U.S. patent application number 13/853172 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-29 for media processing system communicating activity information to support user interaction during media broadcasts.
This patent application is currently assigned to BROADCOM CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is BROADCOM CORPORATION. Invention is credited to James Duane Bennett, Jeyhan Karaoguz.
Application Number | 20130227021 13/853172 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32512579 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130227021 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Karaoguz; Jeyhan ; et
al. |
August 29, 2013 |
Media processing system communicating activity information to
support user interaction during media broadcasts
Abstract
A system and method for communicating activity information to
support user interaction during media broadcasts in a media
exchange network. In one aspect, a first user may associate a
second user with particular media characteristics. The second user
may be notified when the first user consumes media having
pre-defined characteristics matching those associated with the
second user. The second user may keep records of the consumption of
media with particular media characteristics, and may provide
services or incentives to the first user. A system may comprise a
first and a second set top box, each having storage with an
associated network address. A user of the second set top box may
have at least one associated media characteristic, and the second
user may be sent a notification when the first user requests media
with pre-defined characteristics matching the media characteristic
associated with the second user.
Inventors: |
Karaoguz; Jeyhan; (Irvine,
CA) ; Bennett; James Duane; (Hroznetin, CZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BROADCOM CORPORATION; |
|
|
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
BROADCOM CORPORATION
Irvine
CA
|
Family ID: |
32512579 |
Appl. No.: |
13/853172 |
Filed: |
March 29, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10675358 |
Sep 30, 2003 |
8413180 |
|
|
13853172 |
|
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|
|
60478287 |
Jun 13, 2003 |
|
|
|
60443894 |
Jan 30, 2003 |
|
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|
60432472 |
Dec 11, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
709/204 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L 67/104 20130101;
H04N 21/2743 20130101; H04N 21/4223 20130101; H04N 21/47214
20130101; H04N 21/442 20130101; H04L 12/2803 20130101; H04N
21/234363 20130101; H04N 21/2543 20130101; H04N 21/4331 20130101;
H04N 21/436 20130101; H04N 21/6583 20130101; H04L 12/2834 20130101;
H04N 21/2408 20130101; H04N 21/422 20130101; H04N 21/4312 20130101;
H04N 21/4821 20130101; H04N 21/6143 20130101; H04L 65/4084
20130101; H04N 21/25816 20130101; H04N 21/4314 20130101; H04N
21/4668 20130101; H04H 60/32 20130101; H04N 21/2343 20130101; H04N
21/458 20130101; H04L 67/325 20130101; H04N 21/4126 20130101; H04N
21/6587 20130101; H04N 21/8146 20130101; H04H 60/80 20130101; H04N
21/2747 20130101; H04N 21/4882 20130101; H04N 21/637 20130101; H04N
21/482 20130101; H04N 21/64322 20130101; H04N 7/17336 20130101;
H04N 21/4856 20130101; H04N 21/6125 20130101; H04N 21/4751
20130101; H04H 60/46 20130101; H04L 12/2825 20130101; H04L 65/4076
20130101; H04L 67/06 20130101; H04N 21/222 20130101; H04N 21/41407
20130101; H04N 21/44222 20130101; H04N 21/4753 20130101; H04N
21/632 20130101; H04N 21/258 20130101; H04N 21/4182 20130101; H04L
67/306 20130101; H04N 21/42684 20130101; H04N 21/4316 20130101;
H04H 60/43 20130101; H04L 2012/2849 20130101; H04N 7/18 20130101;
H04N 21/25875 20130101; H04N 21/43615 20130101; H04N 21/4532
20130101; H04N 21/4622 20130101; H04N 21/4755 20130101; H04N
21/26266 20130101; H04N 21/4227 20130101; H04N 21/47 20130101; H04N
21/6187 20130101; H04N 21/6581 20130101; H04N 21/254 20130101; H04N
21/2668 20130101; H04N 21/4782 20130101; H04N 21/4826 20130101;
H04N 21/4334 20130101; H04N 21/6402 20130101; H04H 60/65 20130101;
H04N 21/43637 20130101; H04N 21/4828 20130101; H04N 7/141 20130101;
H04N 7/163 20130101; H04N 21/8113 20130101; H04N 21/4143 20130101;
H04L 29/06027 20130101; H04N 7/17309 20130101; H04N 21/23106
20130101; H04N 21/25435 20130101; H04L 2012/2841 20130101; H04N
21/41422 20130101; H04N 21/47202 20130101; H04N 21/4758 20130101;
H04N 21/812 20130101; H04N 21/84 20130101; H04N 21/25891 20130101;
H04N 21/43632 20130101; H04N 21/4788 20130101; H04N 21/814
20130101; H04N 21/440281 20130101; H04N 21/426 20130101; H04N
5/4401 20130101; H04N 21/25808 20130101; H04N 21/4786 20130101;
H04L 67/327 20130101; H04N 7/17318 20130101; H04N 21/25833
20130101; H04N 21/4135 20130101; H04N 21/6582 20130101; H04N
21/2541 20130101; H04N 21/4627 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
709/204 |
International
Class: |
H04L 29/08 20060101
H04L029/08 |
Claims
1. A method of constructing and communicating activity information
to support user interaction in a communication network, the method
comprising: utilizing a processing device and a display to display
a setup menu to construct an activity group containing multiple
users; assigning a primary user for the activity group on the setup
menu; assigning one or more secondary users for the activity group
on the setup menu; assigning activity type to be presented within
the activity group on the setup menu; identifying media content
associated with the activity type; scheduling a group activity
session for the primary user and one or more secondary users to
communicate together regarding media content associated with
activity type presented within the activity group on the setup
menu; and notifying the primary user regarding consumption of the
media content by the one or more secondary users.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising assigning a mode of
presentation for the media content associated with the activity
type on the setup menu.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the mode of presentation
comprises audio, still image, video or data.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein assigning the primary user
includes utilizing a first sub-menu to select from a group of users
permitted to create the activity group.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein assigning the one or more second
users includes utilizing a second sub-menu to select the one or
more second users known to the primary user.
