U.S. patent application number 12/045162 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-24 for portable device with intermittent communications.
This patent application is currently assigned to MusicGremlin, Inc.. Invention is credited to Jonathan N. Axelrod, Robert K. Khedouri, Harold E. Price.
Application Number | 20080176540 12/045162 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35541495 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080176540 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Khedouri; Robert K. ; et
al. |
July 24, 2008 |
PORTABLE DEVICE WITH INTERMITTENT COMMUNICATIONS
Abstract
A portable wireless communications subscriber audio and/or video
player apparatus and system and method for selecting, requesting,
downloading, and playing audio and/or video data content files from
an Internet-based database server. The wireless link is preferably
implemented in accordance with the WiFi protocol, which allows
connectivity to the Internet by being in proximity with a local
base station or WiFi hotspot (i.e., publicly available local
wireless access hub connected to the Internet). The portable
wireless communications subscriber audio and/or video player
apparatus and system preferably include a security means for
monitoring and blocking unauthorized use of the player apparatus
and system. The player apparatus further preferably has the
capability to communicate with other neighboring player apparatus
for the purpose of exchanging content data files, playlists and
personal messages.
Inventors: |
Khedouri; Robert K.;
(Roslyn, NY) ; Axelrod; Jonathan N.; (New York,
NY) ; Price; Harold E.; (Bethel Park, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GOTTLIEB RACKMAN & REISMAN PC
270 MADISON AVENUE, 8TH FLOOR
NEW YORK
NY
10016-0601
US
|
Assignee: |
MusicGremlin, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
35541495 |
Appl. No.: |
12/045162 |
Filed: |
March 10, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10953746 |
Sep 29, 2004 |
|
|
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12045162 |
|
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60507110 |
Oct 1, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
455/414.1 ;
348/E7.071; 707/E17.009 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/6125 20130101;
G06F 16/639 20190101; G06Q 20/206 20130101; G06Q 30/0641 20130101;
H04N 21/2223 20130101; G06F 16/4387 20190101; G06F 16/635 20190101;
G06F 16/48 20190101; H04N 21/41407 20130101; G06F 21/10 20130101;
H04N 21/47202 20130101; G06F 16/64 20190101; H04N 21/4788 20130101;
H04N 7/17318 20130101; G06F 16/686 20190101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/414.1 |
International
Class: |
H04M 3/42 20060101
H04M003/42 |
Claims
1. In a wireless communication network, a portable device
comprising: a network interface establishing communication with the
network, wherein said communication is not necessarily continuous;
a controller; a user interface receiving commands from the user and
generating requests for incoming data from remote locations and
generating outgoing data to remote locations; wherein said
controller monitors the exchange of data over the network
interface, and stores temporarily in a local memory, any incomplete
incoming and outgoing data resulting from an interruption of said
wireless communications until the wireless communication is resumed
and the incoming or outgoing data is completed.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein said controller performs the
manipulation and resuming of the incomplete data transparently to
the user.
3. The device of claim 1 wherein in an event the connection is lost
before the device completes a download, the device automatically
tries to obtain the missing data when a network connection is
available again.
4. The device of claim 3 wherein the server maintains a record of
what data was downloaded to enable the device to resume downloading
its data from the position when connection was lost.
5. The device of claim 1 wherein said portable device has a battery
providing power thereto, and said wireless communication protocol
is selected to optimize one of the battery life, bandwidth
consumption, network interface usage and processor usage.
6. The device of claim 5 wherein said device includes a power
management module to reduce use of the wireless function based on
demands and anticipated demands of the application.
7. The device of claim 1 wherein said portable device includes a
plurality of wireless communication protocols and said device
automatically selects to use one of said protocols based on certain
factors.
8. The device of claim 7 wherein said portable device stores a data
request in local memory until said selected protocol becomes
available.
9. The device of claim 7 wherein the device enables searching and
browsing of content items via a wireless communication network with
limited bandwidth and enables downloading of content over a
wireless communication network with greater bandwidth.
10. The device of claim 1 wherein the device places one or more
limits on the use of said wireless communications during the use of
one or more other functions of the device.
11. The device of claim 1 wherein said wireless protocol is an
802.X protocol.
12. The device of claim 1 wherein said device stores a list used by
the user, said list being updated using information from a remote
location.
13. The device of claim 1 wherein as part of said communication,
outgoing data is partitioned and stacked in predetermined order to
be sent using said wireless protocol.
14. In a wireless communication network, in which several devices
exchange Internet messages using a browser protocol, a portable
device comprising: a network interface establishing communication
with the network; a controller; a user interface receiving commands
from the user and generating requests for exchanging data with
remote locations; wherein in response to a request to access the
network, generates signals on the network mimicking said browser
protocol, whereby the portable device does not need a browser.
15. The device of claim 14 wherein if communication is lost to the
network during transmission, the network interface transparently
re-establishes said communication.
16. The device of claim 14 wherein said network interface stores
information used to mimic said browser protocol.
17. In a network in which network connection is performed involving
a browser protocol, a method of accessing said network connection
comprising: providing a first device with a user interface;
generating access signals mimicking the browser protocol without
any input from the user; and establishing a communication path with
a second device through said access signals, with said second
device communicating with said first device using the browser
protocol, with said first device communicating without utilizing a
browser for said communication.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein several devices access the
network, wherein said first device directly or indirectly shares
information regarding the signals mimicking the browser protocol
with other devices.
19. The method of claim 17 wherein a server is used to store data
about the network connection, said data including data captured and
stored by devices and then reported back to the server, which data
can be used to generate additional improved information about
successfully and automatically achieving such connections, and
which information is selectively shared with devices associated
with the network.
20. A method for ensuring that security remains intact for
transactions on a network said network including several devices,
at least some of the devices including a module that disables one
or more of the functions of the respective devices unless the
module obtains a valid authentication from the network, said method
comprising: performing a check at the server to determine whether a
particular device should be authenticated; and providing
authenticating to the device only if said check results in a
determination that said device should be authenticated.
21. The method of claim 20 wherein the device reports information
to the network, wherein said information is incorporated in said
checking step.
22. The method of claim 21 wherein said information is checked for
inconsistencies with other information stored on the network.
23. The method of claim 20 wherein said device includes a clock
that is not resettable by the user and the device validation is in
effect for a predetermined period of time set by said clock.
24. A method of acquiring digital media content, the method
comprising: storing a plurality of content selections on a media
storage device; creating a list of available subscriptions to at
least one category of content; enabling users to select a
subscription to one or more of said categories; electronically
transmitting a specified updated playlist in accordance with each
user's category selections, along with the media content files that
correspond and are indicated in the updated playlist, and repeating
this process periodically; and enabling users to access and render
the playlist and content files on the device.
25. The method of claim 24 wherein users can select a category in
said selecting step by making a selection on a portable wireless
device and said updated playlists and content are transmitted at
least partially over a wireless network to the device at times when
the device has a connection to the network.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to provisional application
Ser. No. 60/507,110 filed Oct. 1, 2003, and incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] a. Field of Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to the field of digital audio
and video player devices that are preferably portable and receive
content either from a secure subscription-based or "a-la-carte"
content delivery service or from other participant devices, and
more particularly to a portable player apparatus that is in
wireless communications with an Internet-based file server and
laterally to a peer player apparatus. The present invention also
relates to a system and method for delivery and management of such
content to such devices.
[0004] b. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] The development of compressed digital audio and video
formats, such as the Motion Picture Experts Group-Layer 3 (MP3)
audio compression standard, MPEG 21, Advanced Audio Coding (AAC),
ATRAC, WMA, FLAC, Ogg-Vorbis and others enabled the growth in
popularity of recording, storing, transferring, and playing back
digital audio and video data on computers, including personal
desktop and laptop computers. In particular, compressed digital
audio and video formats enabled more efficient storage and
transmission of high-quality audio and video content by reducing
the amount of digital data that needed to be stored and
transmitted, resulting in data files that could be smaller than
1/10th of the original uncompressed digital file without
unacceptably degrading the quality of the output. However, due to
computational requirements, consumers were generally only able to
access and use compressed and uncompressed digital audio and video
on their personal laptop and desktop computers (except for
conventional commercially-sold pre-recorded CDs and DVDs, which
were playable on standard players connected to home stereos and the
like). This severely limited portable use and access to such
digital audio and video content in that it required the user to be
present at or near his or her computer to see and/or hear the
playback, which typically could only be through speakers and/or a
screen internal to or connected to the computer and not easily
transported in digital format to more favorable listening
environments, such as the user's car.
[0006] More recently, relatively low-cost, lightweight, compact,
portable digital media players ("DMPs") have been developed, e.g.,
Rios' Karma MP3 player, and Creative's Portable Media Center. These
portable devices enable consumers to transfer compressed digital
audio and/or video files stored on their computers to the portable
devices through the use of associated computer-based software via
an external connection, such as a USB or "FireWire" cable, and to
play the corresponding media on-demand through their DMPs while not
in proximity to their computer. Users most commonly accessed the
audio on the device by connecting headphones via a standard jack on
the device, although it was also possible to connect a line-out
cable to other audio output or recording devices, such as a
microphone- or line-input of a standard home stereo system.
[0007] Such DMPs originally tended to rely on the use of flash
memory, such as compact flash or secure digital, for the storage of
audio content, and were capable of holding a maximum of
approximately 0.5 to 1 gigabyte of memory. More recently, so-called
"portable jukeboxes" have been introduced that can hold an
estimated 10,000 songs or more of musical entertainment by
including a miniature hard disk recorder in the housing of the
device, which can have 40 gigabytes or more of capacity. Portable
video players with even greater hard disk capacity have also been
developed.
[0008] In general, conventional DMPs are capable of allowing their
users to (1) transfer compressed media files from a computer to the
device through the use of associated transfer management software
installed on the computer and a physical connection to the
computer, such as a USB cable; (2) store such compressed media
files in non-destructive memory; (3) decode for playback any of a
variety of compression algorithms; (4) convert a compressed or
uncompressed digital file to an analog format, potentially also
processing the signal to enhance the resulting sound and images;
(5) process and amplify the resulting analog signal; and (6)
produce high-fidelity sound and video for the user, which may be
played, paused, fast-forwarded, rewound, skipped or replayed
instantly and on-demand. Also, typically in the case of audio DMPs
(e.g., the Rio Karma), the devices feature a relatively small
digital display window that provides information regarding the
audio content stored on the device, such as the title and artist,
and enables viewing (and in some cases modifying) the sequence of
the audio tracks that are currently stored on the device.
