begins to display the price of $1.00 until January 31. By February 1 it needs to acquire another update or it will stop displaying $1.00.
This allows us to publish time-based promotions to the device, even if the user doesn't connect for all of January. Changes are processed efficiently.
When there is a change to an existing item listing, or an item is added or deleted, rather than re-sending the whole indexed list (or one portion thereof), we use a combination of re-sending information with sending updates for the device to process itself. Processing updates involves the device performing data re-write operations on the indexes that are stored on the device. The updates are processed in the background, while the user is doing other things, so this is transparent to the user experience.
There are other complications that derive from not having a browser. Connecting to paid access Wi-Fi points (e.g., T-Mobile at Starbucks) is not straight forward. These points generally direct IP communications to a readable HTML Web page. If the device doesn't have a browser, it needs to learn how to navigate around this introduction page. The way it does so is by creating a profile, and simulating the required communications to login and/or bypass this first page.
The device automatically selects a method of connection among multiple possible connections by testing not only whether the connection is live, but also whether it can access dedicated server's back-end test page, verifying that the connection is live AND the device successfully navigated any required logins, etc.
Consummating a purchase transaction on a non-browser, intermittently connected device, involves the following: First, the device asks the user to register. A user must register before they can make any purchase transaction. Two methods of registration can be employed. The first is by a web/telephone. The user provides credit card information and then receives a 6 character “Activation Code” he enters on the device. The Code is then used with a series of hidden computations to create a secure “deviceID” that is used to identify the device to the user account on an ongoing basis. Each Activation Code is unique and created by the dedicated server's back-end system. For further protection, the code is only allowed to be entered within a 48 hour period, or else it expires—this makes it even more difficult for people to simply “guess” at valid Activation Codes.
The second method is directly on the device. The user enters his name, etc., including credit card information, on the device. This information is temporarily stored in encrypted form on the device. Whenever the device next connects, it sends this information through the network (including a secure PIN, and the Activation Code referenced above). If the information is valid, the user is registered and an account is created. The information is sent over HTTPS, so is secure, and is then deleted from the device and not stored there ever again.
Once a user is registered, he can make purchases. When he makes selections, the device logs the selected request (assuming the pricing information has not expired when he made his purchase decision). When the device connects to the network, the purchase is processed, and the content is sent. The user sees the charge on his next credit card bill.
Alternatively, users can purchase credits in advance, and these are charged against the user when he makes purchases.
For subscription, a recurring charge to the credit card is established. On valid purchase, a renewal to the digital rights is provided. Changes to user interface, special messages to the user and other items are difficult without a browser.
The dedicated server generates and sends messages to any or all devices (to the “Inbox” on the device, or to various specified locations throughout the user interface, such as the popup box for purchases). The dedicated server also updates software of the device, which includes making changes to the user interface of the device, adding new features, removing features, etc. Unlike other devices, these messages and changes are stored on the device and remain there until any further updates that may change them.
Numerous modifications may be made to the invention without departing from its scope as defined in the appended claims.
Claims
1. A system for sharing content comprising:
- a data communication channel for data sharing;
- a first and a second portable device including a network interface for sending and receiving digital media segments;
- a digital storage medium coupled to the network interface for storing the digital media segments;
- at least one of said first and second devices including a media decoder coupled to the digital storage medium; a media presentation member coupled to the media decoder for presenting the digital media segments to a user; a user interface for interaction with the user; and a controller for managing the transfer, storage, and presentation of the digital media segments;
- wherein said first and second portable devices are constructed and arranged to share media segments.
2. The system of claim 1 where the network interface of at least one device connects to a wired network.
3. The system of claim 1 where the network interface of at least one device connects to a wireless network.
4. The system of claim 1 where the digital media segment is digitized audio.
5. The system of claim 1 where the digital media segment is digitized video.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein said first device stores a first plurality of digitized media segments and said second device obtains a listing of said first plurality, and generates a command to retrieve a specific selection of said first plurality.
7. The system of claim 6 wherein said first device includes a list identifying said first plurality and said second device accesses the list and selects the specific selection from the list.
8. The system of claim 1 wherein said segment is sent from the first to the second device in response to a demand.
9. The system of claim 1 wherein said segment is sent from the first to the second device without a demand from either device.
10. The system of claim 1 wherein said first and second devices have associated lists and wherein said first and second devices share said lists and share lists from other devices.
11. The system of claim 1 wherein said first device receives a specific media segment and sends a notification of said receipt to at least one other device.
12. The system of claim 1 wherein said devices exchange data using one of a peer-to-peer protocol, a WiFi protocol and an Ad-hoc protocol and by exchanging IP addresses.
13. The system of claim 1 comprising a plurality of devices wherein lists and segments are shared using one of a one-to-many, many-to-many, many-to-one protocol.
14. The system of claim 13 wherein said sharing is performed transparently to the users.
15. The system of claim 1 wherein information is exchanged between two devices using a peer-to-peer protocol.
16. The system of claim 1 further comprising a catalog of digital segments, each device having access to the catalog to allow the respective device user to make selections of segments.
17. The system of claim 1 wherein each device generates a respective playlist from the catalog, said playlists being available to other devices.
18. The system of claim 1 wherein each device includes at least one of a digital rights element, a secure communication element, software or hardware security on the device that insures that critical data remains protected during sharing, exchanges and communications.
19. The system of claim 1 wherein each digital segment is controlled by a digital rights management rule and wherein each device includes a digital rights management controller that checks each digital segment and utilizes each digital segment in correspondence with the respective digital rights management rule when the respective device is off line.
20. The system of claim 19 wherein at least one of said digital segments is obtained by paying for the segment and wherein said digital rights management rule for the segment is determined by the payment or otherwise authorized permanent access.
21. The system of claim 1 wherein said segments are exchanged by said devices using a partial caching process.
22. The system of claim 1 wherein at least one of said devices includes a privacy element having a selectable privacy setting, said privacy setting limiting access to some information specific to the respective user.
23. The system of claim 1 wherein each user is associated with a profile, the profiles of users being shared between devices.
24. The system of claim 1 wherein the distributed computer network is used to exchange messages between devices, said messages including one of audio, video, text, IM messages, at least some messages including comments about digital segments.
25. The system of claim 1 wherein at least one device is adapted to send a message to another device indicating that a specific digital segment is available for exchange.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 4, 2008
Publication Date: Sep 4, 2008
Applicant:
Inventors: Robert K. Khedouri (Roslyn, NY), Jonathan N. Axelrod (New York, NY), Harold E. Price (Bethel Park, PA)
Application Number: 12/041,751
International Classification: H04N 7/26 (20060101);
