U.S. patent application number 13/071337 was filed with the patent office on 2012-03-29 for automatic memory management for a home transcoding device.
This patent application is currently assigned to GENERAL INSTRUMENT CORPORATION. Invention is credited to William P. Franks, Ajay K. Luthra, Paul Moroney, Arjun Ramamurthy, Haifeng Xu.
Application Number | 20120079054 13/071337 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44656596 |
Filed Date | 2012-03-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120079054 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Moroney; Paul ; et
al. |
March 29, 2012 |
Automatic Memory Management for a Home Transcoding Device
Abstract
A content moving device which enables providing content stored
on a first user device, such as a DVR, in a first format and
resolution to be provided to a second user device, such as a
portable media player (PMP) in a second format and resolution. The
content moving device identifies content on the first user device
as candidate content which may be desired by the PMP and assigns a
priority level to the content. The content moving device transcodes
the candidate content in order of highest priority first and lowest
priority last. The content moving device may also use the priority
level to manage deletion of the transcoded content from the storage
on the content moving device. The lowest priority level content may
be deleted first as storage space is needed.
Inventors: |
Moroney; Paul; (La Jolla,
CA) ; Franks; William P.; (San Diego, CA) ;
Luthra; Ajay K.; (San Diego, CA) ; Xu; Haifeng;
(San Diego, CA) ; Ramamurthy; Arjun; (San Diego,
CA) |
Assignee: |
GENERAL INSTRUMENT
CORPORATION
Horsham
PA
|
Family ID: |
44656596 |
Appl. No.: |
13/071337 |
Filed: |
March 24, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61317264 |
Mar 24, 2010 |
|
|
|
61317262 |
Mar 24, 2010 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
709/213 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/4147 20130101;
H04N 21/4402 20130101; H04N 21/43615 20130101; H04N 21/4363
20130101; H04N 21/4516 20130101; H04N 21/4126 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
709/213 |
International
Class: |
G06F 15/167 20060101
G06F015/167 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for moving content from a first user device to a
second user device, comprising: a first device interface configured
to receive content in a first format from the first user device; a
device manager configured to assign a priority level to a candidate
content; a transcoder configured to transcode candidate content by
decoding the candidate content in the first format as decoded
content and encoding the decoded content into a second format
compatible with the second user device as transcoded content; a
storage unit which stores the transcoded content; and a second
device interface configured to provide transcoded content to the
second device, wherein the candidate content is transcoded prior to
other candidate content based on the assigned priority level of the
candidate content.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the priority level is assigned
based on user input.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein user input includes user
selection of the candidate content through a user interface, the
user interface including one of, a web page, a computer interface,
television remote, a portable media player, touch screen display,
keypad or pointer device.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the priority level is assigned
based on rights management rules associated with the candidate
content.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the priority level is assigned
based on a type of content of the candidate content, the type of
content including genre or content series.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the priority level assigned
based on a type of content is assigned based on user selection of
transcoded content to be transferred to the second device.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the priority level is assigned
based on a rating associated with the candidate content.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein first device includes a
plurality of storage devices, and the priority level is assigned
based on the amount of time the candidate content has been stored
relative to other content stored on any storage device of the
plurality of storage devices.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the transcoded content is
deleted from the storage unit based on one or more of: the assigned
priority level, an amount of time the transcoded content has been
stored, an amount of time the candidate content has been stored, or
settings in the first device.
10. A method for moving content from a first user device to a
second user device using a content moving device, comprising the
steps of: the content moving device assigning a priority level to
candidate content on the first user device in a first format to be
moved to the second user device; receiving the candidate content
from the first device; transcoding the candidate content by
decoding the candidate content in the first format as decoded
content and encoding the decoded content into a second format
compatible with the second user device as transcoded content;
storing the transcoded content in a storage associated with the
content moving device; wherein the candidate content is transcoded
prior to other candidate content based on the assigned priority
level of the candidate content.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the priority level is assigned
based on user input.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein user input includes user
selection of the candidate content through a user interface, the
user interface including one of, a web page, a computer interface,
television remote, a portable media player, touch screen display,
keypad or pointer device.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein the priority level is assigned
based on rights management rules associated with the candidate
content.
14. The method of claim 10, wherein the priority level is assigned
based on a type of content of the candidate content, the type of
content including genre or content series.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the priority level assigned
based on a type of content is assigned based on user selection of
transcoded content to be transferred to the second device.
16. The method of claim 10, wherein the priority level is assigned
based on a rating associated with the candidate content.
17. The method of claim 10, wherein the transcoded content is
deleted from the storage unit based on one or more of: the assigned
priority level, an amount of time the transcoded content has been
stored, an amount of time the candidate content has been stored, or
settings in the first device.
18. A non-transitory computer readable medium carrying instructions
for a computer to perform a method for moving content from a first
user device to a second user device using a content moving device,
comprising the steps of: the content moving device assigning a
priority level to candidate content on the first user device in a
first format to be moved to the second user device; receiving the
candidate content from the first device; transcoding the candidate
content by decoding the candidate content in the first format as
decoded content and encoding the decoded content into a second
format compatible with the second user device as transcoded
content; storing the transcoded content in a storage associated
with the content moving device; wherein the candidate content is
transcoded prior to other candidate content based on the assigned
priority level of the candidate content.
19. The computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the priority
level is assigned based on user input.
20. The computer readable medium of claim 19, wherein user input
includes user selection of the candidate content through a user
interface, the user interface including one of, a web page, a
computer interface, television remote, a portable media player,
touch screen display, keypad or pointer device.
21. The computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the priority
level is assigned based on rights management rules associated with
the candidate content.
22. The computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the priority
level is assigned based on a type of content of the candidate
content, the type of content including genre or content series.
23. The computer readable medium of claim 22, wherein the priority
level assigned based on a type of content is assigned based on user
selection of transcoded content to be transferred to the second
device.
24. The computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the priority
level is assigned based on a rating associated with the candidate
content.