[0009] Disadvantageously, however, data transfer and advanced
sorting and sequencing of selections are difficult or impossible
for a user to accomplish unless the DMP is connected to the
computer, which does not allow the user to obtain new content or to
make other desirable modifications to the content stored on the
DMP, such as easily modifying the sequence of the content
selections stored on the device while the player device is not
connected to the computer. Further, in the case of audio, these
players typically do not enable a non-technical user to create and
manage custom "playlists" (i.e., fixed song sequences), such that a
user can easily develop and use a variety of personalized playlists
for use at different times. Also disadvantageously, the display and
user interface on these audio devices is typically limited in size,
involves the use of multi-functional buttons which are complex for
many users and is not touch-sensitive, thereby preventing
non-expert users from easily viewing and modifying the listing and
sequence of audio tracks stored on the DMP.
[0010] A further disadvantage of the prior art is that users are
typically required to select content selections one-by-one and then
to add them to the device. Such requirement creates an
inconvenience for the user since typically the user may prefer
variety in the programming, and in many cases may not want to
create a selection-by-selection sequence of entertainment,
especially in the case of music. Programmed entertainment of this
sort is currently available to consumers through traditional
broadcast media and through other means that generally require the
use of a device connected to a wired input, such as Internet-based
streaming, accessible through laptop and desktop computers (and
certain specialized wired devices, such as the Streamium audio
device made by Royal Philips Electronics), and digital cable
television and radio services, accessible through cable-connected
television sets. More recently, subscription-based commercial
satellite broadcast services have been introduced, such as DirecTV
for television and Sirius and XM for radio, which enable consumers
to receive hours of programming by selecting among available
stations.
[0011] However, in all cases involving terrestrial and satellite
broadcasts, the user does not have the control to stop, start,
rewind, fast-forward, replay or skip any portion of the
programming. Also, neither terrestrial and satellite broadcasts,
nor Internet-based media services allow the user to call up and
access specific new selections on-demand on a portable device that
does not have full PC functionality (e.g., a lap top) and is not
connected to a wired Internet connection. Accordingly, for the
convenience of receiving programming with existing DMPs, the user
is required to cede control over delivered content for convenience,
or will be required to choose to cede convenience for control.
Further, in the case of radio-linked audio player devices, player
device reception is typically limited due to physical terrain and
geographic features, which can distort radio signals that in all
cases need to be continuously present and stable during the audio
output to provide the user with a satisfactory entertainment
experience. Further, of the forms of media services (e.g., TV and
radio) available, only Internet-based streaming and digital cable,
each of which require the user to use a stationary wired-device for
access (e.g., television set and digital cable decoding box), and
satellite broadcasts, which do not permit on-demand access or
control by the user, provide digital-quality output, which may be a
benefit required by users.
[0012] A further disadvantage of the prior art is that a security
method is not provided for content owners to enable distribution of
content to users, management of the content and deletion/expiration
of their content on a subscription basis using only a standalone
DMP that is not reliant on the use of associated desktop or laptop
computer software, while still maintaining royalty records and
rights, especially against secondary party transfers. Content
owners and users would also benefit from a way content can be
shared laterally across peer-to-peer device transfers to other
users of both the personal playlists and the media data content
that may be stored in the player device in a way that is secure and
that permits only authorized sharing activities. It can be
appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that the terms
"audio", "video", "media", and words of similar import may be used
interchangeably throughout this document to describe the relevant
content, since methods of digital video content compression,
storage, transfer, playback and control can be accomplished by
using very similar methods and technologies and are similarly
well-known by those skilled in the art. Note that "content," as
used in this document, shall accordingly mean any audio or video
recording that a user may seek to access, and also shall include
any other file type capable of being interpreted by a user, such as
a written document stored in digital form or a digitally stored and
compressed photograph, which may be similarly transferred, shared
and used.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention addresses the problems with the prior
art described above. A preferred embodiment of the present
invention consists of a portable wireless audio and/or video player
apparatus having one or more of the following elements: a
peer-to-peer audio and/or video data transfer module to allow
communications with another wireless audio and/or video player
apparatus; a wireless communication link to an Internet-connected
base, a communication software module for requesting one or more
audio and/or video data files from an Internet-based database
server via the Internet-connected base station; a first security
means for enabling the downloading and storage of the requested
files; a second security means for the management and playing of
the stored files; and one or more software modules for interfacing
with a user to effect the foregoing features using a easy to
understand interface.
[0014] More specifically, the player apparatus according to the
present invention is able to function as a standalone device to
generate, search and obtain new audio and/or video digital data
files (containing content and associated metadata (as defined
below)) wirelessly over the Internet, without the need to use an
intervening device, such as a desktop or laptop computer that
temporarily stores the content data files to be transferred to the
portable device, or software that runs on a laptop or desktop
computer to manage the transfer and arrangement of content on the
portable device. This feature enables a non-technical user to
access and use digital audio and/or video content without knowledge
of how to operate a computer. Further, to overcome the limitations
of the display interface of the prior art, the user interface
software according to embodiments of the present invention is
designed to enable more complex user functions and data
organization, and to display these simply and clearly. Such user
interface software permits the device to reasonably and comfortably
function for the user as a standalone device while permitting the
user to search for new content, manage and modify large volumes of
content, and share content across a large number of potential users
who may be listed by user ID or name. Moreover, the device obtains
files from a server or laterally from another device without using
a browser-type application.
[0015] It is also a feature of the embodiments of the present
invention to provide the user with a flexible programming
capability both as to time and selection for the playing of the
individual audio and/or video files or groups of files. This
includes allowing a user to select and play individual content
selections from a broad content library stored in a network
on-demand, and alternatively to request that hours of continuous
programmed content be playable on demand, which programming will be
updated on a periodic basis (e.g., daily), without limiting the
user's ability to start, stop, rewind or fast-forward through the
program.
[0016] It is also a feature of the embodiments of the present
invention to provide a means for exporting the data content to one
or more of a plurality of output devices, including headphones or a
home or car stereo, or another storage and/or playback apparatus
such as a desktop or laptop computer. Such export may be via either
a wired or a wireless communications link.
[0017] It is a feature of the embodiments of the present invention
to provide a portable player apparatus that is not dependent on
favorable physical terrain and geographic features that are
typically associated with wireless communications devices. This is
mainly accomplished by the pre-storing of desired audio and/or
video data and metadata content while in the presence of a
communications uplink for accessing/playing at a later time, at
which time a continuous wireless connection is not required for
navigating the metadata database or for a satisfactory output of
the stored audio and/or video content.
[0018] It is a feature of the embodiments of the present invention
to provide a secure method for content owners to enable
distribution of their audio and/or video content to mass-market
consumers on a subscription basis.
[0019] In a preferred embodiment according to the present
invention, a media distribution system preferably consists of a
broadband network system for wirelessly distributing digital media
files to multiple standalone portable digital media player devices
in which the devices are: (1) dedicated to and optimized for
searching for, receiving and playing audio and/or video files,
authorized obtainment from a network or peer device, management and
search of metadata and media content (even while no network or
Internet connection is present), authorized playback and authorized
transfer (such as to a peer device or digital computer) of digital
audio and/or video files by a user; (2) capable of wirelessly
transmitting and receiving audio and/or video data files at
"broadband" speeds via conventional broadband protocols, such as
that promulgated in the 802.11 standard, both to and from a local
network which preferably includes Internet connectivity; and (3)
able to communicate with an application service in order to request
and download encrypted audio and/or video content and associated
metadata. Each portable player device preferably includes at least
a first security means that disables playback and transfer of media
files, or that selectively enables such playback and transfer when
a subscription service is activated. The media distribution system
preferably includes one or more Internet-based database servers
wherein are stored digital audio and/or video data content in
compressed or uncompressed form and associated metadata (i.e.,
descriptive or associative data concerning the content--in the case
of audio, this may include such items as length of track, name of
artist, name of song, name of album, encoding format and bit rate),
an Internet application server interface that communicates
individually with each portable device via a secure
certification/authentication link, an upload manager that ensures
the secure and efficient delivery of data content files to each of
the portable devices, and the communications network, thereby
allowing the user to request, download, and store individual
titles, groups of titles (i.e. a playlist) and/or preprogrammed
entertainment that fit particular criteria (such as genre or
purpose (e.g., work-out, dancing)) on a periodic basis.
[0020] The audio and/or video content may be distributed to the
portable player devices in encrypted form, capable of being played
only when decrypted with a particular private digital decryption
key. The portable player device (or apparatus) is preferably
constructed with an internal clock that is not settable or
re-settable by the user (which is a necessary part of preventing a
user from avoiding the expiration and disablement of content for
time-based subscriptions), but rather can only be digitally set by
establishing a secure and authenticated connection to a secure
subscriber network that provides it with accurate time and date
information. The portable player device preferably also includes a
monitoring module that records the time and date each time a
content selection is played or transferred by the device. The
monitoring module also preferably includes a reporting module for
transferring the monitoring results to the network (via the
network's upload manager) when connection is made between the
portable player device and the network for any reason.
[0021] In a second embodiment according to the present invention, a
portable peer-to-peer wireless communication player device for
transferring audio and/or video and related files to and from a
second portable peer-to-peer wireless communication player device,
the portable peer-to-peer wireless communication player device
preferably comprises: a wireless transceiver unit for wirelessly
communicating with external devices (such as peer devices and
digital computers); an audio output unit for playing audio files; a
visual output unit for displaying video and/or displaying user
interface information (e.g., LCD screen or other existing or
hereafter created output technology, which, in the case of user
interface information, may also be replaced (as is familiar to
those experienced in the art) with a menu-driven audio output
means); a controlling computing unit having a user input interface
and a microprocessor; a digital storage means for storing digital
data; and an included software method for operating the device,
wherein the digital data preferably includes audio and/or video
data content and playlists. Further, the audio output unit
preferably includes one or more from the group consisting of
speakers and headphones, and the user input unit may consist of one
or more from the group consisting of buttons, keys, joysticks,
toggles, switches, keyboards, touch-pads and touch-sensitive screen
locations, which may include infrared, resistive, inductive and
capacitive sensing means. The software may include one or more of
the following modules: a communications module; a processing
module; a security module; a user interface module; a resident
database management module; a storage and retrieval module; and a
play module.
[0022] The user input interface of the second embodiment preferably
includes a set of interactive screens displayed on the video output
device, further including: the steps required for selection of one
or more titles in response to screen display pages in order to
generate a content request list for transmitting to the audio
and/or video content distribution center upload manager and
database. The security module preferably includes means for
interaction with upstream base station to enable the operation of
the portable peer-to-peer wireless communication player device;
interaction with at least one second portable peer-to-peer wireless
communication player device; and expiration of audio and video
content files according to a set of subscription and usage rules
that may be modified through programmed changes at the network.
Such rules may include, for example, prohibition on playing any
subscription-based content resident on the portable device unless
the network has authenticated and validated the subscription on the
device within the past 30 days.
[0023] In a third embodiment according to the present invention, a
portable peer-to-peer wireless communication player device for
generating and wirelessly transmitting a playlist to local base
station having an Internet connection to an Internet-based database
server, and receiving an associated plurality of audio and/or video
data content files, preferably comprises: a portable peer-to-peer
wireless communication player device as in the second embodiment
communicatively coupled to an Internet-based database server via a
local wireless base station. In the third embodiment, the wireless
communications are preferably accomplished using a WiFi protocol.
