US007020704B1
`
`(12) United States Patent
`Lipscomb et a].
`
`(10) Patent N0.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 7,020,704 B1
`Mar. 28, 2006
`
`(54) SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR
`DISTRIBUTING MEDIA AssETs T0 USER
`DEVICES vIAA PORTAL SYNCHRONIZED
`BY SAID USER DEVICES
`
`(58) Field of Classi?cation Search ...... .. 709/217A219,
`709/225i226, 229, 2319232, 311, 2019203,
`713/2, 705/1
`See application ?le for complete search history.
`
`(76) Inventors: Kenneth O. Lipscomb, 3449 Sheridan
`Chase, Marietta, GA (US) 30067; John
`B. Petritis, 3405 SWeetWater Rd., Apt.
`617, LaWrenceville, GA (US) 30044;
`Richard D. Robison, 2385 TangleWood
`Rd., Decatur, GA (US) 30033-2006;
`Kelly P. Morrison, 4109 Paces Station
`Close, Atlanta, GA (US) 30339-0037;
`Michael D. Hirsch, 2299 Tristan Cir.,
`Atlanta, GA (US) 30345; Eric Neal
`Muntz, 3449 Sheridan Chase, Marietta,
`GA (US) 30067; John Paul
`Whitehead, III, 896 Los Angeles Ave.,
`Atlanta, GA (US) 30306
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U. S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`6/1997 Ste?k et a1. ................ .. 705/54
`5,638,443 A *
`5/1998 Yankowski
`5,751,672 A
`5/1998 Taylor et a1. ............. .. 358/400
`5,754,306 A *
`1/1999 Reed et a1.
`709/201
`5,862,325 A *
`6,199,077 B1* 3/2001 Inala et a1. ..... ..
`715/501.1
`6,226,618 B1* 5/2001 Downs et a1.
`....... .. 705/1
`6,256,623 B1* 7/2001 Jones ............. ..
`707/3
`6,345,256 B1* 2/2002 Milsted et a1.
`.... .. 705/1
`6,643,669 B1 * 11/2003 Novak et a1. ............. .. 707/201
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`( * ) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 65 days.
`
`EP
`W0
`W0
`
`0765062 A2 * 3/1997
`WO 99/27681
`6/1999
`WO 01/53963 A1 * 6/2001
`
`(21) App1.No.: 09/679,688
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Oct. 5, 2000
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/177,783, ?led on Jan.
`24, 2000, provisional application No. 60/177,884,
`?led on Jan. 24, 2000, provisional application No.
`60/177,867, ?led on Jan. 24, 2000, provisional appli
`cation No. 60/176,833, ?led on Jan. 19, 2000, provi
`sional application No. 60/177,063, ?led on Jan. 19,
`2000, provisional application No. 60/176,830, ?led
`on Jan. 19, 2000, provisional application No. 60/ 176,
`829, ?led on Jan. 19, 2000, provisional application
`No. 60/157,736, ?led on Oct. 5, 1999.
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`G06F 15/173
`(52) U.S. c1. .................... .. 709/226;709/217;709/218;
`709/219
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Primary ExamineriBeatriZ Prieto
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or F irm4Gregory Scott Smith; Smith
`FrohWein Tempel Greenlee Blaha LLC
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A system and method for distributing digital media assets to
`a plurality of users. A portal is provided comprising at least
`one server computer. The portal executes a media library
`database server application that manages access a master
`library of media assets that can be accessed by users via one
`or more communication networks. A plurality of media
`player devices communicate With the portal to access media
`assets for use. Each media player device may comprise a
`processor that executes a database client application that
`manages media assets licensed for use by a user.
`
`10 Claims, 11 Drawing Sheets
`
`x ______________________ .EFEK‘EMQ'EEQE'P ____ _ .1
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 28, 2006
`
`Sheet 1 0f 11
`
`US 7,020,704 B1
`
`A
`
`F A / H
`
`
`
` =q l; mm? .I. own / H
`
`Era L |_ ,./ M v m
`
`
`
`H. . ,. m
`
`Lm2mwo=5< ,., , 6 1 . . . 1H
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 28,2006
`
`Sheet 2 of 11
`
`US 7,020,704 B1
`
`200
`
`400
`
`0
`9’
`>
`:
`0
`U
`
`Network(s)
`
`on
`
`.9
`
`-
`“>’
`j
`D.