25. The computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the
transcoded content is deleted from the storage unit based on one or
more of: the assigned priority level, an amount of time the
transcoded content has been stored, an amount of time the candidate
content has been stored, or settings in the first device.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application 61/317,264 filed on Mar. 24, 2010, and the benefit of
U.S. Provisional Application 61/317,262 filed on Mar. 24, 2010,
both of which are herein incorporated by reference in their
entirety. This application is related to attorney docket number
BCS06314, titled MOVING CONTENT BETWEEN SET TOP BOX AND END DEVICES
IN HOME, filed Mar. 24, 2011, herein incorporated by reference in
its entirety.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a content management device, and
more particularly toward a management of a transcoding and storage
device.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Consumers receive content in various forms using several
different devices. For example, consumers may receive video
content, e.g. television programs and movie, or audio content, e.g.
music, through a set top box (STB) connected to a service provider
network. The content may be stored on a digital video recoding
(DVR) device at the request of the user, and retained on the DVR
for an indefinite period of time, e.g. until deleted by the user.
The STB is typically connected to a television device which
displays the video content or plays the audio content to the
consumer. The typical television device is a non-portable
stationary unit inside a household.
[0004] Many consumers wish to view his/her content stored on their
home DVR on the go, on his/her mobile device, whenever he wishes.
Unfortunately, most mobile devices cannot process content that is
high definition (HD, e.g. 720p, 1080i, 1080p) or even standard
definition (SD, e.g. 480i) resolution, which is the common
resolution for the DVR. Further, DVR content is often received and
stored as MPEG2 (Motion Picture Experts Group) transport streams,
while most mobile devices are configured to pay MPEG4 (AVC/H.264)
file oriented content. Most DVR audio is coded as Audio Codec 3
(AC-3) format, while most mobile devices play the Advanced Audio
Coding (AAC) format. Somehow, the consumer's intention must be met,
despite these mismatches.
[0005] The content may be converted (transcoding) the content from
the format and coding on the DVR to the desired format of the
consumer's mobile device. However, transcoding of this sort takes
time, in fact, often almost as much time as it would take to play
the content. Most consumers do not have the patience to wait, for
example, nearly 90 minutes to get programs transferred to his/her
mobile devices. It would be desirable for the consumer to be able
to see the content choices available for transfer to their portable
media player (PMP), including a mobile phone or smart phone, make a
quick decision for transfer, quickly receive and be able to access
the content without significant waiting periods.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0006] In accordance with the principles of the invention, an
apparatus for moving content from a first user device to a second
user device, may comprise: a first device interface configured to
receive content in a first format from the first user device; a
device manager configured to assign a priority level to a candidate
content; a transcoder configured to transcode candidate content by
decoding the candidate content in the first format as decoded
content and encoding the decoded content into a second format
compatible with the second user device as transcoded content; a
storage unit which stores the transcoded content; and a second
device interface configured to provide transcoded content to the
second device, wherein the candidate content is transcoded prior to
other candidate content based on the assigned priority level of the
candidate content.
[0007] In accordance with the principles of the invention, a method
for moving content from a first user device to a second user device
using a content moving device, may comprise the steps of: the
content moving device assigning a priority level to candidate
content on the first user device in a first format to be moved to
the second user device; receiving the candidate content from the
first device; transcoding the candidate content by decoding the
candidate content in the first format as decoded content and
encoding the decoded content into a second format compatible with
the second user device as transcoded content; storing the
transcoded content in a storage associated with the content moving
device; wherein the candidate content is transcoded prior to other
candidate content based on the assigned priority level of the
candidate content.
[0008] In accordance with the principles of the invention, a
non-transitory computer readable medium may carry instructions for
a computer to perform a method for moving content from a first user
device to a second user device using a content moving device,
comprising the steps of: the content moving device assigning a
priority level to candidate content on the first user device in a
first format to be moved to the second user device; receiving the
candidate content from the first device; transcoding the candidate
content by decoding the candidate content in the first format as
decoded content and encoding the decoded content into a second
format compatible with the second user device as transcoded
content; storing the transcoded content in a storage associated
with the content moving device; wherein the candidate content is
transcoded prior to other candidate content based on the assigned
priority level of the candidate content.
[0009] The priority level may be assigned based on user input. The
user input may include user selection of the candidate content
through a user interface, the user interface including one of, a
web page, a computer interface, television remote, a portable media
player, touch screen display, keypad or pointer device. The
priority level may be assigned based on rights management rules
associated with the candidate content. The priority level may be
assigned based on a type of content of the candidate content, the
type of content including genre or content series. The priority
level assigned based on a type of content may be assigned based on
user selection of transcoded content to be transferred to the
second device. The priority level may be assigned based on a rating
associated with the candidate content. The first device may include
a plurality of storage devices, and the priority level is assigned
based on the amount of time the candidate content has been stored
relative to other content stored on any storage device of the
plurality of storage devices. The transcoded content may be deleted
from the storage unit based on one or more of: the assigned
priority level, an amount of time the transcoded content has been
stored, an amount of time the candidate content has been stored, or
settings in the first device.
[0010] The content mover device enables a user to conveniently and
efficiently move user recorded content from one user device (e.g. a
DVR) to another user device (e.g. PMP). The content mover device
performs the often time consuming and computationally intensive
task of transcoding content stored on the first device in a first
format into a second format usable by the second device. The
transcoding operation may be performed automatically independent of
a request for the content by the PMP. The content mover device may
efficiently manage memory space to be able to provide desired
content to the user.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary home network arrangement
using a content moving device in accordance with the principles of
the invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates an alternate arrangement for a home
network using a content mover device in accordance with the
principles of the invention.
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary architecture of a content
mover device 7 in accordance with the principles of the
invention.
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary architecture for a host
module 21 contained in STB 2 for interacting with content mover
device 7 in accordance with the principles of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary architecture for a portable
device in accordance with the principles of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary process for moving content
from a DVR 2 to the content mover device 7 in accordance with the
principles of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates a process for transferring content from
the content mover device 7 to a PMP in accordance with the
principles of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary display on a PMP for content
selection.
