U.S. patent application number 10/613967 was filed with the patent office on 2004-05-20 for business model for leasing storage space on a digital recorder.
Invention is credited to Bruynsteen, Geert Frank.
Application Number | 20040098752 10/613967 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24075127 |
Filed Date | 2004-05-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040098752 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bruynsteen, Geert Frank |
May 20, 2004 |
Business model for leasing storage space on a digital recorder
Abstract
The available amount of storage space of a fixed HDD on a CE
device is adjustable via a data network. The consumer can upgrade
the device via a third party service that remotely control's the
HDD's settings.
Inventors: |
Bruynsteen, Geert Frank;
(Los Altos, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PHILIPS ELECTRONICS NORTH AMERICA CORPORATION
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY & STANDARDS
1109 MCKAY DRIVE, M/S-41SJ
SAN JOSE
CA
95131
US
|
Family ID: |
24075127 |
Appl. No.: |
10/613967 |
Filed: |
July 3, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10613967 |
Jul 3, 2003 |
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09521051 |
Mar 8, 2000 |
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6658663 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
725/132 ;
348/E7.063; 375/E7.015; 386/E5.001; 725/140; 725/152; 725/5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/4147 20130101;
H04N 21/6332 20130101; H04N 21/632 20130101; H04N 5/76 20130101;
H04N 21/2543 20130101; H04N 21/25435 20130101; H04N 7/165 20130101;
H04N 21/2747 20130101; H04N 21/654 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
725/132 ;
725/140; 725/005; 725/152 |
International
Class: |
H04N 007/16; H04N
007/173 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of enabling an end-user to locally process content
information at a quality level remotely adjustable by a service
provider.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the end-user receives a higher
quality in return for a higher fee.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the quality is adjustable via a
data network.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the end-user has an apparatus for
the local processing that is connectable to the data network for
the remote adjusting.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein: the local processing comprises
playing out of the content information; and the quality level of
the playing out is remotely adjustable by the service provider.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein: the content information
comprises video data; the quality level relates to at least one of
a color depth and a resolution of the video data when rendered.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein: the local processing comprises
locally storing the content information; and the quality of the
storing is remotely adjustable by the service provider.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the adjusting of the quality of
the storing comprises regulating a storage capacity available to
the end-user.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the regulating of the storage
capacity comprises providing end-user access to a selected portion
of a local storage.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein: the local storage comprises a
HDD; and the storage capacity is regulated by controlling a
mechanical component of the HDD.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein: the local storage comprises a
solid state memory; and the storage capacity is regulated by
controlling an address range of the memory.
12. The method of claim 9, wherein: the local storage comprises an
ODD; and the storage capacity is regulated by controlling a
mechanical component of the ODD.
13. The method of claim 8, wherein the regulating of the storage
capacity comprises controlling a data format of the content
information during the storing.
14. A CE apparatus for processing content information, wherein: the
apparatus enables a user to select a specific one of multiple
quality levels of the processing; and the apparatus comprises a
controller for setting the specific quality level in responsive to
a signal supplied by a third party.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, comprising an input for receiving
the signal from a server via a data network
16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein: the processing comprises
user-controllable recording of the information content; the
apparatus comprises a storage for the recording; the specific
quality level determines a specific storage capacity available to
the user; and the controller is coupled to the storage for setting
the specific storage capacity under control of the signal.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the storage comprises at
least one of: a HDD, an ODD and a solid state memory.
18. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein: the processing comprises
playing out the content information; the apparatus comprises a
circuit for rendering the content information; the controller is
coupled to the data rendering circuit for setting the specific
quality of the rendering under control of the signal.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein: the content information
comprises video data; the specific quality determines at least one
of a resolution of the rendered content information and a color
depth of the rendered content information.
20. A method of doing business comprising remotely modifying a
quality of a functionality of a CE apparatus of an end-user through
software control via a data network.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates in particular, but not exclusively, to
a consumer electronics (CE) apparatus with a storage, e.g., a
hard-disk drive (HDD), an optical disk drive (ODD), or a solid
state memory for storing content information, such as audio or
video.
[0002] The invention also relates to providing a service relating
to the processing of the content information local at the
end-user's equipment.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] A digital video recorder (DVR), also referred to as Personal
Video Recorder (PVR) uses a HDD to store digital content
information received via satellite, terrestrial or cable
communication channels. The digital format allows the information
to be processed under software control regardless of the platform.