6. The method of claim 1 further comprising assigning a language
for the activity group to identify language associated with the
media content on the setup menu.
7. The method of claim 1 further comprising assigning a title for
the activity group.
8. The method of claim 1 further comprising sending the media
content in a personal media channel during the group activity
session.
9. An apparatus for constructing and communicating activity
information to support user interaction in a communication network
comprising: a processor operable with a display to display a setup
menu to construct an activity group containing multiple users, in
which software operating with the processor is operable with user
input to assign a primary user for the activity group on the setup
menu, assign one or more secondary users for the activity group on
the setup menu, assign activity type to be presented within the
activity group on the setup menu, identify media content associated
with the activity type, schedule a group activity session for the
primary user and one or more secondary users to communicate
together regarding media content associated with activity type
presented within the activity group on the setup menu and receive
notification for presentation to the primary user regarding
consumption of the media content by the one or more secondary
users; and interface coupled to the processor to communicate with
the communication network.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the processor further assigns
a mode of presentation for the media content associated with the
activity type on the setup menu.
11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the processor when assigning
the primary user presents a first sub-menu on the display to select
from a group of users permitted to create the activity group.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the processor when assigning
the one or more second users presents a second sub-menu to select
the one or more second users known to the primary user.
13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the processor is operable to
send the media content in a personal media channel during the group
activity session.
14. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the apparatus is a personal
computer.
15. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the apparatus is a set-top
box.
16. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the apparatus is television
set.
17. An apparatus for constructing and communicating activity
information to support user interaction in a communication network
comprising: a media processor operable with a display to display a
setup menu to construct an activity group containing multiple
users, in which software operating with the media processor is
operable with user input to assign a primary user for the activity
group on the setup menu, assign one or more secondary users for the
activity group on the setup menu, assign activity type to be
presented within the activity group on the setup menu, identify
media content associated with the activity type which is
transmitted in a personal media channel created by the primary
user, schedule a group activity session for the primary user and
one or more secondary users to communicate together regarding media
content associated with activity type presented within the activity
group on the setup menu and receive notification for presentation
to the primary user regarding consumption of the media content by
the one or more secondary users; storage coupled to the media
processor to store the media content; and interface coupled to the
media processor to communicate with the communication network.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the apparatus is a personal
computer.
19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the apparatus is a set-top
box.
20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the apparatus is television
set.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY
REFERENCE
[0001] The present U.S. Utility Patent Application claims priority
pursuant to 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120, as a continuation of U.S. Utility
patent application Ser. No. 10/675,358, filed on Sep. 30, 2003,
issuing as U.S. Pat. No. 8,413,180, which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety for all purposes.
[0002] The Ser. No. 10/675,358 application claims priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Applications No.
60/478,287, filed on Jun. 13, 2003; No. 60/443,894, filed on Jan.
30, 2003; and No. 60/432,472, filed on Dec. 11, 2002. The complete
subject matter of all three Provisional Applications are
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all
purposes.
[0003] In addition, the applicants hereby incorporate the complete
subject matter herein by reference, in their entirety, of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/448,705, entitled "Media
Exchange Network With Media Guide Interface", filed Feb. 18, 2003;
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/457,179, entitled
"Server Architecture Supporting A Personal Media Exchange Network",
filed Mar. 25, 2003; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/657,390,
entitled "Personal Inter-Home Media Exchange Network", filed Sep.
8, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,496,647; and U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 10/660,267, entitled "Personal Access And Control Of Media
Peripherals On A Media Exchange Network", filed Sep. 11, 2003, now
U.S. Pat. No. 7,496,665.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Frequently, the enjoyment of video and audio entertainment
is a solitary experience. An individual chooses a program of
interest and listens to or watches the presentation unaware of who
among their co-workers, friends, family, and even those within the
same house might also be listening to or watching the same
presentation. On special occasions, groups of people will gather to
view a program of particular interest, such as an important sports
event, if the distance to the viewing location is reasonable.
Attendance is limited to those invited, and generally only those
invitees are able to take part in person.
[0005] Occasionally, someone viewing or listening to a program may
telephone a friend or relative known to have a special interest in
the program being broadcast to let them know that it is on, or to
exchange commentary about specific portions or events. The
telephone instrument used may or may not be in the same location as
the viewing/listening device, sometimes forcing the originating
party to make the additional effort to leave the program and go to
the telephone to contact the other person. Any separation of the
telephone from the viewing/listening location influences the amount
of time spent on the call, and influences the length of the
interaction, and the enjoyment experienced in contacting the other
party.
[0006] Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and
traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the
art, through comparison of such systems with the present invention
as set forth in the remainder of the present application with
reference to the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a
media exchange network supporting the communication of user
activity information among users at multiple locations on a media
exchange network, in accordance with various aspects of the present
invention.
[0008] FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of an
exemplary activity group setup screen that may be used to enable
communication of user activity information in a MPS such as the
MPS's of FIG. 1A, or a PC, such as the PC of FIG. 1A, in accordance
with the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 1C illustrates an exemplary activity groups list screen
showing the activity groups defined for several users of an MPS
such as the MPS of FIG. 1A, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0010] FIG. 2A is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of
configuring an activity group in an embodiment in accordance with
the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2B is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of
communicating user activity information in an embodiment of a media
exchange network in accordance with the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a first exemplary
media exchange network in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of performing personal
media exchange over a second exemplary media exchange network in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of performing
third-party media exchange over a third exemplary media exchange
network in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0015] FIG. 6 is an exemplary illustration of a media guide user
interface in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0016] FIG. 7 is an exemplary illustration of several
instantiations of a media guide user interface of FIG. 4 in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 8 is an exemplary illustration of a media guide user
interface showing several options of a pushed media in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 9A is a schematic block diagram of a media processing
system (MPS) interfacing to media capture peripherals in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 9B illustrates an alternative embodiment of a media
processing system (MPS) in accordance with various aspects of the
present invention.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of a PC and an MPS
interfacing to a server on a media exchange network in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram of a PC interfacing to
personal media capture devices and remote media storage on a media
exchange network in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] Aspects of the present invention may be found in a method of
communicating activity information to support user interaction in a
communication network. Such a method may comprise accepting from a
first user information identifying at least a second user,
receiving from the first user at least one user-selected
characteristic associated with media, and processing a media
request from the first user, via a communication network, the
requested media having a pre-defined set of characteristics. The
method may comprise notifying the at least second user, via the
communication network, of the consumption of the requested media by
the first user, if the pre-defined set of characteristics for the
requested media matches the at least one user-selected
characteristic. In addition, the method may comprise refraining
from notifying the at least a second user, via the communication
network, of the consumption of the requested media by the first
user, if the pre-defined set of characteristics for the requested
media does not match the at least one user-defined
characteristic.
[0023] In an embodiment in accordance with the present invention,
each of the first user and the at least second user may be
associated with at least one of an Internet protocol (IP) address,
a media access control (MAC) address, and an electronic serial
number (ESN). The communication network may comprise at least one
of a cable infrastructure, a satellite network infrastructure, a
digital subscriber line (DSL) infrastructure, an Internet
infrastructure, an intranet infrastructure, a wired infrastructure,
and a wireless infrastructure, and the communication network may be
the Internet. The requested media may comprise at least one of
audio, a still image, video, real time video, and data, and
consumption may comprise at least one of playing audio, displaying
a still image, displaying video, and displaying data.
[0024] In various embodiments of the present invention, the
information identifying at least a second user may comprise a legal
name, a given name, a screen name, a user identifier, a network
identifier, an Internet protocol (IP) address, a media access
control (MAC) address, and an electronic serial number. The at
least one user-defined characteristic may comprise at least one of
a title keyword, a subject keyword, a genre, an artist, a time
period, a media channel type, a mode, and a language, and the
notifying may comprise transmitting a message via the communication
network. An embodiment of the present invention may also comprise
keeping a record of the notification, and the record may be used by
the second user to provide at least one of services and incentives
to the first user.
[0025] Additional aspects of the present invention may be seen in a
method of communicating activity information to support user
interaction in a communication network. An embodiment in accordance
with the present invention may comprise associating at least one
media characteristic with a user, and processing a request for
media from the user, the media having a pre-defined set of
characteristics. An embodiment may comprise sending a notification
via a communication network if the pre-defined set of
characteristics for the requested media matches the at least one
media characteristic. In addition, an embodiment of the present
invention may comprise refraining from sending a notification if
the pre-defined set of characteristics for the requested media does
not match the at least one media characteristic. The requested
media may comprise at least one of audio, a still image, video,
real time video, and data, and the at least one media
characteristic may comprise at least one of a title keyword, a
subject keyword, a genre, an artist, a time period, a media channel
type, a mode, and a language. The pre-defined set of
characteristics may comprise at least one media characteristic. In
addition, the communication network may comprise at least one of a
cable infrastructure, a satellite network infrastructure, a digital
subscriber line (DSL) infrastructure, an Internet infrastructure,
an intranet infrastructure, a wired infrastructure, and a wireless
infrastructure.
[0026] Further aspects of the present invention may be observed in
a system supporting the communication of activity information to
support user interaction in a communication network. Such a system
may comprise a first storage, at a first location, having an
associated first network address, and a first set top box circuitry
at the first location, the first set top box circuitry
communicatively coupled to the first storage to support consumption
of media by a first user. An embodiment of the present invention
may comprise a second storage, at a second location, having an
associated second network address, and a second set top box
circuitry at the second location, the second set top box circuitry
communicatively coupled to the second storage to support
consumption of media by a second user. In addition, an embodiment
in accordance with the present invention may comprise at least one
media characteristic associated with the second user, and server
software. The server software may receive a request that identifies
at least the associated first network address and media having at
least one pre-defined characteristic, and may notify, via a
communication network, the associated second network address if the
at least one media characteristic matches the at least one
pre-defined characteristic.
[0027] The media in an embodiment of the present invention may
comprise at least one of audio, a still image, video, real time
video, and data, and the associated first and second network
addresses may be one of an Internet protocol (IP) address, a media
access control (MAC) address, and an electronic serial number
(ESN). Consumption may comprise at least one of playing audio,
displaying a still image, displaying video, and displaying data. In
addition, the communication network may comprise at least one of a
cable infrastructure, a satellite network infrastructure, a digital
subscriber line (DSL) infrastructure, an Internet infrastructure,
an intranet infrastructure, a wired infrastructure, and a wireless
infrastructure. In an embodiment of the present invention, the
server software may be at a location separate from the first home
and the second home. The at least one media characteristic may
comprise at least one of a title keyword, a subject keyword, a
genre, an artist, a time period, a media channel type, a mode, and
a language. The at least one pre-defined characteristic may
comprise at least one of a title keyword, a subject keyword, a
genre, an artist, a time period, a media channel type, a mode, and
a language.
