U.S. patent application number 11/977750 was filed with the patent office on 2009-07-02 for personal video network.
Invention is credited to Lisa A. Fillebrown, Kenneth Matthew Glover, Russell D. Kautz.
Application Number | 20090172083 11/977750 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26906881 |
Filed Date | 2009-07-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090172083 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Fillebrown; Lisa A. ; et
al. |
July 2, 2009 |
Personal video network
Abstract
The invention is a personal wireless network that generally
comprises at least a lightweight wireless client to send and
receive audio and video from another system component. The personal
wireless network also provides a wireless-enabled routing
component, which stands alone to route traffic within the personal
wireless network. Also provided is a transmitter component that
connects to a computing device, such as a server and sends and
receives data Furthermore, a software algorithm provides a method
for supporting a personal wireless network.
Inventors: |
Fillebrown; Lisa A.; (Allen,
TX) ; Kautz; Russell D.; (The Colony, TX) ;
Glover; Kenneth Matthew; (Coppell, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DOCKET CLERK
P.O. DRAWER 800889
DALLAS
TX
75380
US
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Prior
Publication: |
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Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20080140773 A1 |
June 12, 2008 |
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Family ID: |
26906881 |
Appl. No.: |
11/977750 |
Filed: |
October 25, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11698745 |
Jan 26, 2007 |
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11977750 |
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09773885 |
Feb 1, 2001 |
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11698745 |
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60212203 |
Jun 16, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
709/203 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/41407 20130101;
H04M 1/72412 20210101; H04L 69/329 20130101; H04N 21/43615
20130101; H04M 1/72415 20210101; H04L 67/04 20130101; H04W 84/10
20130101; G06F 1/1626 20130101; H04L 69/18 20130101; H04N 21/4131
20130101; H04W 88/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
709/203 |
International
Class: |
G06F 15/16 20060101
G06F015/16 |
Claims
1. A personal wireless network comprising: a wireless server
capable of executing any one of a plurality of software
applications and generating from such execution a plurality of data
packets for transmission in the network; a wireless client capable
of wireless communication with the wireless server in accordance
with at least one wireless communication protocol, the wireless
client being configured to remotely access the software
applications executed by the wireless server, and to process the
data packets transmitted from the wireless server; and wherein the
wireless server receives a data packet from the wireless client,
extracts data from the received data packet, and associates the
extracted data with one of the software applications.
2. The network of claim 1 wherein the wireless communication is
implementable through a Bluetooth protocol.
3. The network of claim 1 wherein the wireless communication is
implementable through an IEEE 802.11 protocol.
4. The network of claim 1 wherein the wireless communication is
implementable at approximately 2.4 Ghz.
5. The network of claim 1 wherein the wireless communication is
implementable at approximately 5.2 Ghz.
6. The network of claim 1 wherein the wireless communication is
implementable through a Home RF protocol.
7. The network of claim 1 wherein the wireless communication is
implemented through a plurality of wireless protocols.
8. The network of claim 1 further comprising a wireless router
wirelessly coupled between the server and the client via a wireless
protocol.
9. The network of claim 1 wherein the client is a wireless smart
client.
10. The network of claim 1 wherein the client is a wireless
tablet.
11. The network of claim 1 further comprising a second wireless
client capable of wireless communication with the wireless server,
and wherein both clients are capable of simultaneously accessing
the same software application being executed by the server.
12. The network of claim 11 wherein the client is capable of
wireless communication using a first wireless protocol and the
second client is capable of wireless communication using a second
wireless protocol.
13. The network of claim 1 wherein the server is in communication
with a Local Area Network.
14. The network of claim 1 wherein the server is an
Internet-enabled device.
15. The network of claim 1 wherein the server is a personal
computer (PC).
16. The network of claim 1 wherein the wireless client is capable
of reading a magnetic strip.
17. A personal wireless network comprising: a wireless server means
capable of executing any one of a plurality of software
applications and generating from such execution a plurality of data
packets for transmission in the network; a wireless client means
capable of wireless communication with the wireless server means in
accordance with at least one wireless communication protocol, the
wireless client being configured to remotely access the software
applications executed by the wireless server, and to process the
data packets transmitted from the wireless server; and wherein the
wireless server means receives a data packet from the wireless
client means, extracts data from the received data packet, and
associates the extracted data with one of the software
applications.
18. The network of claim 17 further comprising a wireless routing
means coupled between the wireless server means and the wireless
client means.
19. A personal wireless system comprising: a wireless server
subsystem capable of executing any one of a plurality of software
applications and generating from such execution a plurality of data
packets for transmission in the network; a wireless client
subsystem capable of wireless communication with the server
subsystem in accordance with at least one wireless communication
protocol, the wireless client being configured to remotely access
the software applications executed by the wireless server, and to
process the data packets transmitted from the wireless server; and
wherein the wireless server receives a data packet from the
wireless client, extracts data from the received data packet, and
associates the extracted data with one of the software
applications.
20. The system of claim 19 further comprising a router subsystem
wirelessly coupled between the server subsystem and the client
subsystem.
21. A personal wireless network comprising: a wireless server
capable of executing a plurality of software application programs
at the wireless server and generating from execution of one of the
plurality of software application programs a plurality of data
packets for transmission in the network; a wireless client capable
of wireless communication with the wireless server in accordance
with at least one wireless communication protocol, the wireless
client being configured to remotely access at least one of the
software application programs executed by the wireless server, and
to process the data packets transmitted from the wireless server;
and wherein the wireless server receives a data packet from the
wireless client, extracts data from the received data packet, and
associates the extracted data with at least one of the software
application programs.
22. The network of claim 21 further comprising a wireless router
wirelessly coupled between the wireless server and the wireless
client via a wireless protocol.
23. The network of claim 22 wherein the wireless server is an
Internet-enabled device.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional application of prior
application Ser. No. 11/698,745 filed on Jan. 26, 2007, which is a
divisional application of prior application Ser. No. 09/773,885
filed on Feb. 1, 2001, which claims priority from U.S. Patent
application Ser. No. 60/212,203 entitled PERSONAL WIRELESS NETWORK
by Fillebrown, et al., which was filed on Jun. 16, 2000.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] Generally, the invention relates to computer networks and
wireless devices, and, more particularly, the invention relates to
wireless computer networks. More specifically still, the invention
relates to wirelessly providing, through thin clients, access to
software applications executing on a server.
STATEMENT OF A PROBLEM ADDRESSED BY THIS INVENTION
[0003] As the need for computer power has proliferated, many homes
and businesses have implemented networks of computers. Computer
networks facilitate access to widely needed data, and provide
common access to computer programs. In addition, computer networks
provide the added advantage of reducing the licensing fees
associated with purchasing multiple copies of software.
[0004] Examples of computer networks include Local Area Networks
(LANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs). A LANs provides common client
access to at least one computer server, and typically encompasses a
single facility. Similarly, a WAN provides common computing access
to clients by connecting multiple networks (including LANs). A WAN
is commonly used to connect multiple facilities that are
geographically diverse.
[0005] Generally, a LAN provides network access through at least
one server which is hardwire connected through twisted pair or
coaxial cables used to connect serial or parallel ports. Common
types of LANs are implemented via Ethernet or token-ring standards,
and these standards are implemented through servers running network
software such as Novell Network or Windows NT Network software.
[0006] Commonly, a WAN may include one or more LANs, and also may
include remote servers which are connected through data cables
known as trunk lines that may be implemented as copper wires or
fiberoptic cables. Unfortunately, LANs and WANs are limited in that
hardwire port-connections are required to connect a client
(typically, a computer) with servers or to provide access to other
networks.
[0007] Accordingly, the use of network components, such as client
and server computers as well as network-enabled communications
equipment, has posed a challenge because each network component has
to be able to communicate across the network. This requires, at a
minimum, that each network component have the connect cable type
and cable connection, the correct PC card type, and the correct
software to perform even the simplest tasks. Then, the network
component software must be integrated and optimized with the
network software. Fortunately, simple wireless options for
connecting devices and networks together are emerging.
[0008] One wireless option is to use infrared communication
technology. Network devices that use infrared communications as a
means for transmitting data have enabled the cost effective
integration of infrared components into an array of devices. For
example, some keyboards use infrared technology to enable a
keyboard to communicate wirelessly with a computer. This allows a
user more flexibility in placing their keyboard. In addition, some
laptops can communicate with a computer by using an infrared port.
As another example, some cellular telephones can use infrared ports
to transfer data to or from another similar cellular phone.
Accordingly, today many computing devices and some cellular
telephones have infrared ports, and infrared technology is being
touted as an easy way to provide short range wireless connections
between devices. However, there are some drawbacks in using
infrared communications.
[0009] For example, infrared communications require the devices
that are communicating to be within a "line of sight" of each
other. In other words, the actual infrared ports of the devices
must physically be able to visually see each other without
obstruction. Also, sunlight and some artificial light sources can
cause interference (their light often contains light from the
infrared spectrum).
[0010] To overcome these and other disadvantages associated with
available wireless data communications, many corporate leaders came
together to develop a short range wireless solution called
Bluetooth. Bluetooth is implemented as a standardized protocol for
short-range data communication using unlicensed radio frequencies.
Today, thousands of companies are designing products that will
utilize Bluetooth technology.
[0011] Bluetooth technology operates in a 2.4 GHz Industrial
Scientific and Medical (ISM) band of the unlicensed radio spectrum.
This portion of the spectrum was chosen because of its
international availability and its unrestricted use. Furthermore,
Bluetooth transmissions do not require a line of sight to
operate.
[0012] Another wireless LAN standard that is gaining popularity is
the IEEE 802.11 standard and its successors (known today as
802.11b, etc.; hereinafter, all of the 802.11 standards are
referred to collectively as "802.11" unless explicitly stated
otherwise). In 802.11, there are two different ways to configure a
network: ad-hoc and infrastructure. In the ad-hoc configuration,
computers are brought together to form a network "on the fly."
[0013] In the ad-hoc configuration of a wireless network, there is
no structure to the wireless network, there are no fixed points,
and usually every device in the network is able to communicate with
every other device. As an example, consider a meeting where
employees bring laptop computers together to share information.
Although it seems that order would be difficult to maintain in this
type of network, algorithms (such as the spokesman election
algorithm (SEA)) have been designed to "elect" one laptop (or other
available device) as a base station (or "master") of the
network--the other laptops and local devices are then designated as
slaves. Other algorithms in ad-hoc network architectures use a
broadcast and flooding method establish who's who in the
network.
[0014] In contract to the ad-hoc configuration, the infrastructure
LAN network configuration uses fixed network access points with
which mobile devices, such as laptops, can communicate. This
configuration is similar to a cellular network. Network access
points are sometime connected to landlines to widen the LAN's
capability by bridging wireless nodes to other wired nodes. As in
cellular networks, if service areas overlap, handoffs can
occur.
[0015] Despite the availability of wireless LAN protocols, there
exist needs for networks and for network components that allow a
user to wirelessly access software applications executing on a
server, or to access data needed by multiple clients within a
network. Furthermore, it would be advantageous to provide network
access through an inexpensive thin client.
Selected Overview of Selected Embodiments
[0016] The present invention achieves technical advantages as
systems, devices, methods, and software that implement a personal
wireless network. The personal wireless network generally comprises
a lightweight wireless tablet (that preferably provides a color
touch-screen display), and incorporates wireless technology, such
as Bluetooth or 802.11, to send and receive audio and video from
another system component.
[0017] The personal wireless network also provides a
wireless-enabled routing component, which stands alone to route
data traffic within the personal wireless network (via the
network's wireless protocols). In addition, the personal wireless
network provides a transmitter component that connects to a
computing device such as a server (or network-dedicated device),
and processes wireless protocols in order to send and receive data,
audio, and video packets (via the network's choice wireless
protocol). Hereinafter, the term "packet" is used to refer
collectively to a data, audio, and video packet. Furthermore,
software algorithms provide methods for supporting a personal
wireless network through the management of the data networking and
application management functions within a computer which functions
as a server for the personal wireless network. Accordingly, a
personal wireless network is provided that is inexpensive,
scaleable, and flexible.
[0018] In one embodiment the invention is a personal wireless
network. The personal wireless network includes a wireless server,
a wireless transmitter, and a wireless client capable of wireless
communication with the wireless transmitter. More generally, the
invention provides a personal wireless network having a wireless
serving means, a wireless transmission means, and a wireless client
means capable of wireless communication with the wireless
transmission means.
[0019] In another embodiment, the invention provides a personal
wireless system. The system has a server subsystem, a transmitter
subsystem, and a client subsystem.