Decoding, error correction and format conversion have become
standard operations. The play-out and recording of content
information has become user-programable through electronic program
guides (EPG's) or software agents. The content information received
through a live broadcast, e.g., via a TV channel or via the
Internet can be time-shifted, time-warped, and edited through this
recording equipment. An example of such equipment is the PVR system
developed by TiVo and manufactured and marketed by Philips
Electronics.
[0004] The Tivo system currently comes with a HDD that has a
storage capacity of 13.6 GB or 27.2 GB that enables the consumer to
store 14 or 30 hours of video, respectively. The Tivo system uses
the MPEG-2 compression algorithm that permits a range of different
video-quality settings. The user can adjust the settings according
to four quality levels. At the highest setting the quality is that
of the near-DVD level. At the lowest setting, the quality is
comparable to that of a VHS tape. The 14-hour PVR is able to record
14 hours at the lowest quality, and 4 hours at the highest quality
setting.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The physical storage capacity of a specific HDD is fixed. To
upgrade a PVR to a larger storage capacity requires the PVR to be
sent to a dealer or to the manufacturer for replacing the HDD with
a larger one. This means that the end-user has to disconnect the
apparatus from the power lines and from home network, bring it or
have it shipped to the site that does the upgrading, pick it up or
receive it from the delivery service, install and connect it to the
network again and possibly re-configure and re-program it. In
addition, the consumer does not have the PVR available during this
time period, which may last several weeks.
[0006] Within this context the inventor therefore proposes to
upgrade the storage capacity in a manner that does not require the
apparatus to be disconnected from the home network, shipped, etc.
The inventor proposes a business model wherein the apparatus has
already got a relatively large HDD when acquired by the end-user,
but whose capacity is controllable through software. For example,
the HDD has a swing arm whose range of travel is controlled through
software. The range determines which area(s) of the disk are
accessible for reading or writing. Alternatively or
supplementarily, different compression algorithms are selected
through software so as to determine the time available for
recording. The upgrade is now obtained through replacing or
adjusting the software from a server, e.g., via the Internet, upon
the user paying a fee. Alternatively, the software upgrade can be
leased temporarily or made part of, e.g., a video-on-demand service
or audio-on-demand service.
[0007] Accordingly, the end-user is given the advantage of a simple
upgrade. The manufacturer or dealer is given the advantage that
upgrades are far less time-consuming and can be done automatically
via the Internet. In addition, identical apparatus can be
manufactured and offered for sale for different prices depending on
the software control of the HDD's storage space.
[0008] The invention allows a method of doing business by leasing
or selling storage capability for, e.g., for recording video or
audio via a data network such as the Internet.
[0009] What has been explained above with regard to HDD-based
storage capabilities is also applicable, mutatis mutandis, to
storage provided by, e.g., solid state memories or storage provided
by a recordable optical disks. For example, the storage capacity is
segmented and access to one or more segments is determined by
software under control of, or upgradeable by, the manufacturer or
the dealer or the content provider. Similarly, various compression
algorithms associated with respective upgrades can be remotely
enabled by the manufacturer, the dealer or the content provider. As
an alternative, a data format of the content information is
adjustable while the information is being stored, e.g., by
selectively clipping one or more of the least-significant bits per
word or byte.
[0010] In a more general sense, the invention relates to a method
of enabling an end-user to locally process content information on
his or her information-processing system, e.g., a CE audio/video
system or a home theater. The quality level of the processing is
remotely adjustable by a service provider. For example, the
end-user obtains a higher quality of the processing in return for a
higher fee. Preferably, the quality is adjustable via a data
network, such as the Internet. The end-user's
information-processing system comprises an apparatus for this local
processing, e.g., a set-top box, a convergence product such as the
DVX8000 of Philips Electronics or another home theater control
system or a PTV. The apparatus has a data network capability for
the remote adjusting, e.g., it has Internet access. For example,
the local processing comprises the playing out of audio or video
content information; and the quality level of the playing out is
remotely adjustable by the service provider, dependent on, e.g., a
subscription fee. The quality of the playing out of the digital
audio or video content can be controlled by, for example, the
extent of the clipping of the digital words by selectively
discarding one or more of the least significant bits in the digital
to analog conversion, or by adding noise or by removal of
previously added noise, etc.
[0011] Especially with regard to the rapidly increasing retrieval
of content information from the Web and the seemingly unlimited
distribution capabilities of the Internet at the expense of, e.g.,
the authors and other copyright owners, a remotely controlled
play-out quality may have attractive aspects for all parties
involved.