The Internet-based database server: distributes stored audio and/or
video content files in response to playlist transmission request
after first verifying that the requesting device has an authorized
subscription; sends re-enabling messages to the requesting device
to reset a local security module to generate a first enabling
action; sends disabling messages to the requesting device to cause
the local security module to generate a disabling action if the
device does not have an authorized subscription.
[0024] In a fourth embodiment according to the present invention, a
secure subscription-protected communications system for
distributing audio and/or video data content to a portable
peer-to-peer wireless communication player device, preferably
comprises: 1) a portable peer-to-peer wireless communication player
device that generates a content request list via an interactive
user interface or by automatically determining a list of one or
more selections the user desires but which are not currently stored
on the device (e.g., based on a preferred sequence of songs or
videos the user has compiled (a "playlist"), only some of which are
currently stored on the portable device); transmits the content
request list to a local base station; receives and stores
associated audio and/or video files transmitted from the local base
station; transmits to and receives from, on-demand or in an
automated fashion, content files from other peer-to-peer devices;
displays a list of available content on the device to its user, as
well as to other users who establish a wireless connection with the
device; displays a list of possible content choices, even if not
resident on the device, to the user; enables management of a large
quantity of digital content, including the development and
modification of custom playlists; plays audio and/or video files in
response to user selection, if the subscription is valid; and
expires content if the subscription is invalid, such that the user
is not able to play the content on the device; 2) the local base
station receiver that receives the content request from the
peer-to-peer portable wireless communication player device; and
transmits the received request to an Internet-based database server
via the Internet communication link; 3) the Internet-based database
server that: stores and manages a plurality of audio and/or video
files that are accessible by inputting associated titles or file
IDs; tracks subscription information (e.g., such as access rights
and expiration timing) for a plurality of portable peer-to-peer
wireless communication player devices; tracks artist proprietary
material and rights; tracks usage of proprietary material on each
one of the portable peer-to-peer wireless communication devices;
receives the content request list from the local base station via
an Internet communications connection; retrieves selected audio
and/or video files indicated by the received playlist; transmits
the selected audio and/or video files to the local base station for
re-transmission to the portable peer-to-peer wireless communication
player device; and 4) a local base station transmitter that
receives transmitted audio and/or video files from an upstream
database server via the Internet communication link and
re-transmits the received audio and video files to the requesting
portable peer-to-peer wireless communication player device.
[0025] In a fifth embodiment according to the present invention, a
secure subscription-protected media distribution system for
distributing audio and/or video content files to a portable
peer-to-peer wireless communication player device in response to a
received playlist, preferably comprises: 1) a peer-to-peer wireless
communication device that: generates a user content request list
via an interactive user interface (or in an automated fashion based
on user preferences that the user pre-selects, and/or a
predetermined set of rules or other criteria); transmits the
generated request list to a local base station; receives and stores
associated audio and/or video files transmitted from the local base
station; plays audio and/or video files in response to user
selection, if subscription is valid; and expires content from
memory if the subscription is invalid; 2) the local base station
receiver that receives request from the portable peer-to-peer
wireless communication player device and transmits the received
request to a database server via the Internet communication link;
3) the database server that: stores and manages a plurality of
audio and/or video files that are accessible by inputting
associated titles or file IDs; tracks subscription information for
a plurality of portable peer-to-peer wireless communication player
devices; tracks artist proprietary material and rights; tracks
usage of proprietary material on each one of the plurality of
portable peer-to-peer wireless communication devices; receives the
content request list from the local base station via an Internet
communications connection; retrieves selected audio and/or video
files indicated by the received playlist; and transmits the
selected audio and/or video files to the local base station for
re-transmission to the portable peer-to-peer wireless communication
player device; and 4) a local base station transmitter that
receives transmitted audio and video files from upstream database
server via the Internet communication link and re-transmits the
received audio and/or video files to the requesting portable
peer-to-peer wireless communication player device.
[0026] In a sixth embodiment according to the present invention, a
wireless communications system for selecting, downloading and
playing audio and/or video data content using a wireless protocol
which, in the present embodiment may be based upon the 802.11 (or
similar) standards and related technologies (referred to herein,
along with other wireless technologies now existing or hereafter
developed which may be substituted, as "WiFi"), preferably
comprises: a subscription-based database server further including:
a first Internet connection; a plurality of audio and/or video data
content files; and a translation and retrieval means for defining
and downloading a unique one of the audio and/or video data content
files in response to an inputted title or file ID selection
request. The wireless communications system also preferably
includes: a local WiFi base station, which has a second Internet
connection in communication with the first Internet connection; and
a portable wireless communication subscription-capable player
device, which further includes: a selection means for generating at
least one title or file ID selection request; and a WiFi
transmission means for transmitting the first title selection
request to the local base station and thence to the database
server; a WiFi receiving means for receiving the audio and/or video
data content file downloaded in response to the transmitted title
selection request; and a playing means for playing the downloaded
audio and/or video data content file.
[0027] The portable wireless communication subscription-capable
player device of the sixth embodiment preferably further includes a
security unit for controlling the operation of the unit in
responsiveness to at least one subscription status indicator. The
selection means of the portable wireless communication subscriber
player device may further include a display unit and a user input
means, which may further include at least one from the group
consisting of a button, a touch-pad location on the display unit, a
joystick, a toggle, a key, a keyboard and a voice recognition input
means.
[0028] The portable wireless communication subscriber player device
of the sixth embodiment preferably further includes a communication
means for wirelessly connecting with a second portable wireless
communication subscription-capable player device for the purpose of
transferring data between the two devices using the WiFi protocol.
The portable subscriber wireless communication subscription-capable
player device preferably includes means for selecting, downloading
and playing audio and/or video data content (or, per the current
definition of "content," any other data files) using a WiFi
protocol, comprising: a selection means for selecting at least one
from a displayed list of audio and/or video titles and generating
at least a first title selection request; and a WiFi transmission
means for transmitting the first title selection request to a local
base station and thence to a database server; a WiFi receiving
means for receiving the audio and/or video data content file
downloaded in response to the transmitted title selection request;
and a playing means for playing the downloaded audio and/or video
data content file. The portable wireless communication
subscription-capable player device of the sixth embodiment
preferably further includes a security unit for controlling the
operation of the unit in response to at least one subscription
status indicator.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of the elements of a portable
player device constructed in accordance with this invention;
[0030] FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the device of FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 2a shows a side view of the device of FIG. 2;
[0032] FIG. 3 shows a diagram of a content distribution network
according to one embodiment;
[0033] FIGS. 4 and 5 show a Device-Network Synchronization pathway
and associated software modules;
[0034] FIG. 6 shows a peer-to-peer communication system according
to one embodiment;
[0035] FIG. 7 shows peer-to-peer functionality of the elements
shown in FIG. 6, including that involving multiple peer devices
simultaneously in range;
[0036] FIG. 9 shows a representative first user interface screen
according to one embodiment;
[0037] FIGS. 9 and 10 show a representative second user interface
screen for making selections according to one embodiment;
[0038] FIGS. 11-17 show a plurality of music management operations
that may be performed by a non-technical user without the use of a
computer or intervening device; and
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0039] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in
detail by describing preferred embodiments of the invention.
[0040] In a preferred embodiment according to the present
invention, a digital media distribution system consists of: a
broadband network system for wirelessly distributing digital audio
and/or video files to multiple standalone digital playback devices
that are: (1) dedicated to and optimized for the search,
procurement, storage, management, playback and control of digital
audio and/or video files by a user from the network; (2) capable of
wirelessly transmitting and receiving audio and/or video data files
at "broadband" speeds via conventional broadband protocols, such as
that promulgated in the 802.11 standard, (preferably 802.11g or
other similar standards) both to and from a local network which can
include Internet connectivity and connectivity to one or more
compatible devices without Internet connectivity (e.g., using a
WiFi network in an ad hoc mode); and (3) able to communicate with
an application service in order to request and download encrypted
audio and/or video content and associated metadata. The devices are
preferably portable. The present invention preferably contemplates
a means by which the portable player device can connect to the
application service and digital data referred to above through at
least one of a number of alternate means, including preferably a
docking cradle (described below) connected to the Internet and/or a
WiFi access hub providing access to the Internet and is wirelessly
linked to the portable player unit. In one embodiment, each
portable wireless communication player device preferably includes
at least one security means that disables playback and distribution
of audio and/or video files upon application of a first triggering
signal, or that enables such playback and distribution upon
application of a second triggering signal when a subscription
service is activated. The music distribution system preferably
includes one or more Internet-based database servers used to store
digital audio and/or video data content in compressed or
uncompressed form and associated metadata (as described above). An
Internet application server interface is also provided that
communicates individually with each portable device via a secure
certification/authentication link. In addition, there is an upload
manager that ensures the secure and efficient delivery of audio
and/or video data content files to each of the portable devices,
and the communications network. The user may request individual
titles, groups of titles (i.e., a playlist) and/or preprogrammed
audio and/or video entertainment that fit particular criteria (such
as genre or purpose (e.g., work-out, dancing)) on a periodic
basis.
[0041] The system according to the present invention provides a
secure method of audio and/or video content distribution due to (i)
creation of a secure platform for the distribution of audio and/or
video content that cannot easily be used by users to impermissibly
share such content, (ii) use of direct security, encryption and
digital rights management technologies, and (iii) alteration of the
incentives of users to illegally obtain or copy content, which is
potentially damaging to content owners, by providing a way they can
search for and obtain new content, transfer the content to a
portable device, listen to and/or view the content through a
variety of output devices (such as headphones or a car or home
entertainment system), and share the content with friends and other
users. Such security method overcomes disadvantages in current
applications in which users are required to use a laptop or desktop
computer to perform these functions. Laptop and desktop
computer-based systems inherently encourage users to create
additional copies of content in order to transfer it to a more
desirable listening/viewing environment and also make it easier for
them to use illicit file sharing and download services which are
merely a "click away." By delivering content to a portable device
that can easily be carried in a pocket, that enables sharing with
friends and that enables listening and/or viewing through a wired
or wireless connection to headphones, a car stereo or television, a
home entertainment system or another desired output device, a user
has less incentive to burn a CD or DVD, or make other kinds of
copies of such content, including activities that may constitute
copyright violations.
[0042] In addition, the method simultaneously provides a user with
an enhanced entertainment experience by (a) not requiring the use
of a computer, which is in many ways inconvenient for users, (b)
wirelessly providing content to users so that they are able to
obtain and enjoy new audio and/or video selections without
connecting wires to a device, without being in their homes or
offices, and without the inconvenience of visiting a retail store,
and (c) enabling new capabilities for the user, such as wirelessly
sharing content with other users in a legal fashion that does not
infringe on the property rights of the content owners. The user
interface of a preferred embodiment, if based on a touch-screen or
similar input technique, is optimized to allow a user to input all
selections without using a stylus, but rather by using a fingertip.