[0028] These and other advantages, aspects and novel features of
the present invention, as well as details of an illustrated
embodiment thereof, will be more fully understood from the
following description and drawings.
[0029] Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to the
simultaneous enjoyment of media channel content by a group of
users. In particular, certain embodiments of the present invention
enable a spatially diverse group of users to be made aware of and
engage in an interactive group media experience in a media exchange
network.
[0030] FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a
media exchange network 100 supporting the communication of user
activity information among users at multiple locations 103, 105 and
107 on a media exchange network 100, in accordance with various
aspects of the present invention. Specifically, the media exchange
network 100 is a communication network comprising a MPS (media
processing system) 102 at "My House" 103, a brother's PC 104 at "My
Brother's House" 105, and a MPS 106 at "My Friend's House" 107. The
media exchange network 100 further comprises the Internet-based
media exchange network infrastructure 108 which connects together
the MPS 102, the PC 104, and the MPS 106. In various embodiments of
the present invention, the media exchange network 100 may comprise,
for example, cable infrastructure, a satellite network
infrastructure, a digital subscriber line (DSL) infrastructure, an
Internet infrastructure, an intranet infrastructure, a wired
infrastructure, and a wireless infrastructure, or any combination
of the above. Note that the use of labels such as "My House," "My
Brother's House," etc. are for illustrative purposes only, and do
not represent a limitation of the present invention. The media
exchange network 100 may also contain a variety of other sources of
media channel content connected to Internet-based media exchange
network infrastructure 108 that are not shown in FIG. 1A including,
for example, 3.sup.rd party media providers, 3.sup.rd party service
providers, 3.sup.rd party sales providers, and 3.sup.rd party
broadcast channel providers. Entities within the media exchange
network 100 may be identified using a network or protocol address
such as, for example, an Internet protocol (IP) address, a media
access control (MAC) address, and an electronic serial number
(ESN).
[0031] The MPS's (102 and 106) may be, for example, enhanced
set-top-boxes. The MPS's (102 and 106) may each include a TV screen
(not shown) for viewing and interacting with various user
interfaces, media, data, and services that are available on the
media exchange network 100 using, for example, a remote control
(not shown). The PC 104 may include a PC monitor (not shown) for
viewing and interacting with various user interfaces, media, data,
and services that are available on the media exchange network
using, for example, a keyboard and mouse (both not shown). The
MPS's 102 and 106, and the PC 104 include functional software to
support interaction with the various elements of the media exchange
network 100, in accordance with various embodiments of the present
invention.
[0032] In accordance with various embodiments of the present
invention, a MPS may comprise a set-top-box (STB), a PC, or a TV
with a media management system (MMS). A MMS is also known herein as
a media exchange software (MES) platform.
[0033] A MMS comprises a software platform operating on at least
one processor to provide certain functionality including user
interface functionality, distributed storage functionality, and
networking functionality. For example, a MMS may provide control of
media peripheral devices, status monitoring of media peripheral
devices, and inter-home MPS routing selection, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] For example, the MPS 102 comprises a media exchange software
(MES) platform 109. The MES platform 109 on the MPS 102 supports
personalized views of media channels and set up of new media
channels on the media exchange network 100. For example, the MES
platform 109 provides a format, displayed on a monitor of the MPS
102, known as a media guide user interface 110 to allow a user to
set up a personalized view of the media guide user interface 110
using a remote control. An example media guide user interface is
described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
60/448,705, entitled "Media Exchange Network With Media Guide
Interface", filed Feb. 18, 2003, the complete subject matter of
which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety. The MES
platform 109 also provides the functionality for a user of the MPS
102 to set up a new media channel 101 in his/her personalized
view.
[0035] In general, the MPS's 102 and 106 and the PC 104 each
include a media exchange software (MES) platform and a networking
component for connectivity. The MES platform provides multiple
capabilities including media "push" capability, media "access"
capability, media channel construction/selection, image sequence
selection, text and voice overlay, channel and program naming,
inter-home routing selection, authorship and media rights
management, shared inter-home media experience, billing service,
and an integrated media guide interface with a TV channel guide
look-and-feel.
[0036] FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of an
exemplary activity group setup screen 120 that may be used to
enable communication of user activity information in a MPS such as
the MPS's 102 or 106 of FIG. 1A, or a PC, such as the PC 104 of
FIG. 1A, in accordance with the present invention. As described
above, each MPS 102 or 106, or PC 104, may have a variety of users,
each of whom may have a number of interests that may be shared with
friends, family, co-workers, and in some cases, total strangers. In
order to permit users with common interests to participate in media
channel presentations as part of an interactive group, the media
exchange network 100 and in particular, the MPS 102 or MPS 106, or
the PC 104, may permit users to transmit to one or more other users
of media exchange network 100 information about the sending user's
media exchange network activity.
[0037] The diagram of FIG. 1B illustrates a few of the parameters
that may be used in selecting the recipients of user activity
information, and the conditions under which the activity
information will be shared, in an embodiment in accordance with the
present invention. Such an embodiment may support the sharing of
activity information by more than one user of an MPS or PC. Also,
using the activity group setup screen 120 of FIG. 1B, each of the
users of an MPS or a PC, such as the MPS 102 and the PC 104 of FIG.