[0012] In case the local processing comprises locally storing the
content information the quality of the storing can be made remotely
adjustable by the service provider, for example by regulating a
storage capacity available to the end-user. This can be done, as
explained earlier by providing end-user access to a selected
portion of a local storage. If the local storage comprises a HDD or
an ODD the storage capacity is regulated by controlling a range of
travel of a mechanical component, e.g., the swing arm, of the HDD
or ODD. If the local storage comprises a solid state memory the
storage capacity can be regulated by controlling an address range
of the memory.
[0013] Alternatively, or in addition, the regulating of the storage
capacity may comprise controlling a data format of the content
information during the local storing. The clipping has been
mentioned above. Another example is the use of different encryption
or compression algorithms for writing the data to the storage. Some
provide a higher play-out quality (e.g., CD-like quality) than
others (e.g., MP3-like quality). The algorithms are present at the
end-user's equipment and can be selectively enabled by a remote
server communicating with the equipment under control of the
service provider.
[0014] In a business model, content information is made available
via the Internet together with, or separately from, the software
for play out decoders or controllers in case of the remotely
adjustable rendering. In a business model, content information is
made available via the Internet together with, or separately from,
the software for the software for the storage decoders or storage
controllers in case of the remotely adjustable storage capacity.
The software can be tied to the specific information content, e.g.,
by a common time stamp or a unique combination of IDs. The decoders
or controllers for the higher quality are, for example, only valid
on a certain machine or during a predetermined time interval and
for a higher fee.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The invention is explained by way of example and with
reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0016] FIGS. 1 and 2 are block diagrams of systems in the
invention.
[0017] Throughout the figures, same reference numerals indicate
similar or corresponding features.
DETAILED EMBODIMENTS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a first system 100 in the
invention. System 100 comprises a CE equipment or apparatus 102
that includes a data recording functionality. A source 104 supplies
content information in a digital format, such as audio or video, to
apparatus 102. Apparatus 102 has a data storage 106 for recording
the content information via a data read/write unit 108. Unit 108 is
also used for reading the data stored for play-out. Storage 106 has
a fixed storage capacity that is divided into multiple segments
110, 112, . . . , 114. A conditional access controller 116
determines which of segments 110-114 is or are accessible to
read/write unit 108. Controller 116 has an input 118 for receiving
control data for setting an access mode of recording system 102. In
the illustrated example, controller 116 controls read/write unit
108 through, e.g., selectively controlling the address range of the
address decoder (not shown) of unit 108. Alternatively or in
addition, controller 116 disables or enables address bits on or
more inputs to storage 106, or selects one of multiple compression
algorithms for writing the content information to storage 106.
Apparatus 102 has these algorithms installed preferably beforehand.
Different algorithms need different amounts of memory space to
store the initially the same content. Controller input 118 receives
the control data from a server 120 via a data network 122, e.g.,
the Internet. The control data regulate the storage space or
segment(s) available to the end-user, or the efficiency of the
storing via the selected algorithm.
[0019] Server 120 in this example is under control of the
manufacturer or supplier of apparatus 102. For a higher price or
higher fee, the end-user purchases or leases apparatus 102 with
effectively a higher storage capacity. Upgrades are easily
implemented later on upon a user request 124 sent to server 120,
together with an authorization for an additional payment made to
the supplier or service provider.
[0020] User request 124 is sent via apparatus 102 or another
suitable device, e.g., a set-top box or a PC with Internet access.
Alternatively, the user can dial in to the server and state his/her
preferences via, e.g., a touch-tone driven menu.
[0021] The content information can, but need not, be provided by
the same service provider, who controls the adjusting of the
storage space available to the end-user. For example, a scenario is
feasible wherein the service provider controls both the available
storage space and the supply of content information, e.g., via the
Internet or via cable, the content information can be labeled in
such a way as to automatically determine the effective size of the
storage space available, either through selective access to
segments 110-114 or through specific compression algorithms. For
example, upon downloading the content information in labeled
partitions from source 104 (e.g., via server 120), the labels
determine the compression algorithm and therefore the quality of
the content information as stored. As another example, the user
sends a request for specific content information to the service
provider and wants a suitable amount of temporary local storage
space for recording the content information requested. The user
pays a fee and the service provider enables access to a larger
portion of storage 106 under appropriate control of controller 116.