`.9
`1::0:
`E
`
`CD
`
`L’
`3
`L
`8
`
`DigitalWalkmanl
`
`PDA
`
`DigitalCell
`
`Phone
`
`Wireless
`
`Fig.2
`
`COU S
`
`AMSUNG EX. 1005
`
`1-
`Ju
`
`CO
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 28, 2006
`
`Sheet 3 0f 11
`
`US 7,020,704 B1
`
`ommk
`
`
`
`@omtBE vcmnumohm
`
`
`
`@622 6322
`
`
`
`mwmn?mo >653
`
`own
`
`
`
`Empgw 95980
`
`
`
`.EotmE QMBEMI
`
`m .90
`
`
`
`Em6>w @5930
`
`
`
`EBtmE 2.256:
`
`3828 E26
`
`
`
`
`
`mEmcm 6>mE @622
`
`
`
`
`
`mEmcw .635 982
`
`
`
`899cm @5930
`
`
`
`8622a @5266:
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 28, 2006
`
`Sheet 4 0f 11
`
`US 7,020,704 B1
`
`EwEQEwE/Q,
`
`352 W
`
`xz: Qz<
`
`ii
`
`A: 25 222
`
`.
`
`151i!
`
`56mm _
`
`50 0696
`
`
`
`W , V. .. 0, g ,,,,,,,,, é
`
`
`
`
`
`wSIE
`
`QUEEN-+01
`
`
`
`22.. 25 i5
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 28, 2006
`
`Sheet 5 0f 11
`
`US 7,020,704 B1
`
`O 2?
`
`2264
`
`Fig. 5
`
`
`
`
`
`2400 /////,2210 2262
`
`2268
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 28, 2006
`
`Sheet 6 0f 11
`
`US 7,020,704 B1
`
`OUTCD 1O
`
`Flg 6
`
`
`
`?r 2110
`
`L R
`
`
`
`Line Phone
`
`
`
`L40? 5243A
`
`0
`
`out
`
`
`I i.‘ S-Wdeo ~
`
`0
`
`LAN
`
`USB
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 28, 2006
`
`Sheet 7 0f 11
`
`US 7,020,704 B1
`
`2100
`f
`{213° _
`MEMORY <::>
`
`{2260
`
`_
`
`r2120 _
`
`CPU
`
`‘
`
`_
`_
`
`DISPLAY
`
`CCA
`
`3,
`
`I
`
`2220
`
`2110<
`
`2300
`\
`
`POWER
`SU PPLY
`
`E]
`I
`
`[@EUSB4. USB1
`KEYBOARD
`@
`Q3 MOUSE
`[[1 SERIAL
`EI PARALLEL
`@ STEREO OUT
`@ RIGHT AUDIO OUT
`Q LEFT AUDIO OUT
`@ S/P-DF (DIGETAL) OUT
`@ TV COMPOSITE IN
`@ Tv s-vIDEO IN
`G W COMPOSITE OUT
`@ TV s-vIDEO OUT
`‘E VGA
`
`POM
`
`POE
`
`<:> FRONT "O
`L
`CCA
`—- <:>
`—
`
`-
`
`L
`
`2230
`
`/
`
`POWER_
`sWITOH
`CCA |—_
`
`2500
`/
`
`HARD
`DISK
`DRIVE
`
`r
`
`2400
`r
`
`IC
`
`0 a 0
`
`IC
`
`5141 L
`
`2120
`
`AUDIO L
`D'FF%""ALGN° “$52M
`DIFFERENTIALGND
`AUDIO R
`
`[- _
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 28, 2006
`
`Sheet 8 0f 11
`
`US 7,020,704 B1
`
`Q,
`
`WE
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 28,2006
`
`Sheet 9 of 11
`
`US 7,020,704 B1
`
`com
`
`com
`
`_mton_
`
`
`
`
`
`IIIIImo_>oo._w>m_n_m_uo_2
`
`
`
`cozomccoo2m=_:_
`
`
`
`
`
`Eotm:o:o_occcmw
`
`|
`
`
`
`mD“E30006_N3t_>
`
`
`
`
`
`Eotmco_..w_wuucmm
`
`88
`
`88
`
`mo:30.A
`
`w._m_.Ec.wU_22802
`
`
`
`9$55..ucmw
`
`mo_moo_A
`
`
`
`Owmmumvm:vcmm
`
`mo_m:t_>
`
`m.9”.
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005
`
`
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`1BM
`
`
`
` 6.mmm2.2Bdommdémm$55.5mu.8msom:Ea.ano.M.36%%_oom”>mo.ow.F<o
`
`8
`
`
`
`
`.v_o$:..._ommszz.55Seaono:_:..m:.<o
`
`somzmrézodc5...
`
`Em?.8Emmmzpommmmzm<>»_\wm»_>"m_m_mww_
`
`
`ZOF<§mOmE1mm:Qn_.s_oQ%mwcowmm:___om_Q.Emm<M>._._>_Q<5mEm:.$_om
`
`
`
`
`
`._.wE.~_<%.3w.sm_>wmo:m._o_>_o:Eow.lllll
`
`0@3.cm0.5an>Qm._mo_mu“7,§©%6%E5E...m §Qmm
`mor0.“.
` %Qmm
`
`
`
`395ZOF<2mOn_7:B52
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005
`
`...............@@IE@
`
`
`
`
`
`v_MO>?_.~_<Emw<<HQm=2
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Mar. 28,2006
`
`Sheet 11 of 11
`
`US 7,020,704 B1
`
`mom
`
`Ba
`
`
`
`7.20;coumomam_Esooomm._mm3dvooco=mEE:oo5%m_Em:
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`m:_mm_Em_oo_>wu$>m_qm__omE$5$89Ema
`
`
`
`
`
` omm+5.8£_>>mN_:o.Eoc>m9Ercmtmc__s_8_wflomgcoo_o>m_am_U®Em.$m3
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`U_O£:0m_«CSOUUMmo:_mQUOU:OBmF:_.t._Oo._Ou—mxmm_mtOn_
`
`
`
`
`
`one
`
`«mm
`
`mm:.9
`
`
`umfimcmw_.m>m_aSums.
`m>:o:mE._.Eou8E:Xumwamm
`
`aomtoo
`
`
`
`
`
`mo_>ou._m>m_Qm_umE9:m_nmm_Q
`
`:am
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005
`
`
`
`
`

`
`US 7,020,704 B1
`
`1
`SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR
`DISTRIBUTING MEDIA ASSETS TO USER
`DEVICES VIA A PORTAL SYNCHRONIZED
`BY SAID USER DEVICES
`
`2
`FIG. 11 is a ?ow chart illustrating a security lock-out
`feature of a media player according to an aspect of the
`present invention.
`
`This application claims priority to US. Provisional Patent
`Application Nos. 60/157,736 ?led Oct. 5, 1999; 60/176,833
`?led Jan. 19, 2000; 60/177,063 ?led Jan. 19, 2000; 60/177,
`783 ?led Jan. 24, 2000; 60/177,884 ?led Jan. 24, 2000;
`60/176,830 ?led Jan. 19, 2000; 60/176,829 ?led Jan. 19,
`2000; and 60/177,867 ?led Jan. 24, 2000. The entirety of
`each of these provisional applications is incorporated herein
`by reference.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`The distribution of music, video, software and other
`media assets has been dramatically transformed by the
`digital age and the Internet. For example, distribution of
`music is evolving from a physical copy sold by retail stores,
`catalog companies or on-line vendors, to digital copies
`transmitted over the Internet. In this connected and digital
`world, a system and method are needed whereby users can
`use media assets from multiple devices without the need to
`carry the asset on a memory device. It is desirable to provide
`a system and method that allows for the portability of media
`assets across different devices that are capable of connecting
`to a source of the media assets directly or indirectly over one
`or more communications networks.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`Brie?y, the present invention is directed to a system and
`method for distributing digital media assets to a plurality of
`users. A portal is provided comprising at least one server
`computer. The portal executes a media library database
`server application that manages access to a master library of
`media assets that can be accessed by users via one or more
`communication networks. Each of a plurality of media
`player devices communicates with the portal to access media
`assets for use. Each media player device assists in managing
`media assets licensed for use by a user.
`The present invention is more fully described in the
`following description taken in conjunction with the accom
`panying drawings.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`FIG. 1 is an overall block diagram of the system accord
`ing to the present invention.
`FIG. 2 is a block diagram depicting the ?ow of media
`asset data according to the present invention.
`FIG. 3 is a block diagram depicting the interaction of
`various software components in the system.
`FIG. 4 is an example of a main screen or home page for
`the portal.
`FIG. 5 is a view of a front panel of a media player device.
`FIG. 6 is a view of a back panel of a media player device.
`FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a media player device.
`FIG. 8 is an example of a user interface screen for the
`media player software application.
`FIG. 9 is a ?ow chart that illustrates a synchronization
`process of media assets between a media player device and
`the portal.
`FIG. 10 is an example of a world wide web page showing
`how rights to a media asset may be purchased over the
`Internet according to the present invention.
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`The Media Distribution System
`Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the present invention is
`directed to a system 10 for distributing digital media assets
`from a variety of media sources 100 to a variety of media
`player devices 200 through a portal 300. Examples of media
`sources 100 are a webretailer 105, a music or video pro
`duction or distribution studio 110, a video server 115 con
`taining a library of video assets such as movies and other
`video productions from one or more production companies,
`an audio server 120 containing a library of audio assets such
`as music and other audio productions from one or more
`record companies and a web site 125 for an online and/or
`brick&mortar media asset company. In addition, artists not
`af?liated with a mainstream production company may make
`their video and/or audio assets available from a host server
`or their own servers. The portal 300 connects to the media
`asset sources 100 by any suitable means, such as the
`Internet, dedicated telecommunication lines, wireless net
`works, dedicated wide area networks, or any combination
`thereof. The terminology “electronically transmitting” a
`digital media asset is meant to include wired and/or ?ber
`communication, wireless communication, and any long
`distance or short range communications (IEEE 802.11,
`HomeRF, BlueToothTM) or combinations thereof. In addition
`to downloading or streaming media assets stored locally to
`the portal 300, the portal 300 connects to media asset
`sources 100 and downloads and/or streams media assets
`from those sources to media player devices 200.
`A media player device 200 is a device that enables a user
`to play a digital media asset. The media player device 200
`may be a home consumer device 210 that connects to a
`television or other monitor 215 as well as a home stereo 217
`(ampli?er/tuner, etc.) which in turn is connected to speakers
`219, a personal computer (PC) 220 (laptop or desktop), a
`vehicle-based electronic device 225, a portable media player
`device 230, or a wireless electronic device 235. The media
`player is also referred to as a client media player insofar as
`it acts as a client to the portal 300 in some circumstances. An
`example of still another type of media player is a cable
`set-top box.
`Brie?y, a media player device 200 comprises a processor
`that executes a media playback software application pro
`gram (or alternatively hardware) to enable a user to play or
`use a digital media asset, such as music, video, games, etc.
`In addition, the media player device 200 may have a display
`(LCD or other type), speakers, microphone, etc. The media
`playback software application program may be a platform
`generic software program that is useful on a diverse variety
`of media player devices. The media player device 200 of the
`home consumer device 210 variety may resemble a con
`sumer electronics DVD player, that also connects to the
`Internet via broadband and/ or modern. A broadband connec
`tion affords the ability of the media player device 200 to
`download audio and video media assets at desirable rates.
`The user interface with the home consumer device 210 is by
`way of a wired or (infrared or RF) wireless keyboard 212
`and/or a handheld (infrared or RF) wireless remote 214. The
`details of one example of a media player device 200 are
`described hereinafter in conjunction with FIGS. 5*7.
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005
`
`

`
`US 7,020,704 B1
`
`3
`A user may have multiple media player devices 200 and
`therefore desire access to media assets that he/she has
`purchased the rights to, on each media player, if that user has
`purchased rights of suf?cient scope to permit access on
`multiple media players. Those assets to Which a user has
`purchased digital access rights on one or more media players
`are hereinafter referred to as a user’s licensed assets. More
`over, multiple users Within a “family” may have different
`levels of access to certain classes of media assets on one or
`more media players 200 in that user family. Each user Within
`the user family Would have his/her oWn identi?er and
`passWord. For example, an adult user might have access to
`certain “R” rated videos, While a child user might have
`access to only “G” rated videos. Some media assets may be
`licensed royalty free to a user such that there is no need to
`track hoW a user uses that particular media asset.
`The portal 300 is computer server or group of servers that
`functions to alloW for the storage, stream and doWnload of
`media assets to a media player 200. In addition, as described
`above the portal 300 provides connections to other source
`sites, such as sources of streaming Internet radio providers.
`The portal 300 alloWs for synchronization and replication of
`a user’s licensed assets With each of the user’s media player
`devices 200. This functionality is hereinafter referred to as
`the virtual media asset library. The portal 300 also serves as
`a central repository Within Which media assets are “tagged”
`With identity and access privileges of those users (and users
`Within a user family) that have licensed rights in the media
`assets. The portal 300 may be accessible directly from a
`media player device and through one or more Web sites and
`may provide a customiZable interface or vieW to each user,
`if desired. The virtual media asset library technology may
`include rights management, Watermarking, encryption and
`containment functions performed by the portal 300.
`The digital media assets distributed by the system 10 may
`be audio such as music, video such as movies, television
`programs or other video productions, interactive softWare
`games, or any media that is digitiZed and suitable for
`electronic distribution. The digital media asset may be
`protected, Where applicable or necessary, from piracy by the
`use of various methods, including digital rights asset man
`agement (DRM), encryption and Watermarking. The digital
`media assets may be in any knoWn or hereinafter developed
`formats, such as, for example, MP3, EPAC, WAV, REAL,
`MPEG, QuickTime and other formats.
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`4
`In accordance With one aspect of the invention, the master
`media library database application 330 synchronizes the
`licensed digital media assets for a user With the client
`database application in each media player of the user so that
`a user can access any licensed media asset from any of the
`user’s media players for Which that user has licensed rights.
`Alternatively, for media players that do not have a database
`client application, the master database application 330 main
`tains the user’s database of assets “on-line” and a user
`obtains access to it by connecting to the portal 300. This
`process is explained further hereinafter.
`There are numerous other functions performed by the
`portal 300 and these are described beloW.
`Update User and Billing Information
`To begin With, the portal manages user information, such
`as name, address and phone information, billing and price
`plans and billing vieWs desired by a user. There may be a
`monthly subscription charge and additional charges for the
`media assets a user desires to use.
`Subscription Management Preferences
`This portal alloWs the user to create their oWn custom
`portal vieW Which previeWs and presents content that might
`?t the user’s infotainment pro?le. Examples of these pref
`erences are types of movies, producer, director, cinemapho
`tographer, choreographer, actor/actress, music type, musi
`cian or artist, etc.
`Content Management
`Some or all of the user’s licensed assets are catalogued
`and stored by the master media library database in the portal
`300. (It should be understood that the media player device
`itself has storage capability to locally store assets.) There are
`numerous features associated With this aspect of the system.
`The portal 300 may be used to add, edit, or delete a user
`in an account. It may be used to create, edit, or delete a
`playlist of assets, as Well as add or delete particular audio or
`video assets. The portal may be used to edit the metadata
`associated With an asset (e.g., edit the title, artist genre
`classi?cation of a song or the title, actor’s name or director
`of a movie).
`Asset Acquisition
`There are a variety of functions and capabilities provided
`by the system associated With the process of acquiring
`assets, such as those listed beloW.
`i. Stream Asset
`ii. DoWnload Asset
`iii. Find/Search Master Database
`iv. Get Usage History
`v. Set Access Privilegesitime, date, type, rating, number,
`etc.
`vi. Check account statusiactive, limited, etc.
`vii. Log activity4detailed request database
`viii. Log Errors per user
`ix. Log Errors per title
`Royalty Management
`Artists and media asset sources/distributors can interface
`to the portal to revieW usage activity of their respective
`media assets, including information such as, total doWn
`loads, doWnloads by type, doWnloads by region, and doWn
`loads by country. Royalties are calculated automatically and
`the billing system is queued for automatic payment, With
`speci?c approval being an option.
`Interactive Services
`1. Email
`i. Send & Receive Email
`ii. Third-Party hosting
`iii. Standard POP3 Compliant
`
`The Portal
`The portal 300 communicates With media player devices
`200 via communication netWork 400 that may consist of the
`Internet and/or a combination of Wireless communication
`networks, such as cellular netWorks, PCS netWorks, etc.
`While a single portal 300 is shoWn in FIG. 1, it should be
`understood that there may be multiple portals, each dedi
`cated to serve subsets of media player devices in a distrib
`uted fashion so as to minimiZe load on individual servers.
`With reference to FIG. 3, a basic architecture for the portal
`300 is described. The components of the portal 300 are a
`hardWare platform 310, such as one or more computer
`servers, an operating system 320 that is executed by the
`hardWare platform 310, a master media library database
`(server) application 330 and a broadband interface 340. An
`example of a Web site home page through Which a user
`interacts With the portal 300 is shoWn in FIG. 4. In this
`exemplary screen, there are several areas for advertisements,
`one or more of Which are “hot” and thus provide a link to an
`advertiser site. In addition, there are channels on the bottom
`portion of the screen associated With various media sources.
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005
`
`

`
`2. Chat
`i. Provide Chat rooms for various topic discussions
`ii. Provide Chat Cafe With background music
`iii. Allow for passWord protection
`3. Web Browsing
`i. Hot-link to other sites from portal
`ii. Track URL paths for insertion into databasei(i.e.i
`link a song)
`iii. BroWser may be tailored for TV and control by
`Wireless keyboard and/or mouse
`4. NeWs Groups
`i. AlloW for the creation of vertical neWs groups
`ii. AlloW for interactive input
`5. Games
`i. Provide for on-line gaming
`ii. Third-party pass-through
`Data Warehouse Interface/Reporting
`The portal may interface to third party databases for
`access to media assets. In this case, the portal replicates
`aspects of the remote databases. These media assets are
`locally cached by the portal for most commonly requested
`assets. In addition, the portal generates essential usage
`reports.
`Advertisement Server
`The portal includes advertisement server softWare func
`tionality to alloW for third-party advertisement submission,
`deletion and maintenance. The portal automatically inserts
`an ad into doWnload stream, and selects an advertisement
`based on user pro?le information When alloWable. Adver
`tisement usage and user pro?le information is continuously
`tracked. The portal generates detailed usage reports for the
`operator of the system as Well as for the advertiser. The
`advertisements may include URL “hotlinks” Within an
`advertisement WindoW, as is Well knoWn in the art. In
`addition, the portal alloWs for personalized/customized
`advertisement generation.
`Personalization Engine
`The portal further includes personaliZation softWare that
`provides personaliZed vieWs for users. This further alloWs
`40
`for insertion of targeted advertising based on pro?les. An
`example of a type of pro?le that is created and tracked is a
`user’s “psychographic” pro?le. Suggestions are generated
`for users based on vieWing and listening pro?le information.
`Activity Analysis
`The portal monitors activity and usage of the system to
`suggest patterns for load management.
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`45
`
`The Media Player Device
`Referring again to FIG. 3, one form of the media player
`device 200 comprises a hardWare platform 250, an operating
`system 260, a database client application 270 and a media
`player engine softWare application 280. The media player
`engine 280 is, for example, based on a softWare platform that
`is useful across multiple and diverse types of hardWare
`platforms of media player device, such as Java®, or is
`Written as a platform speci?c application. The media player
`engine 280 may include interfaces to third party softWare for
`certain functions and features. The media library database
`server application 330 and the database client application
`270 are, for example, database softWare products licensed by
`Oracle Corp. Brie?y, the media player engine 280 comprises
`softWare, such as Java® and C++ code for playing back
`audio and video assets on an operating system platform 260.
`The operating system 260 may be WindoWs®, Macintosh®,
`LinuxTM or other operating platforms, Which may include
`Internet broWser capability or interfaces to a resident Inter
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`US 7,020,704 B1
`
`5
`
`10
`
`6
`net broWser application. Some or all of the media player
`engine 280 may be based on a platform portability softWare,
`such as Java®.
`Another form of a media player device is also shoWn in
`FIG. 3, Wherein the media player device does not include a
`client database application 270. Instead, the master media
`library database 330 of the portal maintains an “on-line”
`database of assets to Which the user of that media player
`device is entitled to use. The user is informed of those assets
`in this on-line database When the media player device
`connects to the portal. The functionality of the media player
`device Without the client database application 270 is other
`Wise similar to a device With it, except that the device
`Without it must connect to the portal to inform the user of
`his/her database contents. The media player device of this
`type may have some local memory in Which a playlist of
`media assets can be stored. The locally stored playlist Would
`contain a subset of the user’s complete on-line database.
`Referring noW to FIGS. 5*7, an example of a hardWare
`platform 250 for a media player device 200 of the home
`consumer variety 210 Will be described in further detail.
`Many of the hardWare components shoWn in FIGS. 5*7
`Would also be present in other types of media player devices
`(such as those shoWn in FIG. 1) depending on cost and
`feature requirements. In some cases, additional components
`such as an ampli?er, speaker and display Would be included
`as part of the media player hardWare platform. Generally, the
`media player device 210 is a stand-alone multimedia server.
`It is intended to be roughly the siZe of a CD/DVD Player and
`provide for both audio and video output, though its siZe may
`vary With speci?c applications. The audio output may
`require an ampli?er to drive speakers, or an ampli?er may
`be included Within the device. Video is directed to a tele
`vision or monitor. The media player device receives its
`media assets via broadband demand doWnload or stream,
`traditional phone line doWnload or stream from the portal
`and/or other media partners. The media player device is also
`able to doWnload content and information from other Inter
`net Web sites through its embedded broWser interface. More
`over, the media player device can playback locally stored
`media assets such as CDs, DVDs, or other physical media as
`Well as media assets stored on a local hard drive storage
`device.
`The particular hardWare platform 250 for a media player
`device 200 shoWn in FIGS. 5*7 is intended to complement
`the existing stereo and audio-visual components Within the
`home environment. The video interface of the media player
`device may support NTSC and PAL analog video signal
`standards, as Well as HDTV or other digital TV standards. In
`addition, the media player device can support various audio
`signal formats, such as Dolby® and DTS theater sound
`formats.
`The hardWare platform 250 comprises several major
`components and assemblies.
`A Front Panel Assembly 2210 comprises a display circuit
`assembly 2260 that drives a display 2262 and generates
`control signals from user input buttons 2264 and from an
`infrared receiver 2264; a front I/O circuit assembly 2220 and
`a poWer sWitch circuit assembly 2230. The display is, for
`example, a vacuum ?uorescent display.
`A PoWer Supply Assembly 2300 connects to a standard
`household poWer outlet and generates all of the necessary
`voltages and grounds for the components of the media
`player device.
`A removable memory media drive device, such as DVD
`ROM drive assembly 2400, or other suitable removable
`memory media drive device heretofore knoWn or hereinafter
`
`SAMSUNG EX. 1005
`
`

`
`US 7,020,704 B1
`
`7
`developed is provided. The “DVD” format is an example of
`a suitable drive assembly. Others removable memory media
`drive devices are CD-read, CD-read/Write, DVD audio,
`DVD read/Write, etc.
`In addition, a hard disk drive 2500 is provided for storing
`media content and other information.
`As shoWn in FIG. 5, the front panel comprises the display
`2262, user interface buttons 2264, a poWer on/olf sWitch
`2268, and the tray or slot for the removable memory media
`drive 2400. In addition, a sWing-open door reveals (not
`shoWn) USB type ‘A’ stacked ports, IEEE-l394 port, PC
`Card ports, Smart Card port, and 1A" headphone audio jack
`With headphone volume adjustment knob.
`The rear panel is shoW in FIG. 6. The rear panel exposes
`the I/O connections 2110, including, USB, LAN, PHONE
`LINE IN, SERIAL, VGA OUT, Composite Video IN,
`S-Video IN, Audio OUT Left, Audio OUT Right, Composite
`Video OUT, S-Video OUT, Digital Audio, AC ~l20V.
`As shoWn in FIG. 7, a motherboard assembly 2100
`comprises the CPU 2120, memory 2130, special purpose
`chip sets 2140, and I/O connectors 2110. All processing
`excluding a processor on the display circuit assembly 2260
`is controlled by the motherboard. Examples of the special
`purpose chip sets 2140 are Integrated Video Chipset With
`NTSC/PAL, S-Video, and SVGA out, Macrovision CSS for
`NTSC/PAL and S-Video Out, Integrated Stereo Audio
`Chipset With Stereo Line out, Integrated DVD/MPEG Video
`decoder hardWare, Integrated DVD/MPEG Audio decoder
`hardWare, l0Base-T Ethernet, 56 Kb V.90 modem, USB
`hardWare to support 2 Type ‘A’ ports on rear, USB hardWare
`to support 2 Type ‘A’ ports on front, IEEE-l394 hardWare to
`support one front port, hardWare to support 1 internal serial
`port (header), hardWare to support 2 IDE drive ports (2
`headers, 4 devices total).
`The display circuit assembly 2260 includes ?rmWare to
`perform functions such as, de-bouncing momentary
`sWitches, reporting user-input sWitch contact and release to
`motherboard via COM port, reporting removable memory
`media device ‘EJECT’ sWitch signal to motherboard via
`COM port, routing remote control and/ or Wireless keyboard
`commands to the motherboard, and managing the display.
`The front panel circuit assembly 2220 manages interac
`tions With the headphone jack, headphone volume attenuator
`control, dual type ‘A’ USB ports, and an IEEE-l394 con
`nector. The remote control 214 (FIG. 1) has several buttons
`and examples of some of their associated functions are listed
`in the table beloW.
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`8
`The media player softWare engine provides the media
`playback functionality for the media player device. An
`example of the user interface provided by the media player
`softWare engine is shoWn in FIG. 8. There are icons asso
`ciated With audio, video and Web resources as Well as one or
`more areas dedicated to advertisements and links. In addi
`tion, at the bottom of FIG. 8 are shoWn icons associated With
`the basic playback functions of a media asset, such as audio
`or video. There are several modes of operation that are
`controlled by the media player softWare engine described
`beloW. It should be understood that the media player soft
`Ware engine alloWs multiple modes to be performed at the
`same time. For example, a user, While using a media asset,
`may perform other functions such as Web broWsing or
`organizing a media asset library, etc.
`Local Playback Mode
`In this mode, the media player engine plays assets that
`reside on locally internal hard drives, CD, DVD, ?oppy or
`other removable media. Music is played back in this con
`?guration as a background task. Other applications can
`function in the foreground.
`NetWork Playback Mode
`In this mode, the media player device is connected to a
`netWorked server or a mounted hard drive on a computer,
`Which is on its local netWork. A media player device is
`capable of playing media assets in this mode from any
`connected server. Other media player devices can access
`server data. Server data is only “referenced” by the media
`player softWare engine and not “managed,” i.e., data can be
`removed by any netWork member With appropriate privi
`leges.
`Internet Streaming Mode
`In this mode, the media player device interacts With an
`Internet-based source for music or video, such as the portal
`or other sites capable of streaming audio or video data.
`The media player device is capable of adding URL
`reference to its playlist. Streaming data formats include
`MP3, EPAC, WindoWs Media Audio and Video, Flash,
`QuickTime and REAL audio and REAL video.
`Streaming Channels
`The media player presents the user With a mix of preset
`streaming channels. The user can edit this list of channels
`and add or delete ?les to the list. These streaming channels
`can be either digital radio channels or streaming video
`channels.
`
`Remote Control
`
`Function
`
`T
`i
`<—
`—>
`>
`I
`H
`4|
`I)
`—
`+
`MUTE
`EXIT
`GUIDE
`SELECT
`MENU
`INFO
`A
`v
`
`Up a list
`DoWn a list
`Move around Widgets
`Move around Widgets
`Play
`Stop
`Pause
`Previous Track
`Next Track
`Volume DoWn
`Volume Up
`Mute
`EXIT
`GoTo
`Enter key
`Menu
`Option List
`Page Up
`Page DoWn
`
`Navigate Streams
`This feature provides the ability to reWind and restart
`streaming media. The media player provides the function
`ality by caching the datastream in memory or on disk for
`later playback.
`Audio Playback
`This feature provides core functionality