This is achieved by ensuring selection areas on each screen
displayed to the user is sufficiently large to accommodate and
accurately reflect the position of an average user's fingertip on
the touch-screen. The user interface of a preferred embodiment, if
not based on a touch screen or similar input technique, is
optimized to allow a user to input all selections by using a
toggle, joystick, touch-sensitive mouse pad, roller ball or similar
input method to sequentially highlight the various selection
options on each screen and to select the desired option. A user
interface might also feature, using any of the above input methods,
a conventional drag-and-drop functionality to allow users to create
and modify the sequential listings of content selections and to
thereby store and manage a library of playlists, which is not part
of the prior art for DMPs.
[0043] Thus, a representative embodiment of a portable digital
audio playback device 100 according to the present invention, as
shown in FIG. 1, preferably includes the following electronic
modules: a computer controller 101 for controlling the operation of
the portable player device, which further preferably includes a
microprocessor 102, such as an ARM processor, volatile memory 103,
such as SDRAM, non-volatile memory 104, such as flash, a
non-resettable internal clock 105, Read-Only-Memory (ROM) 106, a
plurality of software modules 107 for managing the operation of the
computer controller, an uplink/downlink communications link, a
peer-to-peer communications link, and interactive security
processing and further containing a unique electronic
identification or serial number of the portable player device; a
communications module 108 further comprising an encryption unit
109, a receiver unit 110 and a transmitter unit 111 that preferably
conforms to the protocols of WiFi; a data processing unit 112; a
mini-hard disk drive 113, preferably having a data capacity of at
least 1 gigabyte; a rechargeable battery 114, such as lithium
polymer; and a headphone/line-out connector jack 115.
[0044] In FIG. 2 the device 100 has a housing 200 with a user
interface display that is preferably a liquid crystal display (LCD)
201, which may be monochrome or color, capable of displaying at
least 5 lines of English text, with or without a touch-sensitive
layer (e.g. resistive or inductive), a blue backlight; and one or
more user input devices 117, such as buttons, keys, toggles,
joysticks, mouse pads and touch-screen contact points overlaying
the LCD, as are known in the art. The portable digital audio
playback device also preferably includes an identification chip 118
with a laser-burned encoded unique ID or serial number. The user
input devices 117 of FIG. 1 preferably provide the functionality
of: a "Power on/off" button 211; some functions may be provided by
a 4-way disk button providing user-friendly functionality of
conventional "Play," "Pause," "FF/REW," "Next," "Last," and "Stop"
buttons 202; a "Toggle up/down" push button 203; a "Volume up/down"
rocker switch; a "Wi-Fi on/off" position switch 204; an "Enter"
button, and a "Back" button.
[0045] Additionally, software on the portable player device may
automate certain functions that the user may control. A preferred
embodiment of the present invention includes an automatic-off
function that shuts off the player to conserve power if it is not
in use for a specified period of time and preferably includes a
WiFi on/off timer, waking the WiFi functionality of the portable
player device to perform a Device-Network Synchronization (as
referred to below) at pre-specified times (e.g., 3 am), as counted
by the internal clock of the portable player device. If the device
then detects an available WiFi network after a WiFi scan, it
disables the WiFi functionality to conserve power if such a
connection is not available or a Device-Network Synchronization is
successfully completed.
[0046] The representative embodiment also has an antenna 205
capable of transmitting and receiving data over the WiFi network, a
standard line-out jack 206 connected to a printed circuit board
(PCB) 208 (on which the components of FIG. 1 are mounted, including
a chipset consisting of at least: ARM processor (at least 200 Mhz
with clock not settable or re-settable by user),
digital-to-analog-to-digital converters, hard-disk drive
controllers and/or flash memory drivers, SDRAM, LCD drivers and
power-managed WiFi communications chipset) and a microphone input
207 connected to the PCB.
[0047] The data processing unit 112 may be incorporated within the
computer controller 101. Additionally, the portable player device
may include one or more of following: Modem/Direct Ethernet
connecting circuit; digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital
converters; and a USB or "FireWire" port.
[0048] A recharging cradle and docking unit connects to the
portable player device and preferably includes: a power connector
(such as for a 5 volt DC male connection), a data output connector
(such as a USB male connector) that connects to the portable player
device when the portable device is docked in the cradle; a power
transformer; an AC power AC power cable; and an Ethernet line-in
jack on the portable player device's cradle unit to enable direct
connection to a modem.
[0049] It can be appreciated that various embodiments may be used
to arrive at the foregoing portable digital audio playback device
of the present invention without deviating from the spirit and
intent of the invention. For example, an embodiment of the computer
controller 101 may comprise an off-the-shelf PDA or dedicated
portable digital audio player that already includes an integrated
wireless communications capability, i.e., includes a communications
module 108, rather than existing as a separate external module as
presented above. An alternate embodiment may include the hard disk
as part of the computer controller 101. Such embodiments should be
considered as falling within the scope of the present
invention.
[0050] The portable wireless communication player device 100
according to the present invention is constructed and arranged to
operate as a standalone device that can search and obtain content
over the Internet.
[0051] The data storage devices 103, 104 are used to search
locally-stored fully searchable and browseable artist and song
databases. The search may be based on indexed and periodically
updated digital database files, enabling users to search for new
content without being connected to the Internet. The device also
enables obtaining the content merely by "clicking" on a selection,
initiating a download, pseudo-download, or streaming process
directly to the portable device the next time the device is
connected to the network (wirelessly or otherwise). This avoids the
need to first use a computer to obtain new content and then
separately transfer it to a portable device. Finally, because it
includes a relatively large screen (which may also be touch
sensitive) and a powerful, but intuitive user interface, the
software allows the users to easily re-order the sequence of
content selections in their play lists, delete unwanted selections,
and make other modifications to their content library without
knowledge or training in the use a personal computer.
[0052] Users of portable digital audio devices often wish to listen
to their music and other audio content through a separate output
device other than headphones, such as a home/car stereo system or
"boom box" portable stereo system. Since connecting the portable
device to the preferred output device by means of a wire is also
inconvenient for the user, according to the present invention,
communications may be established using a wireless transmission
protocol, such as WiFi (i.e., 802.11 standard or alternatively
802.16, 802.20, and the like). This is achieved by transmitting the
audio output from the portable device in an analog (e.g., FM) or
digital (e.g., over WiFi) form to a compatible receiver that is
connected to, or built into the output device. Such a receiver, if
WiFi-enabled, receives digital data over WiFi in encrypted or
unencrypted form (compressed or uncompressed), process the received
data (including by decoding and/or decrypting it) and outputting an
analog audio signal that can be amplified and output through
speakers for the user to hear. (An analog RF output can also be
accordingly transmitted and received in a similar fashion using an
RF output from the portable devices based on a WiFi communications
chipset.) The hardware components that create the WiFi capability
of the portable device for these purposes can be the same as those
that allow such device, when within range of a WiFi access point
connected to the Internet, to securely download and stream music
and other audio from the Internet-based database server at
broadband speeds, following which, the user can then play back the
music in his or her chosen listening environment.
[0053] WiFi access hubs are typically provided across a geographic
area--as businesses (e.g., coffee shops), the government (e.g.,
public parks), and residential users are opening up their WiFi
networks for public availability. Public WiFi access hubs, commonly
referred to as "hotspots," can be accessed by users in range of
such hubs and constitute one available means by which a user of the
presently invented portable player device can obtain audio and/or
visual content from a network using a wireless access link. In
addition to hotspots, users can obtain content in a similar fashion
using a variety of other available means contemplated by the
present invention, such as via an Internet-connected WiFi access
hub located in the user's home, workplace, university, etc.
[0054] The media distribution system according to the present
invention allows a user to wirelessly obtain digital content
directly on a portable device on a subscription basis. This is
achieved by (a) ensuring that the access device is incapable of
playing subscription content (but not purchased or otherwise owned
content) when the subscription is no longer valid, (b) limiting the
usage rights associated with the delivered content through the
digital rights management (DRM) software and (c) ensuring
end-to-end security of content distribution.
[0055] Through the design of the network and the portable wireless
communication player device, a digital rights management system can
ensure that only valid subscribers can continue to access
subscription content. This may be achieved by incorporating one or
more of the following features: (1) including software on the
portable wireless communication player device that will not play or
decode the encryption of a content selection that is made available
on a subscription basis (but not a purchased song) unless the
device has received a verification, such as in the last 30 days,
from the network that the device's subscription is valid and
fully-paid (2) including an internal clock on the device that is
non-resettable by the user (which prevents users from avoiding the
expiry and disablement of content based on the passage of time),
and which synchronizes with a master clock each time the device
connects with the network (a user resettable clock on the unit is
merely displayed as an offset from the underlying non-resettable
clock), in order to ensure that the time of song playback and
current time can be properly recorded and reported to the network;
(3) including a counter on the device that counts the number of
times, including time and date, that each song was listened to or
transferred or that a network authentication occurred, which
reports this information back to the network, at which point a
rules-based application in the secure network and/or on the
portable device evaluates the recorded usage data reported by each
device and indicates where inconsistencies or potential tampering
may have occurred (e.g., potential tampering would be indicated by:
that the clock must have been tampered with because two videos are
indicating as having been played at the same time, or at a date
prior to the time the device was purchased or prior to the last
time-of-use last reported by the device; that it is impossible for
x number of songs having a length of y to have been heard during
the course of a one-day period; that the device incorrectly reports
the times and dates of the last three network connections and/or
the time elapsed since that time); (4) computer flagging of unusual
activity coupled with human checking of these cases (e.g., a
significantly higher than average number of viewings, listens,
downloads or transfers per hour, day, week or month), (5) providing
for the expiration of audio and video content, such as not
permitting the playback of a song more than a predetermined number
of times (e.g., 30) without a new authentication by the network and
(6) requiring or encouraging subscribers to pay multiple months in
advance (e.g., 6 months or 1 year) to diminish the incentive to
subscribe for 1 month, download content, and then attempt to break
the security measures.
[0056] To become a subscriber, or purchase a la carte content, a
user is prompted by the device to enter credit card information
during a Device-Network Synchronization, FIG. 5 by selecting the
digits of the credit card, the type of card and the expiration date
through any of a variety of input mechanisms, such as the
"spinning" character technique used in the preferred embodiment for
search purposes (802, FIG. 8). The network performs a credit card
authorization process and, if the user information is approved,
subscribes the user and charges his or her credit card
appropriately through a standard electronic credit card billing
procedure. This process can be used for other payments the user is
required to make, although the user's card information can be
stored on the network in the subscriber database (302, FIG. 3) in
order that the user would not need to re-enter this information but
would only need to enter a 4-digit security PIN code that is
similarly stored and verified by the network. Further, said
"spinning" input technique described above operates by increasing
or decreasing the character displayed in the space located above or
below the text display box. The user toggles a switch up or down to
modify the displayed character accordingly. On pushing the toggle
button in, the character is entered and the user is able to
similarly select the subsequent character in the string by
advancing to the next space. The resulting character string in real
time moves the pointer for the indexed database list to a
corresponding position (and displays the corresponding portion of
the list that matches the partial input string) so that the user
can view and select the desired entry from the database
listing.
[0057] The end-to-end system preferably has the following security
components for content transfers: (A) a master content library that
is stored in a secure database, (B) a content library that can only
be accessed through a secure gateway that requires authentication
as a valid portable wireless communication player device and
current subscriber (a private key encryption may be used to avoid
false identification as a valid account), (C) content that is
delivered to the portable unit in encrypted form so that any
interception of bits is useless unless the interceptor is otherwise
capable of decoding the encryption, which is extremely difficult,
(D) the portable wireless communication player device that contains
a private key that is able to decode the encryption and play back
the delivered audio and/or video files, and (E) device-to-device
communications that consist of either (i) sending just a text
playlist/titles of content selections, such that the second player
device obtains only text named and/or ID data from the peer device
and obtains the audio and/or video content securely from the
network, or (ii) sending data content in encrypted form (e.g.,
wirelessly from one portable device to another) such that only the
receiving device, which must be authenticated and have a valid
subscription, can decode the encryption and make use of the
content.
[0058] The audio and/or video data content may be distributed to
the portable wireless communication player devices in encrypted
form, capable of being played only when decrypted with a particular
private digital decryption key. The internal clock of the portable
wireless communication player device is preferably digitally set by
establishing a secure and authenticated connection to the secure
subscriber network that provides it with accurate time and date
information not calibrated to time zones (i.e., preferably, only
time for a single time zone in the world is used). The portable
wireless communication player device preferably also includes a
monitoring module that records the time and date each time a
content selection is played or transferred by the device. The
monitoring module also preferably includes a reporting module for
transferring the monitoring results to the networks (i.e., the
upload manager) when connection is made between the portable
wireless communication player device and the network.
[0059] The present invention also allows users to share their
content over the network. A user may connect to the network over
WiFi and then browse or search the playlists, audio and/or video
collections and favorite content of other users in a variety of
ways, including by requesting from the network database a list of
content sorted in descending order by popularity (e.g., number of
users accessing selection, or total number of times
listened/viewed), ranking (e.g., on published charts such as
Billboard) or user rating; a list of audio and/or video selections
sorted by geographic proximity of users (e.g., most popular
videos/songs by number of views/listens for Birmingham, Ala., based
on the billing addresses of the owners); a list of content
selections a particular named user (who may be identified based on
ratings or use of a particular playlist or other ways) currently
stores on his or her portable device; or sorted in other ways. In
each case, the network performs the necessary computation on
request (or stores the results from such a computation) and
provides it to the user by transmitting the appropriate listing of
file IDs to the portable device. Each user is further given the
opportunity to provide ratings for each piece of content and
playlist they have, which may be shared with other users in a
similar fashion, and may be used by the user as a way to personally
track his or her favorite selections. Averages and statistics may
also be compiled on the network in order to list content selections
and playlists in order of their popularity according to user
rating, number of listens/views or by other metrics. Users can also
search the collections of other users based on the presence of
particular content selections contained in the other user's
playlists. Users may provide commentary and other information,
which may be posted, and be viewable and/or searchable by other
users that may be connected to the network. Users preferably will
also be able to send messages, recommendations of playlists and
pieces of content to other users by asking the network to send an
e-mail to that person on the user's behalf.
[0060] Importantly, in this manner, a group of users that are
either subscribers of a common service, are communicating over a
common server, or are located in a common geographic location
define a community sharing audio and/or video files. This sharing
occurs either over the Internet, through a WiFi connection in an ad
hoc mode, or other similar means.
[0061] Finally, according to the present invention, the portable
wireless communication player device preferably includes an audio
recorder and/or videocamera which enables users to record images
and/or sounds into a digital file, playable on demand, as well as
shareable. Users who create such a recording preferably have the
ability to transmit such recording to other users via the wireless
device-to-device method described above. This content file may not
necessarily be encrypted. Further, the user will preferably be able
to wirelessly transmit the recorded digital file to the network
that will then further transmit the file, as requested, to other
users or to an e-mail or IM address. This will permit "media
e-mails/IMs" to occur between users or between the user and
virtually anyone with an e-mail or IM account.
[0062] In an exemplary application of the embodiments of the
current invention, when not within range of a WiFi connection
point, the large storage media (209, FIG. 2) included in the
portable wireless communication player device (FIG. 2) allows
pre-downloaded audio and/or video files and/or metadata to be
searched "off-line". Using this stored "local database" (504, FIG.
5) and by optimizing sporadic WiFi connections, which allow the
network (315, FIG. 3) to update the local database (504, FIG. 5) on
the portable device as necessary during each Device-Network
Synchronization (as defined in FIGS. 4 and 5), allows the user to
search in any number of ways, including by most popular selections,
genre, or alphabetically. Navigation of this local database may use
an up/down toggle button 203 on the device to "spin" letters up and
down (802, FIG. 8), one at a time, to create a five- or
six-character string, while the list of artists or titles displayed
changes to match the partial string created (803, FIG. 8), enabling
a user to zero-in quickly on a particular artist or title by
searching alphabetically. Alternatively, a user could search by
other methods, such as by popularity (number of plays or downloads
by users, published rankings, aggregated and averaged user ratings,
volume of purchases or other ways) (804, FIG. 8).
[0063] Once a media file, playlist or other file is identified and
selected for download (901, FIG. 9), the selection is added to a
"stack" of tasks that are to occur at a next Internet connection
(502, FIG. 5) during a Device-Network Synchronization operation. If
in its cradle (406, FIG. 4), which connects directly to the
Internet via any of a number of standard connections (e.g., CAT-5
or -6/Ethernet cable) to an Internet hub (e.g., cable modem) (404,
FIG. 4), the portable unit automatically detects and establishes a
connection to the network. Placement in the cradle (406, FIG. 4)
triggers the device to send a secure authentication message through
the Internet to the network. When not in its cradle and the "stack"
is not empty, the device periodically scans and searches for a WiFi
network connection (e.g., once every 3 minutes) until one is
identified and established. If multiple networks are available, the
device automatically selects one based on predetermined criteria.
For example, the device may select the network with the strongest
signal, unless the user is not permitted to access that network in
which case the device will automatically select the next strongest
available connection.
[0064] FIGS. 4 and 5 show the data flow and the software modules
participating or implementing a typical device-network
synchronization procedure. Upon a cradle-based or WiFi-based
connection being established, the device 311 sends a secure
authentication message to the network 315 using private/public key
encryption. The network 315 authenticates the message. At that
point the portable device 311 provides usage information to the
network 315, including the date, time, and number of times (with
time and date) each content selection has been played by the user
(for example, by counting selections played for more than 20
seconds as one "play," or other similar criteria) or transfers to
or from the device to any peer device that have occurred and any
changes in the content stored on the device, such as deletions and
additions of new content selections.
[0065] The network 315 then performs a number of anti-fraud checks,
such as ensuring it does not simultaneously have a connection to
the same device ID open (one of which must be fraudulent), that the
number of plays is not inconsistent with the time elapsed, that the
times and dates reported for plays are not internally inconsistent,
etc. Once these processes have been completed, the portable device
311 initiates requests from its "stack." If a selection was only
partially downloaded in a previous session, a download manager 501
using a conventional download mechanism initiates the download from
the network 311 at the point the download last left off by
communicating a "pointer" to the network 311. Additional new
selections the user made are then downloaded automatically in a
predetermined order. As part of this process, the network
preferably assigns a unique identification to each subscriber
device.
[0066] The display screen of the device 311 may indicate to the
user that download activity is occurring, as well as display the
name of the selection being downloaded or information on any other
current activity. This procedure may also be implemented if the
user does not come within range of a WiFi Internet connection but
instead comes into range of another portable device that has the
desired content stored on it. The device 311 identifies if a target
content selection is on the other device and obtains the selection
from the second device using the device-to-device protocol.
[0067] The system of the present invention enables the following
secure functions:
[0068] 1) Valid subscribers are able to select a song or video and
choose to "beam" it to another player device over a WiFi connection
or other similar connections. This is preferably done by selecting
the item to be beamed (see FIG. 6), at which point the user sees a
list of other valid devices in range (this list may be created by
doing a WiFi scan for portable wireless communication subscriber
player device (or player devices) in device-to-device/ad hoc mode).
These other devices are displayed by the name given to the target
player device by its user; other information may include profile
information on the user, such as a photo, first name, favorite
music genre, etc. The user selects the target player device it
wants to transfer or send the file to, and the sender's player
device then transmits the digital file to the receiver via a WiFi
connection. This is accomplished by equipping each player device
with server software (e.g., such as HTTP: server software, such as
that available from Microsoft for PocketPC devices). To initiate a
transfer, the sending player device sends a message to the
receiving player device, indicating that it should make a request
to it for the specified item. The receiving device then "pulls" the
file to it over the WiFi connection, FIGS. 6 and 7; this process
can also be architected as a "push." If a subscription of a
potential receiving player device is expired, the receiver may be
able to obtain a copy of the file, but the digital rights
management software local on the receiver's player device will not
permit the user to play the content. If the user's subscription
later becomes valid, the user will be able to access the file
without re-downloading it.
[0069] 2) Valid subscribers can "beam" playlists to other users in
a similar fashion to the above method--instead of transmitting a
digital audio or video file, however, a playlist file, which may
merely be text, is transmitted. The receiving player device then
alerts the user as to content indicated on the playlist that is not
stored on his player device. If the user desires, the player device
adds the missing selections to the "stack." It then can obtain the
content file directly from the sending player device, or else upon
the next network connection over the Internet (see FIGS. 4, 5, 6
and 7).
[0070] 3) Valid subscribers can scan and pull content files from
users that are in WiFi range. The player device will compile a list
of all potential device-to-device WiFi connections in the area
based on a "scan" (a process known, developed, and available on
WiFi-enabled Toshiba e740 or e755 Pocket PC devices) and will
display this list to the user. If the user selects one of the
player devices, the player device will display a listing of all the
content and playlists on the second player device, allowing the
user to browse and search the collection. If the user identifies a
desired playlist or content file, it can then "pull" the selection
from the second player device onto its player device in the way
indicated above--i.e., the sending player device will in effect
become a server and the receiving player device will "pull" the
file from the server device over WiFi (see FIGS. 6 and 7). The
prior art does not include an automated and user-friendly method by
which a WiFi (or similar connection) "scan" can be conducted,
invisible to the user, and a connection established; it also does
not permit the automated switching between "infrastructure" and "ad
hoc" modes based on the desired user function. The present
invention overcomes this difficulty by including software on the
portable apparatus that triggers the appropriate mode (based on
desired user function), periodic scans, sorting of available WiFi
(or other wireless) devices and a connection to the strongest
available device.