The user thus is allowed to temporarily access the stored content
information, but on expiry of the lease time, read-access to the
whole or parts of the content information as stored is denied or
its content is overwritten via appropriate control of controller
116, either through commands or executing a software program local
to apparatus 102 under control of the service provider.
[0022] In another scenario, the manufacturer or dealer provides the
service of upgrading the storage space available to the end-user
upon the latter's request. For example, the end-user submits a
request for a larger storage, e.g., through email or via the
telephone, connects apparatus to the Internet if it was not already
connected, so that storage 106 can get remotely adjusted, and
awaits a confirmation that adjustment is successfully completed,
e.g., by an automatic visual indication (an LED, for example)
generated at apparatus 102 itself under control of, e.g.,
controller 116.
[0023] Controller 116 and read/write unit 108 can be supplied as a
secure module for preventing an unauthorized person tampering with
its innards.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of another system 200 in the
invention. System 200 comprises a play-out apparatus 202, such as
an audio player or a video player or an entire home theater. System
200 further comprises source 104 for supply of content information
to apparatus 202 for subsequent play-out via an output 204 of
apparatus 202. Output 206 comprises for example a display monitor
or loudspeaker system. The content information from source 104 is
processed by a rendering circuit 206 to make play out possible.
Rendering circuit 206 is controlled via a controller 208 that
conditionally regulates the rendering by circuit 206. Controller
208 has an input 210 connected to a server 120 on the Internet 122.
Server 120 sets the rendering mode of rendering circuit 206 through
controller 208 and via the Internet 122 upon request 124 from the
end-user. For example, source 104 streams video data via cable or
via the Internet 122 to apparatus 202. Controller 208 can be set
through server 120 to be operational only for a certain period of
time, e.g., to let the user get a preview or to permit watching the
videos from source 104 for the duration of a subscription to be
renewed periodically. In another scenario, the user can specify the
resolution or color depth of the video to be rendered at output
204. The pixel depth indicates the number of different pixel
values, e.g., different colors or different grey levels, that a
particular pixel can assume. Upon paying a fee according to the
quality level desired, circuit 206 processes the data under control
of controller 208 that in turn got instructed via server 120. In
yet another scenario, source 104 comprises a DVD with a unique
identifier conditionally acceptable by rendering circuit 206 for
processing. Server 120 instructs controller 208 according to the
fee paid by the user and the business model applied to
conditionally render the DVD. In this manner, the play-out quality
can be controlled depending on what the end-user is willing to pay.
Also, in a same model the user can be given conditional access to
one or more segments of the content information stored on the DVD.
In yet another scenario, the manufacturer can remotely upgrade the
rendering quality in dependence on what the user wants to spend on
apparatus. In still another scenario, various levels of play-out
quality can be leased dependent on the type of content information
supplied. For example, a recording of a sports match may require
not so high a video play-out quality as, e.g., a modern movie.
Resolution or color depth can be regulated by, e.g., clipping the
bits.
[0025] Controller 208 may be part of a PC or a dedicated embedded
processing system or graphics processor for providing the
processing power that is adequate to handle the video data for the
purpose of regulating the resolution or color depth.
[0026] Again, source 104 and server can be controlled by the
service provider, or can alternatively be stages in a distributed
commerce system.
[0027] The invention provides a manner to better control copyright
protection.
[0028] The expressions "service provider", "manufacturer" and
"dealer" have been used herein to indicate in general, within the
relevant context, the third party under whose supervision the
quality level is remotely adjusted of the processing of the content
information carried out locally at the end-user's equipment.
[0029] Incorporated herein by reference are the following patent
documents:
[0030] U.S. Ser. No ______ (attorney docket PH-US 000014) filed
______ for Erik Ekkel et al., for PERSONALIZING CE EQUIPMENT
CONFIGURATION AT SERVER VIA WEB-ENABLED DEVICE. This document
relates to the configuring of CE equipment by the consumer. The
setting up of the configuration is facilitated by means of
delegating the configuring to an application server on the
Internet. The consumer enters his/her preferences in a specific
interactive Web page through a suitable user-interface of an
Internet-enabled device, such as a PC or set-top box or digital
cellphone. The application server generates the control data based
on the preferences entered and downloads the control data to the CE
equipment itself or to the Internet-enabled device.