1A, may define a number of activity groups, each activity group
related to a particular interest.
[0038] For example, in the illustration of FIG. 1B, the user
parameter 121 of the activity group setup screen 120 has been set
to "Dad". This value was selected from the sub-menu of users 122 of
the MPS 102 or the PC 104 ("Dad" and "Son") who have established
activity groups. In addition, the group parameter 130 has been set
to "Golf Groupies", a value selected from "Dad's" activity group
sub-menu 131. The remainder of the fields shown in the activity
group setup screen 120 show the values that "Dad" has set for the
respective parameters. For example, "Dad" included two friends,
"Golf Friend 1" and "Golf Friend 2", in the "User(s) in Group"
parameter 123, selected from the sub-menu 124 corresponding to
other media exchange network subscribers that are candidates for
inclusion in a group. Subscribers in media exchange network 100 of
FIG. 1A may be identified by a legal name, a given name, a screen
name, an alias, a user identifier, a network identifier, an
electronic serial number, an Internet protocol (IP) address, a
media access control (MAC) address, or the like. Note that sub-menu
124 also includes a designator that permits automatic notification
of the source of any consumed media. The two friends listed, who
are also media exchange network subscribers, share "Dad's" interest
in golf and in particular, his interest in information about the
golf player "Arnold Palmer". User "Dad", however, does not want
these two friends to be aware of all of his media exchange network
activity. To restrict notification of "Golf Friend 1" and "Golf
Friend 2" only to those instances where "Dad" is accessing media
exchange network media channel sports materials related to "Arnold
Palmer", user ("Dad") has selected a media channel type parameter
125 value of "Sports" from sub-menu 126, and has set the
title/subject keywords parameter 127 to "Arnold Palmer".
[0039] Continuing with respect to FIG. 1B, user "Dad" has decided
to notify his friends of his media exchange network activity only
between 8:00 AM (via the start time parameter 128) and 12:00 AM
(via the stop time parameter 129), on weekend days (via the day
parameter 136). In addition, user "Dad" has chosen to notify this
activity group only when the mode of the media channel program is a
form of video, having selected the mode parameter 134 value of
"Video-All" from sub-menu 135. He has also selected the language of
the media channel presentation ("English") using the language
parameter 132 and sub-menu 133. As can be seen in FIG. 1B, an
embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a user
with a flexible set of controls to selectively share knowledge of
their media exchange network activity.
[0040] FIG. 1C illustrates an exemplary activity groups list screen
140 showing the activity groups defined for several users of an MPS
such as the MPS 102 of FIG. 1A, in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention. Four groups have been defined in the
illustration of FIG. 1C. Three of the groups belong to user "Dad":
a "Golf Groupies" group 141, an "Investment" group 142, and a
"Family" group 144. In addition, user "Son" has defined a
"Skateboarders" group 143. Each of the listed activity groups 141,
142, 143, and 144 define a set of conditions under which the
activity information of the corresponding user will be shared, and
the identities of the media exchange network subscribers with whom
it will be shared. Although the illustrations of FIGS. 1B and 1C
show the use of only nine parameters, the present invention is not
limited in this regard. An embodiment of the present invention may
employ a greater, a lesser, or a completely different complement of
parameters in controlling the sharing of activity information in a
media exchange network, without departing from the spirit of the
present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, an
activity group list showing the activity groups of all users of a
MPS or PC, such as that shown in the illustration of FIG. 1C, may
be provided only to the administrator of the MPS or the PC, with
each user able to view only their own activity groups. In an
alternative embodiment, a non-administrative user may be permitted
see all activity groups, but permitted to modify only their own
entries.
[0041] Returning briefly to FIG. 1B, an embodiment in accordance
with aspects of the present invention may permit an authorized and
authenticated user to establish or modify the parameters used in
the sharing of activity information for a given user of an MPS or a
PC, such as the MPS 102 or the PC 104 of FIG. 1A, either directly
or remotely. This may be accomplished directly using, for example,
the TV screen 137 and remote control 138 of FIG. 1B that may be
connected to a MPS, such as the MPS 102 of FIG. 1A. The setup or
modification of activity groups may also be performed directly on a
PC, such as PC 104 of FIG. 1A, via the keyboard, mouse, and monitor
(not shown) that may be connected to the PC 104. Activity groups
may be defined and configured remotely using another MPS, such as
MPS 106 of FIG. 1A, via media exchange network infrastructure 108,
or via a remote PC, such as PC 104, via the Internet. For example,
a parent acting as administrator of a MPS or a PC may use a remote
MPS or PC to create or modify an activity group. This may be useful
to permit a family member who does not have authorization to create
an activity group to participate in a group media viewing activity
when the administrator parent is away from the MPS.
[0042] In another embodiment in accordance with the present
invention, activity information related to the consumption of media
channel programming may be sent directly or indirectly to the media
provider. This may allow the media provider to supplement the
viewing/listening experience by making available additional or
alternate program materials related to those already accessed by
the user. In doing so, the media provider is able to keep the
appearance of a media channel "fresh" to those that have previously
viewed/listened to a media channel offering. In addition, the media
provider may provide rewards or incentives, such as coupons,
viewing points, or the like, based upon the activity
information.
[0043] FIG. 2A is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of
configuring an activity group in an embodiment in accordance with
the present invention. Although the following discussion refers to
a MPS such as the MPS 102 of FIG. 1A, FIG. 2A applies equally to a
PC, such as the PC 104 of FIG. 1A. In the illustration of FIG. 2A,
the method begins when the user powers up the MPS and the MPS
prompts the user for the entry of an access code (block 201). The
user then enters an access code (block 202), and the MPS displays
the options available to that user (block 203). In the example of
FIG. 2A, the user selects the option for the management of activity
groups (block 204).
[0044] The MPS then displays a current list of activity groups
known to the MPS, and the user chooses to create a new activity
group (block 205). The user then selects the members of the new
activity group (block 206). In addition, the user designates the
media channel type and mode (block 207), and selects an appropriate
set of title/subject keywords to be used to determine when
information is to be sent to the members of the activity group
(block 208). The user also sets the time period (e.g., time-of-day,
days-of-the-week) during which sharing of activity information may
occur (block 209).
[0045] FIG. 2B is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of
communicating user activity information in an embodiment of a media
exchange network in accordance with the present invention. As in
FIG. 2A, the following discussion is made with respect to a MPS,
such as MPS's 102 or 106 of FIG. 1A, but applies equally to a PC on
which the media exchange software platform is running, such as the
PC 104 of FIG. 1A. The communication of user activity information
begins after the MPS or PC is turned on, and the MPS displays a
prompt requesting the entry of a user access code (block 221). The
user then enters an access code via the MPS (block 222), and the
MPS displays the current options available to the user (block 223).
The user then selects media channel access, and chooses the
specific media channel to be listened to or viewed (block 224). The
MPS then determines if the selected media channel matches the media
channel type of any activity group list entry for the user, and
checks for a match of title and/or subject keywords, the current
time, the selected language, and the media channel mode (block
225). If an entry belonging to the user matches an activity group
list entry (block 226), the MPS notifies via the media exchange
network, the activity group members identified in the activity
group list entry (block 227). Information identifying the user and
the selected media exchange network activity is included in the
notification. Upon receiving the notification of the media exchange
network activity of the user, the members of the activity group may
elect to participate in an interactive media exchange network
session, and may initiate contact with the user (block 228). The
user proceeds to view or listen to the selected media channel
program, whether or not a matching user activity group list entry
is found (block 226), and without regard to whether any notified
activity group list members choose to participate (block 229).
[0046] A major challenge is to be able to transfer and share many
different types of digital media, data, and services between one
device/location and another with ease while being able to index,
manage, and store the digital media and data.
[0047] For example, it is desirable to be able to distribute and
store many types of digital media in a PC and/or television
environment in a user-friendly manner without requiring many
different types of software applications and/or unique and
dedicated interfaces. Any networking issues or other technical
issues should be transparent to the users. It is also desirable to
take advantage of existing hardware infrastructure, as much as
possible, when providing such capability.
[0048] In an embodiment of the present invention, a media exchange
network is provided that enables many types of digital media, data,
and/or services to be stored, indexed, viewed, searched for, pushed
from one user to another, and requested by users, using a media
guide user interface. The media exchange network also allows a user
to construct personal media channels that comprise his personal
digital media (e.g., captured digital pictures, digital video,
digital audio, etc.), request that third-party media channels be
constructed from third-party digital media, and access the media
channels pushed to him by other users on the media exchange
network.
[0049] PC's may be used but are not required to interface to the
media exchange network for the purpose of exchanging digital media,
data, and services. Instead, set-top-boxes or integrated MPS's
(media processing systems) may be used with the media exchange
network to perform all of the previously described media exchange
functions using a remote control with a television screen.
[0050] Current set-top-boxes may be software enhanced to create a
MPS that provides full media exchange network interfacing and
functionality via a TV screen with a TV guide look-and-feel. PC's
may be software enhanced as well and provide the same TV guide
look-and-feel. Therefore, the media exchange network supports both
PC's and MPS's in a similar manner. Alternatively, a fully
integrated MPS may be designed from the ground up, having full MPS
capability.
[0051] In the case of an MPS configuration, the user takes
advantage of his remote control and TV screen to use the media
exchange network. In the case of a PC configuration, the user takes
advantage of his keyboard and/or mouse to use the media exchange
network.
[0052] An MPS or enhanced PC is effectively a storage and
distribution platform for the exchange of personal and third party
digital media, data, and services as well as for bringing the
conventional television channels to a user's home. An MPS and/or PC
connects to the media exchange network via an existing
communication infrastructure which may include cable, DSL,
satellite, etc. The connection to the communication infrastructure
may be hard-wired or wireless.
[0053] The media exchange network allows users to effectively
become their own broadcasters from their own homes by creating
their own media channels and pushing those media channels to other
authorized users on the media exchange network, such as friends and
family members.
[0054] FIG. 3 comprises a media exchange network 300 for exchanging
and sharing digital media, data, and services in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. The media exchange network 300
is a secure, closed network environment that is only accessible to
pre-defined users and service providers. The media exchange network
of FIG. 3 comprises a first PC 301 and a first media processing
system (MPS) 302 at a user's home 303, a communication
infrastructure 304, external processing hardware support 305,
remote media storage 306, a second PC 307 at a remote location 308
such as an office, and a second MPS 309 at a parent's home 310.
[0055] The PC's 301 and 307 and the MPS's 302 and 309 each include
a media exchange software (MES) platform 311 and a networking
component 312 for connectivity. The MES platform 311 provides
multiple capabilities including media "push" capability, media
"access" capability, media channel construction/selection, image
sequence selection, text and voice overlay, channel and program
naming, inter-home routing selection, authorship and media rights
management, shared inter-home media experience, billing service,
and an integrated media guide interface providing a TV channel
guide look-and-feel.
[0056] The external processing hardware support 305 comprises at
least one server such as a centralized internet server, a
peer-to-peer server, or cable head end. The server may
alternatively be distributed over various hosts or remote PC's. The
MES platform 311 may also reside on the external processing
hardware support server 305. The remote media storage 306 may
comprise user media storage and distribution systems 313 and/or
third party media storage and distribution systems 314.
[0057] The communication infrastructure 304 may comprise at least
one of internet infrastructure, satellite infrastructure, cable
infrastructure, dial-up infrastructure, cellular infrastructure,
xDSL infrastructure, optical infrastructure, or some other
infrastructure. The communication infrastructure 304 links the
user's home 303, parent's home 310, remote media storage 306, and
remote location office 308 to each other (i.e., the communication
infrastructure 304 links all users and service providers of the
media exchange network 300).
[0058] The various functions 315 of the media exchange network 300
comprise generating personal network associations, personal storage
management, media capture device support,
security/authentication/authorization support, authorship tracking
and billing and address registration and maintenance. These media
exchange management functions 315 may be distributed over various
parts of the media exchange network 300. For example, the personal
network associations and personal storage management functions may
be integrated in the PC 301 at the user's home 303.
[0059] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of personal media exchange
over a media exchange network 400 in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention. In step 1, the media exchange software
(MES) platform 401 is used to construct personal media channels on
a PC 402 by a user at "my house" 403. For example, with various
media stored on the PC 402 such as digital pictures 404, videos
405, and music 406, the MES platform 401 allows the digital media
to be organized by a user into several channels having a media
guide user interface 407 on the PC 402.
[0060] In step 2, the user at "my house" 403 pushes a media channel
408 (e.g., "Joe's Music") to "brother's house" 409 and pushes two
media channels 410 and 411 (e.g., "Vacation Video" and "Kid's
Pictures") to "Mom's house" 412 via a peer-to-peer server 413 over
the internet-based media exchange network 400. "Brother's house"
409 includes a first MPS 414 connected to the media exchange
network 400. "Mom's house" 412 includes a second MPS 415 connected
to the media exchange network 400. The MPS's 414 and 415 also
provide a media guide user interface 407.
[0061] In step 3, brother and/or Mom access the pushed media
channels via their respective media processing systems (MPS's) 414
and 415 using their respective MPS TV screens and remote
controls.
[0062] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of third-party media exchange
over a media exchange network 500 in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention. In step 1, a PC-initiated third-party
request is made by a first party 501 via an internet-based media
exchange network 500 using a media guide user interface 502 on a PC
503. In step 2, an anonymous delivery of the requested third-party
channel 504 is made to a second party 505 via the internet-based
media exchange network 500. In step 3, the second party 505
accesses the third-party channel 504 using a media guide user
interface 506 on a TV screen 507 that is integrated into an MPS
508.
[0063] Similarly, in step A, an MPS-initiated third-party request
is made by a second party 505 via an internet-based media exchange
network 500 using a media guide user interface 506 on a TV screen
507 using a remote control 509. The second party 505 may key in a
code, using his remote control 509, that is correlated to a
commercial or some other third party broadcast media. In step B, an
anonymous delivery of the requested third-party channel 504 is made
to a first party 501 via the internet-based media exchange network
500. In step C, the first party 501 accesses the third-party
channel 504 using a media guide user interface 502 on a PC 503.
[0064] FIG. 6 illustrates a media guide user interface 600 in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The media
guide user interface 600 may be displayed on a TV screen 608 and
controlled by a remote control device 609. Also, the media guide
user interface 600 may be displayed on a PC monitor and controlled
by a keyboard or mouse.
[0065] The media guide user interface 600 may be configured not
only for conventional TV channels but also for personal media
channels 601 that are constructed by a user of a media exchange
network, friend's and family's media channels 602 constructed by
friends and family, and third party channels 603 that are
constructed by third parties either upon request by a user of a
media exchange network or based on a profile of a user.
[0066] The personal media channels 601 may include, for example, a
"family vacations channel", a "kid's sports channel", a "my life
channel", a "son's life channel", a "my music channel", and a
"kid's music channel". The friends and family media channels 602
may include, for example, a "brother's channel", a "Mom's channel",
and a "friend's channel". The third party media channels 603 may
include, for example, a "Sears Fall sale channel" and a "car
commercials channel".
[0067] Each media channel may correspond to a schedule 604 showing,
for example, a week 605 and a year 606. For example, under the
"kid's sports channel", Ty's soccer game could be scheduled to be
viewed on Tuesday of the current week 605 and current year 606. For
each media channel, a sub-menu 607 allows for selection of certain
control and access functions such as "play", "send to list", "send
to archive", "confirm receipt", "view", "purchase", and
"profile".
[0068] FIG. 7 illustrates possible multiple instantiations of a
media guide user interface 700 in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention. The media guide user interface 700 may be
viewed with a schedule having formats of, for example, "month,
year", "week#, year", "day, week#", or "hour, day".
[0069] Referring to FIG. 8, a user of a media exchange network may
push a media channel (e.g., "Vacation in Alaska Video") to a friend
who is on the same media exchange network. The media guide user
interface 800 may give the friend several options 801 for how to
accept and download the pushed media in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0070] For example, a first, most expensive option 803 may be
"Express Delivery" which would deliver the pushed media to the
friend in 18 minutes using queuing and cost $1.20, for example. The
pushed media may be stored in a file in an MPEG 2 format that was
recorded at a rate of 4 Mbps, for example. Queuing comprises
buffering and delivering a previous part of the media and then
buffering and delivering a next part of the media. For example, a
first six minutes of the "Vacation in Alaska Video" may be buffered
and delivered first, then a second six minutes may be buffered and
delivered next, and so on until the entire media is delivered.
[0071] A second, less expensive option 802 may be "Normal Delivery"
which would deliver the pushed media in 2 hours and 13 minutes
without queuing and cost $0.59, for example. The pushed media may
be stored in a file in an MPEG 2 format that was recorded at a rate
of 1.5 Mbps, for example.
[0072] A third, least expensive option 804 may be "Overnight
Delivery" which would deliver the pushed media by the next morning
and cost only $0.05, for example. The pushed media may be stored in
a file in an MPEG 2 format that was recorded at a rate of 19 Mbps
and stored on a server, for example.
[0073] FIG. 9A illustrates the detailed elements of a media
processing system (MPS) 900 and media capture devices 901 in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The media
capture devices 901 may comprise audio, video, and image players,
such as digital cameras, digital camcorders, and MP3 players, that
each include a temporary storage area 902 and a communication
interface 903 such as, for example, a USB interface or a wireless
interface. The media capture devices 901 have the capability to
interface to an MPS and a PC.
[0074] The MPS 900 comprises a media processing unit (MPU) 904,
remote user interface(s) 905, and a TV screen 918 to provide
integrated media processing capability and indirect user interface
capability. The remote user interfaces 905 may comprise a voice or
keyed remote control 906, keyboards and pads 907, a remote PC
access interface 908, and a remote media system access interface
909 (i.e., providing access from another MPS).
[0075] The media processing unit (MPU) 904 comprises TV and radio
tuners 910 for image and audio consumption, communications
interfaces 911, channel processing 912 (creating, storing,
indexing, viewing), storage 913, media players 914 (CD, DVD, Tape,
PVR, MP3), an integrated user interface 915 (to provide a TV
channel guide look-and-feel), networking components 916 to provide
client functions such as consumption (billing), authorization
(e.g., using digital certificates and digital ID's), registration,
security, and connectivity. In an alternative embodiment of the
present invention, the networking components 916 may include a
distributed server element 917 that is part of a distributed
server.
[0076] FIG. 9B illustrates an alternative embodiment of a media
processing system (MPS) 920 in accordance with various aspects of
the present invention. The MPS 920 is essentially an enhanced
set-top-box for viewing and interacting with various user
interfaces, media, data, and services that are available on the
media exchange network using, for example, a remote control. The
MPS 920 comprises a media peripheral 921, a MMS (media management
system) 922, and a broadband communication interface 923.
[0077] The media peripheral 921 may include a TV (television), a PC
(personal computer), and media players (e.g., a CD player, a DVD
player, a tape player, and a MP3 player) for video, image, and
audio consumption of broadcast and/or personal channels. The
broadband communication interface 923 may include internal modems
(e.g., a cable modem or DSL modem) or other interface devices in
order to communicate with, for example, a cable or satellite
headend.
[0078] The MMS 922 includes a software platform to provide
functionality including media "push" capability, media "access"
capability, media channel construction/selection, image sequence
selection, text and voice overlay, channel and program naming,
inter-home routing selection, authorship and media rights
management, shared inter-home media experience, billing service,
and a media guide user interface providing an integrated TV channel
guide look-and-feel.
[0079] FIG. 10 illustrates connectivity between a PC 1000, an MPS
1001, and external processing hardware 1002 (e.g., a server) in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The PC 1000
and MPS 1001 include networking components 1003 to provide client
functions such as consumption (billing), authorization,
registration, security, and connectivity. Alternatively, the PC
1000 and MPS 1001 may include a distributed server element 1004
that is part of a distributed server.
[0080] The PC 1000 and MPS 1001 connect to the external processing
hardware 1002 via wired or wireless connections. The external
processing hardware 1002 comprises a distributed server or
peer-to-peer server. The external processing hardware 1002 also
comprises communication interfaces 1005 (e.g., cable interfaces,
optical interfaces, etc.) and a media exchange software (MES)
platform 1006. The MES platform 1006 in the external processing
hardware 1002 allows for communication with the PC 1000 and MPS
1001 which may also use the same MES platform 1006. The external
processing hardware 1002 also includes networking server components
1007 to provide the similar client functions such as consumption
(billing), authorization, registration, security, and connectivity
at the server side.
[0081] FIG. 11 illustrates connectivity between a PC 1100, remote
media storage 1101, and personal media capture devices 1102 when
the PC 1100 is used as the primary distributor of digital media
such as in the case of PC-to-PC operation, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. The personal media capture
devices 1102 and remote media storage 1101 connect to the PC 1100
via a wireless or wired connection. The remote media storage 1101
provides user media storage and distribution 1103 as well as third
party media storage and distribution 1104. The personal media
capture devices 1102 provide temporary storage 1114 and
communication interfaces 1115.
[0082] Viewing is done using a PC monitor 1105 instead of a
television screen. The PC 1100 may include storage 1106, TV/radio
tuners 1107 for media consumption, media players 1108, and
communication interfaces 1109 and user interfaces 1110 similar to
those for the MPS of FIG. 9A. The PC 1100 includes a media exchange
software (MES) platform 1111 that provides channel construction
capability 1112 and networking capability 1113. The channel
construction capability 1112 allows third party and personal media
access, sequencing, editing, media overlays and inserts, billing,
scheduling, and addressing.
[0083] Various embodiments of the present invention include a
system and method that provide for the communication of user
activity information in a media exchange network.
[0084] While the invention has been described with reference to
certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In
addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular
situation or material to the teachings of the invention without
departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the
invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed,
but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within
the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *