U.S. patent application number 11/586860 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-19 for secure video distribution.
This patent application is currently assigned to Marvell International Ltd.. Invention is credited to Alan Armstrong.
Application Number | 20080144821 11/586860 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39325185 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080144821 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Armstrong; Alan |
June 19, 2008 |
Secure video distribution
Abstract
Apparatus having corresponding methods, business methods, and
computer programs comprises an input circuit to receive packets of
encrypted encoded video data from a network; a storage device to
store the encrypted encoded video data; a retrieve circuit to
retrieve the encrypted encoded video data from the storage device;
a decrypt circuit to decrypt the encrypted encoded video data into
encoded video data while the retrieve circuit retrieves the
encrypted encoded video data from the storage device; and an output
circuit to transmit a signal representing the encoded video data
while the decrypt circuit decrypts the encrypted encoded video
data.
Inventors: |
Armstrong; Alan; (Los Altos,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARNESS, DICKEY & PIERCE P.L.C.
5445 CORPORATE DRIVE, SUITE 200
TROY
MI
48098
US
|
Assignee: |
Marvell International Ltd.
Hamilton
BM
|
Family ID: |
39325185 |
Appl. No.: |
11/586860 |
Filed: |
October 26, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
380/216 ;
348/E7.056; 380/231; 713/189 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/4623 20130101;
H04N 21/4385 20130101; H04N 21/4367 20130101; H04N 21/4405
20130101; H04N 21/43622 20130101; H04L 63/0428 20130101; H04N
7/1675 20130101; H04N 21/64322 20130101; H04N 21/4408 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
380/216 ;
713/189; 380/231 |
International
Class: |
H04N 7/167 20060101
H04N007/167 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: an input circuit to receive packets of
encrypted encoded video data from a network; a storage device to
store the encrypted encoded video data; a retrieve circuit to
retrieve the encrypted encoded video data from the storage device;
a decrypt circuit to decrypt the encrypted encoded video data into
encoded video data while the retrieve circuit retrieves the
encrypted encoded video data from the storage device; and an output
circuit to transmit a signal representing the encoded video data
while the decrypt circuit decrypts the encrypted encoded video
data.
2. The apparatus of claim 1: wherein the packets of encrypted
encoded video data comprise Internet Protocol packets of the
encrypted encoded video data.
3. The apparatus of claim 1: wherein the packets of encrypted
encoded video data comprise Ethernet packets of the encrypted
encoded video data.
4. The apparatus of claim 1: wherein the storage device does not
store any substantial portion of the encoded video data.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the video data represents one
or more videos, further comprising: a queue circuit to determine a
number of the videos stored on the storage device; and a further
output circuit to transmit a message to the network, the message
representing the number of the videos stored on the storage
device.
6. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising: a control circuit
to receive a command to discard one of the videos stored on the
storage device; wherein the storage device discards the one of the
videos in response to the control circuit; wherein the queue
circuit then determines the current number of the videos stored on
the storage device; and wherein the further output circuit then
transmits a message to the network, the message representing the
current number of the videos stored on the storage device.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the network comprises the
Internet.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a further input
circuit to receive the signal representing the encoded video data;
a decode circuit to decode the encoded video data into video data
while the further input circuit receives the signal representing
the encoded video data; and a further output circuit to output a
multimedia signal representing the video data while the decode
circuit decodes the encoded video data.
9. The apparatus of claim 8: wherein the apparatus does not store
any substantial portion of the video data or the encoded video
data.
10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the multimedia signal
comprises a high-definition television signal.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a first network
port to receive the packets of encrypted encoded video data and
first other data from the network, and to transmit second other
data to the network; a second network port to transmit the first
other data to a local network, and to receive the second other data
from the local network; and a switch to pass the packets of
encrypted encoded video data from the first network port to the
input circuit, and to pass the first and second other data between
the first and second network ports.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first network port
receives first voice data and transmits second voice data, further
comprising: an analog telephone interface to transmit first analog
telephone signals representing the first voice data, and to receive
second analog telephone signals representing the second voice data;
wherein the switch passes the first and second voice data between
the first network port and the analog telephone interface.
13. The apparatus of claim 1: wherein the signal representing the
encoded video data is a wireless signal which is compliant with at
least one standard selected from the group consisting of IEEE
standards 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.16, and
802.20.
14. An apparatus comprising: input means for receiving packets of
encrypted encoded video data from a network; storage means for
storing the encrypted encoded video data; retrieve means for
retrieving the encrypted encoded video data from the storage means;
decrypt means for decrypting the encrypted encoded video data into
encoded video data while the retrieve means retrieves the encrypted
encoded video data from the storage means; and output means for
transmitting a signal representing the encoded video data while the
decrypt means decrypts the encrypted encoded video data.
15. The apparatus of claim 14: wherein the packets of encrypted
encoded video data comprise Internet Protocol packets of the
encrypted encoded video data.
16. The apparatus of claim 14: wherein the packets of encrypted
encoded video data comprise Ethernet packets of the encrypted
encoded video data.
17. The apparatus of claim 14: wherein the storage means does not
store any substantial portion of the encoded video data.
18. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the video data represents
one or more videos, further comprising: queue means for determining
a number of the videos stored on the storage means; and further
output means for transmitting a message to the network, the message
representing the number of the videos stored on the storage
means.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising: control means
for receiving a command to discard one of the videos stored on the
storage means; wherein the storage means discards the one of the
videos in response to the control means; wherein the queue means
then determines the current number of the videos stored on the
storage means; and wherein the further output means then transmits
a message to the network, the message representing the current
number of the videos stored on the storage means.
20. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the network comprises the
Internet.
21. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising: further input
means for receiving the signal representing the encoded video data;
decode means for decoding the encoded video data into video data
while the further input means receives the signal representing the
encoded video data; and further output means for outputting a
multimedia signal representing the video data while the decode
means decodes the encoded video data.
22. The apparatus of claim 21: wherein the apparatus does not store
any substantial portion of the video data or the encoded video
data.
23. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the multimedia signal
comprises a high-definition television signal.
24. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising: first network
port means for receiving the packets of encrypted encoded video
data and first other data from the network, and for transmitting
second other data to the network; second network port means for
transmitting the first other data to a local network, and for
receiving the second other data from the local network; and switch
means for passing the packets of encrypted encoded video data from
the first network port means to the input means, and for passing
the first and second other data between the first and second
network port means.
25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the first network port means
receives first voice data and transmits second voice data, further
comprising: analog telephone interface means for transmitting first
analog telephone signals representing the first voice data, and for
receiving second analog telephone signals representing the second
voice data; wherein the switch means passes the first and second
voice data between the first network port means and the analog
telephone interface means.
26. The apparatus of claim 14: wherein the signal representing the
encoded video data is a wireless signal which is compliant with at
least one standard selected from the group consisting of IEEE
standards 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.16, and
802.20.
27. A method comprising: receiving packets of encrypted encoded
video data from a network; storing the encrypted encoded video data
on a storage device; retrieving the encrypted encoded video data
from the storage device; decrypting the encrypted encoded video
data into encoded video data while retrieving the encrypted encoded
video data from the storage device; and transmitting a signal
representing the encoded video data while decrypting the encrypted
encoded video data.
28. The method of claim 27: wherein the packets of encrypted
encoded video data comprise Internet Protocol packets of the
encrypted encoded video data.
29. The method of claim 27: wherein the packets of encrypted
encoded video data comprise Ethernet packets of the encrypted
encoded video data.
30. The method of claim 27: wherein the storage device does not
store any substantial portion of the encoded video data.
31. The method of claim 27, wherein the video data represents one
or more videos, further comprising: determining a number of the
videos stored on the storage device; and transmitting a message to
the network, the message representing the number of the videos
stored on the storage device.
32. The method of claim 27, further comprising: receiving a command
to discard one of the videos stored on the storage device;
discarding the one of the videos in response to the command;
determining the current number of the videos stored on the storage
device; and transmitting a message to the network, the message
representing the current number of the videos stored on the storage
device.
33. The method of claim 27, wherein the network comprises the
Internet.
34. The method of claim 27, further comprising: receiving the
signal representing the encoded video data; decoding the encoded
video data into video data while receiving the signal representing
the encoded video data; and outputting a multimedia signal
representing the video data while decoding the encoded video
data.
35. The method of claim 34, wherein the multimedia signal comprises
a high-definition television signal.
36. The method of claim 27, further comprising: receiving the
packets of encrypted encoded video data and first other data from
the network; transmitting second other data to the network;
transmitting the first other data to a local network; receiving the
second other data from the local network; passing the packets of
encrypted encoded video data to the storage device; and passing the
first and second other data between the network and the local
network.
37. The method of claim 27, further comprising: receiving first
voice data from the network; transmitting second voice data to the
network; transmitting first analog telephone signals representing
the first voice data; and receiving second analog telephone signals
representing the second voice data.
38. The method of claim 27, wherein the signal representing the
encoded video data is a wireless signal which is compliant with at
least one standard selected from the group consisting of IEEE
standards 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.16, and
802.20.
39. A computer program executable on a processor, comprising:
instructions for storing encrypted encoded video data on a storage
device, wherein the encrypted encoded video data is received in
packets from a network; instructions for retrieving the encrypted
encoded video data from the storage device; and instructions for
decrypting the encrypted encoded video data into encoded video data
while retrieving the encrypted encoded video data from the storage
device; wherein a signal representing the encoded video data is
transmitted while decrypting the encrypted encoded video data.
40. The computer program of claim 39: wherein the packets of
encrypted encoded video data comprise Internet Protocol packets of
the encrypted encoded video data.
41. The computer program of claim 39: wherein the packets of
encrypted encoded video data comprise Ethernet packets of the
encrypted encoded video data.
42. The computer program of claim 39: wherein the storage device
does not store any substantial portion of the encoded video
data.
43. The computer program of claim 39, wherein the video data
represents one or more videos, further comprising: determining a
number of the videos stored on the storage device; and transmitting
a message to the network, the message representing the number of
the videos stored on the storage device.
44. The computer program of claim 39, further comprising:
instructions for discarding one of the videos stored on the storage
device in response to a received command to discard the one of the
videos; instructions for determining the current number of the
videos stored on the storage device; and instructions for
transmitting a message to the network, the message representing the
current number of the videos stored on the storage device.
45. The computer program of claim 39, wherein the network comprises
the Internet.
46. The computer program of claim 39, further comprising:
instructions for decoding the encoded video data into video data
while receiving the signal representing the encoded video data;
wherein a multimedia signal representing the video data is
outputted while decoding the encoded video data.
47. The computer program of claim 46, wherein the multimedia signal
comprises a high-definition television signal.
48. The computer program of claim 39, wherein the signal
representing the encoded video data is a wireless signal which is
compliant with at least one standard selected from the group
consisting of IEEE standards 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g,
802.11n, 802.16, and 802.20.
49. An apparatus comprising: an input circuit to receive packets of
encrypted encoded video data from a network; a storage device to
store the encrypted encoded video data; a retrieve circuit to
retrieve the encrypted encoded video data from the storage device;
and an output circuit to transmit a signal representing the
encrypted encoded video data while the retrieve circuit retrieves
the encrypted encoded video data from the storage device.
50. The apparatus of claim 49: wherein the packets of encrypted
encoded video data comprise Internet Protocol packets of the
encrypted encoded video data.
51. The apparatus of claim 49: wherein the packets of encrypted
encoded video data comprise Ethernet packets of the encrypted
encoded video data.
52. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the video data represents
one or more videos, further comprising: a queue circuit to
determine a number of the videos stored on the storage device; and
a further output circuit to transmit a message to the network, the
message representing the number of the videos stored on the storage
device.
53. The apparatus of claim 49, further comprising: a control
circuit to receive a command to discard one of the videos stored on
the storage device; wherein the storage device discards the one of
the videos in response to the control circuit; wherein the queue
circuit then determines the current number of the videos stored on
the storage device; and wherein the further output circuit then
transmits a message to the network, the message representing the
current number of the videos stored on the storage device.
54. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the network comprises the
Internet.
55. The apparatus of claim 54, further comprising: a further input
circuit to receive the signal representing the encrypted encoded
video data; a decrypt circuit to decrypt the encrypted encoded
video data into encoded video data while the further input circuit
receives the signal representing the encrypted encoded video data;
a decode circuit to decode the encoded video data into video data
while the decrypt circuit decrypts the encoded video data; and a
further output circuit to output a multimedia signal representing
the video data while the decode circuit decodes the encoded video
data.
56. The apparatus of claim 55: wherein the apparatus does not store
any substantial portion of the video data or the encoded video
data.
57. The apparatus of claim 55, wherein the multimedia signal
comprises a high-definition television signal.
58. The apparatus of claim 49, further comprising: a first network
port to receive the packets of encrypted encoded video data and
first other data from the network, and to transmit second other
data to the network; a second network port to transmit the first
other data to a local network, and to receive the second other data
from the local network; and a switch to pass the packets of
encrypted encoded video data from the first network port to the
input circuit, and to pass the first and second other data between
the first and second network ports.
59. The apparatus of claim 58, wherein the first network port
receives first voice data and transmits second voice data, further
comprising: an analog telephone interface to transmit first analog
telephone signals representing the first voice data, and to receive
second analog telephone signals representing the second voice data;
wherein the switch passes the first and second voice data between
the first network port and the analog telephone interface.
60. The apparatus of claim 49: wherein the signal representing the
encrypted encoded video data is a wireless signal which is
compliant with at least one standard selected from the group
consisting of IEEE standards 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g,
802.11n, 802.16, and 802.20.
61. An apparatus comprising: input means for receiving packets of
encrypted encoded video data from a network; storage means for
storing the encrypted encoded video data; retrieve means for
retrieving the encrypted encoded video data from the storage means;
and output means for transmitting a signal representing the
encrypted encoded video data while the retrieve means retrieves the
encrypted encoded video data from the storage means.
62. The apparatus of claim 61: wherein the packets of encrypted
encoded video data comprise Internet Protocol packets of the
encrypted encoded video data.
63. The apparatus of claim 61: wherein the packets of encrypted
encoded video data comprise Ethernet packets of the encrypted
encoded video data.
64. The apparatus of claim 61, wherein the video data represents
one or more videos, further comprising: queue means for determining
a number of the videos stored on the storage means; and further
output means for transmitting a message to the network, the message
representing the number of the videos stored on the storage
means.
65. The apparatus of claim 61, further comprising: control means
for receiving a command to discard one of the videos stored on the
storage means; wherein the storage means discards the one of the
videos in response to the control means; wherein the queue means
then determines the current number of the videos stored on the
storage means; and wherein the further output means then transmits
a message to the network, the message representing the current
number of the videos stored on the storage means.
66. The apparatus of claim 61, wherein the network comprises the
Internet.
67. The apparatus of claim 66, further comprising: further input
means for receiving the signal representing the encrypted encoded
video data; decrypt means for decrypting the encrypted encoded
video data into encoded video data while the further input means
receives the signal representing the encrypted encoded video data;
decode means for decoding the encoded video data into video data
while the decrypt means decrypts the encoded video data; and
further output means for outputting a multimedia signal
representing the video data while the decode means decodes the
encoded video data.
68. The apparatus of claim 67: wherein the apparatus does not store
any substantial portion of the video data or the encoded video
data.
69. The apparatus of claim 67, wherein the multimedia signal
comprises a high-definition television signal.
70. The apparatus of claim 61, further comprising: first network
port means for receiving the packets of encrypted encoded video
data and first other data from the network, and for transmitting
second other data to the network; second network port means for
transmitting the first other data to a local network, and for
receiving the second other data from the local network; and switch
means for passing the packets of encrypted encoded video data from
the first network port means to the input means, and for passing
the first and second other data between the first and second
network port means.
71. The apparatus of claim 70, wherein the first network port means
receives first voice data and transmits second voice data, further
comprising: analog telephone interface means for transmitting first
analog telephone signals representing the first voice data, and for
receiving second analog telephone signals representing the second
voice data; wherein the switch means passes the first and second
voice data between the first network port means and the analog
telephone interface means.
72. The apparatus of claim 61: wherein the signal representing the
encrypted encoded video data is a wireless signal which is
compliant with at least one standard selected from the group
consisting of IEEE standards 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g,
802.11n, 802.16, and 802.20.
73. A method comprising: receiving packets of encrypted encoded
video data from a network; storing the encrypted encoded video data
on a storage device; retrieving the encrypted encoded video data
from the storage device; and transmitting a signal representing the
encrypted encoded video data while retrieving the encrypted encoded
video data from the storage device.
74. The method of claim 73: wherein the packets of encrypted
encoded video data comprise Internet Protocol packets of the
encrypted encoded video data.
75. The method of claim 73: wherein the packets of encrypted
encoded video data comprise Ethernet packets of the encrypted
encoded video data.
76. The method of claim 73, wherein the video data represents one
or more videos, further comprising: determining a number of the
videos stored on the storage device; and transmitting a message to
the network, the message representing the number of the videos
stored on the storage device.
77. The method of claim 73, further comprising: receiving a command
to discard one of the videos stored on the storage device;
discarding the one of the videos in response to the command;
determining the current number of the videos stored on the storage
device; and transmitting a message to the network, the message
representing the current number of the videos stored on the storage
device.
78. The method of claim 73, wherein the network comprises the
Internet.
79. The method of claim 78, further comprising: receiving the
signal representing the encrypted encoded video data; decrypting
the encrypted encoded video data into encoded video data while
receiving the signal representing the encrypted encoded video data;
decoding the encoded video data into video data while decrypting
the encoded video data; and outputting a multimedia signal
representing the video data while decoding the encoded video
data.
80. The method of claim 79, wherein the multimedia signal comprises
a high-definition television signal.
81. The method of claim 73, further comprising: receiving the
packets of encrypted encoded video data and first other data from
the network; transmitting second other data to the network;
transmitting the first other data to a local network; receiving the
second other data from the local network; passing the packets of
encrypted encoded video data from network to the storage device;
and passing the first and second other data between the network and
the local network.
82. The method of claim 73, further comprising: receiving first
voice data from the network; transmitting second voice data to the
network; transmitting first analog telephone signals representing
the first voice data; and receiving second analog telephone signals
representing the second voice data.
83. The method of claim 73, wherein the signal representing the
encoded video data is a wireless signal which is compliant with at
least one standard selected from the group consisting of IEEE
standards 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.16, and
802.20.
84. A computer program executable on a processor, comprising:
instructions for storing encrypted encoded video data on a storage
device, wherein the encrypted encoded video data is received in
packets from a network; and instructions for retrieving the
encrypted encoded video data from the storage device; and wherein a
signal representing the encrypted encoded video data is transmitted
while retrieving the encrypted encoded video data from the storage
device.
85. The computer program of claim 84: wherein the packets of
encrypted encoded video data comprise Internet Protocol packets of
the encrypted encoded video data.
86. The computer program of claim 84: wherein the packets of
encrypted encoded video data comprise Ethernet packets of the
encrypted encoded video data.
87. The computer program of claim 84, wherein the video data
represents one or more videos, further comprising: instructions for
determining a number of the videos stored on the storage device;
and instructions for transmitting a message to the network, the
message representing the number of the videos stored on the storage
device.
88. The computer program of claim 84, further comprising:
instructions for discarding one of the videos stored on the storage
device in response to a received command; instructions for
determining the current number of the videos stored on the storage
device; and instructions for transmitting a message to the network,
the message representing the current number of the videos stored on
the storage device.
89. The computer program of claim 84, wherein the network comprises
the Internet.
90. The computer program of claim 89, further comprising:
instructions for decrypting the encrypted encoded video data into
encoded video data while receiving a signal representing the
encrypted encoded video data; and instructions for decoding the
encoded video data into video data while decrypting the encoded
video data; wherein a multimedia signal representing the video data
is outputted while decoding the encoded video data.
91. The computer program of claim 90, wherein the multimedia signal
comprises a high-definition television signal.
92. The computer program of claim 84, wherein the signal
representing the encoded video data is a wireless signal which is
compliant with at least one standard selected from the group
consisting of IEEE standards 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g,
802.11n, 802.16, and 802.20.
93. An apparatus comprising: an input circuit to receive packets of
encrypted encoded video data from a network; a storage device to
store the encrypted encoded video data; a retrieve circuit to
retrieve the encrypted encoded video data from the storage device;
a decrypt circuit to decrypt the encrypted encoded video data into
encoded video data while the retrieve circuit retrieves the
encrypted encoded video data from the storage device; a decode
circuit to decode the encoded video data into video data while the
decrypt circuit decrypts the encrypted encoded video data; and an
output circuit to output a multimedia signal representing the video
data while the decode circuit decodes the encoded video data.
94. The apparatus of claim 93: wherein the packets of encrypted
encoded video data comprise Internet Protocol packets of the
encrypted encoded video data.
95. The apparatus of claim 93: wherein the packets of encrypted
encoded video data comprise Ethernet packets of the encrypted
encoded video data.
96. The apparatus of claim 93: wherein the storage device does not
store any substantial portion of the encoded video data or the
video data.
97. The apparatus of claim 93, wherein the video data represents
one or more videos, further comprising: a queue circuit to
determine a number of the videos stored on the storage device; and
a further output circuit to transmit a message to the network, the
message representing the number of the videos stored on the storage
device.
98. The apparatus of claim 93, further comprising: a control
circuit to receive a command to discard one of the videos stored on
the storage device; wherein the storage device discards the one of
the videos in response to the control circuit; wherein the queue
circuit then determines the current number of the videos stored on
the storage device; and wherein the further output circuit then
transmits a message to the network, the message representing the
current number of the videos stored on the storage device.
99. The apparatus of claim 93, wherein the network comprises the
Internet.
100. The apparatus of claim 93, wherein the multimedia signal
comprises a high-definition television signal.
101. The apparatus of claim 93, further comprising: a first network
port to receive the packets of encrypted encoded video data and
first other data from the network, and to transmit second other
data to the network; a second network port to transmit the first
other data to a local network, and to receive the second other data
from the local network; and a switch to pass the packets of
encrypted encoded video data from the first network port to the
input circuit, and to pass the first and second other data between
the first and second network ports.
102. The apparatus of claim 101, wherein the first network port
receives first voice data and transmits second voice data, further
comprising: an analog telephone interface to transmit first analog
telephone signals representing the first voice data, and to receive
second analog telephone signals representing the second voice data;
wherein the switch passes the first and second voice data between
the first network port and the analog telephone interface.
103. An apparatus comprising: input means for receiving packets of
encrypted encoded video data from a network; storage means for
storing the encrypted encoded video data; retrieve means for
retrieving the encrypted encoded video data from the storage means;
decrypt means for decrypting the encrypted encoded video data into
encoded video data while the retrieve means retrieves the encrypted
encoded video data from the storage means; decode means for
decoding the encoded video data into video data while the decrypt
means decrypts the encrypted encoded video data; and output means
for outputting a multimedia signal representing the video data
while the decode means decodes the encoded video data.
104. The apparatus of claim 103: wherein the packets of encrypted
encoded video data comprise Internet Protocol packets of the
encrypted encoded video data.
105. The apparatus of claim 103: wherein the packets of encrypted
encoded video data comprise Ethernet packets of the encrypted
encoded video data.
106. The apparatus of claim 103: wherein the storage means does not
store any substantial portion of the encoded video data or the
video data.
107. The apparatus of claim 103, wherein the video data represents
one or more videos, further comprising: queue means for determining
a number of the videos stored on the storage means; and further
output means for transmitting a message to the network, the message
representing the number of the videos stored on the storage
means.
108. The apparatus of claim 103, further comprising: control means
for receiving a command to discard one of the videos stored on the
storage means; wherein the storage means discards the one of the
videos in response to the control circuit; wherein the queue means
then determines the current number of the videos stored on the
storage means; and wherein the further output means then transmits
a message to the network, the message representing the current
number of the videos stored on the storage means.
109. The apparatus of claim 103, wherein the network comprises the
Internet.
110. The apparatus of claim 103, wherein the multimedia signal
comprises a high-definition television signal.
111. The apparatus of claim 103, further comprising: first network
port means for receiving the packets of encrypted encoded video
data and first other data from the network, and for transmitting
second other data to the network; second network port means for
transmitting the first other data to a local network, and for
receiving the second other data from the local network; and switch
means for passing the packets of encrypted encoded video data from
the first network port means to the input means, and for passing
the first and second other data between the first and second
network port means.
112. The apparatus of claim 111, wherein the first network port
means receives first voice data and transmits second voice data,
further comprising: analog telephone interface means for
transmitting first analog telephone signals representing the first
voice data, and for receiving second analog telephone signals
representing the second voice data; wherein the switch means passes
the first and second voice data between the first network port
means and the analog telephone interface means.
113. A method comprising: receiving packets of encrypted encoded
video data from a network; storing the encrypted encoded video data
on a storage device; retrieving the encrypted encoded video data
from the storage device; decrypting the encrypted encoded video
data into encoded video data while retrieving the encrypted encoded
video data from the storage device; decoding the encoded video data
into video data while decrypting the encrypted encoded video data;
and outputting a multimedia signal representing the video data
while decoding the encoded video data.
114. The method of claim 113: wherein the packets of encrypted
encoded video data comprise Internet Protocol packets of the
encrypted encoded video data.
115. The method of claim 113: wherein the packets of encrypted
encoded video data comprise Ethernet packets of the encrypted
encoded video data.
116. The method of claim 113: wherein the storage device does not
store any substantial portion of the encoded video data or the
video data.
117. The method of claim 113, wherein the video data represents one
or more videos, further comprising: determining a number of the
videos stored on the storage device; and transmitting a message to
the network, the message representing the number of the videos
stored on the storage device.
118. The method of claim 113, further comprising: receiving a
command to discard one of the videos stored on the storage device;
discarding the one of the videos in response to the command;
determining the current number of the videos stored on the storage
device; and transmitting a message to the network, the message
representing the current number of the videos stored on the storage
device.
119. The method of claim 113, wherein the network comprises the
Internet.
120. The method of claim 113, wherein the multimedia signal
comprises a high-definition television signal.
121. The method of claim 113, further comprising: receiving the
packets of encrypted encoded video data and first other data from
the network; transmitting second other data to the network;
transmitting the first other data to a local network; receiving the
second other data from the local network; passing the packets of
encrypted encoded video data from network to the storage device;
and passing the first and second other data between the network and
the local network.
122. The method of claim 113, further comprising: receiving first
voice data from the network; transmitting second voice data to the
network; transmitting first analog telephone signals representing
the first voice data; and receiving second analog telephone signals
representing the second voice data.
123. A computer program executable on a processor, comprising:
instructions for storing encrypted encoded video data on a storage
device, wherein the encrypted encoded video data is received in
packets from a network; instructions for retrieving the encrypted
encoded video data from the storage device; instructions for
decrypting the encrypted encoded video data into encoded video data
while retrieving the encrypted encoded video data from the storage
device; and instructions for decoding the encoded video data into
video data while decrypting the encrypted encoded video data;
wherein a multimedia signal representing the video data is
outputted while decoding the encoded video data.
124. The computer program of claim 123: wherein the packets of
encrypted encoded video data comprise Internet Protocol packets of
the encrypted encoded video data.
125. The computer program of claim 123: wherein the packets of
encrypted encoded video data comprise Ethernet packets of the
encrypted encoded video data.
126. The computer program of claim 123: wherein the storage device
does not store any substantial portion of the encoded video data or
the video data.
127. The computer program of claim 123, wherein the video data
represents one or more videos, further comprising: instructions for
determining a number of the videos stored on the storage device;
and instructions for transmitting a message to the network, the
message representing the number of the videos stored on the storage
device.
128. The computer program of claim 123, further comprising:
discarding one of the videos stored on the storage device in
response to a received command; instructions for determining the
current number of the videos stored on the storage device; and
instructions for transmitting a message to the network, the message
representing the current number of the videos stored on the storage
device.
129. The computer program of claim 123, wherein the network
comprises the Internet.
130. The computer program of claim 123, wherein the multimedia
signal comprises a high-definition television signal.
131. A business method comprising: providing a list of available
encrypted videos; receiving selections of one or more of the
encrypted videos from a customer; adding identifiers of the
selected encrypted videos to a queue for the customer; receiving an
indication of a number of the encrypted videos stored on a storage
device associated with the customer; and electronically
transmitting one of the encrypted videos having one of the
identifiers in the queue to the storage device when the number of
the encrypted videos stored on the storage device is less than a
predetermined maximum number.
132. The business method of claim 131, further comprising at least
one of: billing the customer at regular intervals; and billing the
customer for each of the encrypted videos transmitted to the
customer.
133. The business method of claim 131, further comprising: removing
an identifier of the one of the encrypted videos from the queue
after transmitting the one of the encrypted videos to the storage
device.
134. A computer program executable on a processor, comprising:
instructions for providing a list of available encrypted videos;
instructions for adding identifiers of one or more of the encrypted
videos to a queue for a customer in response to receiving
selections of the one or more of the encrypted videos from the
customer; and instructions for electronically transmitting one of
the encrypted videos having one of the identifiers in the queue to
the storage device when the number of the encrypted videos stored
on the storage device is less than a predetermined maximum
number.
135. The computer program of claim 134, further comprising at least
one of: instructions for billing the customer at regular intervals;
and instructions for billing the customer for each of the encrypted
videos transmitted to the customer.
136. The computer program of claim 134, further comprising:
instructions for removing an identifier of the one of the encrypted
videos from the queue after transmitting the one of the encrypted
videos to the storage device.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention relates generally to data
communications. More particularly, the present invention relates to
secure video distribution.
SUMMARY
[0002] In general, in one aspect, the invention features an
apparatus comprising: an input circuit to receive packets of
encrypted encoded video data from a network; a storage device to
store the encrypted encoded video data; a retrieve circuit to
retrieve the encrypted encoded video data from the storage device;
a decrypt circuit to decrypt the encrypted encoded video data into
encoded video data while the retrieve circuit retrieves the
encrypted encoded video data from the storage device; and an output
circuit to transmit a signal representing the encoded video data
while the decrypt circuit decrypts the encrypted encoded video
data.
[0003] In some embodiments, the packets of encrypted encoded video
data comprise Internet Protocol packets of the encrypted encoded
video data. In some embodiments, the packets of encrypted encoded
video data comprise Ethernet packets of the encrypted encoded video
data. In some embodiments, the storage device does not store any
substantial portion of the encoded video data. In some embodiments,
the video data represents one or more videos, the apparatus further
comprising: a queue circuit to determine a number of the videos
stored on the storage device; and a further output circuit to
transmit a message to the network, the message representing the
number of the videos stored on the storage device. Some embodiments
comprise a control circuit to receive a command to discard one of
the videos stored on the storage device; wherein the storage device
discards the one of the videos in response to the control circuit;
wherein the queue circuit then determines the current number of the
videos stored on the storage device; and wherein the further output
circuit then transmits a message to the network, the message
representing the current number of the videos stored on the storage
device. In some embodiments, the network comprises the Internet.
Some embodiments comprise a further input circuit to receive the
signal representing the encoded video data; a decode circuit to
decode the encoded video data into video data while the further
input circuit receives the signal representing the encoded video
data; and a further output circuit to output a multimedia signal
representing the video data while the decode circuit decodes the
encoded video data. In some embodiments, the apparatus does not
store any substantial portion of the video data or the encoded
video data. In some embodiments, the multimedia signal comprises a
high-definition television signal. Some embodiments comprise a
first network port to receive the packets of encrypted encoded
video data and first other data from the network, and to transmit
second other data to the network; a second network port to transmit
the first other data to a local network, and to receive the second
other data from the local network; and a switch to pass the packets
of encrypted encoded video data from the first network port to the
input circuit, and to pass the first and second other data between
the first and second network ports. In some embodiments, the first
network port receives first voice data and transmits second voice
data, further comprising: an analog telephone interface to transmit
first analog telephone signals representing the first voice data,
and to receive second analog telephone signals representing the
second voice data; wherein the switch passes the first and second
voice data between the first network port and the analog telephone
interface. In some embodiments, the signal representing the encoded
video data is a wireless signal which is compliant with at least
one standard selected from the group consisting of IEEE standards
802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.16, and 802.20.
[0004] In general, in one aspect, the invention features an
apparatus comprising: input means for receiving packets of
encrypted encoded video data from a network; storage means for
storing the encrypted encoded video data; retrieve means for
retrieving the encrypted encoded video data from the storage means;
decrypt means for decrypting the encrypted encoded video data into
encoded video data while the retrieve means retrieves the encrypted
encoded video data from the storage means; and output means for
transmitting a signal representing the encoded video data while the
decrypt means decrypts the encrypted encoded video data.
[0005] In some embodiments, the packets of encrypted encoded video
data comprise Internet Protocol packets of the encrypted encoded
video data. In some embodiments, the packets of encrypted encoded
video data comprise Ethernet packets of the encrypted encoded video
data. In some embodiments, the storage means does not store any
substantial portion of the encoded video data. In some embodiments,
the video data represents one or more videos, the apparatus further
comprising: queue means for determining a number of the videos
stored on the storage means; and further output means for
transmitting a message to the network, the message representing the
number of the videos stored on the storage means. Some embodiments
comprise control means for receiving a command to discard one of
the videos stored on the storage means; wherein the storage means
discards the one of the videos in response to the control means;
wherein the queue means then determines the current number of the
videos stored on the storage means; and wherein the further output
means then transmits a message to the network, the message
representing the current number of the videos stored on the storage
means. In some embodiments, the network comprises the Internet.
Some embodiments comprise further input means for receiving the
signal representing the encoded video data; decode means for
decoding the encoded video data into video data while the further
input means receives the signal representing the encoded video
data; and further output means for outputting a multimedia signal
representing the video data while the decode means decodes the
encoded video data. In some embodiments, the apparatus does not
store any substantial portion of the video data or the encoded
video data. In some embodiments, the multimedia signal comprises a
high-definition television signal. Some embodiments comprise first
network port means for receiving the packets of encrypted encoded
video data and first other data from the network, and for
transmitting second other data to the network; second network port
means for transmitting the first other data to a local network, and
for receiving the second other data from the local network; and
switch means for passing the packets of encrypted encoded video
data from the first network port means to the input means, and for
passing the first and second other data between the first and
second network port means. In some embodiments, the first network
port means receives first voice data and transmits second voice
data, further comprising: analog telephone interface means for
transmitting first analog telephone signals representing the first
voice data, and for receiving second analog telephone signals
representing the second voice data; wherein the switch means passes
the first and second voice data between the first network port
means and the analog telephone interface means. In some
embodiments, the signal representing the encoded video data is a
wireless signal which is compliant with at least one standard
selected from the group consisting of IEEE standards 802.11,
802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.16, and 802.20.
[0006] In general, in one aspect, the invention features a method
comprising: receiving packets of encrypted encoded video data from
a network; storing the encrypted encoded video data on a storage
device; retrieving the encrypted encoded video data from the
storage device; decrypting the encrypted encoded video data into
encoded video data while retrieving the encrypted encoded video
data from the storage device; and transmitting a signal
representing the encoded video data while decrypting the encrypted
encoded video data.
[0007] In some embodiments, the packets of encrypted encoded video
data comprise Internet Protocol packets of the encrypted encoded
video data. In some embodiments, the packets of encrypted encoded
video data comprise Ethernet packets of the encrypted encoded video
data. In some embodiments, the storage device does not store any
substantial portion of the encoded video data. In some embodiments,
the video data represents one or more videos, further comprising:
determining a number of the videos stored on the storage device;
and transmitting a message to the network, the message representing
the number of the videos stored on the storage device. Some
embodiments comprise receiving a command to discard one of the
videos stored on the storage device; discarding the one of the
videos in response to the command; determining the current number
of the videos stored on the storage device; and transmitting a
message to the network, the message representing the current number
of the videos stored on the storage device. In some embodiments,
the network comprises the Internet. Some embodiments comprise
receiving the signal representing the encoded video data; decoding
the encoded video data into video data while receiving the signal
representing the encoded video data; and outputting a multimedia
signal representing the video data while decoding the encoded video
data. In some embodiments, the multimedia signal comprises a
high-definition television signal. Some embodiments comprise
receiving the packets of encrypted encoded video data and first
other data from the network; transmitting second other data to the
network; transmitting the first other data to a local network;
receiving the second other data from the local network; passing the
packets of encrypted encoded video data to the storage device; and
passing the first and second other data between the network and the
local network. Some embodiments comprise receiving first voice data
from the network; transmitting second voice data to the network;
transmitting first analog telephone signals representing the first
voice data; and receiving second analog telephone signals
representing the second voice data. In some embodiments, the signal
representing the encoded video data is a wireless signal which is
compliant with at least one standard selected from the group
consisting of IEEE standards 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g,
802.11n, 802.16, and 802.20.
[0008] In general, in one aspect, the invention features a computer
program executable on a processor, comprising: instructions for
storing encrypted encoded video data on a storage device, wherein
the encrypted encoded video data is received in packets from a
network; instructions for retrieving the encrypted encoded video
data from the storage device; and instructions for decrypting the
encrypted encoded video data into encoded video data while
retrieving the encrypted encoded video data from the storage
device; wherein a signal representing the encoded video data is
transmitted while decrypting the encrypted encoded video data.
[0009] In some embodiments, the packets of encrypted encoded video
data comprise Internet Protocol packets of the encrypted encoded
video data. In some embodiments, the packets of encrypted encoded
video data comprise Ethernet packets of the encrypted encoded video
data. In some embodiments, the storage device does not store any
substantial portion of the encoded video data. In some embodiments,
the video data represents one or more videos, further comprising:
determining a number of the videos stored on the storage device;
and transmitting a message to the network, the message representing
the number of the videos stored on the storage device. Some
embodiments comprise instructions for discarding one of the videos
stored on the storage device in response to a received command to
discard the one of the videos; instructions for determining the
current number of the videos stored on the storage device; and
instructions for transmitting a message to the network, the message
representing the current number of the videos stored on the storage
device. In some embodiments, the network comprises the Internet.
Some embodiments comprise instructions for decoding the encoded
video data into video data while receiving the signal representing
the encoded video data; wherein a multimedia signal representing
the video data is outputted while decoding the encoded video data.
In some embodiments, the multimedia signal comprises a
high-definition television signal. In some embodiments, the signal
representing the encoded video data is a wireless signal which is
compliant with at least one standard selected from the group
consisting of IEEE standards 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g,
802.11n, 802.16, and 802.20.
[0010] In general, in one aspect, the invention features an
apparatus comprising: an input circuit to receive packets of
encrypted encoded video data from a network; a storage device to
store the encrypted encoded video data; a retrieve circuit to
retrieve the encrypted encoded video data from the storage device;
and an output circuit to transmit a signal representing the
encrypted encoded video data while the retrieve circuit retrieves
the encrypted encoded video data from the storage device.
[0011] In some embodiments, the packets of encrypted encoded video
data comprise Internet Protocol packets of the encrypted encoded
video data. In some embodiments, the packets of encrypted encoded
video data comprise Ethernet packets of the encrypted encoded video
data. In some embodiments, the video data represents one or more
videos, the apparatus further comprising: a queue circuit to
determine a number of the videos stored on the storage device; and
a further output circuit to transmit a message to the network, the
message representing the number of the videos stored on the storage
device. Some embodiments comprise a control circuit to receive a
command to discard one of the videos stored on the storage device;
wherein the storage device discards the one of the videos in
response to the control circuit; wherein the queue circuit then
determines the current number of the videos stored on the storage
device; and wherein the further output circuit then transmits a
message to the network, the message representing the current number
of the videos stored on the storage device. In some embodiments,
the network comprises the Internet. Some embodiments comprise a
further input circuit to receive the signal representing the
encrypted encoded video data; a decrypt circuit to decrypt the
encrypted encoded video data into encoded video data while the
further input circuit receives the signal representing the
encrypted encoded video data; a decode circuit to decode the
encoded video data into video data while the decrypt circuit
decrypts the encoded video data; and a further output circuit to
output a multimedia signal representing the video data while the
decode circuit decodes the encoded video data. In some embodiments,
the apparatus does not store any substantial portion of the video
data or the encoded video data. In some embodiments, the multimedia
signal comprises a high-definition television signal. Some
embodiments comprise a first network port to receive the packets of
encrypted encoded video data and first other data from the network,
and to transmit second other data to the network; a second network
port to transmit the first other data to a local network, and to
receive the second other data from the local network; and a switch
to pass the packets of encrypted encoded video data from the first
network port to the input circuit, and to pass the first and second
other data between the first and second network ports. In some
embodiments, the first network port receives first voice data and
transmits second voice data, the apparatus further comprising: an
analog telephone interface to transmit first analog telephone
signals representing the first voice data, and to receive second
analog telephone signals representing the second voice data;
wherein the switch passes the first and second voice data between
the first network port and the analog telephone interface. In some
embodiments, the signal representing the encrypted encoded video
data is a wireless signal which is compliant with at least one
standard selected from the group consisting of IEEE standards
802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.16, and 802.20.
[0012] In general, in one aspect, the invention features an
apparatus comprising: input means for receiving packets of
encrypted encoded video data from a network; storage means for
storing the encrypted encoded video data; retrieve means for
retrieving the encrypted encoded video data from the storage means;
and output means for transmitting a signal representing the
encrypted encoded video data while the retrieve means retrieves the
encrypted encoded video data from the storage means.
[0013] In some embodiments, the packets of encrypted encoded video
data comprise Internet Protocol packets of the encrypted encoded
video data. In some embodiments, the packets of encrypted encoded
video data comprise Ethernet packets of the encrypted encoded video
data. In some embodiments, the video data represents one or more
videos, further comprising: queue means for determining a number of
the videos stored on the storage means; and further output means
for transmitting a message to the network, the message representing
the number of the videos stored on the storage means. Some
embodiments comprise control means for receiving a command to
discard one of the videos stored on the storage means; wherein the
storage means discards the one of the videos in response to the
control means; wherein the queue means then determines the current
number of the videos stored on the storage means; and wherein the
further output means then transmits a message to the network, the
message representing the current number of the videos stored on the
storage means. In some embodiments, the network comprises the
Internet. Some embodiments comprise further input means for
receiving the signal representing the encrypted encoded video data;
decrypt means for decrypting the encrypted encoded video data into
encoded video data while the further input means receives the
signal representing the encrypted encoded video data; decode means
for decoding the encoded video data into video data while the
decrypt means decrypts the encoded video data; and further output
means for outputting a multimedia signal representing the video
data while the decode means decodes the encoded video data. In some
embodiments, the apparatus does not store any substantial portion
of the video data or the encoded video data. In some embodiments,
the multimedia signal comprises a high-definition television
signal. Some embodiments comprise first network port means for
receiving the packets of encrypted encoded video data and first
other data from the network, and for transmitting second other data
to the network; second network port means for transmitting the
first other data to a local network, and for receiving the second
other data from the local network; and switch means for passing the
packets of encrypted encoded video data from the first network port
means to the input means, and for passing the first and second
other data between the first and second network port means. In some
embodiments, the first network port means receives first voice data
and transmits second voice data, further comprising: analog
telephone interface means for transmitting first analog telephone
signals representing the first voice data, and for receiving second
analog telephone signals representing the second voice data;
wherein the switch means passes the first and second voice data
between the first network port means and the analog telephone
interface means. In some embodiments, the signal representing the
encrypted encoded video data is a wireless signal which is
compliant with at least one standard selected from the group
consisting of IEEE standards 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g,
802.11n, 802.16, and 802.20.
[0014] In general, in one aspect, the invention features a method
comprising: receiving packets of encrypted encoded video data from
a network; storing the encrypted encoded video data on a storage
device; retrieving the encrypted encoded video data from the
storage device; and transmitting a signal representing the
encrypted encoded video data while retrieving the encrypted encoded
video data from the storage device.
[0015] In some embodiments, the packets of encrypted encoded video
data comprise Internet Protocol packets of the encrypted encoded
video data. In some embodiments, the packets of encrypted encoded
video data comprise Ethernet packets of the encrypted encoded video
data. In some embodiments, the video data represents one or more
videos, the method further comprising: determining a number of the
videos stored on the storage device; and transmitting a message to
the network, the message representing the number of the videos
stored on the storage device. Some embodiments comprise receiving a
command to discard one of the videos stored on the storage device;
discarding the one of the videos in response to the command;
determining the current number of the videos stored on the storage
device; and transmitting a message to the network, the message
representing the current number of the videos stored on the storage
device. In some embodiments, the network comprises the Internet.
Some embodiments comprise receiving the signal representing the
encrypted encoded video data; decrypting the encrypted encoded
video data into encoded video data while receiving the signal
representing the encrypted encoded video data; decoding the encoded
video data into video data while decrypting the encoded video data;
and outputting a multimedia signal representing the video data
while decoding the encoded video data. In some embodiments, the
multimedia signal comprises a high-definition television signal.
Some embodiments comprise receiving the packets of encrypted
encoded video data and first other data from the network;
transmitting second other data to the network; transmitting the
first other data to a local network; receiving the second other
data from the local network; passing the packets of encrypted
encoded video data from network to the storage device; and passing
the first and second other data between the network and the local
network. Some embodiments comprise receiving first voice data from
the network; transmitting second voice data to the network;
transmitting first analog telephone signals representing the first
voice data; and receiving second analog telephone signals
representing the second voice data. In some embodiments, the signal
representing the encoded video data is a wireless signal which is
compliant with at least one standard selected from the group
consisting of IEEE standards 802.11, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g,
802.11n, 802.16, and 802.20.
[0016] In general, in one aspect, the invention features a computer
program executable on a processor, comprising: instructions for
storing encrypted encoded video data on a storage device, wherein
the encrypted encoded video data is received in packets from a
network; and instructions for retrieving the encrypted encoded
video data from the storage device; and wherein a signal
representing the encrypted encoded video data is transmitted while
retrieving the encrypted encoded video data from the storage
device.
[0017] In some embodiments, the packets of encrypted encoded video
data comprise Internet Protocol packets of the encrypted encoded
video data. In some embodiments, the packets of encrypted encoded
video data comprise Ethernet packets of the encrypted encoded video
data. Some embodiments comprise, wherein the video data represents
one or more videos, instructions for determining a number of the
videos stored on the storage device; and instructions for
transmitting a message to the network, the message representing the
number of the videos stored on the storage device. Some embodiments
comprise instructions for discarding one of the videos stored on
the storage device in response to a received command; instructions
for determining the current number of the videos stored on the
storage device; and instructions for transmitting a message to the
network, the message representing the current number of the videos
stored on the storage device. In some embodiments, the network
comprises the Internet. Some embodiments comprise instructions for
decrypting the encrypted encoded video data into encoded video data
while receiving a signal representing the encrypted encoded video
data; and instructions for decoding the encoded video data into
video data while decrypting the encoded video data; wherein a
multimedia signal representing the video data is outputted while
decoding the encoded video data. In some embodiments, the
multimedia signal comprises a high-definition television signal. In
some embodiments, the signal representing the encoded video data is
a wireless signal which is compliant with at least one standard
selected from the group consisting of IEEE standards 802.11,
802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.16, and 802.20.
[0018] In general, in one aspect, the invention features an
apparatus comprising: an input circuit to receive packets of
encrypted encoded video data from a network; a storage device to
store the encrypted encoded video data; a retrieve circuit to
retrieve the encrypted encoded video data from the storage device;
a decrypt circuit to decrypt the encrypted encoded video data into
encoded video data while the retrieve circuit retrieves the
encrypted encoded video data from the storage device; a decode
circuit to decode the encoded video data into video data while the
decrypt circuit decrypts the encrypted encoded video data; and an
output circuit to output a multimedia signal representing the video
data while the decode circuit decodes the encoded video data.
[0019] In some embodiments, the packets of encrypted encoded video
data comprise Internet Protocol packets of the encrypted encoded
video data. In some embodiments, the packets of encrypted encoded
video data comprise Ethernet packets of the encrypted encoded video
data. In some embodiments, the storage device does not store any
substantial portion of the encoded video data or the video data.
Some embodiments comprise, wherein the video data represents one or
more videos, a queue circuit to determine a number of the videos
stored on the storage device; and a further output circuit to
transmit a message to the network, the message representing the
number of the videos stored on the storage device. Some embodiments
comprise a control circuit to receive a command to discard one of
the videos stored on the storage device; wherein the storage device
discards the one of the videos in response to the control circuit;
wherein the queue circuit then determines the current number of the
videos stored on the storage device; and wherein the further output
circuit then transmits a message to the network, the message
representing the current number of the videos stored on the storage
device. In some embodiments, the network comprises the Internet. In
some embodiments, the multimedia signal comprises a high-definition
television signal. Some embodiments comprise a first network port
to receive the packets of encrypted encoded video data and first
other data from the network, and to transmit second other data to
the network; a second network port to transmit the first other data
to a local network, and to receive the second other data from the
local network; and a switch to pass the packets of encrypted
encoded video data from the first network port to the input
circuit, and to pass the first and second other data between the
first and second network ports. Some embodiments comprise, wherein
the first network port receives first voice data and transmits
second voice data, an analog telephone interface to transmit first
analog telephone signals representing the first voice data, and to
receive second analog telephone signals representing the second
voice data; wherein the switch passes the first and second voice
data between the first network port and the analog telephone
interface.
[0020] In general, in one aspect, the invention features an
apparatus comprising: input means for receiving packets of
encrypted encoded video data from a network; storage means for
storing the encrypted encoded video data; retrieve means for
retrieving the encrypted encoded video data from the storage means;
decrypt means for decrypting the encrypted encoded video data into
encoded video data while the retrieve means retrieves the encrypted
encoded video data from the storage means; decode means for
decoding the encoded video data into video data while the decrypt
means decrypts the encrypted encoded video data; and output means
for outputting a multimedia signal representing the video data
while the decode means decodes the encoded video data.
[0021] In some embodiments, the packets of encrypted encoded video
data comprise Internet Protocol packets of the encrypted encoded
video data. In some embodiments, the packets of encrypted encoded
video data comprise Ethernet packets of the encrypted encoded video
data. In some embodiments, the storage means does not store any
substantial portion of the encoded video data or the video data.
Some embodiments comprise, wherein the video data represents one or
more videos, queue means for determining a number of the videos
stored on the storage means; and further output means for
transmitting a message to the network, the message representing the
number of the videos stored on the storage means. Some embodiments
comprise control means for receiving a command to discard one of
the videos stored on the storage means; wherein the storage means
discards the one of the videos in response to the control circuit;
wherein the queue means then determines the current number of the
videos stored on the storage means; and wherein the further output
means then transmits a message to the network, the message
representing the current number of the videos stored on the storage
means. In some embodiments, the network comprises the Internet. In
some embodiments, the multimedia signal comprises a high-definition
television signal. Some embodiments comprise first network port
means for receiving the packets of encrypted encoded video data and
first other data from the network, and for transmitting second
other data to the network; second network port means for
transmitting the first other data to a local network, and for
receiving the second other data from the local network; and switch
means for passing the packets of encrypted encoded video data from
the first network port means to the input means, and for passing
the first and second other data between the first and second
network port means. Some embodiments comprise, wherein the first
network port means receives first voice data and transmits second
voice data, analog telephone interface means for transmitting first
analog telephone signals representing the first voice data, and for
receiving second analog telephone signals representing the second
voice data; wherein the switch means passes the first and second
voice data between the first network port means and the analog
telephone interface means.
[0022] In general, in one aspect, the invention features a method
comprising: receiving packets of encrypted encoded video data from
a network; storing the encrypted encoded video data on a storage
device; retrieving the encrypted encoded video data from the
storage device; decrypting the encrypted encoded video data into
encoded video data while retrieving the encrypted encoded video
data from the storage device; decoding the encoded video data into
video data while decrypting the encrypted encoded video data; and
outputting a multimedia signal representing the video data while
decoding the encoded video data.
[0023] In some embodiments, the packets of encrypted encoded video
data comprise Internet Protocol packets of the encrypted encoded
video data. In some embodiments, the packets of encrypted encoded
video data comprise Ethernet packets of the encrypted encoded video
data. In some embodiments, the storage device does not store any
substantial portion of the encoded video data or the video data.
Some embodiments comprise, wherein the video data represents one or
more videos, determining a number of the videos stored on the
storage device; and transmitting a message to the network, the
message representing the number of the videos stored on the storage
device. Some embodiments comprise receiving a command to discard
one of the videos stored on the storage device; discarding the one
of the videos in response to the command; determining the current
number of the videos stored on the storage device; and transmitting
a message to the network, the message representing the current
number of the videos stored on the storage device. In some
embodiments, the network comprises the Internet. In some
embodiments, the multimedia signal comprises a high-definition
television signal. Some embodiments comprise receiving the packets
of encrypted encoded video data and first other data from the
network; transmitting second other data to the network;
transmitting the first other data to a local network; receiving the
second other data from the local network; passing the packets of
encrypted encoded video data from network to the storage device;
and passing the first and second other data between the network and
the local network. Some embodiments comprise receiving first voice
data from the network; transmitting second voice data to the
network; transmitting first analog telephone signals representing
the first voice data; and receiving second analog telephone signals
representing the second voice data.
[0024] In general, in one aspect, the invention features a computer
program executable on a processor, comprising: instructions for
storing encrypted encoded video data on a storage device, wherein
the encrypted encoded video data is received in packets from a
network; instructions for retrieving the encrypted encoded video
data from the storage device; instructions for decrypting the
encrypted encoded video data into encoded video data while
retrieving the encrypted encoded video data from the storage
device; and instructions for decoding the encoded video data into
video data while decrypting the encrypted encoded video data;
wherein a multimedia signal representing the video data is
outputted while decoding the encoded video data.
[0025] In some embodiments, the packets of encrypted encoded video
data comprise Internet Protocol packets of the encrypted encoded
video data. In some embodiments, the packets of encrypted encoded
video data comprise Ethernet packets of the encrypted encoded video
data. In some embodiments, the storage device does not store any
substantial portion of the encoded video data or the video data.
Some embodiments comprise, wherein the video data represents one or
more videos, instructions for determining a number of the videos
stored on the storage device; and instructions for transmitting a
message to the network, the message representing the number of the
videos stored on the storage device. Some embodiments comprise
discarding one of the videos stored on the storage device in
response to a received command; instructions for determining the
current number of the videos stored on the storage device; and
instructions for transmitting a message to the network, the message
representing the current number of the videos stored on the storage
device. In some embodiments, the network comprises the Internet. In
some embodiments, the multimedia signal comprises a high-definition
television signal.
[0026] In general, in one aspect, the invention features a business
method comprising: providing a list of available encrypted videos;
receiving selections of one or more of the encrypted videos from a
customer; adding identifiers of the selected encrypted videos to a
queue for the customer; receiving an indication of a number of the
encrypted videos stored on a storage device associated with the
customer; and electronically transmitting one of the encrypted
videos having one of the identifiers in the queue to the storage
device when the number of the encrypted videos stored on the
storage device is less than a predetermined maximum number.
[0027] Some embodiments comprise at least one of: billing the
customer at regular intervals; and billing the customer for each of
the encrypted videos transmitted to the customer. Some embodiments
comprise removing an identifier of the one of the encrypted videos
from the queue after transmitting the one of the encrypted videos
to the storage device.
[0028] In general, in one aspect, the invention features a computer
program executable on a processor, comprising: instructions for
providing a list of available encrypted videos; instructions for
adding identifiers of one or more of the encrypted videos to a
queue for a customer in response to receiving selections of the one
or more of the encrypted videos from the customer; and instructions
for electronically transmitting one of the encrypted videos having
one of the identifiers in the queue to the storage device when the
number of the encrypted videos stored on the storage device is less
than a predetermined maximum number.
[0029] Some embodiments comprise at least one of: instructions for
billing the customer at regular intervals; and instructions for
billing the customer for each of the encrypted videos transmitted
to the customer. Some embodiments comprise instructions for
removing an identifier of the one of the encrypted videos from the
queue after transmitting the one of the encrypted videos to the
storage device.
[0030] The details of one or more implementations are set forth in
the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features
will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the
claims.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0031] FIG. 1 shows a secure video distribution system comprising a
storage unit that transfers encoded video data to a separate
set-top unit according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0032] FIG. 2 shows a business method for the video provider of the
secure video distribution system of FIG. 1, and for video providers
in any of the other secure video distribution systems described
herein, according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
[0033] FIG. 3 shows a process for the storage unit and set-top unit
of the secure video distribution system of FIG. 1 according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 4 shows a secure video distribution system comprising a
storage unit that transfers encrypted encoded video data to a
separate set-top unit according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0035] FIG. 5 shows a process for the storage unit and set-top unit
of the secure video distribution system of FIG. 4 according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 6 shows a secure video distribution system where the
storage unit and set-top unit are combined into a single unit
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 7 shows a process for the customer unit of the secure
video distribution system of FIG. 6 according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] FIGS. 8A-8F show various exemplary implementations of the
present invention.
[0039] The leading digit(s) of each reference numeral used in this
specification indicates the number of the drawing in which the
reference numeral first appears.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040] Embodiments of the present invention provide secure video
distribution for video such as movies, including high-definition
videos. The videos are preferably encoded as video data, and are
preferably encrypted before distribution. According to some
embodiments, packets of the encrypted encoded video data are
received by a storage unit at the customer site, where the
encrypted encoded video data is stored on a storage device such as
a hard disk drive. When the customer initiates playback of a video
stored on the storage device, the encrypted encoded video data is
retrieved, decrypted, and transmitted, preferably by a wireless
link, to one or more set-top units, which decode the encoded video
data and output a multimedia signal for a rendering device such as
a television, projector, speaker system, and the like. In some
embodiments, the decryption is performed by the set-top unit
instead of the storage unit. In still other embodiments, the
storage and set-top units are combined as a single customer unit.
Preferably none of the units store any substantial portion of the
encoded video data or the video data, but store only the encrypted
encoded video data to prevent unauthorized duplication and
distribution of the video data.
[0041] Embodiments of the present invention provide a business
method for secure video distribution. According to the method a
video provider provides a list of available encrypted videos,
receives selections of the encrypted videos from customers, and
adds an identifier of each video selected by customer to a queue
for the customer. Each customer is allowed to store a predetermined
maximum number of the encrypted videos on a storage device at the
customer site. The video provider receives an indication of the
number of the encrypted videos stored on each storage device. When
the number of the encrypted videos stored on a customer's storage
device falls below the customer's predetermined maximum number, for
example because the customer has discarded one of the videos, the
video provider electronically transmits one of the encrypted videos
having an identifier in the customer's queue to the customer's
storage device.
[0042] FIG. 1 shows a secure video distribution system 100
comprising a storage unit 104 that transfers encoded video data to
a separate set-top unit 108 according to a preferred embodiment of
the present invention. Secure video distribution system 100
comprises a video provider 102 in communication with storage unit
104 at a customer site over a network 106 such as the Internet.
While some embodiments of the present invention are described
according to a client-server distribution model, other embodiments
can employ peer-to-peer distribution techniques when a sufficient
customer base is present.
[0043] Storage unit 104 communicates with set-top unit 108 over a
link 110 that is preferably wireless. Preferably link 110 is
compliant with at least one of IEEE standards 802.11, 802.11a,
802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.16, and 802.20. In a preferred
embodiment, link 110 is a MIMO link compliant with IEEE standard
802.11n. Set-top unit 108 provides a multimedia signal 112 to a
television set 114 or one or more other rendering device such as a
projector, speaker system, and the like. Multimedia signal 112 is
preferably a high-definition television signal such as a HDMI
(High-Definition Multimedia Interface) signal, but can be any sort
of signal that carries audio and video information to a rendering
device.
[0044] Storage unit 104 comprises a storage device 116 to store
encrypted encoded video data received from video provider 102, a
retrieve circuit 118 to retrieve the packets of encrypted encoded
video data from storage device 116, and a decrypt circuit 120 to
decrypt the encrypted encoded video data. Storage unit 104 also
comprises a wide-area network (WAN) port 122 comprising an input
circuit 124 to receive the encrypted encoded video data from video
provider 102 and an output circuit 126 to transmit messages to
video provider 102. Storage unit 104 may also comprise an output
circuit 128 to transmit a signal representing the encoded video
data over link 110. Storage unit 104 may further comprise an input
circuit 130 to receive commands, for example commands received by
television set 114 from a remote control (not shown) and relayed by
set-top unit 108. Storage unit 104 may also comprise a queue
circuit 132 to determine a number of the videos stored on storage
device 116, and a control circuit 134 to receive and/or execute
commands such as commands received by input circuit 130. The number
of videos can represent the total number of videos stored on
storage device 116, or can indicate a number of videos added to, or
deleted from, storage device 116 or the like. The messages
transmitted by output circuit 126 to video provider 102 can include
messages indicating the number of videos.
[0045] Set-top unit 108 comprises an input circuit 136 to receive
the signal representing the encoded video data over link 110, a
decode circuit 138 to decode the encoded video data while the input
circuit 136 receives the signal representing the encoded video
data, and an output circuit 140 to output multimedia signal 112
representing the video data while decode circuit 138 decodes the
encoded video data. Preferably neither storage unit 104 nor set-top
unit 108 stores any substantial portion of the encoded video data
or the video data, but stores only the encrypted encoded video data
to prevent unauthorized duplication and distribution of the video
data.
[0046] In some embodiments storage unit 104 includes a local-area
network (LAN) port 142 and a switch 144 to provide communication
between a LAN 146 and network 106, and to provide quality of
service for different data flows. According to these embodiments,
WAN port 122 receives the packets of encrypted encoded video data
from network 106, and exchanges other data with network 106. LAN
port 142 exchanges data with LAN 146. Switch 144 passes the
encrypted encoded video data from WAN port 122 to storage device
116, and passes data between WAN port 122 and LAN port 142.
[0047] In some embodiments storage unit 104 includes an analog
telephone interface (ATI) 148 and switch 144 to provide
voice-over-Internet-Protocol (VOIP) services, and to provide
quality of service for different data flows. According to these
embodiments, WAN port 122 receives and transmits voice data. Analog
telephone interface 148 transmits and receives analog telephone
signals representing voice data. Switch 144 passes voice data
between the WAN port 122 and analog telephone interface 148.
[0048] Preferably storage device 116 is registered to storage unit
104 according to conventional techniques so that storage device 116
will operate only when installed in storage unit 104 to prevent
unauthorized duplication and distribution of the video data. For
example, each of storage device 116 and storage unit 104 can
include read-only memories that contain codes that are compared by
control circuit 134. Of course, other techniques can be used to
implement the registration.
[0049] FIG. 2 shows a business method 200 for video provider 102 of
secure video distribution system 100, and for video providers in
any of the other secure video distribution systems described
herein, according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention. Video provider 102 provides a list of available
encrypted videos (step 202). Customers review the list and select
one or more of the available encrypted videos, for example using
television set 114 and set-top unit 108. Video provider 102
receives the selections (step 204).
[0050] Video provider 102 maintains a queue of selected videos for
each customer. Each customer can modify the queue, for example by
selecting videos, removing videos, or changing the order of the
videos in the queue. On receiving a customer selection of a video,
video provider 102 adds an identifier of the selected encrypted
video to the customer's queue (step 206).
[0051] Preferably each customer is only allowed up to a
predetermined maximum number of videos at a time. Video provider
102 receives an indication of a number of the encrypted videos
stored on the customer's storage device 116 (step 208). When the
number of the encrypted videos is less than the predetermined
maximum number (step 210), video provider 102 selects one of the
encrypted videos having an identifier in the customer's queue, and
electronically transmits the encrypted video to the customer's
storage device 116 (step 212). Video provider 102 removes the
identifier of the encrypted video from the customer's queue after
transmitting the encrypted video (step 214). Video provider 102
bills the customer for each encrypted video transmitted to the
customer (step 216). Alternatively, video provider 102 bills the
customer at regular intervals.
[0052] FIG. 3 shows a process 300 for storage unit 104 and set-top
unit 108 of secure video distribution system 100 of FIG. 1
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. While
the steps in FIG. 3 are shown in sequence, the steps preferably
overlap substantially in time. Input circuit 124 of WAN port 122 in
storage unit 104 receives packets of encrypted encoded video data
from network 106 (step 302). In various embodiments, the video data
represents one or more videos provided by video provider 102. The
packets of encrypted encoded video data can include Internet
Protocol packets of the encrypted encoded video data, Ethernet
packets of the encrypted encoded video data, and the like.
[0053] Storage device 116 of storage unit 104 stores the encrypted
encoded video data (step 304). Retrieve circuit 118 of storage unit
104 retrieves the encrypted encoded video data from storage device
116 (step 306), for example in response to a user command to play a
video. Decrypt circuit 120 of storage unit 104 decrypts the
encrypted encoded video data while retrieve circuit 118 retrieves
the encrypted encoded video data from storage device 116 (step
308). Output circuit 128 of storage unit 104 transmits a signal
representing the encoded video data over link 110 while decrypt
circuit 120 decrypts the encoded video data (step 310). Preferably
the signal is a MIMO signal compliant with IEEE standard 802.11n,
although of course other sorts of wired, optical, or wireless
signals can be used. Preferably storage unit 104 does not store any
substantial portion of the encoded video data to prevent
unauthorized duplication and distribution of the video data. In
some embodiments, the encoding is proprietary so that the
transmission over link 110 is secure.
[0054] Input circuit 136 of set-top unit 108 receives the signal
representing the encoded video data (step 312). Decode circuit 138
of set-top unit 108 decodes the encoded video data while input
circuit 136 receives the signal representing the encoded video data
(step 314). Output circuit 140 of set-top unit 108 outputs
multimedia signal 112 representing the video data while decode
circuit 138 decodes the encoded video data (step 316). Multimedia
signal 112 is preferably an HDMI signal, but can be any sort of
signal that carries audio and video information to a rendering
device. Preferably set-top unit 108 does not store any substantial
portion of the video data or the encoded video data to prevent
unauthorized duplication and distribution of the video data.
[0055] FIG. 4 shows a secure video distribution system 400
comprising a storage unit 404 that transfers encrypted encoded
video data to a separate set-top unit 408 according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention. Secure video distribution
system 400 is similar to secure video distribution system 100 of
FIG. 1 except that decrypt circuit 120 is located in set-top unit
408 rather than storage unit 404.
[0056] FIG. 5 shows a process 500 for storage unit 404 and set-top
unit 408 of secure video distribution system 400 of FIG. 4
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. While
the steps in FIG. 5 are shown in sequence, the steps preferably
overlap substantially in time. Input circuit 124 of WAN port 122 in
storage unit 404 receives packets of encrypted encoded video data
from network 106 (step 502). In some embodiments, the video data
represents one or more videos provided by video provider 102. The
packets of encrypted encoded video data can include Internet
Protocol packets of the encrypted encoded video data, Ethernet
packets of the encrypted encoded video data, and the like.
[0057] Storage device 116 of storage unit 404 stores the encrypted
encoded video data (step 504). Retrieve circuit 118 of storage unit
404 retrieves the encrypted encoded video data from storage device
116 (step 506), for example in response to a user command to play a
video. Output circuit 128 of storage unit 404 transmits a signal
representing the encrypted encoded video data over link 110 while
retrieve circuit 118 retrieves the encrypted encoded video data
from storage device 116 (step 508). Preferably the signal is a MIMO
signal compliant with IEEE standard 802.11 n, although of course
other sorts of wired, optical, or wireless signals can be used.
[0058] Input circuit 136 of set-top unit 408 receives the signal
representing the encoded video data (step 510). Decrypt circuit 120
of set-top unit 408 decrypts the encrypted encoded video data while
input circuit 136 receives the signal representing the encrypted
encoded video data (step 512). Decode circuit 138 of set-top unit
408 decodes the encoded video data while decrypt circuit 120
decrypts the encoded video data (step 514). Output circuit 140 of
set-top unit 408 outputs multimedia signal 112 representing the
video data while decode circuit 138 decodes the encoded video data.
Multimedia signal 112 is preferably an HDMI signal, but can be any
sort of signal that carries audio and video information to a
rendering device. Preferably set-top unit 408 does not store any
substantial portion of the video data or the encoded video data to
prevent unauthorized duplication and distribution of the video
data.
[0059] FIG. 6 shows a secure video distribution system 600 where
the storage unit and set-top unit are combined into a single
customer unit 604 according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention. Secure video distribution system 600 is similar
to secure video distribution system 100 of FIG. 1 except that link
110, output circuit 128, and input circuit 136 are not present.
[0060] FIG. 7 shows a process 700 for customer unit 604 of secure
video distribution system 600 of FIG. 6 according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention. While the steps in FIG. 7 are
shown in sequence, the steps preferably overlap substantially in
time. Input circuit 124 of WAN port 122 in customer unit 604
receives packets of encrypted encoded video data from network 106
(step 702). In some embodiments, the video data represents one or
more videos provided by video provider 102. The packets of
encrypted encoded video data can include Internet Protocol packets
of the encrypted encoded video data, Ethernet packets of the
encrypted encoded video data, and the like.
[0061] Storage device 116 of customer unit 604 stores the encrypted
encoded video data (step 704). Retrieve circuit 118 of customer
unit 604 retrieves the encrypted encoded video data from storage
device 116 (step 706), for example in response to a user command to
play a video. Decrypt circuit 120 of customer unit 604 decrypts the
encrypted encoded video data while retrieve circuit 118 retrieves
the encrypted encoded video data from storage device 116 (step
708). Decode circuit 138 of customer unit 604 decodes the encoded
video data while decrypt circuit 120 decrypts the encoded video
data (step 710). Output circuit 140 of customer unit 604 outputs
multimedia signal 112 representing the video data while decode
circuit 138 decodes the encoded video data. Multimedia signal 112
is preferably an HDMI signal, but can be any sort of signal that
carries audio and video information to a rendering device.
Preferably customer unit 604 does not store any substantial portion
of the video data or the encoded video data to prevent unauthorized
duplication and distribution of the video data.
[0062] FIGS. 8A-8F show various exemplary implementations of the
present invention. Referring now to FIG. 8A, the present invention
can be implemented in a hard disk drive (HDD) 801. The present
invention may implement either or both signal processing and/or
control circuits, which are generally identified in FIG. 8A at 802.
In some implementations, the signal processing and/or control
circuit 802 and/or other circuits (not shown) in the HDD 801 may
process data, perform coding and/or encrypt, perform calculations,
and/or format data that is output to and/or received from a
magnetic storage medium 803.
[0063] The HDD 801 may communicate with a host device (not shown)
such as a computer, mobile computing devices such as personal
digital assistants, cellular phones, media or MP3 players and the
like, and/or other devices via one or more wired or wireless
communication links 804. The HDD 801 may be connected to memory 805
such as random access memory (RAM), low latency nonvolatile memory
such as flash memory, read only memory (ROM) and/or other suitable
electronic data storage.
[0064] Referring now to FIG. 8B, the present invention can be
implemented in a digital versatile disc (DVD) drive 806. The
present invention may implement either or both signal processing
and/or control circuits, which are generally identified in FIG. 8B
at 807, and/or mass data storage of the DVD drive 806. The signal
processing and/or control circuit 807 and/or other circuits (not
shown) in the DVD drive 806 may process data, perform coding and/or
encrypt, perform calculations, and/or format data that is read from
and/or data written to an optical storage medium 808. In some
implementations, the signal processing and/or control circuit 807
and/or other circuits (not shown) in the DVD drive 806 can also
perform other functions such as encoding and/or decoding and/or any
other signal processing functions associated with a DVD drive.
[0065] The DVD drive 806 may communicate with an output device (not
shown) such as a computer, television or other device via one or
more wired or wireless communication links 809. The DVD drive 806
may communicate with mass data storage 810 that stores data in a
nonvolatile manner. The mass data storage 810 may include a hard
disk drive (HDD). The HDD may have the configuration shown in FIG.
8A. The HDD may be a mini HDD that includes one or more platters
having a diameter that is smaller than approximately 1.8''. The DVD
drive 806 may be connected to memory 811 such as RAM, ROM, low
latency nonvolatile memory such as flash memory and/or other
suitable electronic data storage.
[0066] Referring now to FIG. 8C, the present invention can be
implemented in a high definition television (HDTV) 812. The present
invention may implement either or both signal processing and/or
control circuits, which are generally identified in FIG. 8C at 813,
a WLAN interface and/or mass data storage of the HDTV 812. The HDTV
812 receives HDTV input signals in either a wired or wireless
format and generates HDTV output signals for a display 814. In some
implementations, signal processing circuit and/or control circuit
813 and/or other circuits (not shown) of the HDTV 812 may process
data, perform coding and/or encrypt, perform calculations, format
data and/or perform any other type of HDTV processing that may be
required.
[0067] The HDTV 812 may communicate with mass data storage 815 that
stores data in a nonvolatile manner such as optical and/or magnetic
storage devices. At least one HDD may have the configuration shown
in FIG. 8A and/or at least one DVD drive may have the configuration
shown in FIG. 8B. The HDD may be a mini HDD that includes one or
more platters having a diameter that is smaller than approximately
1.8''. The HDTV 812 may be connected to memory 816 such as RAM,
ROM, low latency nonvolatile memory such as flash memory and/or
other suitable electronic data storage. The HDTV 812 also may
support connections with a WLAN via a WLAN network interface
817.
[0068] Referring now to FIG. 8D, the present invention can be
implemented in a cellular phone 828 that may include a cellular
antenna 829. The present invention may implement either or both
signal processing and/or control circuits, which are generally
identified in FIG. 8D at 830, a WLAN interface and/or mass data
storage of the cellular phone 828. In some implementations, the
cellular phone 828 includes a microphone 831, an audio output 832
such as a speaker and/or audio output jack, a display 833 and/or an
input device 834 such as a keypad, pointing device, voice actuation
and/or other input device. The signal processing and/or control
circuits 830 and/or other circuits (not shown) in the cellular
phone 828 may process data, perform coding and/or encrypt, perform
calculations, format data and/or perform other cellular phone
functions.
[0069] The cellular phone 828 may communicate with mass data
storage 835 that stores data in a nonvolatile manner such as
optical and/or magnetic storage devices including HDDs and/or DVD
drives. At least one HDD may have the configuration shown in FIG.
8A and/or at least one DVD drive may have the configuration shown
in FIG. 8B. The HDD may be a mini HDD that includes one or more
platters having a diameter that is smaller than approximately
1.8''. The cellular phone 828 may be connected to memory 836 such
as RAM, ROM, low latency nonvolatile memory such as flash memory
and/or other suitable electronic data storage. The cellular phone
828 also may support connections with a WLAN via a WLAN network
interface 837.
[0070] Referring now to FIG. 8E, the present invention can be
implemented in a set top box 838. The present invention may
implement either or both signal processing and/or control circuits,
which are generally identified in FIG. 8E at 839, a WLAN interface
and/or mass data storage of the set top box 838. The set top box
838 receives signals from a source such as a broadband source and
outputs standard and/or high definition audio/video signals
suitable for a display 840 such as a television, a monitor and/or
other video and/or audio output devices. The signal processing
and/or control circuits 839 and/or other circuits (not shown) of
the set top box 838 may process data, perform coding and/or
encrypt, perform calculations, format data and/or perform any other
set top box functions.
[0071] The set top box 838 may communicate with mass data storage
843 that stores data in a nonvolatile manner. The mass data storage
843 may include optical and/or magnetic storage devices including
HDDs and/or DVD drives. At least one HDD may have the configuration
shown in FIG. 8A and/or at least one DVD drive may have the
configuration shown in FIG. 8B. The HDD may be a mini HDD that
includes one or more platters having a diameter that is smaller
than approximately 1.8''. The set top box 838 may be connected to
memory 842 such as RAM, ROM, low latency nonvolatile memory such as
flash memory and/or other suitable electronic data storage. The set
top box 838 also may support connections with a WLAN via a WLAN
network interface 843.
[0072] Referring now to FIG. 8F, the present invention can be
implemented in a media player 844. The present invention may
implement either or both signal processing and/or control circuits,
which are generally identified in FIG. 8F at 845, a WLAN interface
and/or mass data storage of the media player 844. In some
implementations, the media player 844 includes a display 846 and/or
a user input 847 such as a keypad, touchpad and the like. In some
implementations, the media player 844 may employ a graphical user
interface (GUI) that typically employs menus, drop down menus,
icons and/or a point-and-click interface via the display 846 and/or
user input 847. The media player 844 further includes an audio
output 848 such as a speaker and/or audio output jack. The signal
processing and/or control circuits 845 and/or other circuits (not
shown) of the media player 844 may process data, perform coding
and/or encrypt, perform calculations, format data and/or perform
any other media player functions.
[0073] The media player 844 may communicate with mass data storage
849 that stores data such as compressed audio and/or video content
in a nonvolatile manner. In some implementations, the compressed
audio files include files that are compliant with MP3 format or
other suitable compressed audio and/or video formats. The mass data
storage 849 may include optical and/or magnetic storage devices
including HDDs and/or DVD drives. At least one HDD may have the
configuration shown in FIG. 8A and/or at least one DVD drive may
have the configuration shown in FIG. 8B. The HDD may be a mini HDD
that includes one or more platters having a diameter that is
smaller than approximately 1.8''. The media player 844 may be
connected to memory 850 such as RAM, ROM, low latency nonvolatile
memory such as flash memory and/or other suitable electronic data
storage. The media player 844 also may support connections with a
WLAN via a WLAN network interface 851. Still other implementations
in addition to those described above are contemplated.
[0074] Embodiments of the invention can be implemented in digital
electronic circuitry, or in computer hardware, firmware, software,
or in combinations of them. Apparatus of the invention can be
implemented in a computer program product tangibly embodied in a
machine-readable storage device for execution by a programmable
processor; and method steps of the invention can be performed by a
programmable processor executing a program of instructions to
perform functions of the invention by operating on input data and
generating output. The invention can be implemented advantageously
in one or more computer programs that are executable on a
programmable system including at least one programmable processor
coupled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data
and instructions to, a data storage system, at least one input
device, and at least one output device. Each computer program can
be implemented in a high-level procedural or object-oriented
programming language, or in assembly or machine language if
desired; and in any case, the language can be a compiled or
interpreted language. Suitable processors include, by way of
example, both general and special purpose microprocessors.
Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a
read-only memory and/or a random access memory. Generally, a
computer will include one or more mass storage devices for storing
data files; such devices include magnetic disks, such as internal
hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and optical
disks. Storage devices suitable for tangibly embodying computer
program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile
memory, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices,
such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks
such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical
disks; and CD-ROM disks. Any of the foregoing can be supplemented
by, or incorporated in, ASICs (application-specific integrated
circuits).
[0075] A number of implementations of the invention have been
described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. Accordingly, other implementations are
within the scope of the following claims.
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