[0031] U.S. Ser. No. 09/160,490 (attorney docket PHA 23,500) filed
Sep. 25, 1998 for Adrian Turner et al., for CUSTOMIZED UPGRADING OF
INTERNET-ENABLED DEVICES BASED ON USER-PROFILE. This document
relates to a SmartConnect (TM) server system that maintains a user
profile of a particular end-user of consumer electronics
network-enabled equipment. The server also maintains a data base of
new technical features for this type of equipment. If there is a
match between the user-profile and a new technical feature, and the
user indicates to receive information about updates or sales
offers, the user gets notified via the network of the option to
obtain the feature.
[0032] U.S. Ser. No. 09/189,535 (attorney docket PHA 23,527) filed
Nov. 10, 1998 for Eugene Shteyn for UPGRADING OF SYNERGETIC ASPECTS
OF HOME NETWORKS. This document relates to a server that has access
to an inventory of devices and capabilities on a user's home
network. The inventory is, for example, a look-up service as
provided by HAVi or Jini architecture. The server has also access
to a data base with information of features for a network. The
server determines if the synergy of the apparatus present on the
user's network can be enhanced based on the listing of the
inventory and on the user's profile. If there are features that are
relevant to the synergy, based on these criteria, the user gets
notified.
[0033] U.S. Ser. No. 09/349,676 (attorney docket PHA 23,681) filed
Jul. 8, 1999 for Kristen Ondeck for AFTER-SALES CUSTOMIZATION
SPECIFIED BY RETAILER ACTS AS INCENTIVE. This document relates to a
method of doing business that enables to stimulate commercial
activities. A customer notifies a manufacturer or a dedicated
service provider, of the purchase of merchandise from a specific
retailer. Upon being notified, the manufacturer or service provider
customizes a portal or home page for the customer by temporarily
adding an advertisement banner associated with the retailer.
[0034] U.S. Ser. No. 09/283,545 (attorney docket PHA 23,633) filed
Apr. 1, 1999 for Eugene Shteyn for TIME- AND LOCATION-DRIVEN
PERSONALIZED TV. This document relates to a method of enabling a
user to access content information (e.g., video, audio). The method
enables the user to select the content information, e.g., from an
electronic program guide relating to a broadcast or multicast
service. The selected content information gets recorded when it is
broadcasted or multicasted. The method enables the user to select
in advance at least a specific one from multiple geographically
different locations at which the recorded, selected content
information will be made available for play-out. Preferably, the
invention also enables the user to specify a time frame for making
the recorded content information available for play-out at the
specific location. The content information can be recorded at a
first recording system, e.g., at a server, whereafter the recorded
selected content information is streamed over a data network, e.g.,
over the Internet or a private network like AOL, from the first
recording system to the location specified by the user. If the
specific location has a second recording system, the streaming uses
a low-bandwidth protocol so as to keep Internet bandwidth usage low
while recording at the second recording system. Accordingly, this
method lets the user specify in advance a location for play-out of
a specific broadcast or multicast program pre-recorded in response
to the user's selection, and has the content made available to him
or her at that location. For example, the user can specify that he
or she will be, e.g., at the house of a relative, at a specific
hotel, on a particular flight of a specific airline, in a specific
bar, a particular restaurant, etc., at a specific time period, and
request that the content be recorded at this location. This
requires that these other locations be integrated in the
infrastructure of the service mentioned above. The programs of a TV
broadcasts are typically regional or local. If the user is
traveling outside the region or the time zone, he or she may
request to search for an identical program broadcasted in the new
region, or a program of a similar content, or a program with
identical or similar content but closer in time to the intended
play-out, and record that program at a recording device in the
pre-specified location.
[0035] U.S. Ser. No. 08/987,696 (attorney docket PHD 96,199), now
allowed, and filed Dec. 9, 1997 for Wolfgang Zander for SYSTEM FOR
DOWNLOADING SOFTWARE. This document relates to a system for
replacing old software resident on an apparatus by new software via
e.g., the Internet. The system has a control circuit and a storage
device for storing the software. The system has a loading device
for delivering the new software to the storage device. The control
circuit stores the new software in the storage device after
reception of an appropriate instruction. The new software comprises
system software, at least consisting of operating software and
downloading software. The new software also comprises new
application software for controlling a component coupled to the
module. During operational use of the component a first part of the
storage device stores the new system software and a second part of
the storage device stores the new application software. During the
downloading of the new system software the control circuit erases
the first part of the storage device, after the storage of the new
system software in the second part of the storage device. The
control circuit transfers subsequently the new system software from
the second part to the first part of the storage device.
* * * * *