U.S. patent application number 11/127551 was filed with the patent office on 2005-09-22 for method, system and devices for wireless data storage on a server and data retrieval.
Invention is credited to Aoki, Ken, Eubanks, Gina C., Yukie, Satoru.
Application Number | 20050210120 11/127551 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34987650 |
Filed Date | 2005-09-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050210120 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yukie, Satoru ; et
al. |
September 22, 2005 |
Method, system and devices for wireless data storage on a server
and data retrieval
Abstract
A method and system for remotely storing data on a server
through a wireless connection instead of storing data locally in a
consumer device, as well as devices for use with the method and
system. More particularly, a video camera, still camera, laptop
computer, or other consumer device which normally stores data in
local memory such as film, disk, random access memory, memory
sticks, or other forms of storage would transmit the data to a
remote server through a wireless connection. The data would be
saved on the remote server for subsequent retrieval through, for
example, the Internet or a wireless connection to the server. In
addition, data not originating from the user device could be
downloaded to the consumer device. The data to be retrieved can be
specified by the user, or sent to the user according to a user
profile stored on the server.
Inventors: |
Yukie, Satoru; (San Diego,
CA) ; Eubanks, Gina C.; (San Diego, CA) ;
Aoki, Ken; (San Diego, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
O'BANION & RITCHEY LLP/ SONY ELECTRONICS, INC.
400 CAPITOL MALL
SUITE 1550
SACRAMENTO
CA
95814
US
|
Family ID: |
34987650 |
Appl. No.: |
11/127551 |
Filed: |
May 10, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11127551 |
May 10, 2005 |
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09542126 |
Apr 4, 2000 |
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60181129 |
Feb 8, 2000 |
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60180990 |
Feb 8, 2000 |
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60180987 |
Feb 8, 2000 |
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60180985 |
Feb 8, 2000 |
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60181148 |
Feb 8, 2000 |
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60181144 |
Feb 8, 2000 |
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60181145 |
Feb 8, 2000 |
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60180992 |
Feb 8, 2000 |
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60180991 |
Feb 8, 2000 |
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60181105 |
Feb 8, 2000 |
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60181128 |
Feb 8, 2000 |
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60180988 |
Feb 8, 2000 |
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60181147 |
Feb 8, 2000 |
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60181127 |
Feb 8, 2000 |
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60180984 |
Feb 8, 2000 |
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60180993 |
Feb 8, 2000 |
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60191184 |
Mar 22, 2000 |
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60192264 |
Mar 27, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
709/217 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 67/2842 20130101;
H04L 67/306 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
709/217 |
International
Class: |
G06F 015/16 |
Claims
1. A wireless data storage system, comprising: (a) a user terminal
having a wireless communications interface; (b) a base station
configured for wireless communication with said user terminal; (c)
a data server configured for communicating with said user terminal
through said base station; and (d) means associated with said data
server for receiving and storing data transmitted by said user
terminal for subsequent retrieval; (e) wherein data stored by said
data server includes a user profile corresponding to a user of said
user terminal; and (f) wherein said user profile defines at least
one parameter for retrieval of stored data by said user terminal,
said parameter selected from the group of parameters consisting
essentially of one or more types of content to be sent to said user
terminal, one or more specific data sources for content to be sent
to said user terminal, and the type of data and time said data is
to be transmitted to said user terminal.
2-17. (canceled)
18. A wireless data retrieval system, comprising: (a) a user
terminal having a wireless communications interface; (b) a base
station configured for wireless communication with said user
terminal; (c) a data server configured for communicating with said
user terminal through said base station; and (d) means associated
with said data server for transmitting data stored on said data
server to said user terminal; (e) wherein data stored by said data
server includes a user profile corresponding to a user of said user
terminal; and (f) wherein said user profile defines at least one
parameter for retrieval of stored data by said user terminal, said
parameter selected from the group of parameters consisting
essentially of one or more types of content to be sent to said user
terminal, one or more specific data sources for content to be sent
to said user terminal, and the type of data and time said data is
to be transmitted to said user terminal.
19-35. (canceled)
36. A user terminal configured for wireless communication with a
data server through a base station and further configured for
transmitting data to said data server for storage and subsequent
retrieval; wherein data stored by said data server includes a user
profile corresponding to a user of said user terminal; and wherein
said user profile defines at least one parameter for retrieval of
stored data by said user terminal, said parameter selected from the
group of parameters consisting essentially of one or more types of
content to be sent to said user terminal, one or more specific data
sources for content to be sent to said user terminal, and the type
of data and time said data is to be transmitted to said user
terminal.
37-51. (canceled)
52. A user terminal configured for wireless communication with a
data server through a base station and further configured for
receiving data stored on said data server; wherein data stored by
said data server includes a user profile corresponding to a user of
said user terminal; and wherein said user profile defines at least
one parameter for retrieval of stored data by said user terminal,
said parameter selected from the group of parameters consisting
essentially of one or more types of content to be sent to said user
terminal, one or more specific data sources for content to be sent
to said user terminal, and the type of data and time said data is
to be transmitted to said user terminal.
53-67. (canceled)
68. A system for transmitting data to a user, comprising: (a) a
wireless receiver; and (b) a data server, said data server
including a user profile defining parameters for transmitting data
to said wireless receiver; (c) wherein said parameters are selected
from the group of parameters consisting essentially of one or more
types of content to be sent to said wireless receiver, one or more
specific data sources for content to be sent to said wireless
receiver, and the type of data and time said data is to be
transmitted to said wireless receiver.
69-74. (canceled)
75. A method for wireless transmission of data to a user,
comprising: (a) storing, on a data server, a user profile defining
parameters for transmitting data to a wireless receiver; and (b)
transmitting said data according to said user profile; (c) wherein
said parameters are selected from the group of parameters
consisting essentially of one or more types of content to be sent
to said wireless receiver, one or more specific data sources for
content to be sent to said wireless receiver, and the type of data
and time said data is to be transmitted to said wireless
receiver.
76-80. (canceled)
81. A system for transmitting data to a user, comprising: (a) a
wireless receiver; (b) a wireless transmitter associated with said
wireless receiver; (c) a data server, said data server including
means for identifying data to transmit to said wireless receiver
based on the capability of said wireless receiver to receive said
data; and (d) a wireless base station transmitter associated with
said data server; (e) wherein said data server is configured to
identify the capability of said wireless receiver to receive data
through a wireless connection with said wireless transmitter.
82-83. (canceled)
84. A method for transmitting data to a user, comprising
identifying the capability of a wireless receiver to receive data
and transmitting data to said wireless receiver based on said data
receiving capability, wherein a data server is configured to
identify the capability of said wireless receiver to receive data
through a wireless connection with a wireless transmitter
associated with said wireless receiver and a wireless base station
associated with said data server.
85. A data server for providing data to a user, comprising: (a) a
network connection for receiving data from a user and sending data
to a user; and (b) data storage for storing data received from the
user and data to be sent to the user, wherein the data storage
includes data indicating a user profile corresponding to the user;
(c) wherein the user profile defines one or more types of content
to be sent to the user.
86-92. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 09/542,126 filed on Apr. 4, 2000, incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety, which in turns claims priority from U.S.
provisional application Ser. No. 60/181,129 filed on Feb. 8, 2000,
U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/180,990 filed on Feb. 8,
2000, U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/180,987 filed on
Feb. 8, 2000, Provisional application Ser. No. 60/180,985 filed on
Feb. 8, 2000, U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/181,148
filed on Feb. 8, 2000, U.S. provisional application Ser. No.
60/181,144 filed on Feb. 8, 2000, U.S. provisional application Ser.
No. 60/181,145 filed on Feb. 8, 2000, U.S. provisional application
Ser. No. 60/180,992 filed on Feb. 8, 2000, U.S. provisional
application Ser. No. 60/180,991 filed on Feb. 8, 2000, U.S.
provisional application Ser. No. 60/181,105 filed on Feb. 8, 2000,
U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/181,128 filed on Feb. 8,
2000, U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/180,988 filed on
Feb. 8, 2000, U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/181,147
filed on Feb. 8, 2000, U.S. provisional application Ser. No.