[0020] Of course, other embodiments will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art.
[0021] To practice the invention, software embodiments of a method
may be loaded onto a computing platform and then executed according
to the method. Furthermore, the invention may be embodied on a
software medium, such as a CD ROM, or transmitted over the Internet
as a data signal. Of course, other embodiments will be apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] Various aspects of the invention, as well as an embodiment,
are better understood by reference to the following EXEMPLARY
EMBODIMENT OF A BEST MODE. To better understand the invention, the
EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT OF A BEST MODE should be read in conjunction
with the drawings in which:
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a typical personal wireless network;
[0024] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of one implementation of a
wireless tablet;
[0025] FIG. 3 is a process flow diagram of a registration
algorithm;
[0026] FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of a wireless router (the
router);
[0027] FIG. 5 illustrates the functionality of the router as a
routing algorithm;
[0028] FIG. 6A illustrates a video display system for use in a
personal wireless network
[0029] FIG. 6B illustrates an embodiment of a tablet interaction
algorithm;
[0030] FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of a wireless
transmitter;
[0031] FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of a personal wireless
network software block;
[0032] FIG. 8B provides the process diagrams of a wireless server
algorithm; and
[0033] FIG. 9 is a block flow diagram of a personal wireless
network processing algorithm.
AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT OF A BEST MODE
[0034] A personal wireless network is provided that is inexpensive,
scaleable, and flexible. The invention is a personal wireless
network. The personal wireless network generally comprises a
lightweight wireless thin client (or tablet), and incorporates
wireless technology to send and receive audio and video from
another system component. The personal wireless network also
provides a wireless-enabled routing component, which stands alone
to route data traffic. The personal wireless network also provides
a transmitter component that connects to a computing device, such
as a server that sends and receives audio and video. Furthermore,
software algorithms provide methods for supporting a personal
wireless network through the management of the data networking and
application management functions.
[0035] When reading this section (An Exemplary Embodiment of a Best
Mode, which describes an exemplary embodiment of the best mode of
the invention, hereinafter "exemplary embodiment"), one should keep
in mind several points. First, the following exemplary embodiment
is what the inventor believes to be the best mode for practicing
the invention at the time this patent was filed. Thus, since one of
ordinary skill in the art may recognize from the following
exemplary embodiment that substantially equivalent structures or
substantially equivalent acts may be used to achieve the same
results in exactly the same way, or to achieve the same results In
a not dissimilar way, the following exemplary embodiment should not
be interpreted as limiting the invention to one embodiment.
[0036] Likewise, individual aspects (sometimes called species) of
the invention are provided as examples, and, accordingly, one of
ordinary skill in the art may recognize from a following exemplary
structure (or a following exemplary act) that a substantially
equivalent structure or substantially equivalent act may be used to
either achieve the same results in substantially the same way, or
to achieve the same results in a not dissimilar way.
[0037] Accordingly, the discussion of a species (or a specific
item) invokes the genus (the class of items) to which that species
belongs as well as related species in that genus. Likewise, the
recitation of a genus invokes the species known in the art.
Furthermore, it is recognized that as technology develops, a number
of additional alternatives to achieve an aspect of the invention
may arise. Such advances are hereby incorporated within their
respective genus, and should be recognized as being functionally
equivalent or structurally equivalent to the aspect shown or
described.
[0038] Second, the only essential aspects of the invention are
identified by the claims. Thus, aspects of the invention, including
elements, acts, functions, and relationships (shown or described)
should not be interpreted as being essential unless they are
explicitly described and identified as being essential. Third, a
function or an act should be interpreted as incorporating all modes
of doing that function or act, unless otherwise explicitly stated
(for example, one recognizes that "tacking" may be done by nailing,
stapling, gluing, hot gunning, riveting, etc., and so a use of the
word tacking invokes stapling, gluing, etc., and all other modes of
that word and similar words, such as "attaching"). Fourth, unless
explicitly stated otherwise, conjunctive words (such as "or",
"and", "including", or "comprising" for example) should be
interpreted in the inclusive, not the exclusive, sense. Fifth, the
words "means" and "step" are provided to facilitate the reader's
understanding of the invention and do not mean "means" or "step" as
defined in .sctn.112, paragraph 6 of 35 U.S.C., unless used as
"means for -functioning-" or "step for -functioning-" in the Claims
section.
Computer Systems as Software Platforms
[0039] A computer system (or, system) typically includes hardware
capable of executing machine-readable instructions, as well as the
software for executing acts (typically machine-readable
instructions) that produce a desired result. In addition, a
computer system may include hybrids of hardware and software, as
well as computer sub-systems.
[0040] Hardware generally includes processor-capable platforms,
such as clientmachines (also known as personal computers or
servers), and hand-held processing devices (such as smart phones,
personal digital assistants (PDAs), or personal computing devices
(peDs), for example. Furthermore, hardware typically includes any
physical devices that are capable of storing machinereadable
instructions, such as memory or other data storage devices. Other
forms of hardware include hardware sub-systems, including transfer
devices such as modems, modem cards, ports, and port cards, for
example. The way hardware is organized within a system is known as
the system's architecture (discussed below).
[0041] Software includes machine code stored in memory, such as RAM
or ROM, or machine code stored on devices (such as floppy disks, or
a CD ROM, for example). Software may include executable code, an
operating system, or source or object code, for example. In
addition, software encompasses any set of instructions capable of
being executed in a client machine or server-and, in this form, is
often called a program or executable code.
[0042] Programs often execute in portions of code at a time. These
portions of code are sometimes called modules or code-segments.
Often, but not always, these code segments are identified by a
particular function that they perform. For example, a counting
module (or "counting code segment") may monitor the value of a
variable. Furthermore, the execution of a code segment or module is
sometimes called an act. Accordingly, software may be used to
perform a method which comprises acts. In the present discussion,
sometimes acts are referred to as steps to help the reader more
completely understand the exemplary embodiment.
[0043] Software also includes description code. Description code
specifies variable values and uses these values to define
attributes for a display, such as the placement and color of an
item on a displayed page. For example, the Hypertext Transfer
Protocol (HTTP) is the software used to enable the Internet and is
a description software language.