[0019] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary display of content details
on a PMP.
[0020] FIG. 10 illustrates a down load queue on the PMP 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] For simplicity and illustrative purposes, the present
invention is described by referring mainly to exemplary embodiments
thereof. In the following description, numerous specific details
are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present
invention. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in
the art that the present invention may be practiced without
limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well
known methods and structures have not been described in detail to
avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary home network arrangement
using a content moving device in accordance with the principles of
the invention. The content moving device described herein may be an
accessory that is placed between the consumer's DVR and his mobile
devices, as illustrated in FIG. 1. It transcodes, that is,
converts, the format mismatches for video and audio and the
transport packaging. In a preferred implementation, the mover
performs this function with minimal disruption to the consumer.
[0023] The content moving device may be connected to the DVR on a
permanent basis, by Ethernet or some similar home network
technology, such as a Media over Coax Alliance (MoCA) standard,
e.g. MoCA MAC/PHY v 1.0. Thus the content moving device can do what
the mobile device cannot--always be present and connected. Thus the
Content moving device can transcode at its somewhat slow pace in
the background, building a store of program files compatible to the
mobile devices. The Content moving device storage may be viewed as
a mirror of the DVR content, (e.g. being an exact duplicate of
content stored if possible). If this is achieved, the consumer can
check for available recordings, and then transfer them to the
mobile device, with the transfer limited only by his home network.
In this fashion, the consumer's intent can be supported. The
Content moving device may be an "invisible" device, with no direct
user interaction required, and possibly not even any out-of-box set
up at all. An Ethernet connected Content moving device typically
requires no mandatory set up, while a WiFi connected Content moving
device may require a Service Set Identifier (SSID) and key. The
moving device may provide for full automation of the content
transcoding and transfer.
[0024] The consumer already has learned how to interact with his
DVR to schedule recordings and view content, and he has also
learned to use his portable device. Learning another mandatory User
Interface on the content mover device may not be highly desirable
for some users. For that user it is optimal to have him interact
solely through the end device and perhaps the DVR, to accomplish
his on-the-road needs for content.
[0025] The content moving device may check for new content
recordings and new DVR deletions on a regular basis. Any change in
the DVR may be mirrored in the content moving device's own memory.
The content moving device may handle all the details of copy
management, and obey the digital rights associated with the DVR
recording, such as obeying copy once restrictions of the original
broadcast program, obeying copy once restrictions for example.
[0026] While mirroring the DRV recordings on the content moving
device may be desirable, for cost reasons, it may not be possible
to mirror the entire contents of the DVR. For example, a 250 GB DVR
storing 10 Mbps HD programs could be mirrored by a content moving
device with only 25 GB of flash memory, assuming the content moving
device targets a 1 Mbps average "baseline profile" MPEG4 coded rate
for half VGA mobile content. This content looks excellent on a
portable video player, such as the iTouch or Droid smart phone,
with approximately 4 inch screens. However, if the consumer stores
SD recordings, which are received at a lower bit rate, many more
fit on a DVR than may be stored on the content mover device even at
a transcoded lower rate. The content moving device may be able to
compensate somewhat by transcoding SD programs to quarter VGA, to
avoid the interlace artifacts that might occur. However, if the
consumer uses a larger STB/DVR or attaches additional memory to the
STB/DVR, e.g. a 1 TeraByte extender hard drive to his eSATA port,
the content mover device may still not have enough storage space.
For all these reasons, the content moving device may need to
implement an intelligent memory management scheme in order to
remain fully automatic. Note that a Content moving device can also
be designed with an internal hard drive, or Network Attached
Storage, to reduce the likelihood of insufficient memory. However,
the combination of cost and reliability often make it desirable to
support flash memory in 16 GB or 32 GB sizes. Note that an internal
hard drive also often brings additional weight, power,
susceptibility to damage, and heat concerns.
[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary home network arrangement
using a content moving device in accordance with the principles of
the invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a user household 1 may include
one or more STBs 2 with a DVR integrated therein or separately
attached. An external storage device 3 may also be used with STB 2
to store additional content. While multiple STBs 2 are illustrated,
a single one may be present or only one may have a DVR while other
STB may not include a DVR. The STB receives communications over a
communication carrier 1, such as a coaxial cable, optical fiber or
wireless communication carrier.
[0028] The communications may include video, audio/video (e.g.
television programs or movies), audio information, data, and STB
control and signaling information. The communications may be a
provider network, which may charge for providing communication and
content services to the user. The communications may be
bi-directional, e.g. downstream from the service provider and
upstream from the STB. Typical provider networks include over the
air free broadcasts, cable television networks (including optical
fiber networks, hybrid fiber coax (HFC) networks, etc.), or
satellite television networks. STB 2 preferably received content
through the network and provides the content to television (not
shown) for display to a user. STB 3 may also record content
selected by a user on its associated DVR.
[0029] In an exemplary arrangement as illustrated in FIG. 1, a
modem 4 may also receive communications through communication
carrier 1. Alternatively, modem 4 may receive communications from a
different network than STBs 2. Modem 4 may be connected to a in
home router 5, such as via Ethernet port connections, wireless
connection or other suitable connection. Router 5 may be connected
to a content mover device 7 via an Ethernet connection, a wireless
(WiFi), USB data, or other suitable type of connection.
[0030] The router 5 may communicate with STB 2 via an Ethernet,
Universal Serial Bus USB, wireless (WiFi) or other suitable type of
connection. The router 5 may be directly connected to STB 2 or via
another device, such as a MoCA bridge (not shown) which may connect
to the STB via communication carrier 1. Router 5 may communicate
directly with STB 2 via an Ethernet connection, connecting a
plurality of STBs to each other, which may also serve as the
communication carrier 1. Router 5 may provide a hardwired or
wireless connection (e.g. a WiFi connection) to a portable device
6, such as a mobile phone, portable media player, laptop, PC,
tablet, etc.
[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates an alternate arrangement for a home
network using a content mover device in accordance with the
principles of the invention. FIG. 2 is similar to the arrangement
in FIG. 1, with similar components bearing the same reference
number. However, in Fig. content mover device 7 is connected
directly to STB 2 rather than connected through router 5. Content
mover device 7 may be connected via an Ethernet, USB, wireless
(WiFi or Bluetooth) connection, or any suitable connection. Router
5 may be connected to the content mover device 7 via an Ethernet
connection, a wireless (WiFi), USB data, or other suitable type of
connection.
[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary architecture of a content
mover device 7 in accordance with the principles of the invention.
As illustrated in FIG. 3, content mover device 7 may include a
media server 71 with a transcoder module 72. A device manager 73
may be included to control the operations of content mover device
7. A portable device interface unit 74 may be provided to
communicate with a desired portable device. The portable device
interface unit 74 may include modules for controlling file access,
such as XFF or a file allocation table (FAT), SD card access
control. Wireless interfaces, e.g. Bluetooth including FTP and CPP
modules may be used, as well as a WiFi module with Digital Living
Network Aliance (DLNA)/Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) Content
Directory Service (CDS), TCP/IP and HTTP protocols. A host
interface module 75 may include a USB slave, CDC, TCP/IP, HTTP
server, and Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) interface modules.
A storage controller 76 may be included to control access to
attached or internal storage.
[0033] An external storage can also be attached to content moving
device via, for example, USB or Serial Advanced Technology
Attachment (SATA) or SD Card interface, This storage device may be
shared with Set Top Box or other devices on the network.
[0034] Mover can also access the storage media, internal or
external to other devices, like DVR. It can use those to store back
the transcoded content. This can be done in addition to or in place
of the storage internal to content moving device. The external
storage can also be used as an extended storage size or to do long
term archiving of the content.
[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary architecture for a host
module 21 contained in STB 2 for interacting with content mover
device 7 in accordance with the principles of the invention. As
illustrated, the host module 21 may include a host application
controller 22, a mover module 23 containing a platform for
controlling SOAP, TCP/IP, CDC, and USB Slave modules. A PTP module
24 with a USB host interface controller may also be included.
[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary architecture for a portable
device in accordance with the principles of the invention. A
illustrated, portable device 6 may include a media player
controller 61, a mover/STB interface module 62, a FAT SD card
module 63 for controlling file access, such as a file allocation
table (FAT), SD card access control. Wireless interface modules 64,
e.g. Bluetooth including FTP and CPP modules may be used, as well
as a WiFi module 65 with UPnP CDS, TCP/IP and HTTP protocols. A
host interface module 66 may include a USB slave and PTP
modules.
[0037] Table 1 provides an overview of exemplary system
configurations for content mover device 7. A indicated, video,
audio and packaging (container) formats may be changed on an input
stream to a different formats on the output stream. Categories for
changing may include: video format, resolution, bit rate, and frame
rate; audio format, bit rate, and channels; and container
formats.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 overview of system configurations Media
Category Input Output Video Format AVC/H.264 Main, High &
Baseline Profile AVC/H.264 Main, High & Baseline Profile,
MPEG-2 MPEG-2 AVC/H.264 Baseline, Main & High Profile, MPEG-2
Resolution HD (1080p, 1080i, 720p) HD, ED/SD, 1/2 VGA, HVGA, QVGA,
CIF, HCIF, QCIF ED/SD/WVGA (480i, 480p, 576i, 575p) ED/SD, 1/2 VGA,
HVGA, QVGA, CIF, HCIF, QCIF Bit Rate up to 20 Mbps 25 Mbps down to
64 Kbps Frame Rate Interlaced: 30, 25 fps Can be lower than input
(if desired, as may be the case for Progressive: 60, 30, 50, 25, 24
fps some mobile phones) (can not support 1080p60) Audio Format AC3,
MPEG-2 Audio MP3, AAC-LC, AAC-HE Bit Rate up to 320 Kbps up to 320
Kbps Channels 5.1 5.1, 2.0 2.0 2.0 Container Format MPEG-2 TS, MP4
MPEG-2 TS, MP4
[0038] The content moving device may check for not only new content
recordings on a regular basis but also any DVR deletions as well.
Any change in the DVR is mirrored in the content moving device's
own storage/memory. The content moving device may handle all the
issues relating to copy management and obey the digital rights
associated with the DVR recording, such as obeying copy once
restrictions of the original broadcast program.
[0039] However, an advanced user may want to have more control on
managing how and which content is transcoded, stored and deleted on
Mover. For such user an option is provided to prioritize which
content is more important, which one is deleted as the memory in
the content moving device gets filled up. For example, he can set
the priority based on episode, series or genre etc. Content can
also be selected individually and provided the desired priority by
the user. An option is provided for a user go to deeper layer of
interaction to personalize the behavior of Mover to his liking.
This personalization can be done via the interface on the mobile
device, a PC or similar device connected on the network with access
to content moving device or through Set Top box and TV.
[0040] If the network consists of multiple DVRs, the content mover
device can ping-pong between those DVRs or select the transcoding
priority order from the most recent to the last stored content
among those DVRs, and effectively perform a mirroring operation.
For mirroring operation. A user can also modify the default setting
by either giving some content higher priority over others. This can
be done by either setting the priority a-priori or setting it
dynamically by the user by requesting from the end device the
content that needs to be transferred.
[0041] The communication between the content mover device, PMP and
DVR on the user's home network may be established through a
discovery process, such as using UPnP. For example, the content
mover device and/or PMP may use UPnP to discover any DVR on the
local home network. The content mover device and/or PMP may
identify server devices (i.e. DMS) and selects the DVR(s). If there
are other source devices such as PCs, the content moving device/PMP
may exclude them from future content discovery.
[0042] There may be more than one DVR in the home network. If that
is the case, in one implementation, only one DVR may be configured
as the Home key distribution center (KDC). That is the one that all
other devices (content mover device and PMPs) will provision using
IPRM provisioning.
[0043] In a preferred implementation, the content mover device 7
transcodes DVR content and stores the transcoded content on a
storage associated with the content mover device 7. Those of skill
in the art will appreciate that the DVR is preferably connected to
the content mover or home network to share content with content
mover device, the content mover device is connected to the home
network and is turned on, and the content mover device has been
configured with the DVR. The content mover device and the user's
PMP are also preferably configured accordingly (e.g. default
content resolution and format).
[0044] The mover device may be suited to operate with multiple PMP
devices as well as multiple DVRs, e.g. by registering multiple PMPs
with the mover device. The mover device 7 may include a device
profile database which identifies desired content characteristics
of a particular PMP, for example. The mover device 7 may determine
the identity of a PMP requesting content, and provide transcoded
content to the PMP according to the characteristics in the device
profile database.
[0045] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary process for moving content
from a DVR 2 to the content mover device 7 in accordance with the
principles of the invention. The content mover device manager
performs a content selection process for new content on the DVR 2,
step S1. The content mover device manager 73 may check for new
content on the DVR 2, step S1, such as by requesting a list of
recordings from the DVR host application 22. The mover device may
check for new content on the DVR at predetermined time periods,
e.g. periodically every 5 minutes, every hour, once a day, etc.,
the length of time in the periods may be preset in the mover
device, programmable by a remote network, or set by a user. The
mover may also or alternatively check for content based on an event
at the DVR or STB associated with the DRV. For example, the DVR may
provide a notification to the mover device when a recording is
started, a deletion occurs or a recording or deletion event has
been scheduled. The content mover device manager 73 may compare the
list with a list of already transcoded content on the content mover
device 7. The content mover device manager 73 may select one
content item from the DVR, step S3 and requests the selected
content for transfer. The selection of the content may be based on
a user selection, or based on a preconfigured algorithm as a
candidate for transcoding.
[0046] A transcode priority may be assigned to the selected
content, step S3. While the transcode priority is illustrated as a
separate step from the content selection, such illustration is
merely for discussion purposes. The transcode priority may be
assigned in connection with the selection process or as a separate
step. The content mover device manager 73 may compare the list of
content on the DVR with a list of already transcoded content on the
content mover device 7. The content mover device manager 73 may
select a new recording, based on an assumption that the newest
recording may be of highest interest to the user. In this approach,
the newest recordings may be given a higher priority for
transcoding. Whenever a user selects a program not on the content
moving device, its priority is raised to the top, and transcoded
immediately. The consumer however may need to wait for the content
to be transcoded to be completed.
[0047] An intelligent learning algorithm may be used in addition to
a time factor or newness of the content. It may be possible to
include characteristics of the type of recordings the consumer
enjoys the most. By observing the content genre and content series
that the consumer transfers to his PMP or mobile device, programs
matching the genre or series name can be raised in priority. Recent
recordings may still be given a higher priority. An example of one
assignment of a priority level may be: [0048] a--mirror DVR if
possible, e.g. transcode all content; [0049] b--users' selection as
the highest priority for any content not already stored within the
moving device; [0050] c--take any recording less than X days old,
e.g. 7 days old; [0051] d--take any recording matching a series of
content transferred by the consumer in the past Y days, e.g. 14
days; and [0052] e--take any recording matching a genre of content
transferred by the consumer in the past Z days, e.g. 14 days.
[0053] Within any of the priority groups above, finer priority
levels may be applied within. For example, the newest content
within the content level may be transcoded first, then the next
newest and so on. As another example, HD recordings may be
transcoded first, then SD recordings may be transcoded. HD
recordings typically take the longest to transcode, so by taking
these first, the desired SD recordings may be quickly transcoded,
i.e. to increase the chance that any "cache miss" desired by the
consumer, and requested in (b) above, takes less time to transcode,
thus requiring less waiting time for the consumer. In the same
manner, if one program is transcoded slower than another for any
reason, it may take precedence over the faster-to-transcode
program. If a user receives both HD & SD versions of a specific
channel, then choose SD. For, example, if the content mover device
were able to transcode HD content at a faster rate than SD content,
then HD content may be preferred, e.g. HD at 1 Mbps and SD at 500
kbps. This would involve talking back to the DVR.
[0054] The content stored on the DVR 2 may have certain protections
such as DRM restrictions, accordingly, content mover device manager
73 determines whether and how the content is protected, step S7. If
the content is protected, the content mover device uses the content
protection technology specified in the CDS to obtain decryption
keys and content rights from the DVR. Content mover device manager
73 determines the format and resolution on the incoming content and
selects the format and resolution for the transcoded content based
on the PMP(s) that have been configured on the content moving
device, step S7. For example, with reference to table 1, content
with an audio format of AC3 may be transcoded to an MP3 format.
Content moving device 7 transcodes the content from the DVR 2 into
the identified formats and resolution, step S9. The transcoding
process may include decoding at transcoder 72 the incoming content
in its existing format and re-encoding the content in a desired
format.
[0055] If the content is to be further protected after transcoding,
the content mover device manager 73 determines encryption keys and
resulting rights for the transcoded content, step S11. If the
content is encrypted on the DVR, after requesting content from the
DVR, the content mover device 7 decrypts portion of the content,
transcodes portion of the content, and encrypts the transcoded
portion of the content. The transcoded encrypted content and
non-encrypted content is stored in a local storage associated with
the content mover device 7 via storage manager 76, step S13.
Protected content may be limited by copy protection constraints: a.
encrypted "copy-free" content with restrictions (e.g. ENR, RCT,
CGMS-A) may be copied to the content moving device, b. "copy-once"
content (i.e. marked as "copy-no-more" on the DVR) can only be
"moved" (instead of copied) to the content moving device.
Unprotected copy-free content may be copied to the content mover
device within proximity.
[0056] In a scenario in which multiple PMPs are associated with the
content moving device (e.g. by being registered with the PMP), a
priority schedule may be established for each PMP, and saved in a
memory on the content mover device. The priority level for content
may be set based on another PMP's interaction with content, and DRM
requirements associated with the content. For example, if the DVR
content was originally restricted as "copy once" and, therefore,
marked as "copy no more" after transcoding on the content mover
device, the transfer to the PMP may be a "move" rather than a
"copy", e.g. not retaining the content on the content mover device.
In due time, the content moving device will preferably check the
DVR, see that this content is still on the DVR and not on the
content moving device, and will transcode and store the protected
content again. If a second PMP or mobile device comes along, and
chooses this same content, the protected content is preferably
transferred, and deleted from content moving device again.
Accordingly, as a plurality of the PMPs (e.g. all of the PMPs or
all of the PMPs permitted to view the content due to content
rating) associated with the content mover device have already
viewed the content, the protected content is preferably marked as a
very low priority, essentially at the bottom of the list.
[0057] Another copy related priority assignment factor may involve
content that can only be copied during its recording, or shortly
thereafter (e.g. "real time copy" DRM designation). Such content is
copy once at or near its time of recording, and copy no more
otherwise. Thus content designated as real time copy which is being
recorded on the DVR is preferably assigned the highest priority for
transcoding, which may be even above the consumer's own selection.
For example, content which is so designated may be so designated
may only be permitted to be provided to the content mover device to
be transcoded within a period of time close to the content
presentation time and a period of time after presentation, e.g.
during the presentation time and 90 minutes afterwards on a
received byte by byte basis. Further in a scenario in which
multiple PMPs are associated with the content mover device,
multiple transcoded copies may be made within this limited window,
one for each PMP.
[0058] Multiple transcoded copies may be made by copying transcoded
content, or transcoding the content multiple times depending on the
DRM requirements associated with the content. In the instance of
transcoding the content multiple times, the transcoder operation
may include more than one actual transcoders or repetitive use of a
single transcoder (e.g. serial operation on a content or content
segment basis). In one option, a content provider, e.g. Disney,
Inc., may allow recording for 90 minutes for each real time
received byte. In this case, for events of 90 minutes duration or
less, we have only to start the second transfer before the first is
over and transcode faster than real time to catch up to the real
time content presentation. In the less preferred case, the copy
permission may be tightly bound to real-time, e.g. an after content
presentation copying time is not permitted. In this case, we may
need to do two parallel transcodes in real time, and thus the HD
transcoder may be required to transcode at a 2.times. speed.
[0059] The DVR content may be provided to the content mover device
7 and processed by the content moving device as an entire content
file or in discrete portions or segments of content. For example, a
segment of video may be decoded, re-encoded and stored prior to the
next segment. Process may repeat to receive segments until entire
file has been transferred, transcoded and stored on the storage
associated with the content mover device.
[0060] The content mover device 7 may repeat steps S1-S13 for each
content of interest on the DVR until the list of candidates is
empty or the content mover device 7 associated local storage is
full.
[0061] In some implementations, the content mover device 7 may be
configured to request content from DVR 2 at set predetermined
intervals. The set predetermined times may be chosen by the user,
set within the content mover device 7 at the time of manufacture,
or determined by the content mover device 7 in connection with
historical time periods of a user for requesting content from the
content mover device 7, as periods of low activity on the DVR. The
content mover device 7 may set a local timer to wake up and check
for new recorded content on the DVR.
[0062] In some implementations, the content mover device may
transcode virtually all of the content stored on the DVR, so as to
effectively create a mirror image of the DVR stored content.
[0063] A user interface (UI), such as such as a display (e.g. touch
screen display) and input device (e.g. keypad or pointer), a web
page, a local computer interface, use of a television remote and
attached television display, or use of an a UI via an attached PMP
(e.g. smart phone) may allow users to manually set parameters for
the content moving device. The user interface may allow the user to
manually set the series names that should have priority (e.g. no
matter how old), or the program genres. If set, such a priority
replaces the automatic processes steps (a-d) shown above. The
consumer can also adjust the default times described above, of X
(e.g. 7) days, and Y (e.g. 14) days. The consumer might also
connect the `learning` behavior to a specific PMP or mobile device,
rather than all such devices to which the content moving device may
be connected. The content moving device may be provided a priority
device or elects a priority device based on the input from the UI.
The consumer may also disable the intelligent algorithm entirely,
and run the basic algorithm via the web interface. The web
interface may be implemented by a network connection provided to
the content mover device associated with a server connected on the
web.
[0064] The user may also be allowed to enter or set of default
ratings acceptable to the user, e.g. a ratings ceiling, on content
transfers to the PMPs, for parental control of the user PMPs or
other PMPs associated with the user (e.g. a child's PMP associated
with a parent's PMP associated with the content mover device). The
content ratings may also be used in the priority assignment
processes discussed above. For example, in one implementation,
content that is restricted via a content rating may fall to the
bottom of the algorithm priority, as it is less useful to the
mobile devices in the home network, as a whole.
[0065] It also may be possible for a fully automated content moving
device to support non-homogeneous devices, such as the laptop PC or
tablet. A laptop has a larger screen than a typical PMP, so might
support content of higher resolution. Such support could entail
transcoding multiple versions of the DVR content, thus consuming
even more memory resources in the content moving device. Content
mirroring may become even more difficult, perhaps even with a small
hard drive. Thus the automated algorithms mentioned above can be
enhanced to observe the transfers to each type of device, and track
them separately. For example, a mobile smart phone may be one
category, and a laptop may be another. Since such devices may be
used by a single individual.
[0066] Content series and genre elements of the algorithm can be
followed separately for the two types, and essentially manage the
two queues of DVR mirroring separately. Memory allocation between
the two can also be set in an automated fashion. For example, if a
PC takes VGA resolution and mobile phones take half VGA, and thus
half the storage per program, the PC queue can be allocated 2/3 of
the total to start. However, the content moving device may track
the actual transfers themselves. If the content moving device may
observe two mobile devices and one laptop, or if the content moving
device observes more net transfers, more usage, from the mobile
devices, it can move the memory allocation boundary to store more
content for the mobiles. In other words, the content moving device
may be able to minimize the "cache misses" that it observes over
time.
[0067] Furthermore, the content mover device may build an
"experience" database indicating content requested by the PMPs to
be transferred from the content mover device associated therewith.
The experience database may retain a list of content selected by
the user's PMP, indicating a content genre or series and time of
transfer, e.g. transfer of news content every morning from Monday
through Friday. The database may be used to identify other content
recorded on the DVR to transfer with a higher priority similar to
the genre of content requested to be transferred to the PMP. Higher
priority may be given to a series recordings rather than single
event recordings. DVR recorded content of the same series as
content which was transferred or requested by the user may also be
given a higher priority. One or more predetermined transfer
periods, such as a week, two weeks, month, etc, may be used to
assign higher or lower priority levels to the candidate content,
e.g. a week being a higher level for a series or similar genre, and
a month be a lower level. In this manner, it could keep track of
how many episodes of a certain series have been downloaded by the
user to assign a priority level to the content series. For example,
new episodes of more popular (downloaded more often) series could
get a preferential treatment when deciding what to transcode.
Similar intelligence could be applied to genre (assuming this comes
with appropriate metadata to identify the genre). This preference
control can also be set via the web page configuration screen.
[0068] Another example of a priority level assignment, in order
from highest to lowest, may be: [0069] real time recording
required; [0070] selection for any content not already stored
within the moving device; [0071] newer recordings, take any
recording less than X days old, e.g. 7 days old; [0072] series
recordings, take any recording matching a series of content
transferred by [0073] the consumer in the past Y days, e.g. 14
days; [0074] genre recordings, take any recording matching a genre
of content transferred by the consumer in the past Z days, e.g. 14
days; [0075] user experience; [0076] ratings restrictions; and
[0077] previous transfer of content item to PMPs.
[0078] The content mover device 7 may also receive content from a
portable media player (PMP). Those of skill in the art will
appreciate that the PMP and content mover device are configured to
communicate with each other and the PMP is provisioned to the
user's home network.
[0079] FIG. 7 illustrates a process for transferring content from
the content mover device 7 to a PMP in accordance with the
principles of the invention. As illustrated, a transfer request may
be made by the PMP and received by the content mover device, step
S20. For example, a user may activate a "DVR Sync" application
running on the PMP to initiate the process. A list of transcoded
content stored by the content mover device may be made available to
the PMP for selection, step S22, to enable the PMP to discover a
list of transcoded content items on the content mover device.
[0080] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary display on a PMP for content
selection. As illustrated, PMP 6 preferably includes a display
which displays the transcoded content available for download 62 on
to the PMP 6 from the content mover device. Once content is
selected for download, an icon may be shown indicating the download
status 61.
[0081] This list may optionally include DVR content that has not
been transcoded (e.g. due to limited content moving device local
storage space). The non-transcoded list my be a list constructed in
real-time by getting a fresh list from the DVR or it may be a
snapshot from the last time the content moving device requested the
list from the DVR. The PMP may compare the list with a list of
already transferred content in local storage and select one content
item from the content mover device based on a preconfigured
algorithm as a candidate for transfer, and provide the selection to
the content mover device, step S24.
[0082] If the content is protected, e.g. with encryption, the PMP
may be provided with the decryption keys and any DRM rules
associated with the content, step S26. If IPRM is used, this may
require the PMP to request a ticket from the content mover device
or the DVR prior to accessing the content. The PMP may create a
local DRM license with the decryption key and rights. For example,
if the DVR content was originally restricted as "copy once" and,
therefore, marked as "copy no more" after transcoding on the
content mover device, the transfer to the PMP may be a "move"
rather than a "copy".
[0083] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary display of content details
on a PMP. As illustrated in FIG. 9, additional details related to
the content may also be displayed with the content on PMP 6.
Additional details 63, may be carried in meta data associated with
the content. The additional details may include a description of
the content, a rating, run time, channel name and number, file
size, actors in the content, etc. A download selection button 65
may be provided to enable a user to request transfer of the content
from the mover device.
[0084] FIG. 10 illustrates a down load queue on the PMP 6. Multiple
items of content 68 may be selected for download at one time, and a
download queue may be established. A download status indicator bar
66 may be displayed to indicate the progress of the download
operation.
[0085] In step S28 of FIG. 7, the content mover device provides the
requested content to the PMP. If DTCP-IP is used, the PMP may
decrypt the content. The PMP may encrypt and store the received
transcoded content in a local storage associated with the PMP. The
steps in FIG. 7 may be repeated for each requested content. In the
above manner, PMP may have all (or a subset) of the content mover
device's transcoded content items in its local storage ready to be
watched locally on the PMP.
[0086] Once the PMP has the content, it may play the content
without being connected to the user's home network. The user may
play the content by starting a "DVR to go" application. In on
implementation, the PMP may list all content items transferred from
the content mover device, for user selection. Once the selection is
made, the PMP determines DRM rules and the content decryption key
if the content is encrypted. The playback of the content may
include fast forward, rewind, pause, etc. The PMP decrypts, decodes
and renders the content for consumption by the user, and may update
any metadata associated with the content. Once the user finishes
watching the content, the PMP may mark the content as "watched".
The watched content may be deleted by instruction from the user or
marked as a candidate for deletion if there is not enough space to
transfer more content later.
[0087] The content mover device 7 may need to delete stored
transcoded content to free up storage space for new content. When
content moving device's memory is full or close to getting full,
e.g. 95% full, it needs to delete some of the transcoded content.
It can be done based on the rules set by the user or the service
provider or the default setting. An example of default setting is
that the content corresponding to the oldest one stored on DVR is
deleted from the content moving device's memory first. Another
example is that the content that is allowed to be copied freely and
transferred to an end device is deleted first. Between HD and SD
content, the HD content may be given higher priority by the user or
the service provider.
[0088] The content which has been stored on the DVR for the longest
amount of time (e.g. the oldest content on the DVR) may be given a
high deletion priority, e.g., selected for deletion from the
content mover device first. However, content which is recently
transcoded by the content mover device, even if it is among the
oldest content on the DVR, may be given a lower deletion priority
or given a deletion window exception (e.g. 1 day or 1 week for no
deletion) so it is not deleted shortly after being transcoded.
Alternatively, content which has been stored on the content mover
device for the longest amount of time (e.g. the oldest transcoded
content) may be given a high deletion priority, e.g., may be
selected for deletion first.
[0089] The deletion of content on the content mover device may
blindly follow the DVR settings for deletion of content on the DVR
e.g., if a user sets "keep until only deleted by user" settings on
his/her DVR, then the content mover device follows the same. Which
means, even though it is an older recording, it shall not be
deleted. In another scenario, the content mover device may
intelligently follow the DVR Settings, wherein the content mover
device may delete the "keep until only deleted by user" first (e.g.
under the assumption that this DVR content would be always
available for transcoding and can be re-transcoded when space is
available). If the user has downloaded the transcoded content from
the content mover device to his/her device, then set a flag in the
local database i.e. the user has consumed the content and hence it
"can be deleted".
[0090] The transcode priority levels assigned to the content in
transcoding the content may be used to establish a deletion
priority. For example, content designated (e.g. marked) as a low
transcode priority may be deleted first, by deleting the oldest
content in this priority level first, and deleting the newest
content in this level last. All of the low priority content may be
deleted prior to deleting content marked with a medium and high
priority. The priority designation of the transcoded content on the
content mover device may changed from a high to a low, for example
once the content is provided to the PMP, so the content may be
deleted earlier. Doing so may avoid consuming memory space
unnecessarily.
[0091] In one implementation, the content mover device may allow
the user to select content for deletion via a UI, such as one
discussed above. In one implementation, the content mover device
may not have a user interface in which a user may select the
content to be deleted. The content mover device may use certain
parameters to decide which content to delete when new content needs
to be transferred from the DVR. This process may include decision
attributes such as:
[0092] 1. delete based on priority designation;
[0093] 2. oldest content is deleted first;
[0094] 3. content deleted from the DVR may be deleted from the
content moving device as well;
[0095] 4. content already transferred to the PMP may be
deleted;
[0096] 5. SD content may be deleted before HD content (due to speed
of transcoding HD content); and/or
[0097] 6. keep only last 3 episodes of any series
[0098] The PMP may also perform content deletion operations to make
more storage space available for newly transcoded content to be
transferred from the content mover device. This could be done
automatically based on the user preferences or explicitly by the
user via the user interface.
[0099] When a particular recording is deleted on the DVR, the
content moving device may also delete the transcoded content. The
content moving device may ignore that fact and keep the transcoded
copy available for further copying to PMPs. The copy on the content
mover device may be removed using a regular storage cleanup
approach as discussed above. Alternatively, the content moving
device may try to represent a mirror image of the DVR recordings,
e.g. the content moving device may delete the content as well.
Content to be deleted may be determined by comparing the latest
list of content from the DVR with the list of content on the
content moving device. Any content item found in the content moving
device and not in the DVR's list may be deleted.
[0100] If the network consists of multiple DVRs, then default
setting may be that the content that is oldest content among those
DVRs is deleted first, and effectively perform a mirroring
operation. The content mover device can ping-pong between those
DVRs or select the deletion priority order from the last stored to
most recent content among those DVRs. A user can also modify the
default setting by either giving some content higher priority over
others. This can be done by either setting the priority a-priori or
setting it dynamically by the user by requesting from the end
device the content that needs to be transferred.
[0101] The content moving device is not only capable to take the
content out of a STB for consumption on other devices, it can also
take the content from other devices for consumption by a set top
box, TV or other devices connected to STB or content moving device
via Internet. For example, it can accept and video captured by a
video camera of a digital camcorder or a mobile phone, convert it
to the format decodable and playable by Set Top box for display on
a TV, or decodable and playable by a portable device connected to
content moving device by in-home network or Internet. It can also
adjust the resolution and bit rate of the video to lower the
bandwidth required to send the content on the internet. That
content can be consumed by other users far away or loaded on social
networking web sites.
[0102] Some or all of the operations set forth in FIGS. 6 and 7 may
be contained as a utility, program, or subprogram, in any desired
computer readable storage medium, which may be a non-transitory
medium. In addition, the operations may be embodied by computer
programs, which can exist in a variety of forms both active and
inactive. For example, they may exist as software program(s)
comprised of program instructions in source code, object code,
executable code or other formats. Any of the above may be embodied
on a computer readable storage medium, which include storage
devices.
[0103] Exemplary computer readable storage media include
conventional computer system RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, and magnetic
or optical disks or tapes. Concrete examples of the foregoing
include distribution of the programs on a CD ROM or via Internet
download. It is therefore to be understood that any electronic
device capable of executing the above-described functions may
perform those functions enumerated above.
[0104] What has been described and illustrated herein are
embodiments of the invention along with some of their variations.
The terms, descriptions and figures used herein are set forth by
way of illustration only and are not meant as limitations. Those
skilled in the art will recognize that many variations are possible
within the spirit and scope of the embodiments of the
invention.
[0105] The content mover device enables a user to conveniently and
efficiently move user recorded content from one user device (e.g. a
DVR) to another user device (e.g. PMP). The content mover device
performs the often time consuming and computationally intensive
task of transcoding content stored on the first device in a first
format into a second format usable by the second device. The
transcoding operation may be performed automatically independent of
a request for the content by the PMP. The content mover device may
efficiently manage memory space to be able to provide desired
content to the user.
[0106] Although described specifically throughout the entirety of
the instant disclosure, representative embodiments of the present
invention have utility over a wide range of applications, and the
above discussion is not intended and should not be construed to be
limiting, but is offered as an illustrative discussion of aspects
of the invention.
* * * * *