60/181,127 filed on Feb. 8, 2000, U.S. provisional application Ser.
No. 60/180,984 filed on Feb. 8, 2000, U.S. provisional application
Ser. No. 60/180,993 filed on Feb. 8, 2000, U.S. provisional
application Ser. No. 60/191,184 filed on Mar. 22, 2000, and U.S.
provisional application Ser. No. 60/192,264 filed on Mar. 27, 2000,
each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Priority is claimed to each of the foregoing U.S. patent
applications.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT
DISC
[0003] Not Applicable
NOTICE OF MATERIAL SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT PROTECTION
[0004] A portion of the material in this patent document is subject
to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United
States and of other countries. The owner of the copyright rights
has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the
patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the
United States Patent and Trademark Office publicly available file
or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
The copyright owner does not hereby waive any of its rights to have
this patent document maintained in secrecy, including without
limitation its rights pursuant to 37 C.F.R. .sctn. 1.14.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] 1. Field of the Invention
[0006] This invention pertains generally to data storage methods
and devices, and more particularly to a method, system and devices
that provide for remote storage and retrieval of data that would
otherwise be provided locally.
[0007] 2. Description of the Background Art
[0008] There is a wide range of user devices available on the
market that rely on internal memory or insertion of external
storage devices for operation. A well known example is a camcorder
where local storage data storage media such tapes, disks, memory
sticks, and the like are used to store images that are recorded by
the camcorder. Since internal memory or external storage devices
are not unlimited in capacity, the tapes, disks, etc. eventually
need to be changed to continue recording images. This presents an
element of inconvenience, particularly when storage capacity is
reached at a critical time, an element of expense since it is
generally necessary to purchase multiple storage devices for
extended use of the camcorder, and an element of unreliability
since the storage devices can fail. This holds true with any device
that relies on data storage and uses a form of local data storage
media.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention addresses the limitations associated
with relying on local data storage media by employing a wireless
communications link to a remote data server. By way of example, and
not of limitation, a video camera, still camera, laptop computer,
or other device which normally stores data in local memory such as
film, disk, random access memory, memory sticks, or other forms of
storage would transmit the data to a remote server through a
wireless connection. The data would be saved on the remote server
for subsequent retrieval through, for example, the Internet or a
wireless connection to the server. In addition, the user can
download data from the server that did not originate from the user
such as, for example, commercially available audio files, video
files, images, and the like. Data retrieval can be manual where the
user specifies data to be downloaded, or can be automated through
the use of a personal user profile stored on the server which
defines what data will be downloaded, as well as how and when the
data will be downloaded. Therefore, the invention not only provides
an alternative to local data storage, but further enables the
development of a myriad of consumer devices with wireless access to
data.
[0010] An object of the invention is to reduce or eliminate the
need for local data storage media in a consumer device.
[0011] Another object of the invention is to enable a consumer
device to send data to a remote location for storage.
[0012] Another object of the invention is to provide a wireless
data feed to a consumer device.
[0013] Another object of the invention is to provide the user of a
wireless consumer device to specify data to be retrieved from a
remote server.
[0014] Another object of the invention is to present data to a
wireless consumer device based on a predetermined user profile.
[0015] Further objects and advantages of the invention will be
brought out in the following portions of the specification, wherein
the detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing
preferred embodiments of the invention without placing limitations
thereon.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The invention will be more fully understood by reference to
the following drawings which are for illustrative purposes
only:
[0017] FIG. 1 is schematic diagram of a wireless data storage and
retrieval system according to the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment
of the wireless data storage and retrieval system shown in FIG.
1.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a diagram of a mobile IP data stack employed in
the system shown in FIG. 2.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an embodiment
of a data server employed in the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] Referring more specifically to the drawings, for
illustrative purposes the present invention is embodied in the
apparatus generally shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 4. It will be
appreciated that the apparatus may vary as to configuration and as
to details of the parts, and that the method may vary as to the
specific steps and sequence, without departing from the basic
concepts as disclosed herein.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, a general embodiment of system
according to the present invention preferably comprises a user
device 10 with a wireless interface 12, a base station 14, and a
data server 16. User device 10 communicates with base station 14
over a wireless connection 18, and base station 14 communicates
with data server 16 over a landline, wireless, or other
communications link 20. Data server 16 is configured for permanent
or part-time connection to the Internet 22 through a landline,
wireless or other communications link 24, and can be accessed from
a terminal 26, such as a personal computer or the like, either
through a direct connection 28, through a network connection 30 to
the Internet 22, or through an alternative communications link.
User device 10 can comprise any number of devices, without
restriction, such as a music player, a still camera, a video
camera, a video display, a car stereo, a telephonic device, a
handheld control device, a game device, an appliance, a computer
system, a personal digital assistant, or any like device that would
ordinarily include, or be connected to, local data storage media
32. Note in this regard that local data storage media 32 is
optional, and that the present invention is directed to
alternatives to using local data storage media 32. This can include
using local data storage media 32 as primary storage and data
server 16 as secondary storage, using data server 16 as primary
storage and local data storage media 32 as secondary storage, or
eliminating local data storage media 32 altogether.
[0023] Wireless interface 12 can be a receiver only, a transmitter
only, or be a transceiver for bi-directional communications.
Similarly, base station 14 can be a receiver only (if wireless
interface 12 is a transmitter) or include a transmitter as well for
bi-directional communications. In the preferred embodiment, both
wireless interface 12 and base station 14 are transceivers for
bi-directional communications. The construction and operation of
such communications devices, as well as the manner of
interconnecting such communications devices to other devices such
as user device 10 or data server 16 for data input and output, are
well known in the art and will not be described herein.
[0024] Data server 16 can be a personal server of the user for
storing a user's personal data files. The data server can be
secure, such as by using encryption and/or password access, to
protect the user's data. Alternatively, data server 16 can be a
public server, such as a server accessible to multiple users for
storage, or a commercial server where downloading data incurs a fee
to the user through identification passed from user device 10 to
data server 16. A user can be billed for the service in various
ways or combinations of ways, including a monthly basis, a content
basis (per song, per movie, etc.), a data access basis (e.g., an
amount of money per megabit of data sent to the user), a service
basis (e.g., the number and/or type of channels and/or monitoring
services designated in the user profile), and a registration basis
(e.g., the number and/or type of devices registered with the
server, such as for customized download). The server can provide
data to a user on a rental (limited use, such as a finite number of
times) or purchase (unlimited use) basis. The server can include
security or conditional access systems or software to control
redistribution and access. The server or administrator can also
bill a user for access independent of content (e.g., a monthly fee
for all users).
[0025] According to one mode of operation, user device 10
establishes a wireless connection to data server 16 and sends data
to data server 16 for storage and later access by user device 10.
User device 10 can either access data server 16 through the
wireless connection or through a wireline network connection, such
as through dialup access to the Internet. If data server 16 is
accessed through the wireless connection, user device 10 would
include user controls (not shown) for entering data retrieval
parameters for transmission to data server 16. If data server 16 is
accessed through a wireline connection, user device 10 may include
a suitable communications interface 34, such as a modem, for direct
communication. Alternatively, communications interface 34 could be
a universal serial bus (USB), serial, Firewire.TM. or other
interface for connection to terminal 26, and terminal 26 would
include suitable software for accessing data server 16.
[0026] As described above, several functional embodiments of local
data storage media 32 are contemplated. In accordance with one
embodiment, local data storage media 32 would be limited in size to
an amount which allows operation of user device 10 and transmission
of data to data server 16 for storage, but not substantially beyond
that amount. In accordance with another embodiment, local data
storage media 32 would comprise transient storage, such as random
access memory (RAM). In this embodiment, when user device 10 stores
data for long-term use (e.g., not data for immediate operation of
the device, such as program instructions), user device 10 sends the
data to data server 16 through the wireless connection. User device
10 determines what data is available on data server 16 by querying
data server 16 across the wireless connection. According to still
another embodiment, local data storage media 32 need only comprise
sufficient local storage to store information indicating available
data on data server 16. Therefore, it will be appreciated that
local data storage media 32 can be embodied in various forms with
various amounts of storage capability, including, for example,
removable media such as a PCMCIA memory card, PCMCIA hard drive
card, a floppy disk, a tape, the like. Some embodiments would be
internal to user device 10, while other would be peripheral
devices.
[0027] Wireless interface 12 can also comprise several embodiments
both functionally, and constructively. For example, wireless
interface 12 can be an embedded wireless modem or, alternatively,
comprise a removable device such as a PCMCIA card wireless modem.
Preferably, wireless interface 12 is self-contained so as to
provide for efficient installation (e.g., simply inserting a card
into an appropriate port) and operation for a user. Or,
installation by the user could be avoided completely by using an
embedded wireless interface. Wireless interface 12 can also be set
to be active whenever user device 10 is active, allowing continuous
wireless access, or be user selectable.
[0028] Note also that operation and control of user device 10, as
well as associated peripheral devices, can comprise various forms
and be implemented through software executed by hardware including
memory and a processor. Alternatively, an all hardware
implementation can be employed.
[0029] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the wireless
connection between user device 10 and base station 14 can be
implemented in various ways. For example, it is contemplated that
the connection could be through a readily available wireless
internet protocol (IP) network, such as an iBurst.TM. or
Ricochet.TM. connection. This type of connection provides an
IP-packet switch and is a high speed broadband connection suitable
for transmission of audio and video data. The high speed nature of
the connection provides an advantageous data transfer rate for
storage on data server 16. And, because the connection is wireless,
user device 10 is readily portable or mobile. Furthermore,
different wireless systems can also be used for the connection,
such as an analog cellular system. Alternatively, the connection
can use a different network protocol than IP, such as mobile IP, or
other forms of packet-based protocols.
[0030] However, the preferred form of wireless communication is the
iBurst.TM. technology available from ArrayComm where spatial
division multiple access (SDMA) would be used to send a directional
beam directly to user device 10. This technology is described in
one or more of the following patents owned by ArrayComm which are
incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,909,471;
5,828,658; 5,642,353; 5,625,880; 5,592,490; 5,546,090; 5,515,378;
6,037,898; 6,023,203; 5,973,678; 5,920,243; 5,909,470; and
5,886,988. FIG. 2 shows an example of how the system of FIG. 1
could be modified to employ SDMA IP-packet data transmission
techniques in this context, and FIG. 3 shows the IP stack that
would be used. Note that instead of base station 14 being connected
to data server 16 as in FIG. 1, it is connected to an SMS server 36
through a communications link 38. SMS server 36 is in turn
connected to a first data server 40 through a communications link
42, which is in turn connected to the Internet 22 through a
communications link 44. A second data server is also shown
connected to the Internet 22. Terminal 26 is shown configured for
accessing first data server 40 directly through communications link
48 or through the Internet 22 via communications link 50. In this
embodiment, TCP/IP packets originating from user device 10 will be
encapsulated in PPP for wireless transmission. The packets will be
received by base station 14 and routed to SMS server 36 where they
will be encapsulated in L2TP/PPP. SMS server 36 will route the
L2TP/PPP data to first data server 40 where the data will be stored
or converted to TCP/IP for transmission over the Internet 22 to
second data server 46. Data can later be retrieved from either
first data server 40 or second data server 46.
[0031] In short, base station 14 would locate user device 10 and
directionally transmit the signal to user device 10 for
reliability. Also, once a connection between user device 10 and
base station 14 is made, the connection can be maintained even
though user device 10 may not be continuously sending data.
Preferably, all data generated by user device 10 will be in IP
format to allow for efficient transmission. The IP packets will be
encapsulated in PPP prior to wireless transmission, and then
converted back to IP format after receipt by base station 14.
[0032] With the foregoing in mind, it can be appreciated that the
present invention provides for any user device to use a wireless
feed instead of using tapes, memory sticks, etc. The wireless
network is preferably bi-directional, and provides for remote
storage of the information. The data would be transmitted in IP
format so that it can be sent efficiently in packets over the
wireless connection. The remote server would store the information
for later retrieval. Therefore, it would no longer be necessary to
incorporate local storage in a user device unless desired. The
result is that the memory requirements of the user device are
eliminated, which reduces power consumption as well as storage
limitations.
[0033] User device 10 can take on many forms, some of which will be
now described.
[0034] 1. Music Player
[0035] In accordance with an aspect of the invention, user device
10 is a music player. The music player outputs audio by processing
audio files for a user, such as playing music stored in an
electronic file in an encoded format such as MP3. As described
above, the music player would include a wireless interface 12 to
interact with data server 16 across a wireless connection. To play
an audio file, the music player would connect to data server 16 and
query data server 16 about what audio files are available. The
music player would then display the server's response to the user.
In response to a selection by the user, the music player would
request an audio file from data server 16 and data server 16 would
send the file to the music player across the wireless connection.
The music player receives the requested file from data server 16
and plays the file, such as by decoding the file and outputting
corresponding audio through a speaker. The music player would
download and play the received audio data immediately as an audio
stream. Alternatively, or in addition, the music player can store
the entire audio file, or a portion, and play the file immediately
or at a later time. If desired, the music player can include
sufficient storage for downloading multiple audio files, such as an
entire album. The music player can also download supplementary
information, such as artist information, interviews, images,
etc.
[0036] Additionally, the music player can optionally include a
microphone for audio recording. The input audio would be encoded
and sent to data server 16 across the wireless connection.
Alternatively, the music player could store the audio data locally
and send the audio data to data server 16 at a later time, such as
automatically at a preset time or condition (e.g., power down), or
upon a command for remote storage by the user. The user can later
access and play the stored audio from data server 16 as described
above for the music player.
[0037] 2. Still Image Camera
[0038] Another aspect of the invention contemplates that user
device 10 is a still image camera. As described above, the camera
would include a wireless interface 12 to interact with data server
16 across a wireless connection. The camera would record an image,
using a CCD for example, as image data. When the user desires to
store the image (e.g., by pressing a "shutter" button), the camera
would send the image data across the wireless connection to data
server 16 for storage as an image file. Alternatively, the camera
can store the image locally and send the image to data server 16 at
a later time, such as automatically at a preset time or condition
(e.g., power down), or upon a command for remote storage by the
user. The camera can encode the image data, such as into JPEG
format, or data server 16 can encode the image data after receipt,
or the image data can remain in the original format on data server
16.
[0039] If desired, the camera can include a visual display so that
the user can view an image on the display. In this way, the user
can view an image which has just been stored, or view the image
before the image is stored (e.g. as the image is recorded by the
camera but before the image has been selected for storage by the
user). The user can also view an image which has been stored on
data server 16. To view on the camera an image file stored on data
server 16, the camera would connect to data server 16 and query
what image files are available. The camera would then display the
server's response to the user. In response to a selection by the
user, the camera would request an image file from data server 16
and the server would send the file to the camera across the
wireless connection. The camera would receive the requested file
from data server 16 and display the image stored in the file, such
as by decoding the file and displaying the image on the display. It
will be appreciated that an advantage of storing images on data
server 16 is that the user does not need to worry about the
physical location of film or local removable media for storing
images. Data server 16 is a known, stable, and easily accessible
location for advantageous retrieval.
[0040] If desired, the camera would optionally include local data
storage media 32 with sufficient storage for downloading multiple
image files from data server 16. The camera could also download
supplementary information, such as artist or image information. It
is also contemplated that the camera could include an audio input
and output for storing and outputting audio, such as for voice
comments on images. The audio data could be stored and accessed in
a similar manner to the image data, as described above.
[0041] 3. Video Camera
[0042] The invention also contemplates that user device 10 could be
a video camera. As described above, the camera would include a
wireless interface 12 to interact with data server 16 across a
wireless connection. The camera would typically record a video
image stream, such as by using a CCD, as image data. When the user
desires to begin storing the image stream (e.g., by pressing a
"record" button), the camera would send the image data across the
wireless connection to data server 16 for storage as an image file.
The camera would continue to send recorded image data to data
server 16 until the user desires to cease storing (e.g., by
pressing a "stop" button). Alternatively, the camera could store
the image stream locally on local data storage media 32 and send
the image to data server 16 at a later time, such as automatically
at a preset time or condition (e.g., power down or every 60
seconds), or upon a command for remote storage by the user. The
camera can encode the image data, such as into MPEG or MPEG2
format, data server 16 can encode the image data, or the image data
can remain in the original format on the server.
[0043] The camera could optionally include a display so that the
user can view an image or image stream on the display.
Alternatively, the camera could supply image data to a connected
device, such as a television, for display. The user would then be
able to view an image stream which has just been stored, or even
before the image stream is stored (e.g., as the image is recorded
by the camera but before the image has been selected for storage by
the user). The user could also view an image or image stream which
has been stored on data server 16 in an image file. To view on the
camera an image file stored on the server, the camera would connect
to data server 16 and query what image files are available. The
camera would then display the server's response to the user. In
response to a selection by the user, the camera would request an
image file from the server and the server would send the file to
the camera across the wireless connection. The camera would receive
the requested file from the server and display the image stream
stored in the file, such as by decoding the file and displaying the
image on the display. The user could also request a still image
from an image file, such as for preview. In that case, data server
16 server would also provide the still image by accessing the image
file, obtaining an image from the image file, and sending the still
image to the camera for display in a similar manner to that
described above. Again, an advantage of storing images on data
server 16 is that the user does not need to worry about the
physical location of film or local removable media for storing
images, and data server 16 is a known, stable, and easily
accessible location for advantageous retrieval.
[0044] According to a further aspect of the invention, the camera
would include local data storage media 32 with sufficient storage
for downloading multiple image files. The camera could also
download supplementary information, such as artist or image
information. It is also contemplated that the camera could include
an audio input and output for storing and outputting audio, such as
for voice comments on images. The audio data could be stored and
accessed in a similar manner to the image data, as described
above.
[0045] 4. Video Display
[0046] Another embodiment of user device 16 is a video display
device, such as for watching movies or television, or viewing one
or more still images. In a preferred embodiment, video display
device includes software for accessing content on the Internet,
such as web-browsing software. Data is transferred to and from the
video display device across the wireless connection and displayed
on a video display. The video display device can include or be
connected to one or more input devices, such as a mouse and
keyboard, to facilitate accessing Internet content. When the
wireless connection is always active, the video display device has
continuous access to the Internet. The wireless connection can
automatically begin when the video display device is turned on, and
so the user does not need to directly request Internet access.
[0047] For example, the video display device can be configured to
download video data from a network server across a wireless
connection using the wireless connection. To view video stored on
the server, the video display device connects to data server 16 and
queries what video image files are available. The video display
device then displays the server's response to a user. In response
to a selection by the user, the video display device requests a
video image file from data server 16 and data server 16 sends the
file to the video display device across the wireless connection.
The video display device then receives the requested file from data
server 16 and displays the image stream stored in the file, such as
by decoding the file and displaying the image on the display. The
video display device could also be configured to permit the user to
request a still image from an image file, such as for preview. Data
server 16 would provide the still image by accessing the image
file, obtaining an image from the image file, and sending the still
image to the video display device for display in a similar manner
to that described above. Still images, such as art or family
pictures, can also be requested for still viewing. The video
display device could also be configured to access audio files from
a server in a similar fashion.
[0048] Optionally the video display device could include local data
storage media 32 with sufficient storage for downloading multiple
image files. The video display device could also download
supplementary information, such as artist or image information.
When used with a video display device, the wireless connection can
be configured to facilitate access to restricted content, such as
in a pay per view (PPV) system over IP.
[0049] According to a still further aspect of the invention, the
video display device would use data server 16 to store received
broadcast or other video signals, such as for time shifting. As the
video display device receives the video signal, it would encode the
signal into a digital stream or file. The video display device
would sends the digital video data to data server 16 for storage
and later access. In this embodiment, the video display device
would preferably include software and controls for controlling the
storage function, such as "record" and "stop" buttons. This storage
would provide the video display device with the functionality of a
VCR or AVHDD device (audio visual hard disk drive device) without
the local storage requirements.
[0050] Furthermore, the video display device can include audio
input, such as a microphone, for storing and/or transmitting audio.
The audio data can be stored locally on local data storage media 32
or on data server 16 across the wireless connection. Accordingly,
the audio input and wireless connection can be used for voice
communication across the wireless connection and the Internet, such
as a voice over IP system. Additional telephony software can be
included in the video display device or implemented in a peripheral
device connected to the video display device (also possibly
[0051] wirelessly) for managing the voice connection. The video
display device can combine the audio communication with video
display providing a one-way video phone over IP system. To provide
two-way video phone functionality, the video display device also
can include or be connected to a video camera.
[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the video display device is a
portable device, such as a battery operated portable television, a
handheld television, or a handheld video player (e.g., a display
device similar to a television but which does not receive broadcast
video such as NTSC, although the device need not be limited to an
easily held form. The portable device would be configured to access
data server 16 across the wireless connection to download video
data. The portable video display device would download and display
the video data as a video stream, without storing more data than
necessary to decode and display the video. Accordingly, the memory
requirements for the portable device can be low.
[0053] 5. Car Stereo
[0054] User device 10 can also be a car stereo and associated
connected equipment (e.g., speakers). The car stereo can include
components for receiving radio broadcast, such as FM broadcast, and
for playing audio stored on removable media, such as tapes and CDs.
As described above, the car stereo would include a wireless
interface 12 to interact with data server 16 across a wireless
connection. The car stereo would output audio from electronic audio
files by processing audio files for a user, such as playing music
stored in an electronic file in an encoding scheme such as MP3. To
play an audio file stored on data server 16, the car stereo would
connect to data server 16 and query what audio files are available.
The car stereo would display the server's response to the user.
Alternatively, the car stereo can output audio indicating the
server's response.
[0055] In response to a selection by the user, the car stereo
requests an audio file from the server and the server sends the
file to the car stereo across the wireless connection. The car
stereo receives the requested file from the server and plays the
file, such as by decoding the file and outputting corresponding
audio through a speaker. The car stereo downloads and plays the
received audio data in real-time, as an audio stream.
[0056] Alternatively, or in addition, the car stereo can store the
entire audio file in local data storage media 32, or a portion, and
play the file immediately or at a later time.
[0057] In one implementation of the device, the car stereo can
include local storage medial 22 with sufficient storage for
downloading multiple audio files, such as an entire album. The car
stereo can also be configured to download supplementary
information, such as artist information, interviews, images,
etc.
[0058] In another embodiment of the car stereo, the device can
include a microphone for audio recording. The input audio is
encoded and sent to data server 16 across the wireless connection.
Alternatively, the car stereo can store the audio data locally in
data storage media 32 and send the audio data to the server at a
later time, such as automatically at a preset time or condition
(e.g., power down), or upon a command for remote storage by the
user. The user can later access and play the stored audio from data
server 16 as described above for the car stereo. In addition, the
audio input and wireless connection can be used for voice
communication across the wireless connection and the Internet, such
as a voice over IP system.
[0059] According to a still further embodiment, the wireless
connection can be used to provide navigational information, such as
from a source on the Internet. For example, when the car stereo
includes or is connected to a display, maps can be downloaded and
displayed for driving assistance. Additional useful automotive
information can also be downloaded, such as technical assistance
for mechanical problems. In addition, the car stereo can include a
connection to the vehicles control system for accessing the
vehicle's computer and stored software. Software can then be
provided across the Internet to the vehicle to update the vehicle's
operating software. Similarly, information can be provided by the
vehicle's computer to a remote site, such as a car repair shop, for
diagnostic purposes.
[0060] 6. Telephonic Device
[0061] User device 10 can also be a telephonic communication device
such as a telephone, cellular phone, telephonically enabled
personal digital assistant (PDA), or fax machine. The telephonic
device would include conventional components for receiving voice
communication, such as over the PSTN or over a cellular voice
system. The telephonic device would also include wireless interface
12, or be compatible with a wireless connection component for
wirelessly accessing a network, such as the Internet.
[0062] The telephonic device can include software for accessing
content on the Internet, such as web-browsing software. Data would
be transferred to and from the telephonic device across the
wireless connection and displayed on a display of the telephonic
device. The telephonic device can include, or be connected to, one
or more input devices, such as a mouse and keyboard, to facilitate
accessing Internet content. When the wireless connection is always
active, the telephonic device would have continuous access to the
Internet across the wireless connection provided by wireless
interface 12 or other wireless connection component. The wireless
connection can automatically begin when the telephonic device is
turned on, and so the user does not need to directly request
Internet access.
[0063] The telephonic device can also include local storage media
32 for storing data, such as directories, documents, or data
downloaded from the Internet. Alternatively, the telephonic device
can include minimal storage, not substantially more than needed to
provide for efficient operation and transfers across the wireless
connection. With minimal local storage, the telephonic device would
use data server 16 across the wireless connection for data storage.
The data stored on data server 16 can be accessed on demand by the
telephonic device through requests to data server 16.
[0064] User device 10 can also comprise a fax machine that would
use the wireless connection to data server 16 for document storage
or for information access. For example, a user can locate a desired
fax number through a directory accessed through the Internet. In
another embodiment, a user can store files to send or received
files on data server 16.
[0065] If desired, any of the embodiments of the telephonic device,
including the fax machine, could include audio input and output
components, available for telephony functions for audio recording
and playback. The device can store audio as audio data in
electronic files. The audio data can be stored locally in local
storage media 32, or on data server 16 across the wireless
connection, as described above. For playback, the device would
download audio data in an audio stream from data server 16 and
outputs the audio in real-time. In addition, the audio input and
wireless connection can be used for voice communication across the
wireless connection and the Internet, such as a voice over IP
system. Additional telephony software can be included in the device
for managing the network voice connection. If provided with a
display and camera, connected or embedded, the device can combine
the audio communication with video display providing a video phone
over IP system.
[0066] 7. Handheld Control Device
[0067] A further embodiment of user device 10 is in the form of a
handheld control device, such as a PDA or remote control. The
control device can include an infrared transmitter for control of
one or more remote devices. The control device would include a
wireless interface 12 or otherwise be compatible with a wireless
connection component for wirelessly accessing a network, such as
the Internet.
[0068] The control device can include software for accessing
content on the Internet, such as web-browsing software. Data would
be transferred to and from the control device across the wireless
connection and displayed on a display of the control device. The
control device can include or be connected to one or more input
devices, such as a mouse and keyboard, to facilitate accessing
Internet content. When the wireless connection is always active,
the control device would have continuous access to the Internet
across the wireless connection provided by wireless interface 12.
The wireless connection can automatically begin when the control
device is turned on, and so the user does not need to directly
request Internet access.
[0069] The control device can include local storage media 22 for
storing data, such as documents or data downloaded from the
Internet. Alternatively, the control device can include minimal
storage, not substantially more than needed to provide for
efficient operation and transfers across the wireless connection.
With minimal local storage, the control device would rely on data
server 16 across the wireless connection for data storage. The data
stored on data server 16 can be accessed on demand by the control
device through requests to the server.
[0070] In one functional embodiment, the control device comprises a
remote control for establishing a connection to another associated
device, such as a television or stereo, through a wireless link,
such as an infrared link or a Bluetooth connection. As described
above, the control device includes a wireless interface 12 to
interact with data server 16 across a wireless connection. The
control device can use this connection to access information
available on the server, such as Internet accessible content. The
control device can then transfer downloaded information to one of
the associated devices, such as the television. For example, the
control device can download program information from the Internet
and supply the information to the television for enhanced
television viewing, such as using the time a program will be
broadcast for automatic tuning or recording. In another example,
the control device can download current time information and set
timers or clocks in associated devices. Another example would be
for the control device to download user settings, such as a code
for other data indicative of favorite channels, for television or
VCR control.
[0071] According to another embodiment, the control device can
operate as a remote control for other devices which have similar
wireless interfaces and send commands to the other devices across
the Internet or to a central server which then issues commands to
the associated devices. By using the wireless connection for remote
control, the remote control device has effectively unlimited range
and can be used from any point in the network to control various
devices in various locations, such as controlling the lighting and
climate control systems in a home and in an office while using the
device at a third location.
[0072] 8. Game Device
[0073] User device 10 can also take the form of a wireless game
device, such as a handheld game platform or a game console
connected to a display device. The game device can include
components for displaying video, such as bitmap graphics, and
outputting audio. The game device can include a display or can be
connected to an external display device, such as a television. The
device can further include components for accessing removable
storage media, such as a card, CDROM, or DVDROM, and executing
software stored thereon, such as game or entertainment software.
The game device would also include a wireless interface 12 or be
compatible with a wireless connection component for wirelessly
accessing a network, such as the Internet.
[0074] The game device can include software for accessing content
on the Internet, such as web-browsing software. Data would be
transferred to and from the game device across the wireless
connection and displayed on an associated display device. The game
device can include or be connected to one or more input devices,
such as a mouse and keyboard, to facilitate accessing Internet
content. When the wireless connection is always active, the game
device has continuous access to the Internet. The wireless
connection can automatically begin when the game device is turned
on, and so the user does not need to directly request Internet
access.
[0075] The game device would be configured to download data from
data server 12 across the wireless connection. The data can include
software or software updates, or data for transactions or services
across the wireless connection, such as for online gaming. To view
data and services provided by data server 12, the game device
connects to data server 12 and queries what files or services are
available. The game device then displays the server's response to a
user. In response to a selection by the user, the game device
requests a file or service from data server 12 and data server 12
sends data to the game device across the wireless connection to the
support the request.
[0076] The game device can include local data storage media 32 with
sufficient storage for downloading and storing data from multiple
sessions. The game device can also download supplementary
information, such as game or entertainment news or art.
[0077] With the game device, the wireless connection can also be
configured to facilitate access to restricted content, similar to a
pay per view (PPV) system over IP ("pay per play" or subscription
based). Identification would be provided by the game device, such
as automatically or through user input. In a "pay per play" system,
a user is charged a fee for playing a game once (or some other
number of times) or based on time played. The game software would
be stored on data server 16 and accessed across the wireless
connection, as described above. Local data storage media 32 or the
like would be used for operating the game device and can be used
for additional storage of user specific information. User specific
information can also be stored on and accessed from data server 16.
Alternatively, game software can be provided locally, through local
storage or removable media, and supplementary software, data, or
access codes are provided by the server for a fee. For example, a
user can buy or rent a CDROM including game software, but to play
the game the user must connect to data server 16 for an access code
or other necessary data and for billing. The game device and data
server 16 can also utilize a copy protection system for software
security.
[0078] Additionally, the game device can include an audio input
device, such as a microphone, for storing and/or transmitting
audio, or an input port for connection to such a device. The audio
data can be stored locally in data storage media 32 or on data
server 16 across the wireless connection. Accordingly, the audio
input and wireless connection can be used for voice communication
across the wireless connection and the Internet, such as a voice
over IP system. Additional telephony software can be included in
the game device or implemented in a peripheral device connected to
the game device (also possibly wirelessly) for managing the voice
connection. The game device can further combine the audio
communication with video display providing a one-way video phone
over IP system. To provide two-way video phone functionality, the
game device also can include or be connected to a video camera. The
game device can also use the transmitted audio and/or video for
enhanced online gameplay, such as chatting with other players.
[0079] An embodiment of the game device can be in the form of a
portable device, such as a battery operated handheld device. The
portable device can access data server 16 across the wireless
connection to download data. The portable device can then download
and display video data as a video stream, without storing more data
than necessary to decode and display the video. Accordingly, the
memory requirements for the portable device can be low.
[0080] 9. Appliance Device
[0081] Still further, user device 10 can be in the form of a home
appliance device, such as a refrigeration or washing machine. The
appliance device can include components for displaying video, such
as bitmap graphics, and outputting audio, as well as components for
inputting audio and video. The appliance device can include a
display or can be connected to an external display device, such as
a television. The appliance device can include components for
accessing removable storage media, such as a card, CDROM, or
DVDROM, and executing software stored thereon, such as game or
entertainment software. The appliance device also includes or is
compatible with a wireless interface 12 for wirelessly accessing a
network, such as the Internet.
[0082] The appliance device can include software for accessing
content on the Internet, such as web-browsing software. For
example, a user can access and order food from an online grocery
store through the user's refrigerator. Data would be transferred to
and from the appliance device across the wireless connection and
displayed on an associated display device. The appliance device can
include or be connected to one or more input devices, such as a
mouse and keyboard, to facilitate accessing Internet content. When
the wireless connection is always active, the appliance device
would have continuous access to the Internet. The wireless
connection can automatically begin when the appliance device is
turned on, and so the user does not need to directly request
Internet access. A constant wireless connection can also provide a
user with remote access to the appliance device. For example, a
user can send a query to the user's refrigerator to determine
available food or to a climate control system to adjust temperature
before the user arrives.
[0083] In an embodiment of the appliance device, the device would
accesses data from data server 16 across the wireless connection
using wireless interface 12. The data can include software or
software updates, or data for transactions or services across the
wireless connection. To view data and services provided by data
server 16, the appliance device would connect to data server 16 and
query what files or services are available. The appliance device
would then display the server's response to a user. In response to
a selection by the user, the appliance device would request a file
or service from data server 16 and data server 16 would send data
to the appliance device across the wireless connection to the
support the request. The appliance device can also store data on
data server 16 to reduce local storage requirements and provide
remote access to that data.
[0084] The appliance device can include local data storage media 32
with sufficient storage for downloading and storing data from
multiple sessions. The appliance device can also be configured to
download supplementary information, such as recipes, washing
instructions or tips, repair information, warranty information, or
related products. Also, the appliance device can be configured to
manually or automatically notify the manufacturer or a repair
facility of the need for repair.
[0085] The appliance device can also include an audio input device,
such as a microphone, for storing and/or transmitting audio or a
port for connection of such a device. The audio data can be stored
locally on local data storage media 32 or on data server 16 across
the wireless connection. Accordingly, the audio input and wireless
connection can be used for voice communication across the wireless
connection and the Internet, such as a voice over IP system.
Additional telephony software can be included in the appliance
device or implemented in a peripheral device connected to the
device (also possibly wirelessly) for managing the voice
connection. The appliance device can combine the audio
communication with video display providing a one-way video phone
over IP system. To provide two-way video phone functionality, the
appliance device also can include or be connected to a video
camera.
[0086] 10. Computer System
[0087] Additionally, user device 10 can be in the form of a
computer system, such as a desktop personal computer system. The
computer system can include components for displaying video, such
as computer monitor, and outputting audio. The computer system can
also include components for accessing local storage, such as a hard
disk drive, and removable storage media, such as a disk, card,
CDROM, or DVDROM, and executing software stored thereon.
Furthermore, the computer system also includes or is compatible
with a wireless interface for wirelessly accessing a network, such
as the Internet. The computer system can include software for
accessing content on the Internet, such as web-browsing software.
Data would be transferred to and from the computer system across
the wireless connection and displayed on an associated display
device. The computer system can include or be connected to one or
more input devices, such as a mouse and keyboard, to facilitate
accessing Internet content. When the wireless connection is always
active, the computer system will have continuous access to the
Internet. The wireless connection can automatically begin when the
computer system is turned on, and so the user does not need to
directly request Internet access.
[0088] In an embodiment of the computer system, data would be
downloaded from data server 16 across the wireless connection using
wireless interface 12. The data can include software or software
updates, or data for transactions or services across the wireless
connection, such as for online gaming or banking. To view data and
services provided by data server 16, the computer system would
connect to data server 16 and query what files or services are
available. The computer system would then display the server's
response to a user. In response to a selection by the user, the
computer system would request a file or service from data server 16
server and data server 16 would sends data to the computer system
across the wireless connection to the support the request. For
example, a user can store some or all the user's data on data
server 16, using data server 16 as supplemental or primary storage.
In one embodiment, the computer system does not include writable
long-term storage, such as a hard disk drive, and stores all data
to be preserved on data server 16 across the wireless
connection.
[0089] In another embodiment, the computer system includes
sufficient storage for downloading and storing data from multiple
sessions.
[0090] The computer system can store data on data server 16 for
data archiving and backup purposes. The computer system can backup
local storage media 32 on a regular basis automatically, such as
daily or weekly, and/or upon request by the user. A network
accessible server for backup can also provide access to the backup
data from one or more other network access points, such as
additional computer systems. If the wireless interface 12 is
removable, the user can access the data on the server from any
compatible system by inserting wireless interface 12 into the other
system.
[0091] The computer system can also include an audio input device,
such as a microphone, for storing and/or transmitting audio or a
port for connecting such a device. The audio data can be stored
locally on local data storage media 32 or on data server 16 across
the wireless connection. Accordingly, the audio input and wireless
connection can be used for voice communication across the wireless
connection and the Internet, such as a voice over IP system.
Additional telephony software can be included in the computer
system or implemented in a peripheral device connected to the
computer system (also possibly wirelessly) for managing the voice
connection. The computer system can combine the audio communication
with video display providing a one-way video phone over IP system.
To provide two-way video phone functionality, the computer system
also can include or be connected to a video camera.
[0092] 11. Personal Information Access
[0093] It will be appreciated that the invention can be used for
accessing personal information stored on data server 16 across the
wireless network from any of the foregoing user devices, or from
any other compatible wireless user device. Here, a user provides
personal information to data server 16 and data server 16 can
provide that information to the user or others upon later request.
Various personal information can be stored on data server 16, such
as personal identification information, medical information, or
financial information. In one embodiment, data server 16 would
store data or images representing physical cards ordinarily carried
by the user, such as a drivers license or credit card. The
information stored on data server 16 can be provided by the server,
subject to user authorization, to other systems or device, such as
a store, school, employer, or medical provider. As indicated above,
data server 16 can be accessed by a device or system including or
compatible with wireless interface 12 wirelessly accessing a
network, such as the Internet.
[0094] Accordingly, in one embodiment the user provides information
to data server 16 through a computer system, such as a personal
computer. The user can store identification data, such as a drivers
license number, and images of physical documents, such as the
user's actual drivers license. The user can also store images or
data to physically identity the user, such as an image of the
user's face, or fingerprint identification data, or data from the
government or a third person. This information can be made
accessible to others, without or preferably with, appropriate
access controls and security. In another embodiment, data server 16
provides documents which do not have physical equivalents,
according to government or private requirements. The user can
establish authorization criteria or rules for how the server
provides the user's information to others, such as only when the
user confirms a request or only when the request is from the user,
or that some information can be freely provided to specified
clients.
[0095] To request data from data server 16, a device or system
connected to the server, such as through a wireless connection as
described above or across the Internet, queries what data is
available or whether specific data is available. The computer
system displays the server's response to a requesting party, such
as the user or a merchant. In response to a selection by the
requesting party, the computer system requests data from data
server 16 and data server 16 sends data to the computer system to
the support the request.
[0096] For example, a user can store identification information on
data server 16, such as by using a personal computer including
wireless interface 12. When the user wants to complete a purchase
transaction at a store, the user can provide that identification
information to the store by requesting the information from data
server 12. The user can place the request and provide the
information to the store using a portable device carried by the
user. Alternatively, the user can provide an access code to allow
the store to access the information on data server 12 through the
store's equipment. In another example, the access code provided by
the user is fingerprint information scanned by a device of the
store and the response provided by the server to the store confirms
the identity and available credit of the user. In still another
example, the access code is provided by a removable card, which can
also include wireless interface 12, carried by the user and
supplied to the store for insertion into store equipment.
[0097] In another embodiment, data server 16 is a
network-accessible computer system, including local storage and
wireless connection components or connections to switches for
wireless connections. The operation and control of the computer
system and wireless connection is effected through software
executed by hardware including memory and a processor.
Alternatively, an all hardware solution can be employed.
[0098] As can be seen, therefore, user device 10 can take the form
of a number of embodiments. While several examples have been
described, the user devices are unlimited in scope. Essentially,
any device which receives, transmits, or otherwise utilizes data in
one form or another, can be utilized as a wireless device in the
system of the invention. Note also that the wireless user devices
tend to fall into several categories, which include devices for
sending data, devices for receiving data, and devices for both
sending and receiving data.
[0099] Where user device 10 is configured for receiving (e.g.,
retrieving or otherwise accessing) data from data server 16, a user
profile can be stored on data server 16 to define what data to
provide and how and when to provide the data to the user. For
example, if user device 10 is an audio device for playing digitally
encoded music, such as a music player, a user profile on data
server 16 would define what data to provide and how to provide that
data to a corresponding user. To access data on data server 16, the
user device would establish a wireless connection to data server
16. The connection can be one-way (e.g., data is transmitted from
the server to the device only) or two-way. If the connection is
two-way, user device 10 can send data to data server 16 for storage
and later access by the device.
[0100] As described above, various embodiments of user device 10
can include local storage which is limited in size to an amount
which allows operation of the device and transmission of data to
data server 16 for storage, but not substantially beyond that
amount. For example, local data storage media 32 would comprise
only transient storage, such as RAM. Accordingly, when user device
10 stores data for long-term use (e.g., data which is not for
immediate operation of the device), user device 10 sends the data
to data server 16 through the wireless connection.
[0101] Also as described above, user device 10 can determine what
data is available on data server 16 by querying data server 16
across the wireless connection. Preferably user device 10 includes
sufficient local storage to store information indicating available
data on data server 16. Alternatively, data server 16 can
automatically send such information to user device 10. In either
case, to access data on data server 16 that was stored on data
server 16 by user device 10 itself or stored on data server 16 from
some other source, the user would preferably store a user profile
on data server 16. If the wireless connection is one-way, the user
would store the user profile through a different connection, such
as across the Internet using a desktop computer such as terminal
26. If the connection is two-way, the user can enter a user profile
into user device 10 and transmit that user profile to data server
16. Data server 16 then transmits data to user device 10 according
to the user profile. Alternatively, user device 10 could send a
request to data server 16 for specific data and then receive the
data sent from data server 16. The received data may include some
or all of the data previously sent by user device 10 for storage on
data server 16 or may include data derived from the stored data,
such as file size or storage date.
[0102] Preferably, the user profile indicates what type of data is
to be transmitted by data server 16 and at what time. This can be
done by employing one or more "channels" of data which can be
presented to user device 10 according to the user profile. For
example, channels can be indicated or labeled by number and/or user
defined labels, such as "jogging," "sleeping," "relaxation," etc.
In other words, a channel would specify one or more types of data.
As discussed below, various data sources can be designated as
channels, including prerecorded content (e.g., a song or movie),
live content (e.g., news, a concert, or a sports event), monitored
content (e.g., video from a home security system or daycare center,
or audio from a phone line), or user supplied content (e.g., video
recordings from a video camera, still images, audio recordings,
personal information). Content for a channel can be stored on data
server 16 or in a location accessible by data server 16, such as on
an interconnected storage device (not shown), or another data
server. Data can also be supplied to data server 16 by a first user
device 10 to be accessed by a second user device (not shown) in
real time or with a delay.
[0103] The user profile is preferably configured to indicate when
each channel is active, i.e., at what time(s) data server 16 is to
transmit the data for that channel, and when each type of data for
the channel is to be sent. Data server 16 then transmits data for
each of the active channels according to these times, and may
simultaneously transmit data for multiple channels (e.g., by
sending packets for each of the active channels). In one
embodiment, data server 16 may transmit data automatically without
checking the receive status of user device 10, similar to general
broadcasting. Alternatively, user device 10 sends to the server
data indicating which channel is currently selected and data server
16 sends data for that channel only.
[0104] Preferably, user device 10 is configured so that the user
can switch channels to access a different type of data if desired.
If the connection to the server is one-way, this channel switching
allows the user to access different data stored on data server 16.
Data server 16 can send the data directly to user device 10 through
a secure or private connection, such as a network tunnel, to
multiple devices which have a current intersection in user profiles
(e.g., a multicast), or to all devices on the network (e.g.,
channel 15 is always government or emergency information available
to all devices). User device 10 can store data received for all the
active channels, or only for the currently selected channel,
ignoring data associated with other channels.
[0105] As indicated above, the user profile can be stored on data
server 16 and modified by the user through a separate connection or
directly through user device 10. The user profile can also be
established when user device 10 is activated through a service
provider, or according to user, manufacturer, or service provider
settings. The user profile can be updated in various other ways,
including by verbal request by telephone or written request by
letter or fax. In some implementations, the user profile would not
be established or controlled by the user, but would be established
for a particular device or service. For example, user device 10
could be an audio visual (AV) system for a school which receives
data on multiple channels according to a profile established
through a service contract between the school administration and
the service provider. In this example, different rooms of the
school could each select different channels to access different
data.
[0106] For example, the user profile can indicate that channel I is
to include news from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and jazz music from 5 p.m. to
10 p.m. In this case, "news" and "jazz" are categories of data. The
content for a category can be provided directly by the server
(e.g., a jazz or easy listening compilation generated by the server
administrator) or from a third party specified by the user (e.g.,
content from a service provider which provides music compilations
to the server). The user can also define a category or channel's
content by selecting sub-categories or specific content, such as
specific songs, artists, business news from specific sources, one
or more audio recordings of books ("books on tape"), etc. For
example, the user can specify a series of songs or albums to be
sent on a channel. The user profile could indicate that channel 2
includes a particular album to be sent each hour on the hour or
upon establishing a connection between the server and the device.
Data server 12 can record where the user stopped listening, such as
when the connection was terminated, to begin the next transmission
of the album from the same point. The user profile can indicate
whether to repeat the album and for how long to continue sending
the data (e.g., for a "sleep" channel to send the specified music
for 30 minutes and then to stop).
[0107] The user profile can also define monitoring parameters.
Monitoring parameters indicate one or more conditions when data
server 16 is to provide an alert or notification to the user.
Various conditions are possible, including what channel or data
source to monitor, what types of events to report, when to report
the event, etc. Monitoring parameters also define what type of
alert to provide, such as a tone, a flashing icon, an audio, text,
or video message, etc. on user device 10. An alert can be specified
to be sent to the user whatever channel the user has currently
selected or some channels can be "blocked" (i.e., no alerts are to
be received, or only some alerts). Messages can be provided from
various sources, including prerecorded by the user, synthesized by
the server, and supplied by a third party. For example, in one
implementation, a user can set monitoring parameters so that data
server 16 will notify the user that the price of a particular stock
(e.g., Company A) has reached a particular level (X) by sending an
audio message (e.g., "User-Company A's stock is now at X"). Note
also that the definition of a channel and monitoring parameters can
overlap. For example, in one implementation, a user profile can
define a channel to be data from a home security camera or system.
The security camera or system can be another user device 10, as
described above, so that data could be supplied to server 16 by the
camera and then to another user device (e.g., carried by the user)
across similar wireless connections. When that channel is selected,
a user can view video and system parameters (e.g., open/close
status of doors or windows) directly. The user can also designate
that under certain conditions the server is to send an alert, such
as when a particular (or any) window is opened. As described above,
this alert can be received when the monitored channel is selected
or when a different channel is selected.
[0108] The user profile would preferably be stored on data server
16 in association with an identification number or "user ID." The
user ID can be unique to a particular user device 10, such as a
unique number assigned to the device by the manufacturer and stored
in permanent memory of the device. The user ID can also be supplied
by the user to user device 10 in various ways. In one embodiment,
the user can supply the user ID to user device 10 by direct entry
through a keypad or other user input. In another embodiment, the
user can supply the user ID to the device through a removable card,
such as a PCMCIA card or a Memory Stick.TM., or through wireless
interface 12 (e.g., when wireless interface 12 is removable). In
still another embodiment, the user ID is generated or confirmed
through a biometric, such as a fingerprint or voice analysis.
Alternatively, data server 16 could use a combination of a user ID
supplied by the user to user device 10 and information about the
device, such as through a manufacturer number, to customize the
data supplied to both the user and the device. For example, if user
device 10 does not include a video display, data server 16 may
supply only audio data and not video data to the device even though
the content indicated by the user profile is a movie.
[0109] According to an operational embodiment, the user would
receive data by activating user device 10, thereby establishing a
connection to data server 16. If the user profile does not indicate
multiple channels, the user does not need to further indicate a
selection and user device 10 outputs audio or video according to
data received from data server 16. If the user profile indicates
multiple channels, the user can select a channel through one or a
combination of inputs on user device 10. Note that user device 10
may include one or more of various inputs devices, such as a
keypad, a touchscreen, a Jog Dial.TM., a speech recognition
interface, etc. In another implementation, the user can
simultaneously select multiple channels (e.g., for split-screen or
picture-in-picture video).
[0110] User device 10 can include one or more types of outputs,
such as audio, text, and video as discussed above. Therefore, the
user profile can include an indication of available outputs for the
device or data server 16 may customize its response according to
known or derived information about the device. If the connection is
two-way, data server 16 may query user device 10 for device
capabilities.
EXAMPLE 1
[0111] The music player outputs audio by processing audio data for
a user, such as playing music stored in an electronic file or
transmitted in a digital stream in an encoding scheme such as MP3.
As described above, the music player includes wireless interface 12
to interact with data server 16 across a wireless connection. To
play music, the music player connects to data server 16 and
supplies a user ID to the server. Data server 16 accesses the user
profile associated with the supplied user ID. Data server 16 then
accesses data indicated by the user profile and sends the data to
the music player across the wireless connection. The music player
receives the data from data server 16 and plays the music in the
data, such as by decoding the data and outputting corresponding
audio through a speaker, according to the selected channel. The
music player downloads and plays the music in real-time, as an
audio stream. To access different music, specified in the user
profile, the user selects a different channel, such as by rotating
a Jog Dial.TM. or entering a channel number with a keypad,
[0112] Alternatively, or in addition, the music player can store
blocks of data, such as an entire audio file (e.g., a song), or a
portion, and play the stored data immediately or at a later time.
In one implementation, the music player can include sufficient
storage for downloading multiple audio files, such as an entire
album. The music player can also download supplementary
information, such as artist information, interviews, images,
etc.
EXAMPLE 2
[0113] As described above, various types of content are available
as data stored on or accessible through data server 16 (or data
servers 40, 46). Access can be through various modes, including
request, user profile or server settings. Data transmission can be
customized to the receiving device (e.g., by device capability or
according to user preference, such as audio and video for one user
device but audio only for another user device). Data can be stored
on the server in numerous ways, such as encoded electronic files
organized by data author or owner. Examples of content include, but
are not limited to, content described or illustrated herein
and:
[0114] (a) Video, such as movies, broadcast television, images from
closed circuit monitoring, or a feed from a camera or another video
input device;
[0115] (b) Images, such as still images from a camera or selection
from a video datastream, computer-generated art or graphics;
[0116] (c) Audio, such as music, recordings, dictation, news, audio
derived from video or text;
[0117] (d) Telephony, such as audio input and output from a phone
system (e.g., the public switched telephone network or "PSTN", a
private exchange, a cellular system, or a PCS system), and data
input and output from a fax machine, an answering machine or
service;
[0118] (e) Storage, such as data supplied by the user (e.g.,
images, audio, or other data stored in files), data requested by
the user (e.g., search results), and data stored on a device
accessible by the server (e.g., answering machine, desktop
computer, different server);
[0119] (f) Personal information, such as address information,
identification, verification information (such as biometric data),
government documents (such as passport images or passport data
(e.g., to replace a paper passport or other document)), financial
information, credit information (e.g., for authorized third party
access), user settings for electronic devices (e.g., channel
selections or display parameters for a television where the device
is a remote control, or operation settings for an appliance such as
refrigerator or oven);
[0120] (g) Games, such as video or online games (e.g.,
console-based, handheld-based, desktop-based, etc.) for download or
access on single-use basis, time-basis, purchase-basis, etc.;
[0121] (h) Billing information, such as user name, address, account
number, payment methods, billing periods, etc.
[0122] Collateral services can also be provided related to a type
of accessed content. For example, call forwarding can be provided
according to a user profile. Another example would be to notify a
hospital when an injury is detected at a daycare center or
home.
[0123] Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the server can
determine what type of content to provide based on the capability
of the user device through, for example, a serial number or other
identifier transmitted by the user device to the server, or based
on a user profile.
[0124] Referring again to FIG. 1 as well as to FIG. 4, data server
16 is typically a computer system 100 suitable for implementing the
present invention. Such a computer system 100 typically includes a
bus 102 which interconnects major subsystems such as a programmable
data processor 104, system memory 106 (typically RAM), an
input/output (I/O) adapter 108 to which input devices such as a
mouse 110 and keyboard 112 are connected, a display adapter 114 to
which a thin film transistor (TFT) or cathode ray tube (CRT)
display 116 is connected, a removable media drive 118 for receiving
a floppy disk or other removable media 120, a host adapter 122
connected to a fixed disk 124, a CD-ROM drive 126 for receiving a
readable or read/write CD-ROM 128, or other mass storage device,
and one or more network interfaces 130 for providing a connection
to a local network server through an Ethernet.RTM. connection or
the like, or to a remote server through a telephone link or though
the Internet. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other
devices and subsystems could be included, and that the devices and
subsystems shown may be interconnected in different ways than shown
in FIG. 4. It will further be appreciated that not all of the
devices shown are necessary to practice the present invention, and
that the present invention may be implemented on any conventional
computer system under processor control.
[0125] Additionally, it will be understood that the operable
software or code for implementing the data server functions of the
present invention may be stored in computer readable storage media
such as system memory 106, removable media 120, fixed disk 124 or
CD-ROM 128.
[0126] Although the description above contains many specificities,
these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the
invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the
presently preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus the scope
of this invention should be determined by the appended claims and
their legal equivalents. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the
scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments
which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, and that the
scope of the present invention is accordingly to be limited by
nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an
element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one"
unless explicitly so stated, but rather "one or more." All
structural, chemical, and functional equivalents to the elements of
the above-described preferred embodiment that are known to those of
ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by
reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims.
Moreover, it is not necessary for a device or method to address
each and every problem sought to be solved by the present
invention, for it to be encompassed by the present claims.
Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present
disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of
whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly
recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed
under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112, sixth paragraph, unless the
element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for."
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