[0044] Hybrids (combinations of software and hardware) are becoming
more common as devices for providing enhanced functionality and
performance to computer systems. A hybrid is created when
traditionally software functions are directly manufactured into a
silicon chipthis is possible since software may be assembled and
compiled into ones and zeros, and, similarly, ones and zeros can be
represented directly in silicon. Typically, the hybrid
(manufactured hardware) functions are designed to operate
seamlessly with software. Accordingly, it should be understood that
hybrids and other combinations of hardware and software are also
included within the definition of a computer system and are thus
envisioned by the invention as possible equivalent structures and
equivalent methods.
[0045] Computer sub-systems are combinations of hardware or
software (or hybrids) that perform some specific task. For example,
one computer sub-system is a soundcard. A soundcard provides
hardware connections, memory, and hardware devices for enabling
sounds to be produced and recorded by a computer system. Likewise,
a soundcard may also include software needed to enable a computer
system to "see" the soundcard, recognize the soundcard, and drive
the soundcard.
[0046] Sometimes the methods of the invention may be practiced by
placing the invention on a computer-readable medium.
Computer-readable mediums include passive data storage, such as a
random access memory (RAM) as well as semi-permanent data storage
such as a compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM). In addition, the
invention may be embodied in the RAM of a computer and effectively
transform a standard computer into a new specific computing
machine.
[0047] Data structures are defined organizations of data and enable
an embodiment of the invention. For example, a data structure may
provide an organization of data, or an organization of executable
code (executable software). Furthermore, data signals are carried
across transmission mediums and store and transport various data
structures, and, thus, may be used to transport the invention. It
should be noted in the following discussion that acts with like
names are performed in like manners, unless otherwise stated.
[0048] FIG. 1 illustrates a typical personal wireless network 100.
Generally, in the personal wireless network 100, a plurality of
wireless clients, such as wireless tablets and wireless smart
appliances communicate via a wireless routing means, such as a
wireless router 120, with a wireless server 140, sometimes through
a wireless transceiving means 130. Communication standards in the
personal wireless network 100 are preferably broadcastable wireless
protocols, such as Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11, Home RF, or other
wireless protocols.
[0049] For the personal wireless network 100, preferably a wireless
protocol implemented at 2.4 GHz. Of course, other wireless
protocols can be implemented and other communication frequencies
may be used as well. Furthermore, multiple wireless protocols and
communication frequencies may coexist within a personal wireless
network.
[0050] Wireless protocols typically transmit information by
packetizing information. Packetizing information involves
organizing information into units known as packets. Packets may be
grouped according to packets which carry pure data (true "data
packets"), packets which carry video (sometimes called "video
packets"), and packets which carry pure audio (sometimes called
"audio packets"). Hereinafter, the term "packet" will be used to
refer to all types of packetized information. Furthermore,
hereinafter, a type-specific packet (such as a data-only packet)
will be capitalized, such as with "Data packet" to emphasize that
the packet is of a specific type.
[0051] Accordingly, a wireless protocol used to implement the
present invention will preferably implement the wireless protocol
through packeting. However, it should be understood that
non-packetized information might be transmitted across a wireless
network. For example, common UHF channels may be used to transmit
video and audio information within a wireless network. Furthermore,
as advances in wireless communication takes place, additional
protocols and variations of existing protocols may be used to
implement wireless communications within a personal wireless
network.
[0052] Wireless client means include devices that a user may use to
access a function provided by a personal wireless network 100. For
example, a user may choose to use a wireless client, such as a
wireless tablet 110, to access a software application that is
provided by the wireless server 140.
[0053] Likewise, a user using the wireless tablet 110 may also
communicate directly with another user using a wireless tablet 112,
or another user using a wireless tablet 114. The communications
between the wireless tablets 110, 112, and 114, may include both
audio and visual communication. Similarly, a user using the
wireless tablet 110 may access wireless smart appliance specific
applications associated with specific wireless smart
appliances.
[0054] A wireless smart appliance is an appliance or device that
has a wireless network compatible processing system. Common
appliances implemented as wireless smart appliances include radios,
televisions, cable boxes, lights, alarms, ovens, washers, dryers,
water faucets, heating oil pumps, and thermostats, for example. As
a specific example, the user using the wireless tablet 110 may
access a wireless smart appliance implemented as a microwave oven
116. Thus, the wireless tablet 110 may allow a user to program a
cooking time for the microwave oven 116 remotely.
[0055] Furthermore, a user at the wireless tablet 110 may wish to
program the microwave oven 116 to cook popcorn at a time coinciding
with the beginning of a movie video being rented, or viewed within
the personal wireless network 100 via the wireless server 140.
Similarly, a user with a wireless tablet 110 may control a second
wireless smart appliance, such as a radio 118, so that music may be
heard through out or at any specific location in the facility
maintaining the wireless tablet 110.
[0056] Of course, it should be understood that although wireless
tablets are illustrated as specific embodiments of a wireless
client, it should be understood that many other wireless client
means may be utilized, and it should be understood that a wireless
client means is any device capable of wirelessly communicating
within a personal wireless network and also capable of user
interaction with other devices within the personal wireless
network.
[0057] Information transmitted across the personal wireless network
100 through wireless communication protocols is achieved preferably
through a wireless transceiving means, illustrated as the wireless
transmitter 130.
[0058] In one embodiment, the wireless transmitter 130 is connected
via a cable 132 with the wireless server 140. The cable 132 can be
provided as a Universal Synchronous Bus (USB) cable, a parallel
cable, or a Split-Bridge cable, for example.
[0059] Of course, it should be understood that although the
wireless transmitter is illustrated as connected via a cable to the
wireless server, it should be understood that any other means of
connection between the wireless transmitter and the wireless server
may be utilized, and it should be understood that a wireless
transmitter means is any device capable of passing information
between a wireless transmitter and a wireless server.
[0060] Accordingly, when operating "downstream" (when data,
packets, or information flow from the wireless server 140 to a
wireless client), the wireless transmitter 130 preferably receives
a Video packet and/or Data packet. The wireless transmitter 130 is
also capable of transmitting packets in the personal wireless
network 100 so that a packet may be received by a wireless client
means or a wireless routing means.
[0061] The personal wireless network 100 may extend its range for
providing wireless communication by implementing a routing means,
shown as a wireless router 120 (or "router 120"). The wireless
router 120 is capable of receiving a packet, amplifying the packet,
and broadcasting the amplified packet so that the amplified packet
may be received by a wireless client means, another wireless router
means, or a wireless transmitter means. Accordingly, communication
channels utilized by the wireless router 120 are indicated in FIG.
1 by the bidirectional arrows 122. It is also useful here to define
the "upstream" pathway as the path of data, packets, or information
that flows from a wireless client to the wireless server 140.
[0062] The wireless server 140 may be implemented as any personal
computer, handheld device, Internet appliance, or other computing
platform capable of executing software algorithms needed to enable
the personal wireless network 100. Furthermore, the wireless server
140 may integrally include the wireless transceiving means
previously discussed.
[0063] In one embodiment, the wireless server 140 may form part of
a Local Area Network (LAN). Thus, the wireless server 140 is
illustrated as being connected to a second computer 160 (which
could be indicative of a LAN server) across a connection 144 that
could be an Ethernet connection. In addition, the wireless server
140 may be connected to other networks as part of a Wide Area
Network (WAN), a satellite network, or other communication network.
Furthermore, the wireless server 140 preferably provides a
connection to the Internet 150, or a successor to the Internet 150
through an Internet connection 142. The Internet connection 142
could be a hardwire Internet connection, such as a digital
subscriber line (DSL-sometimes called an xDSL), or a wireless
Internet connection.
[0064] The personal wireless network 100 may be implemented as a
home network. Accordingly, when implemented as a home network the
personal wireless network 100 is used as a wireless extension of a
personal computer within a home. Preferably, a home network
implementation transmits video output through a wireless protocol
link, such as a Bluetooth communication link or 802.11, to a
wireless tablet. Accordingly, at the wireless tablet the user has
access to all applications that could execute on a personal
computer.
[0065] Thus, the wireless tablet could access wireless server 140
to provide television programming, the Internet, or e-books, for
example. Furthermore, in a home network, wireless tablets may
access other wireless devices, particularly those wireless devices
that have the same wireless protocol link. Other wireless devices
include wireless repeaters, wireless infrared converters (such as
remote controls).
[0066] One possible embodiment of the personal wireless network 100
integrates telephone technology into the personal wireless network.
For example, a Private Branch Exchange (PBX) interface may be used
to provide telephone access to the personal wireless network 100.
Thus, a user may have access to his phone calls, and view the
receiving caller-ID (CID) phone number when away from his desk by
redirecting his personal phone number to the wireless client. Such
an implementation may provide for unified messaging, and remote
voice mail support.
[0067] A user typically accesses the personal wireless network 100
through a wireless client, such as a wireless tablet. FIG. 2
illustrates a block diagram of one implementation of a wireless
tablet 200. Within a housing 205 of the wireless tablet 200, a
processor 208 is used to interconnect and drive other components of
the wireless tablet 200. Preferably, the processor 208 is a RISC
processor, such as a ARM processor, or, more specifically, an Arm 7
Thumb Processor, for example. Of course, other processors can be
implemented and used to interconnect and drive other components of
the wireless tablet 200. The processor 208 is chosen primarily for
size and power consumption rather than raw processing power since
the processor 208 needs only to provide adequate processing power
to accept data inputs, to compress data packets, to route the data
packets to a transceiver 240, to receive video and audio packets
from the transceiver 240, and to decompress the data and produce
video and audio from the received packets.
[0068] Video packets received by the wireless tablet 200 carry
video display information which the processor 208 sends to a
display 210. The display 210 may be a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD),
a plasma display, or any other light-weight and thin display.
Preferably, the display 210 is a color display. The display 210 may
be complimented with a display driver 215. The display driver 215
maintains the software needed to rapidly convert video packets into
displayable video information. Furthermore, the display 210 may
also provide touchscreen capabilities and preferably implements
touchscreen capabilities through a touchscreen interface 220. The
touchscreen interface 220 receives information indicating the
location of the display 210 that a user touched. The information
indicating the location that the display 210 was touched is then
transferred to the processor 208. The processor 208 can use the
information, and may convert this information into data indicative
of a predefined user input.
[0069] Likewise, a mouse and/or keyboard may be used for data and
location input. The information from either the mouse and/or
keyboard is transferred to the processor 208. The processor 208 can
use the information, and may convert this information into data
indicative of a predefined user input. In addition to video
information, the wireless tablet 200 may also send and receive
audio information. In receiving audio information, the wireless
tablet 200 will receive audio packets and the processor 208 will
send the packets to the codec 235. The codec converts the Audio
packets into data, and sends the data to speaker 250 and speaker
252 to produce audible sound. Accordingly, two speakers 250, 252,
are shown so that stereo type audio may be provided by the wireless
tablet 200. In addition, audio sound may be input into the wireless
tablet 200 through a microphone 254, converted to data by the codec
235, sent to the processor 208 which converts the data into Audio
packets. In addition, audio sound inputs may be received into the
wireless tablet 200 may be streamed as audio through wireless
protocols or Ultra High Frequency (UHF) transmissions. In addition,
audio inputs and output connections may be provided for external
microphones, and for external speakers. Such connections are
illustrated in FIG. 2 as the block I/O for Audio Devices 265.
[0070] Data, audio, and video are sent and received from the
wireless tablet 200 through a transceiver 240 which receives the
data, audio, and video preferably via an internal antenna 245.
Accordingly, the transceiver 240 is preferably capable of sending
and receiving information in a plurality of protocols. Furthermore,
the internal antenna 245 may be expandable and elongated such that
it would protrude from the wireless tablet 200. Preferably, the
wireless transmitter employs a powerful amplifier 242. Accordingly,
the amplifier 242 is enabled to amplify signals prior to the
signal's transmission from the transceiver bank 240 and antenna
245. The processor 208 is augmented through a memory device 225.
The memory 225 preferably provides both RAM and ROM so that the
processor 208 may have access to a predefined set of start-up
instructions, as well as access to storage for programs that load
onto the wireless tablet 200. Programs may be loaded onto the
wireless tablet 200 (or copied from the wireless tablet 200)
through wireless transmission or through a data input/output port
260. The memory 225 may also maintain software capable of producing
an onscreen keyboard which a person may use to key in information
into the wireless tablet 200. In addition, the memory 225 may also
store other software programs that are used by the wireless table,
like a media player for playing MP3 files.
[0071] Software programs, external operating systems, data, audio
recordings, movies, or other prerecorded information may be placed
onto the wireless tablet 200 through a memory device placed in the
memory device port 230. The memory device port 230 is preferably a
compact-flash port. However, it should be understood that the
memory device port 230 may also be a PC card port, a multi-media
card port, or any other type of port capable of providing access to
a transferable data storage device or data storage medium. Fu.
addition, the data input/output port 260 may provide input/output
capabilities for hardware input/output devices such as a keyboard,
digital camera, or diagnostic devices. Power is provided to the
wireless tablet 200 through a battery 280. The batter 280 is
preferably a lithium (Li) ion, or other rechargeable battery.
However, a power cord connection 285 is provided so that a power
cord may be connected directly to the wireless tablet 200 so the
battery 280 may be recharged. Furthermore, although no connections
are shown from the battery 280 to any of the components of the
wireless tablet 200, it should be understood that the battery 280
is connected in such a way as to provide appropriate power to each
and every component of the wireless tablet 200.
[0072] One of the more complicated processes implemented by the
wireless tablet 200 is the registration process whereby the
wireless tablet 200 registers with a personal wireless network.
FIG. 3 is a process flow diagram of a registration algorithm 300
according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0073] First, upon connection between the wireless tablet 200 and
the wireless server, a network login should be established. This
network login is a verification of the wireless tablet 200 to the
wireless server. This ensures security access to software
applications on the wireless server. Upon verification of the
network login, a complete secure list of software applications is
sent to the wireless client 200.
[0074] After a connection is established, the wireless client
selects an application which then establishes a network
registration. In a network registration, the wireless tablet 200
receives a user input. The user input may be as simple as a
character, or a location of a display being touched. Accordingly,
the network registration also converts the user input into
predefined information, and then organizes this information into at
least one data packet. Preferably, the user inputs are made in
response to the display of a registration page. However, in any
event, the data packet may be compressed and transmitted via a
wireless protocol to a wireless server.
[0075] The wireless server then extracts the information from the
data packet in order to check the information to make sure that the
user has entered an appropriate input. In other words, the wireless
server verifies that the user input indicates that the user is an
authorized user. Assuming that the user is an authorized user, the
wireless server updates the system to provide access to the person
at the wireless client.
[0076] Next, the registration algorithm 300 proceeds to a receive
video act 320. In the receive video act 320 the wireless tablet 200
receives video via a wireless transmission. The wireless
transmission may be packetized video, streamed video, or broadcast
video. If the video received is packetized, the wireless tablet 200
converts the packetized video into displayable video so that the
registration algorithm 300 may next, in a display video act 330,
displays the video information received in the receive video act
320.
[0077] Thus, the display video act 330 decompresses the video
packet received in the receive video act 320. The display act 330
also extracts display information stored in the video packet which
defines the color intensity of each pixel of a display. Next, the
display act 330 determines which pixels require a change in color
or intensity and directs the display to change those pixels.
Accordingly, should a pixel not require a change, the color and
intensity of that pixel is maintained. The video display in the
display video act 330 is preferably static until user input is
received.
[0078] Accordingly, in a receive input act 340, the registration
300 receives a user input. The user input received in the receiver
input act 340 is then converted into information, the information
is packetized, and the packet may be compressed to prepare the
information for wireless transport across the network. Next, in a
transmit input act 350, the data packet is transmitted across the
wireless network. Thus, the wireless tablet 200 is definable as a
device which takes user inputs and converts these user inputs into
wirelessly transmittable data packets, and is a device which
receives video and audio and display that video or plays that audio
so that it is user perceivable. The range of the personal wireless
network may be extended through the use of a routing means such as
a wireless router. FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of a wireless
router 400 (the router 400). The housing 405 of the router 400
maintains a processor 420. As is the case with the wireless tablet
200, the processor 420 implemented in the router 400 is preferably
a RISC processor such as an Arm 7 Thumb processor. The processor
420 controls a transceiver bank 410 through algorithms maintained
in a memory 430.
[0079] The transceiver bank 410 maintains at least one transceiver
capable of sending and receiving audio and video streams, as well
as data packets. Preferably, the transceiver bank 410 maintains a
plurality of transceivers and is capable of implementing a
plurality of wireless protocols. Accordingly, the processor 420
implements control over the plurality of wireless protocols
implemented by the transceiver bank 410. Wireless transmissions and
receptions are achieved via an antenna 412, which is preferably an
intel11al antenna.
[0080] One important function of the router 400 is the
amplification of wireless transmissions. Accordingly, the router
400 provides at least one amplifier 440. The amplifier 440 is
powered preferably by an extel11al power source, which is connected
to the router 400 through a power plug 445. In addition, the power
plug 445 may include transformers needed to convert extel11al alc
power sources into whatever power, frequency, voltage, or amperage
is preferred by the amplifier 440. In practice, the processor 420
controls the flow of power amplification into the transceiver bank
410 from the amplifier 440. To facilitate the placement of software
into the memory 430, to provide quick programming of the processor
420, and to enable the router 400 to be quickly diagnosed should a
problem occur, an input/output port 450 is provided.
[0081] FIG. 5 illustrates the functionality of the router 400 as a
routing algorithm 500. First, in a receive act 510, the routing
algorithm 500 receives a wireless transmission. The wireless
transmission may be a video stream, an audio stream, or a data
packet. Next, the routing algorithm 500 proceeds to an amplify act
520. In the amplify act 520 the routing algorithm intensifies the
signal received in the receive act 510 by increasing its power. In
other words, the power of the receive signal is amplified in the
amplify act 520. Then, in a transmit act 530, the routing algorithm
500 transmits the amplified signal so that the amplified signal may
be received across a wider area than the signal received by the
receive act 510.
[0082] Additionally, the router 400 may transmit the amplified
signal to either another router 400, a wireless transmitter, or a
wireless client. The router may also transmit the amplified signal
to another device that is not part of the personal wireless
network, but one that has the same wireless protocol. The router
may also change its wireless protocol to provide for a more
appropriate communication link and transmit the amplified signal if
the destination device has a different wireless protocol than the
received signal.
[0083] Of course, additional functionality may be provided by the
routing algorithm 500. For example, the routing algorithm 500 may
provide screening or filtering capabilities so that signals not
intended for a particular router will not be amplified by that
router. This provides privacy and prevents the router from wasting
power amplifying signals which do not require amplification.
[0084] The routing algorithm 500 may also provide for signal
adequacy testing. Thus, if the routing algorithm 500 detects that a
signal is adequately strong enough to reach a known destination,
the routing algorithm 500 will not amplify that signal. This saves
power, and reduces the transmission band as used within the router,
enabling the router to carry more traffic.
[0085] FIG. 6A illustrates a video display system 600 for use in a
personal wireless network. In the personal wireless network a
wireless tablet 110 receives a video signal 610 from a video
broadcaster 620. Within the video broadcaster 620, a plurality of
video transceivers 630 receive video signals, such as television
channels. Accordingly, each video transceiver is capable of
receiving an independent video channel and thus the video
broadcaster 620 may support as many different broadcasts as the
video broadcaster 620 has video transceivers 630. The channels (or
signals) received by the video transceiver 630 are multiplexed by a
first multiplexer 640, enabling each channel to be broadcast over a
first antenna 642.
[0086] Similarly, the channels received by the video transceivers
are picked up by a video source, such as a second antenna 662
(similarly, video may be received by a video jack 670 which may be
connected to a cable (which is then in communication with a cable
television source), or satellite television transmission, for
example). The video transmissions received by the second antenna
662, or the video jack 670, are demultiplexed through a second
multiplexer 660. The video jack 670 may also be connected to the
wireless server to provide access to wireless server applications
as well as to the Internet.
[0087] A wireless protocol enabled controller 650 (Bluetooth, or
802.11, for example) provides for channel selection, volume
control, item selection, and other user interactions between the
video broadcaster 620 and the wireless tablet 110. These
interactions are typically data packet communications sent from the
wireless tablet 110 to the video broadcaster 620 through the
wireless connection 615. Thus, the Bluetooth enabled controller 650
directs the second multiplexer 660 to place certain channels
through the video transceiver 630 and also directs the channel
characteristics prior to these channels being received by the
multiplexer 640.
[0088] In addition, a user at the wireless tablet 110 may perform a
number of interactions with the channels received at the wireless
tablet 110. For example, the user at the tablet 110 may select a
specific volume, brightness, or other visual display control.
Furthermore, the user at the wireless tablet 110 may even play
Internet enabled games at the wireless tablet 110 which are
broadcast by the video broadcaster 620.
[0089] FIG. 6B illustrates an embodiment of a tablet interaction
algorithm 680. The two semi-circular arrows of the tablet
interaction algorithm 680 illustrate the simultaneous interaction
of a tablet act 685 with a CPU act 690. In the tablet act 685 data
packets are sent across a wireless link 687 and received by a
device capable of data processing. Likewise, in a CPU act 690, a
audio and/or video signal is broadcast for reception by a wireless
client such as a wireless tablet across a wireless communication
channel 692.
[0090] Wireless transmissions are generated at a server location
and broadcast through a personal wireless network from a wireless
transceiving means such as a wireless transmitter. FIG. 7
illustrates one embodiment of a wireless transmitter 700. The
wireless transmitter 700 is structurally (hardware-wise) similar to
the wireless router 400, and may use a housing 705 similar to the
housing 405. However, in addition to an input/output device
utilized for diagnostic purposes (illustrated as a port 755), the
wireless transmitter 700 includes an input/output port that is
dedicated for connection to a server, illustrated as I/O to server
block 750 (I/O 750). I/O 750 may be implemented as a card
connection for insertion into a motherboard card slot. However, I/O
750 is preferably implemented as a wire based port. For example,
I/O 750 could be implemented as a USB port, a parallel port, or a
Split-Bridge.
[0091] Another difference between the wireless transmitter 700 and
the router 400 is that the wireless transmitter 700 has the ability
to receive a compressed packet from the wireless server through the
I/O 750. Thus, the processor 720 is capable of receiving a packet,
and transmitting the packet via a wireless protocol. Similarly, the
processor 720 is capable of taking a packet received from the
transceiver bank 710 and then sending the packet to the wireless
server through the I/O 750, or to a wireless router, or to a
wireless client. Accordingly, the routing algorithms needed to
determine where the received packet's destination packet needs to
be sent are maintained in a memory device 730.
[0092] Additionally, when the wireless transmitter 700 receives
packets that are not sent to the wireless server, the same criteria
is used as the wireless router (this was stated in previous
paragraphs explaining FIG. 5). The wireless transmitter 700 is
powered through a power plug 745. Preferably, the wireless
transmitter employs a powerful amplifier 740. Accordingly, the
amplifier 740 is enabled to amplify signals prior to the signal's
transmission from the transceiver bank 710 and antenna 712. One
preferred method of enabling a common computing platform is to
implement a personal wireless network by providing, downloading,
and storing a personal wireless network enabling software block 800
on a common computing platform, thus creating a wireless server.
FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of a personal wireless network
software block.
[0093] The personal wireless network enabling software block 800
includes an operating system stack 810 which maintains the
operating systems needed to implement the personal wireless
network. For example, the operating system stack 810 may maintain
proprietary operating systems 812, background capable operating
systems 814, network operation systems 816, or session management
operating systems 818. The operating systems may be available
through a common operating system such as an enhanced Windows based
operating system, or a proprietary operating system. Then, on top
of the operating system stack 810 are placed network enabled
applications 820.
[0094] Preferably, the network enabled applications 820 are capable
of operating in the background of the wireless server. So, a user
may access the wireless server and run a software program which is
viewable via a monitor or other display device while, at the same
time, other users are accessing the wireless server remotely and
could, in fact, be running additional instances of the same program
(recall that "background" operations enable the person directly
accessing the wireless server to do so while being unaware that
other persons are remotely accessing the wireless server). Examples
of network enabled applications include network enabled games, word
processing applications, database applications, scheduling
applications, spreadsheet applications, Internet enabled
applications, and wireless smart appliance applications.
[0095] The personal wireless network enabling software block 800
also includes a communications stack 830. The communications stack
830 includes software capable of implement wireless communication
protocol. For example, the communications stack may provide a Home
RF protocol 838, an IEEE 802.11 protocol 836, a Bluetooth protocol
834, or a proprietary communication protocol 832, for example. Of
course, additional protocols may be provided.
[0096] A personal wireless network enabling software block 800 may
also provide useful software applications. For example, the
personal wireless network enabling software block 800 may provide a
data enablement stack 840. The data enablement stack 840 may
include voice recognition software 842, or handwriting software
844. Furthermore, the personal wireless network enabling software
block 800 could also provide security software 850. Security
software 850 could include software that enables a user to register
at a wireless client, software capable of identifying and directing
packets to appropriate personal wireless networks operating in
proximity to each other, and software capable of detecting and
alerting the personal wireless network of an intruder.
[0097] The personal wireless network enabling software block 800
may also include a compression/decompression block 855. This block
is used for receiving streamed data from any of the software blocks
within the personal wireless network and convert the streamed data
into compressed data using a compression algorithm. When a
compressed signal packet is received from the personal wireless
network, a decompression algorithm is used. Examples of the types
of compression/decompression algorithms may be RLE 856, JPEG 857,
or LLE 858, for example. Of course, other types of
compression/decompression algorithms may be used.
[0098] The operation of a network server may be better understood
by examining the processing of a packet received by the wireless
server. Accordingly, FIG. 8B provided the process diagrams of a
wireless server algorithm 860. First, in a reception act 865 the
wireless server algorithm receives a data packet having data. Then,
in an association act 870, the wireless server algorithm 860
extracts data from the data packet and associates the data with a
software application. Preferably, this software application is a
software application executing in the background.
[0099] Accordingly, the data is utilized by the wireless server
algorithm 860 in a software interaction act 875 to update the
appropriate software application executing on the wireless server.
Typically, the data will cause the software application to perform
a predetermined operation. Of course, a number of variations of
these steps are possible. For example, a data packet may be
specifically converted into a data stream. Furthermore, the act of
receiving may be accomplished through an external transmitter or an
internal transmitter. Furthermore, the data packet may require
decompression before the data packet may be converted into
data.
[0100] Typically, the software interaction act 875 will generate a
change in software that causes a change in the video display
produced by the software. Accordingly, the wireless server
algorithm 860 proceeds to a generate video act 880 in which a video
stream indicative of a visual display associated with the software
application is created. Then, the video stream will be organized
into at least one video packet for transmission onto the personal
wireless network. Thus, a video packet is transferred directly from
a wireless transmitter maintained in the wireless server, or an
external wireless transmitter in a transmission act 885.
[0101] It should be emphasized that the video stream may be
packetized and compressed by the wireless transmitter itself.
Furthermore, it should be understood that more than one wireless
protocol might be used at any given time. For example, the wireless
server may communicate with one wireless client such as a wireless
tablet though a wireless protocol, while the wireless server may
communication with a second wireless client, such as a wireless
smart appliance, through a Home RF protocol. Likewise, it should be
understood that audio or video might be broadcast through standard
UHF channels.
[0102] Thus, having examined the personal wireless network from a
system level, as well as by examining some of the devices which may
be used by a personal wireless network, one may gain a better
understanding of the personal wireless network by looking at the
process of user registration in greater detail from a system level
perspective. Accordingly, FIG. 9 is a block flow diagram of a
personal wireless network processing algorithm 900 (processing
algorithm 900).
[0103] First, in a start act 905, a user turns on a wireless
client. The wireless client displays for the user a registration
page which has been preloaded into the ROM of the wireless client.
Afterwards, the processing algorithm 900 proceeds to a registration
act 910 in which the user will provide a registration page with the
requested information (note that it is assumed that the user is an
authorized user and that the information provided by the user is
valid and correct information needed for registration). Next, the
processing algorithm 900 proceeds to a transmission act 916. In the
transmission act 916 the information provided by the user in the
registration act 910 is converted into packetized data which is
broadcast via a predetermined wireless protocol.
[0104] In the event that the wireless client is located
significantly remotely from a wireless server, the processing
algorithm 900 proceeds to a routing act 917 in which the packet
from the registration act 910 is received by a wireless router,
amplified, and then retransmitted as an amplified signal. Although
not shown, the routing act 917 may be repeated numerous times by
various wireless routers (as needed) so that the packet transmitted
in the transmission act 916 may be received by the wireless
transceiver means of the wireless server in a reception act 918.
The transmission act 916, the routing act 917, and the reception
act 918, may be collectively referred to as a wireless
communication act 915.
[0105] Following the reception of the packet sent in the
transmission act 916, the wireless server processes the packet by
extracting data from the packet, associates the data with an
executing software program, and then using the software program to
process the data. Accordingly, since the data transmitted in the
transmission act 916 was data regarding user verification, it will
be assumed that the information processed by the software
application verifies that the user is an authorized user.
Accordingly, the wireless server produces a video signal, such as a
Video packet, containing information regarding a welcome screen and
transmits the video across on a wireless network in a video
transmission act 925. Then, the video transmission is received by
the wireless client either as a broadcast, or through a process
similar to the wireless communication act 915.
[0106] The wireless client next, in a video processing act 930,
receives the information broadcasted in the video transmission act
925. In the video processing act 930, the wireless client processes
and displays the video information received by the wireless server.
The video received is then displayed and remains static at least
until a user entry is received. However, it should be noted that
the period in which the display is static may be extremely short,
such as a 1,000th of a second (or less) in the case of a video
movie broadcast (such as when a DVD is being played).
[0107] The processing algorithm 900 proceeds to a user entry act
935. In the user entry act 935 the wireless client receives a user
entry such as the touching of the display, a voice command, or
another entry from a device attached to the wireless client. Then,
the wireless client converts the user entry into a transmittable
packet and transmits the packet in a data transmit act 940. The
packet is routed as previously discussed in the wireless
communication act 915, and once received by the wireless server is
decompressed, associated with the appropriate executing software
program, and is processed in the background as a background
processing act 945. If the associated program is not yet executing,
the server is instructed to run the program (in other words, to
begin the execution of the program).
[0108] The processing algorithm 900 continues to a video update act
950. In the video update act 950 the display generated by the
executing software is updated to reflect any changes caused by the
data received by the wireless server and processed in the
background act 945. Accordingly, any changes detected in the video
update act are converted into the appropriate video information
needed to direct a display device at the wireless client to display
the appropriate video output.
[0109] Thus, this video information is compressed, packetized and
sent to the wireless client through a process similar to the
wireless communication act 915 in the video update act 950. Once
the video information is received by the wireless client, the
wireless client uses the video information to update the display of
the wireless client in a display update act 955. Then, the
processes of receiving user input(s), and the process of receiving
video updates, continue as long as the wireless client is turned
on. Of course, it should be noted that audio information may be
continuously transmitted from the wireless server to the wireless
client.
[0110] Though the invention has been described with respect to a
specific preferred embodiment, many variations and modifications
will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the
present application. It is therefore the intention that the
appended claims be interpreted as broadly as possible in view of
the prior art to include all such variations and modifications.
* * * * *