[0071] 4) Alternatively, for greater security, in place of each
file transfer described above, the player devices may transmit only
the name of the desired file, which will automatically be added to
the "stack" and then be obtained by the receiving player device at
the next network connection over the Internet.
[0072] 5) Users preferably have the option to turn privacy on or
off in order to disable other users from seeing their audio and/or
video files and from obtaining copies from the player device. In
the "off" mode a player device receiving a request for playlist,
media file information or digital media files, will reject the
request, sending a rejection message to the initiating player
device.
[0073] 6) Users will also have the option to turn the WiFi
broadcast feature on or off to prevent the WiFi
transmitter/receiver from draining battery life on the player
device via an easily accessible and clearly marked external button
on the player device itself (or, alternatively, via a software
switch and graphical user interface.) If the WiFi access is not
used for a specified period of time (e.g., 5 minutes) the WiFi
transmitter/receiver preferably automatically turns off from active
mode to conserve power. When items are queued in the stack, the
WiFi will preferably periodically turn on to scan for WiFi
connectivity and then turn off again in order to conserve
power.
[0074] Additionally, by scanning the entire set of player devices
in range, a user's player device enables a search-and-browse mode
that includes an aggregation of all media files available in the
area. The user's player device completes a scan, aggregates and
alphabetizes (or otherwise organizes, such as by genre or
popularity) the selections available, and then allows the user to
search or browse all audio and/or video files in the area at one
time. If the user desires to obtain a particular audio or video
selection, the player device then indicates which user or users are
able to provide the media file.
[0075] Further, because users can record audio and/or video on the
player device, creating a compressed digital media file, users can,
in effect, send "media e-mails", "media IMs" and other recordings
to one another through a direct device-to-device or indirect
device-to-network-to-device connection. For security purposes,
these recordings can, in a preferred embodiment, be limited in
length (e.g., to one minute) by use of a software timer, making
piracy and distribution of copyrighted music and video difficult
and inconvenient for the user in order to protect content owner
rights.
[0076] FIGS. 6 and 7 show how the system provides a way for player
devices to connect peer-to-peer (also known as "P2P) to share
content without having to access the Internet. There are currently
no non-PC-based file sharing networks that are easy to use and
available for non-technical users--all P2P software is currently
written for PCs and requires a continuous Internet connection
during use. The present invention does not require Internet
connections, but instead connect to each other directly using WiFi,
forming a temporary virtual private network. Each player device
that seeks to become part of such temporary network would perform a
standard scan using WiFi (or another wireless technology now
existing or hereafter created) to identify all non-private
compatible player devices. It would then compile a listing of the
content on such player devices and permit each user to search or
browse the content in this temporary network, either by searching
the content located on a particular user's player device or by
searching all the content on any available player device on a
single integrated list.
DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN FIGURES
[0077] FIG. 2 depicts a preferred embodiment of the portable player
device 100 described herein, including: protective housing 212, a
WiFi antenna insulated as much as possible from potentially
interfering circuits and materials 205, a standard line-out jack
into which headphones or a line-out cable can be plugged 206, a
microphone input used to record the user's voice or other audio
when sending "media e-mails" and the like (described above) or
other content 207, an LCD touch-screen 201, which may be in color,
preferably two inches in width, and capable of displaying at least
10 lines of text at one time, and a chipset 208 consisting of at
least one microprocessor, such as a 200 MHz ARM processor, with
clock preferably not settable or re-settable by user. The
microprocessor is used for performing various functions, such as
encoding and decoding DRM-protected audio and/or video content in
real time, encryption and decryption, and so on. The chip set 208
may also include digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital
converters, hard disk drive controllers and/or flash memory
drivers, SDRAM, LCD drivers and a power-managed WiFi communications
circuitry. The chip set may further include a digital unique ID or
serial number (e.g., laser-burned or otherwise) attaching in such
way that a user would have great difficulty modifying it 118. The
device also includes PCB 204, non-erasable digital memory in the
form of a mini-hard disk 209 or flash (e.g., SD or compact flash)
consisting of at least 0.25 gigabyte storage capacity. Power is
provided by rechargeable lithium-ion or lithium polymer battery or
other power source 210. An up/down/push toggle switch is provided
as an external input device and connected to the PCB 204. The
device 100 may include standard play control buttons 202 and a
power on/off button 211. Optionally, the device may also include
other buttons, switches, keys or other input devices suitable for
control of the user interface, including a WiFi on/off switch, an
"info" button that toggles display of information on the current
selection being played on the device and a "beam" button that
initiates the sending of a content selection by the user to another
user (optional buttons not depicted for the sake of clarity).
[0078] FIG. 3 depicts the content distribution network and
associated compatible access devices. The network 315 includes one
or more content databases 301 that securely store digital content
and associated metadata (such as file length, title, encoding rate,
release date, and other related information), subscriber and usage
databases 302 that securely store data regarding each user's
activities (such as, downloaded titles), content transfers to peer
devices, previous Device-Network Synchronizations and other
information, an encryption engine 303 that optionally encrypts
content before it is delivered outside the network using standard
public-private key encryption method, an upload manager 304 that
manages the error-checked delivery of content to permitted user
devices and that can initiate a download from a given "pointer" in
the event only a portion of a download file was previously
transmitted, an authentication server 306 that authenticates the
unique ID or serial number provided by each user's device and
ensures (based on subscriber data stored in the subscriber and
usage databases) that the user's device is associated with a valid
and current subscription, and a secure network gateway 305 that
manages multiple simultaneous connections to users over secure
sockets layer. Additionally, security and digital rights management
software 309 is installed throughout relevant applications in the
network and on user devices, and is optionally "wrapped" around all
digital content delivered from the network, in order to ensure that
digital rights of content owners can be protected from end-to-end.
Users are permitted to use a computer if they wish (but are not
required to do so at any time for any purpose), in which case they
can use a standard desktop or laptop computer 314 equipped with
standard Internet browser software connected to the Internet 310
wirelessly or through wired means to access the network's Web site
308, the pages of which are generated dynamically based on Web site
software and related applications 307. Content need not ever be
delivered to the computer 314, and the Web site front-end and user
interface software 308 can merely enable the user to search, sort,
organize, order content to be delivered to his or her portable
device 311, 312, or for other account-related functions.
Preferably, a user will use a portable device or other compatible
device 311, 312 to access and manage content over a WiFi connection
or a wired connection via cradle 405, FIG. 4. as discussed below.
Of course, the various elements described above may be combined and
are depicted as individual elements only for the sake of
clarity.
[0079] FIGS. 4 and 5 depict a Device-Network Synchronization
pathway and associated software modules for establishing
communication between a device, such as device 311 in FIG. 3 and a
network 315. The device establishes connection with network, either
by detecting and connecting to a local WiFi base station (which is
in turn connected to the Internet) or by being placed in a wired
cradle connected to the Internet (e.g., over a CAT-5 or -6 cable
connected to a cable modem); either event will trigger the
procedure described below. The device 311 establishes a
secure-sockets layer (SSL) connection with the network. As part of
this process, the device 311 provides its unique ID or serial
number, from laser-burned chip 118, in encrypted form to network
315. The network authenticates transmitted ID and ensures same ID
is not currently open (i.e., to prevent possibility of multiple
fraudulent log-ons). The network queries device to obtain usage and
security data. The device provides requested usage data 302 and
security to network, including: current date and time, date and
time of last three established network connections and IDs of each
content selection played since last network data transmission and
times and dates of each play. The network queries its subscriber
data database to obtain subscriber status (i.e., valid or invalid
and permitted access level). The network obtains data regarding
previous network connections and downloads from subscriber database
and applies security check rules to subscriber data (e.g., current
time and date are correct, number of plays is consistent with
reported time and date data), and also received data on the device
ID, content, time and date of any device-to-device content
transfers. If the network determines device ID is invalid or
potentially fraudulent or that security data indicates likelihood
of fraud, network sends disabling message to digital rights
management software (DRM) on device, disabling use of any
subscription content and displaying an access denied message to
user. If network determines usage and security data are internally
consistent and consistent with its subscriber database data, it
queries the device for its stack. The device receives the query and
checks its stack; if the stack is not empty, it provided requests
from the stack to the network (i.e., all requested content
downloads, playlist downloads, credit card and payment information
uploads, contents storage changes upload, audio message and content
uploads) and the network responds by providing appropriate content
and/or data subject to DRM and over SSL, using an upload manager
that ensures data integrity in the transmission and which can
continue a partial download that was not previously completed. The
network checks to see if updates are required to the software on
the device, including updates to the database of available content
locally stored on the device, and if so, the network provides
auto-executable files to the device which will update the software
and/or other data. The network preferably performs a consistency
check with the content present on the device and then terminates
the connection.
[0080] The network 315 includes a network application and logic
engine 402 that manages communications with the portable device
311, authentication and logic at the network (such as application
of security rules) and communications via the upload and data
transmission manager 401/304. A local base station receiver 405
(i.e., wireless Internet access point) 404 connects to a wired
Internet access point 405. The base station receiver connects over
WiFi protocols to the portable device 311, triggering the
Device-Network Synchronization procedure. Alternatively, placement
in a wired docking cradle 406 triggers this process.
[0081] As shown in FIG. 5 the software and data on the portable
device 311 minimally includes segregated secure (including DRM
"wrappers") and non-secure content and metadata databases 301,
indexed databases 504 including available artists and titles, which
are updated as necessary during each Device-Network Synchronization
procedure, subscriber and usage databases 302 that track and store
the times and dates of each play of a content file, transfers of
content to and from other peer devices, Device-Network
Synchronizations procedure, and other data, a download and
connections manager 501, operating firmware and software 502,
including the "stack," which records the tasks the portable device
wishes to accomplish during the next Device-Network
Synchronization, and DRM-enabled player and access software 503,
including one or more codecs (such as for MP3) and optionally
decryption/encryption software.
[0082] FIG. 6 depicts a peer-to-peer communication. In this Figure,
communication is established between two portable devices 601 and
602 for the purpose of exchanging content. Preferably, devices 601
and 602 are portable WiFi-enabled devices described in the present
invention, each with privacy mode "off." Device 601 and device 602
each perform a WiFi "scan," similar to that performed by a
WiFi-enabled Toshiba e755 PDA in "ad hoc" mode, and this scan
produces a listing of available WiFi devices in range, such as
device 602. Other devices, even when no Internet connection is
present, are available as well. The user of 601 inputs a request to
see what content selection device 602 is currently playing and,
accordingly, 601 transmits a request over WiFi to 602. Device 602
acknowledges the request to device 601 and invokes an HTTP: server
software module that enables 601 to see the currently playing
selection on 602 by using a browser technique and to see, on
request, any other content that is currently stored, even if not
playing, on device 602. The user of 601 selects one or more content
files stored on 602. Alternately, this process is triggered if the
"stack" of 601 (see FIGS. 9 and 10) includes an instruction to
obtain a particular content selection that is available on 602. In
either case, 601 sends a request to 602 to obtain the selected
content and 601 "pulls" the content from 602 by downloading it,
using 602's server software. The user of 601 can begin playing the
selection downloaded from 602, provided the DRM software on 601
permits this to occur, at which point 601 will continue to store
the content received from device 602. At its next connection with
the network, 601 will report the receipt of content, including time
and date, to the network, which data will be stored in the network
subscriber data database.
[0083] FIG. 7 depicts peer-to-peer functionality, including that
involving multiple peer devices that are simultaneously within
range of each other.
[0084] Device 709 ("Jill's player") detects the presence of other
devices in range by performing a periodic scan using WiFi (or
another acceptable wireless technology). The device then performs
the following functions. Device 709 identifies whether devices are
in privacy "on" mode. Where privacy is "off," 703, 707, device 709
identifies the name given to each device, (e.g., "Jack's player"
706). Device 709 displays a list of available devices to the user
by listing the names of each player, and the current content
selection being played at that time on the player (e.g., 706,
Beethoven's 5.sup.th Symphony). Device 709 enables the user to
select one or more other user devices (701-708) and browse files
and playlists available on those devices, e.g., 706 would show 50
available selections and 2 playlists. Device 709 also compiles a
list of all media files and playlists available on all other
available devices in one list and enables the user to search and
browse the list. If the user selects a file on device 709, the
device will know which of devices 701-708 have the file available
and will seek it out. Here, the files available on devices 701-708,
except devices 703 and 707, would be displayed (because the latter
have privacy "on"). When the user of device 709 selects a
particular file or playlist (e.g., from Jack's Player 706), the
file is then delivered over a wireless connection to device 709.
Alternately, 709 may obtain only the name and unique ID of the
selected file or playlist from 706 and may obtain the file itself
later from the distribution network once a connection is available.
Once the file is obtained, 709 will only allow the user to access
it if the digital rights management software on 709 permits it to
do so.
[0085] Additionally, device-to-device and
device-to-network-to-device functions include the following
functions. A user of 709 can choose to "beam" a file to another
user by selecting the file and selecting "beam." At that point 709
displays a list of available non-private devices (701-708 except
703 and 707). The user of 709 selects the target device, 706 and
initiates transmission. Device 706 then indicates, "Jill's player,
709, is sending you [name of file or musical or non-musical audio
selection]. Accept?" User of 706 can then either select "yes" and
accept transmission or "no" and reject transmission. If "yes" is
selected, the file is transmitted over a wireless connection from
709. Alternatively, 709 will merely transmit the metadata
information for the file and 706 will add the information to its
stack for acquisition from the network during the next connection
with the network over the Internet.
[0086] The user of 709 can record audio content using a built-in
microphone and recorder, or create another sort of file, and beam
it to another user in a similar way described above. In this way,
users may send "audio e-mails" to one another. They may also make
available audio thoughts for others to browse and download to their
player.
[0087] Users can develop "public" digital profiles including their
photo, first name, favorite music and hobbies, etc. and enable
other users in range to browse and search this information at
will.
[0088] Alternatively, any of the device-to-device functions
described in this application can be transferred
device-to-network-to-device to permit users who are not in wireless
range or are not present at the same time to share data and files
in much the same way.
[0089] Simple matching software can be added as well to enable
devices to automatically scan profiles of other users and indicate
if there is a match in interests between users.
[0090] Additionally, this system can be used to create ad hoc
peer-to-peer networks for file and data sharing in particular
geographic locations, where users are in range of one another.
[0091] Users can extend this capability by posting data and
listings on a network for other users to browse and search at other
times and from other locations.
[0092] FIG. 8 depicts a preferred embodiment of an easy and
convenient search method for non-technical users. Simple menu tab
801 is used to indicate, and allow choice via a touch-screen, the
current and available areas of search. One-to-one marketing and
communications 805, triggered by the particular selection or
activity of the user at a particular time, displays an appropriate
message that is stored on the portable device following a
Device-Network Synchronization and is generated based on
application software on the device. Intuitive play controls 202 for
non-technical users enable easy play and control of located and
accessed content. Users can search for new content at any time,
without being connected to the Internet or any external database,
by searching the locally stored database on the device via a
"spinning letter" technique 802 or other acceptable input
mechanism. When letters are spun, the character string generated
scrolls the listing of available content displayed in text box 803
in real time. This enables even a non-technical user to zero in and
locate a particular item very quickly for on-demand deliver. Users
can search content listings sorted in a variety of orders by
toggling a sort button 804, which can be done alphabetically by
artist or title, or by popularity, ranking or genre.
[0093] FIGS. 9 and 10 depict easy wireless access to content for a
non-technical user. After identifying a selection as described in
the above paragraph, users can use the touch-screen to select an
artist, after which, they are presented with a listing of tracks by
that artist, which may be scrolled through or searched in another
easy way. These tracks are displayed in text box 901. After the
user selects an item (by using the touch-screen or pushing in the
toggle button when the desired item is highlighted) the album,
artist and title information are displayed FIG. 10 1001 along with
a graphic that represents the album cover art 1002 (which may be
enlarged by touching it). By selecting "get song now" or "get album
now" 1003, subscribers can access the selection on demand. If they
are not in range of an Internet connection, this operation will be
added to the "stack" 502 and initiated during the next
Device-Network Synchronization. Alternatively, the user may
purchase a track for a displayed price 1004, whether or not a
current subscriber, following which the DRM will allow the user to
transfer the file to other devices, subject to specified
restrictions, and to retain the file indefinitely even if his or
her subscription is no longer valid. These song purchases permit
permanent ownership of the track and the ability to transfer it to
other devices. Billing follows the above-described procedure and
requires input at the minimum of a PIN code by the user to
authorize charges on his or her credit card.
[0094] FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 describe certain content management
functions that can be performed by a non-technical user without use
of a computer or intervening device. A user can rank a selection
from 0-5 1101, which ranking can be relayed to the network for
aggregation and averaging purposes for display and ranking to users
searching for new selections. It can also be used by the user for
personal ranking and music prioritization and sorting. A simple
menu-driven interface 1102 enables a user to navigate from the home
page to a content management page, where the touch-screen allows
"drag-and-drop" functionality for creation and modification of
stored playlists 1301, FIG. 13.
[0095] FIGS. 14, 15, 16 and 17 depict custom delivery of programmed
content, which allows a user to specify a taste for particular
genres or preferred activity and have continuous commercial-free
programming delivered automatically (at periodic Device-Network
Synchronizations, invisible to the user), including updated
playlists, which can then provide hours of continuous play at the
push of the button while still allowing (unlike in the case of
broadcast media) the ability to replay content, pause the
entertainment, save particular selections to the user's collection,
fast-forward/rewind, or skip content selections. "Interactive
radio" allows users to subscribe to playlists that are delivered on
a scheduled basis--users can search through a variety of lists in
multiple ways (e.g. by mood, activity or genre), as shown in 1401.
Users then can select lists to play from automatically downloaded
playlists 1501. They can play content sequences in order or can
change the order, rewind, skip, pause, save, etc. each selection.
Users can vary the number of selections in each list delivered
FIGS. 16 and 17 1601 and 1701, as well as the frequency of delivery
(e.g. daily or weekly).
[0096] In FIG. 18 the user can search and browse a variety of lists
sorted in various ways. Once delivered, users see their programmed
delivery selections, which will automatically continue to deliver
content, in a listing in the text box, indicating, in parentheses,
the number of content selections included 1501. Users can vary the
periodicity and length of the programmed content ordered by
toggling easy-to-use buttons 1606.
[0097] FIG. 18 also describes the process of programmed media
delivery in detail. The network updates a list of available
programmed content channels on the device. The user selects from
available programmed content channels displayed on the portable
device, (e.g., "workout mix," "comedy") specifying frequency of
update and number of content files to be delivered per update. Upon
the next connection to the network, the device provides this
information to the network, which is stored in the subscriber data
database.
[0098] The network immediately uploads to the device the current
version of the requested programmed content list (e.g., "workout
mix"), including the file IDs, titles, and content files (including
DRM) to the device (a "Programmed Content Delivery"), in a
specified order, which may include alternative disc-jockey
voice-tracking content and cues interspersed between content
selections that are triggered dependent on the current date and
time of play, or number of times a particular selection is played.
Before a Programmed Content Delivery, the network reviews its
subscriber data database to identify any content on the selected
playlist which is already resident on the portable player--content
already resident will not be re-sent.
[0099] The user can access the program and initiate continuous play
by pressing the play button. Play may be stopped/paused,
fast-forwarded/rewound or skipped/repeated at the user's option at
any time. Individual selections may be saved for future use or
permanently deleted at the user's option.
[0100] Following a network connection after the next periodic
interval (e.g., daily or weekly), the network will perform a
Programmed Content Delivery, replacing the prior listing of content
selections and providing a new list and new content for the user to
access in a similar fashion.
[0101] Summarizing the above, the present invention preferably
provides an apparatus and method of sharing media content by
subscribers that is more convenient for users and more secure for
content owners, than existing systems. The present invention
preferably also allows users who wish to share playlists with other
subscribers to do so by transceiving device-to-device a text-based
copy of the playlist from one device to the other over a WiFi
connection. When the receiving device obtains the playlist, the
device automatically contacts the network to confirm that the
receiving device has a valid subscription and to download any
content selections the receiving device does not already have
stored in its memory that are included on the playlist. The device
then fully assembles the playlist for the user so that it is
playable on demand.
[0102] Alternatively, users may share content files by transmitting
over a WiFi connection encrypted audio and/or video recordings. The
receiving device can browse the content on the first device via a
wireless connection to the device and "pull" a selection to the
receiving device on-demand, or, alternatively, the transmitting
device can choose a selection to "push" to the receiving device. In
order to ensure (A) the transmission cannot be intercepted and used
illegitimately and (B) the receiving device is validly subscribed,
the transmitting device preferably transmits encrypted data and
preferably authenticates the receiving device as having a valid
subscription pursuant to a Device-Network Synchronization
(described in FIG. 4). A preferred embodiment of a lateral transfer
process includes: the transmitting device, on receiving a "push" or
"pull" request, contacts the network in order to verify that the
receiving device has a valid subscription. If so, the network
provides, in encrypted form, the private key for the receiving
device in order that the transmitting device can then encrypt and
securely transmit the audio and/or video data to the receiving
device. The transmitting device decodes and uses the private key
information to encode any data being sent to the receiving device,
which can then decode the audio and/or video data.
[0103] In an alternate embodiment of a lateral transfer process, in
the event a connection to the network is not available to the
transmitting device, the transmitting device can send a request to
the receiving device for authentication. If the receiving device
has recently been through the procedure outlined in the preceding
paragraph, the transmitting device will record this and will not
require further verification procedures. If not, the receiving
device will then provide data that verifies it having a valid
subscription. If the transmitting device verifies this information,
it then preferably establishes a new key-based security system with
the receiving device. It preferably encrypts the audio and/or video
and transmits them to the receiving device over the WiFi
communications link. A special flag may also be included in the
audio and video data that indicates to the receiving device that
the content file may only be playable a limited number of times
(e.g., 3 times and then the content expires and is no longer
playable). If the receiving device then contacts the network and
verifies a valid subscription, the special flag can be removed and
the user can access the content as he or she would any other
subscription content, without a limitation on the number of
listens/viewings possible, and without re-downloading the content
to the receiving device.
[0104] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been
disclosed herein and, although specific terms are employed, they
are used and are to be interpreted in a generic and descriptive
sense only and not for purpose of limitation. Accordingly, it will
be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various
changes in form, substance and details may be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Taken
together this makes it more convenient and easier for users to
search, obtain, manage and enjoy content, and makes it more secure
for content owners to distribute their content to users digitally
and at low cost.
[0105] Note that scans for a WiFi network, referred to above,
through a local access point connected to the Internet can be
achieved by the current art, such as by using a Toshiba e755
personal digital assistant with built-in WiFi communications in
"infrastructure" mode. Similarly, such a device can perform scans
for other WiFi-enabled devices in the absence of any available
Internet connection by using an "ad hoc" mode. Connections to
available WiFi local access points can be automated through the use
of software that automatically initiates a scan and analyzes the
results of a scan performed by such a device, identifies an optimal
network (e.g., by highest signal strength), uploads required
password and ID authentication if stored by the user and
establishes a connection. The appropriate process, invisible to the
user, is triggered in the present invention based on the desired
user function, such as "beaming" a content selection (which
requires a connection to a peer device in "ad hoc" mode) or
downloading new content from a network (which requires an Internet
connection in "infrastructure" mode). Network and peer-to-peer
validations and authentications, along with reports from the device
counter to the network regarding number of times a content
selection was played, times and dates of other events and other
data, can be performed in a way that is not visible to the user as
a "background" operation, so that simultaneously with these events
the user can perform other operations on the portable device, such
as listen to music or view videos, and search the metadata database
stored locally on the device.
[0106] It is further noted that the embodiment of the present
invention includes the ability to allow a user, if so desired, to
share files of all types without DRM or other security methods over
a WiFi connection. Accordingly, the features of the embodiments
described herein, which refer to the ability of one device to
search and find files on and to transmit files to and receive files
from, a peer device can easily be applied, as one experienced in
the art would know, to a method of using portable devices to share
content across multiple portable wireless devices located in
proximity to one another.
[0107] As discussed above, a feature of the present invention is
that one device can download an audio or video clip (which may have
a duration of, for example, 30 seconds) from another, using for
example direct download sharing. For this purpose, a user can
select an item for download (e.g., "Concerto in G") on the user
interface of the device. The request is queued up until a network
connection becomes available, either through a wired or wireless
interface.
[0108] Upon connection, the device sends the request. The server
authenticates the device, user, and request. If authenticated, the
server sends a sample file of the content that includes DRM
(digital rights management).
[0109] The device receives the sample file and can allow the user
to render (i.e., play) it, enabling the user to sample the content.
At that point the user is offered the opportunity to purchase the
full file (which may have already been delivered to the device, but
its DRM may not be "unlocked" because the "key" for that file has
not been provided yet). The key is sent after the user purchases
the file.
[0110] Rights management can also be embedded into the sample file
and limit the rights of the user, per instructions of the content
owner. For example, it may allow the user to play it once, or three
times, or as much as they like in a 24-hour period, but then no
more.
[0111] Rights management rules may also specify the sharing
rules--e.g., can send the sample file to one friend, who can play
it one time, or can send it unlimited times to unlimited friends,
or cannot send it at all, or can only send it to other subscribers
(e.g., the subscribers of a particular system).
[0112] Samples can be shared by other means, such as a P2P
connection. When this latter type of connection is used, one user
can see the collection of another user in multiple ways. User A can
choose to browse User B's song collection by connecting to user B
(wirelessly or otherwise) and requesting a list of User B's content
files
[0113] User A can also see a selection from user B if user B
decides to "beam" a file to user A. In this case, user A does
nothing and user B pushes a file to a user A. User A's device pops
up a question, "Would you like to receive this from User B?"
[0114] User A and User B can be connected directly through a true
P2P wireless (or wired) connection, with no device or network in
between (e.g., ad hoc Wi-Fi communications). Alternatively, user A
and user B can be connected through a dedicated central server.
Each user separately connects to the Internet and is connected via
the dedicated back-end system
[0115] A slight variation on this configuration consists of two
users who are connected to the Internet via the same Wi-Fi access
point, and communicate directly with each other without going
through the Internet (essentially reflecting through the local
access point).
[0116] When User A obtains a file from User B in any of the manners
described above, the software at the dedicated server allows User A
to receive a sample file (for example, a re-made 30-second clip)
from User B, subject to applicable rights restrictions, rather than
the full content file. This is true even though User B has the full
file on his player and the user interface doesn't display the
sample file to him.
[0117] This is accomplished by storing the sample file on User B's
player in addition to the full content file, but not listing the
sample file in the user interface.
[0118] The device redirects a request for a full content file to
the sample file stored on User B's player
[0119] User A is then offered the opportunity to buy the full
content file from the central server (and later potentially from
User B)
[0120] An important feature of the invention is that a device can
access and download information and content without a browser.
[0121] Other devices use a browser to enable a user to purchase
content. This offers numerous advantages. When items get added,
deleted, or modified from the available catalog of content
selections, this information is changed at the back-end of the
independent server. Since users are searching in "real time", they
will always be seeing the latest, modified results.
[0122] Similarly, purchase price terms and information are always
current when using a browser. As these change and are updated,
current customers (at the "point of purchase"--i.e., the time they
decide to make the purchase) see the most current information.
[0123] The devices can be very "dumb"--i.e., thin client model. The
devices merely need to place a request to the server and receive
back a limited amount of relevant data--e.g., the cost and title,
etc. of a piece of content. There is no need for large storage on
the device, or complex processing, etc., because all of that
happens on the server side.
[0124] Without a browser the same features have to be provided.
This is not a simple task. The device is portable and has limited
processing power and user interface to obtain, manage and render a
significant volume of information. These were difficult problems to
solve, which we have done:
[0125] The device initially receives a complete copy of the
available catalog that is stored on the local storage media of the
device (e.g., mini hard disc or FLASH).
[0126] The format of this copy is important, as it optimizes for
performance and storage requirements.
[0127] An indexed file is created by the back-end system for each
different sort method on the device (e.g., Search by Artist, Search
by Album, Search by Composer, Search by Genre, Search by Year . . .
). The index allows for a fast lookup on the device with minimal
processing power, even for a large list.
[0128] The indexes include lookup pointers for the information that
needs to be displayed to the user. For example, the list might say:
35678, 98475, 32412, etc. These numbers then represent text that is
displayed to the user, such as "Billy Joel," "Nat King Cole",
"Miles Davis", etc., where the numbers represent names. This
greatly reduces the size of each indexed file that needs to be
stored on the device.
[0129] The indexed lists are sent down to the device in small
chunks, so that the size of the "packets" of information that need
to be transmitted can be sent in a step-wise manner, without
requiring time-consuming 50 MB downloads that would be subject to
connection breakage and other problems.
[0130] This information on the device is subject to "expiration
dates" (as well as start dates). This allows the device to know if
it is displaying current information to the user, or whether it
should require the user to reconnect to the network before seeing
information.
[0131] For example, a piece of content has a price of $1.00 for the
month of January. On January 1 the device begins to display the
price of $1.00 until January 31. By February 1 it needs to acquire
another update or it will stop displaying $1.00.
[0132] This allows us to publish time-based promotions to the
device, even if the user doesn't connect for all of January.
Changes are processed efficiently.
[0133] When there is a change to an existing item listing, or an
item is added or deleted, rather than re-sending the whole indexed
list (or one portion thereof), we use a combination of re-sending
information with sending updates for the device to process itself.
Processing updates involves the device performing data re-write
operations on the indexes that are stored on the device. The
updates are processed in the background, while the user is doing
other things, so this is transparent to the user experience.
[0134] There are other complications that derive from not having a
browser. Connecting to paid access Wi-Fi points (e.g., T-Mobile at
Starbucks) is not straight forward. These points generally direct
IP communications to a readable HTML Web page. If the device
doesn't have a browser, it needs to learn how to navigate around
this introduction page. The way it does so is by creating a
profile, and simulating the required communications to login and/or
bypass this first page.
[0135] The device automatically selects a method of connection
among multiple possible connections by testing not only whether the
connection is live, but also whether it can access dedicated
server's back-end test page, verifying that the connection is live
AND the device successfully navigated any required logins, etc.
[0136] Consummating a purchase transaction on a non-browser,
intermittently connected device, involves the following: First, the
device asks the user to register. A user must register before they
can make any purchase transaction. Two methods of registration can
be employed. The first is by a web/telephone. The user provides
credit card information and then receives a 6 character "Activation
Code" he enters on the device. The Code is then used with a series
of hidden computations to create a secure "deviceID" that is used
to identify the device to the user account on an ongoing basis.
Each Activation Code is unique and created by the dedicated
server's back-end system. For further protection, the code is only
allowed to be entered within a 48 hour period, or else it
expires--this makes it even more difficult for people to simply
"guess" at valid Activation Codes.
[0137] The second method is directly on the device. The user enters
his name, etc., including credit card information, on the device.
This information is temporarily stored in encrypted form on the
device. Whenever the device next connects, it sends this
information through the network (including a secure PIN, and the
Activation Code referenced above). If the information is valid, the
user is registered and an account is created. The information is
sent over HTTPS, so is secure, and is then deleted from the device
and not stored there ever again.
[0138] Once a user is registered, he can make purchases. When he
makes selections, the device logs the selected request (assuming
the pricing information has not expired when he made his purchase
decision). When the device connects to the network, the purchase is
processed, and the content is sent. The user sees the charge on his
next credit card bill.
[0139] Alternatively, users can purchase credits in advance, and
these are charged against the user when he makes purchases.
[0140] For subscription, a recurring charge to the credit card is
established. On valid purchase, a renewal to the digital rights is
provided. Changes to user interface, special messages to the user
and other items are difficult without a browser.
[0141] The dedicated server generates and sends messages to any or
all devices (to the "Inbox" on the device, or to various specified
locations throughout the user interface, such as the popup box for
purchases). The dedicated server also updates software of the
device, which includes making changes to the user interface of the
device, adding new features, removing features, etc. Unlike other
devices, these messages and changes are stored on the device and
remain there until any further updates that may change them.
[0142] Numerous modifications may be made to the invention without
departing from its scope as defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *