10B1
`
`
`
`73
`
`US007069
`
`a2) United States Patent
`Bartholomew
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 7,069,310 B1
`Jun. 27, 2006
`
`(54) SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CREATING
`AND POSTING MEDIA LISTS FOR
`PURPOSES OF SUBSEQUENTPLAYBACK
`
`(75)
`
`Inventor: Alan Bartholomew, La Canada, CA
`(US)
`
`(73) Assignee: Trio Systems, LLC, Pasadena, CA
`(US)
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term ofthis
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 752 days.
`(21) Appl. No.: 09/710,654
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Nov. 10, 2000
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`GO6F15/16
`(BZ)! US. CMe
`oc eesrecternsenpennns 709/219; 709/201; 715/704
`(58) Field of Classification Search ......... 709/200-203,
`709/217-229; 719/310: 700/23, 88, 94;
`715/704, 500.1, 712
`See applicationfile for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
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`
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`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
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`Mediagram Inc., 1999, p. 1.*
`
`
`
`-
`(Continued)
`John Follansbee
`Primary Examiner
`ae —
`,
`4
` 495/8tant Examiner—HareshPatel _
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Dalina Law Group P.C.
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`
`A method and apparatus for creating and posting media is
`provided. For example,
`the invention allows a user to
`quickly create, signal process, encode, and transfer media
`files to a server for storage, posting, distribution, and
`retrieval. Thus, media such as audio, video, display, photo,
`spreadsheet, Web Clips, and HTML pages can be combined
`into a mediafile for uploadingtoa server and accessed from
`listings posted at web sites. In accordance with embodi-
`ments, a user downloads andinstalls a plug-in at the user’s
`client computer. The user then registers and logs onto the
`server to perform various tasks. For example, the user can
`create a combined audio and photo mediafile at the client
`computer, in accordance with server based control param-
`eters received from the system server. The plug-in then
`allows the user to perform digital signal processing and
`encoding of the media file at the client computer. Afier the
`file is encoded, it may be uploaded to a server for storage,
`posting, distribution, and retrieval, A file management sys-
`tem provides copies andlistings of the file to other servers
`and web sites as permitted. Thus, other user having access
`to the database or web site lists via other client computers
`mayselectthe file for retrieval. In accordance with another
`aspect of the invention, an information management system
`provides file and file list rankings based uponselection or
`click through offiles andfile listings.
`
`28 Claims, 12 Drawing Sheets
`
`SERVER 970
`
`930
`
`WEB PAGE
`SEAVER
`
`CREATOR
`USER
`
`980
`
`MEDIA FILE
`
`940
`
`1
`
`GOOGLE 1031
`
`GOOGLE 1031
`
`1
`
`

`

`US 7,069,310 Bl
`
`Page 2
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Press and Online Coverage [online], [retrieved on Feb. 1,
`2000]. Retrieved from the Internet: <URL: http://www.
`scala.com/users/quotes.asap>.
`Discover Music Template [online], [retrieved on Jan. 20,
`2000]. Retrieved from the Internet: <URL: http://www.
`discovermusic.com>.
`
`10/1998
`Foladare et al.
`5,819,160
`11/1998
`Hara et al,
`5,832,223
`Schulhof et al.
`11/1998
`5,841,979
`11/1998
`5,842,206
`Sotomayor
`Kirsch et al.
`12/1998
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`Walls et al.
`12/1998
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`1/1999
`Contois
`5,864,868
`How Do I Create a Talk Program [online], [retrieved on Sep.
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`5,870,739
`Davis, III et al.
`28, 1999]. Retrieved from the Internet: <URL: http://www.
`2/1999
`Davis, III et al.
`5,873,079
`givemetalk.com>.
`Grasso et al. .......0.0. 709/201
`4/1999
`5,892,909
`Personal Video Webcasting [online], [retrieved on Feb. 6,
`Palmer etal.
`$/1999
`5,905,865
`2000]. Retrieved from the Internet: <URL: http://www.
`Lawler
`5/1999
`5,905,981
`popceast.com>.
`6/1999
`5,913,204
`Kelly
`6/1999
`Cyber Greetings and MessageBay to Offer Industry First
`Rubinstein et al.
`5.913.215
`7/1999
`5,920,856
`Online Voice Greeting Cards [online], [retrieved on Oct. 10,
`Syeda-Mahmood
`Hooban
`7/1999
`5,930,768
`1999]. Retrieved from the Internet: <URL: http://www.
`8/1999
`Wolfe et al.
`5,931,901
`messagebay.com/press/090799 .htm>.
`Fidelibus,Jr. et al.
`8/1999
`5,931,906
`Destiny internet radio broadcast network [online], [retrieved
`Davies et al.
`8/1999
`5,931,907
`on Jan. 10, 2000]. Retrieved from the Internet: <URL:
`8/1999
`Gerbaetal.
`5,931,908
`http://www.radiodestiny.com/broadcast/index.shtml>.
`Sakata
`8/1999
`5.937.407
`Jose Alvear, NextAudio Launches Radio Software Using
`Numata
`8/1999
`5,943,669
`Windows Media [online],
`[retrieved on Jun. 7, 2000].
`Williamset al.
`8/1999
`5,945,988
`
`Retrieved <URL:_http://www.from the Internet:
`
`
`Mankovitz
`9/1999
`5,949,492
`9/1999
`Kenneretal,
`streamingmedia.com:business-technology-content>.
`5,956,716
`9/1999
`Kleiman
`5,959,945
`Welcome to Activate.net
`[online],
`[retrieved on Jun. 7,
`10/1999
`5,963,916
`Kaplan
`2000]. Retrieved from the Internet: <URL: http://www.
`10/1999
`activate.net>.
`5,963,965
`Vogel
`10/1999
`Jacobson etal.
`5,970,489
`11/1999
`Williamset al.
`5.977.964
`11/1999
`Monteiro et al.
`5,983,005
`7/2001
`Milsted et al.
`6,263,313
`12/2001
`6,333,932
`Kobayasi et al.
`........... 370/389
`4/2002
`Hoffert et al.
`...
`. 707/104. 1
`6,374,260
`
`7/2003
`SRST cccarennneeaxneconesapyereen 705/14
`6,591,247
`8/2003
`............. 235/492
`Atsmon et al.
`6,607,136
`9/2003
`.........c00. 713/201
`Marvit et al.
`6,625,734
`1/2004
`6,675,205
`Meadwayetal.
`aveee TO9/219
`7/2004
`6,769,010
`Knapp et al.
`....
`wees 709/203
`2002/0032783
`3/2002
`Tuatini
`........
`sevee 709/229
`2004/0128697
`7/2004
`Wood et al.
`.
`seven F2SILLS
`
`2005/0021611
`1/2005
`............. 709/203
`Knapp et al.
`
`>>
`
`APPPreeSeee
`
`BL*
`
`Al*
`
`[retrieved on Sep. 19, 2000].
`VoizLetter Pro [online],
`Retrieved from the Internet: <URL: http://www.mediaring.
`com/business/products/voizletterpro>.
`Paul Gilster, Headline: Computers—The Web Connectionto
`your Phone, InternetSpeech.com[online], [retrieved on Oct.
`5, 2000]. Retrieved from the Internet: <URL: http://www.
`internetspeech.com/06-05-00.htm>.
`Message Bay, Create Your OwnPersonal Voice Greeting
`Card [online], [retrieved on Oct. 10, 1999]. Retrieved from
`the
`Internet:
`<URL:
` http://www.messagebay.com/perl/
`mb_up.pI1>.
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`
`
`2
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 27, 2006
`
`Sheet 1 of 12
`
`US 7,069,310 B1
`
`yOSS390ud
`
`OOL
`
`|SHNDSI
`
`O3dIA
`
`AUOWSW
`
`OYuVOSAIy
`
`3
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 27, 2006
`
`Sheet 2 of 12
`
`US 7,069,310 B1
`
`
`
`202
`
`202
`
`DATA
`STREAMING
`SERVER
`
`USER
`
` CREATOR
`
`APPLICATION
`SERVER
`
`350
`
`FIGURE 3
`
`4
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 27, 2006
`
`Sheet 3 of 12
`
`US 7,069,310 B1
`
`REGISTER
`AS USER
`
`402
`
`DOWNLOAD
`PLUG-IN
`
`INSTALL
`PLUG-IN
`
`704
`
`706
`
`USER LOG ON
`70 SERVER
`
`“oREATE’ commana
`
`408
`
`V7"
`
`[SEAVERconTROL~*~BASED
`
`SERVER BASED CONTROL
`
`
`
`
`
`CREATE MEDIA FILE
`AT PLUG-IN
`
`DIGITAL SIGNAL
`PROCESSING AT PLUG-IN
`
`ENCODEFILE AT PLUG-IN
`
`UPLOAD FILE FROM
`PLUG-IN TO SERVER
`
`430
`
`440
`
`450
`
`460
`
`470
`
`FILE MANAGEMENT
`SYSTEM PROCESS
`
`
`FILE RETRIEVAL
`
`PROCESS
`
`
`PROCESS 490
`
`INFORMATION
`MANAGEMENT
`SYSTEM
`
`FIGURE4
`
`5
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 27, 2006
`
`Sheet 4 of 12
`
`US 7,069,310 B1
`
`
`
`IS DATA
`
`FILE
`
`?
`RECORDED
`
`
`
`LOAD MEDIA FILE IN
`
`MEMORY AND READ
`CONFIGURATION
`
`
`
`510
`
`520
`
`YES
`
`
`APPLY DATA
`MANIPULATION PROCESS
`1
`
`530
`
`540
`
`
`
`
`APPLY DATA
`MANIPULATION PROCESS
`
`
`
`N
`
`APPLY ENCODING
`PROCESS
`
`FIGURE 5
`
`6
`
`6
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 27, 2006
`
`Sheet 5 of 12
`
`US 7,069,310 B1
`
`COLLECT SYSTEM
`INFORMATION
`
`ESTABLISH
`NETWORK CONNECTION
`
`605
`
`610
`
`IS
`CONNECTION
`ESTABLISHED
`
`600
`
`YES
`
`
`
`615
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ESTABLISHED
`
`
`
`1S CURRENT
`
`DATA BLOCK
`
`
`REPORT STATUS
`
`INFORMATION
`
`
`
`SEND INFORMATION
`HEADER
`
`620
`
`READ DATA
`
`BLOCK FROM FILE
`
`AS
`CONNECTION
`
`
`YES
`
`
`SEND DATA
`BLOCK
`
`READ SERVER
`RESPONSE
`
`FIGURE 6A
`
`7
`
`7
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 27, 2006
`
`Sheet 6 of 12
`
`US 7,069,310 B1
`
`YES
`
`RECEIVE HEADER
`
`VALIDATE USER
`
`655
`
`660
`
`
`
`
`
`
`GENERATE
`FILE NAME
`
`665
`
` IS TOTAL RECEIVED
`DATA SIZE EQUAL TO OR
`
`CLOSE AND STORE DATA FILE
`
`GENERATE FILE
`INFORMATION WEB PAGE
`
`SEND FILE INFORMATION
`WEB PAGE TO CLIENT
`
`686
`
`|~690
`
`FIGURE 6B
`
`8
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 27, 2006
`
`Sheet 7 of 12
`
`US 7,069,310 B1
`
`/10
`
`SEND REQUEST
`FOR CONTROL FILE
`
`
`IS
`RESPONSE
`RECElVED
`
`YES
`730
`
`RECEIVE CONTROL
`INFORMATION
`
`/40
`
`750
`
`DECRYPT CONNECTION
`LOCATION INFORMATION
`
`DISPLAY
`HELPER APPLICATION
`S
`SCREEN
`
`FIGURE7A
`
`9
`
`9
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 27, 2006
`
`Sheet 8 of 12
`
`US 7,069,310 B1
`
`
`
`IS
`
`
`REQUEST
`RECEIVED FROM
`
`CLIENT
`?
`
`PROCESS REQUEST
`INFORMATION
`
`770
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`IS
`SEND ACCESS DENIED
`NO
`
`CLIENT REQUEST
`MESSAGE AND ALTERNATE
`
`
`
`PERMITTED
`
`CONTROL INSTRUCTIONS
`
`
`?
`
`
`790
`
`
`
`SEND REQUEST
`
`CONTROL INSTRUCTIONS
`TO CLIENT
`
`FIGURE 78
`
`10
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 27, 2006
`
`Sheet 9 of 12
`
`US 7,069,310 B1
`
`SELECT ALLOWABLE
`FUNCTIONS
`
`
`
`GENERATE WEB PAGE
`CONTAINING CONTROLS
`
`
`
`620
`
`
`
` 830
`
`
` SERVER UPDATES
` SERVER GENERATES
`
`
`
`USER ENTERS
`INFORMATION/ISSUES
`COMMANDS
`
`
`DATABASE WITH
`
`
`INFORMATION
`
`
`
`pe
`
`HYPERLINK TO
`MEDIA FILES
`
`
`FIGURE 8
`
`WEB PAGE
`SERVER
`
`MEDIA FILE
`SERVER
`
`USER
`
`CREATOR
`
`FIGURE 9
`
`11
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 27, 2006
`
`Sheet 10 of 12
`
`US 7,069,310 B1
`
`USER DEFINES
`MEDIA FILE LIST
`
`ADD MEDIA FILE
`TO ENTRIES
`
`
`
`CREATE LIST ENTRY
`CONNECTIONS AND
`RELATIONSHIPS;
`STORE DATA
`
`EDITLISTENTRIES
`
`SELECT LIST DISPLAY,
`BROWSING, EXPORTING
`
`
`
`PERFORM LIST DISPLAY,
`BROWSING,
`IMPORTAND
`
`CONNECTIONS
`
`NOTIFY SELECTED
`USERS, CREATORS,
`LIST OWNERS, MANAGERS
`
`USER REQUESTS LISTS
`
`USER REQUESTS DATA
`ASSOCIATED WITH
`ENTRIES
`
`1010
`
`1015
`
`1020
`
`ie
`
`1030
`
`1035
`
`1040
`
`1045
`
`1050
`
`(A)
`
`FIGURE 10A
`
`12
`
`12
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 27, 2006
`
`Sheet 11 of 12
`
`US 7,069,310 B1
`
`
`
`
`
`PROVIDE DATA ASSOCIATED
`WITH LIST ENTRIES
`
`
`(INCLUDING POPULARITY)
`
`
`
`ACCUMULATE USAGE
`DATA
`
`
`(POPULARITY DATA)
`
`
`
` RANK POPULARITY/USAGE
`DATA BASE
` PROVIDE CREATOR, USERS
`
` 1070
`LIST OWNERS, MANAGERS
`
`
`WITH POPULARITY
`
`USAGE DATA
`
`AND STORE DATA IN
`
`FIGURE 10B
`
`13
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 27, 2006
`
`Sheet 12 of 12
`
`US 7,069,310 B1
`
`1110
`
`LIST ATTRIBUTES
`
`LIST
`
`REFRENCES
`
`
`
`MEDIA
`FILES
`
`
`
`
`REFRENCES
`
` 1130
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ASSOCIATION
`ATTRIBUTES
`
`ASSOCIATED
`ITEMS LIST
`
`
`
`1150
`
`LIST ATTRIBUTES
`
`
`
`
`
`MEDIA
`FILES
`REFRENCES
`
`1140
`
`FIGURE 11
`
`14
`
`14
`
`

`

`US 7,069,310 B1
`
`1
`SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CREATING
`AND POSTING MEDIA LISTS FOR
`PURPOSES OF SUBSEQUENT PLAYBACK
`
`BACKGROUNDOF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`
`The present invention relates to the generation, transfer,
`and posting of media data in a computer network environ-
`ment. More particularly, the invention relates to a client
`computer based system for creating, processing, encoding,
`and transferring mediafiles for server based storage, post-
`ing, distribution, and retrieval.
`2. Background Art
`The development of computer technology, computernet-
`works and the Internet has brought about a need for better
`ways to create, manage and disseminate files. The advance-
`ment of the Internet market has only increased this need and
`allowed providers of such services to maintain a viable
`business.
`However, using current technology, the creation, prepa-
`ration, management and dissemination of files (e.g., audio,
`visual media and/or presentation files) over the Internetis a
`tedious and inefficient process for the typical user. For
`instance, in order to disseminate an audio or visual presen-
`tation over the Internet, a number ofsteps are required. In
`addition, many parts of the process require specialized
`knowledge that many computer users do not have.
`Using current systems, a user must first create or record
`an audio or video file live using a microphone and/or as a
`compilation of material that may include recordings made
`live as well as prerecorded offerings, including offerings
`from various potential inputs. All of these sources must be
`mixed together into a single recording with the volume and
`recording level controlled appropriately for each of the
`components. While programs exist for accomplishing this
`task, they require a degree of expertise on the part ofthe
`user.
`
`In addition, recorded audio files can be digitally signal
`processed to optimize the quality of the sound using digital
`signal processing. However, such processing can require
`many steps including multi-band voice-optimized compres-
`sion where compression reduces selected signal input (e.g.
`audio analog compression, not to be confused with data
`compression or encoding). Current systems also provide a
`way to optimize other types of files (e.g., video, audio,
`etc...) using digital or analog optimization techniques. For
`example, in order to create professional quality media files,
`these steps are generally not optional and thus failure to
`perform them put a web broadcaster at a competitive dis-
`advantage as compared to one who does perform them.
`Also, in order to use a file with certain software applica-
`tions, thefile is usually converted intoa file format, such as
`Real Audio™, that can be replayed by that application. File
`conversion may also be required whenthetarget application
`is a web browser. For instance, if the intended recipient is a
`web browser,the file is encoded into a format (e.g., WAV)
`that the web browser or a help application associated with
`the web browser is capable of playing. The programs that
`exist to accomplish this encoding require a degree of exper-
`tise on the part ofthe user.
`Furthermore, media files uploaded to a server havelittle
`in the way of the capability to incorporate links to other web
`sites as part of the media file or presentation. Current
`systems, for example, lack a way for users to post parts of
`a presentation on different servers in order to utilize servers
`with various capabilities (e.g., RealServer™). If parts of the
`
`2
`presentation are posted ondifferent servers, the server must
`typically be provided with the capability to downloadall of
`the files associated with the presentation to the audience
`upon request. Once again, the steps require user intervention
`to accomplish tasks that require expertise. Furthermore,
`these tasks are time consuming and the process of editing or
`modifying a mediafile or presentation includes repeating the
`same steps as above.
`Anotherlimitation inherent in current systems ts that once
`the user generates a mediafile, there is no simple mechanism
`for depositing the media files into a dynamic environment
`(e.g., a list that changes according to a set
`of criteria or
`behaviors established by the user). For example, users may
`send files they create to a server, but the prior art doe not
`have a way for the posting user to sequence the files
`according to a series of dynamicattributes. Users cannot, for
`example, define the type of files that are to be placed on the
`server Where the files that are on the server are associated
`with a list that changes according to criteria established by
`the user. Thus, there is a need fora system that accomplished
`these objectives by providing the user with a dynamic
`environment in which to upload files.
`It
`is apparent that the current procedures to create, pre-
`pare, manage and disseminate a media files and presenta-
`tions over the Internet are lengthy and tedious, requiring a
`high level of knowledge of a number of computer programs
`for processing each step. The process is so tedious because
`each step typically requires the use of a different computer
`program and the user must take the output of one program
`and feed it into the next program.
`Moreover, these tasks are currently performed as indi-
`vidual steps in separate programs on servers rather than on
`the user’s computer. It would be more efficient for users to
`perform as many of these steps as possible on their own
`computers or clients, rather than attempt to perform the
`processing using software provided for themona server.
`For example, a user may have to upload a .WAVfile to one
`server for signal processing and know how to operate the
`signal processing for that server. The user will then have to
`load the file to another server for encoding and knowhow to
`operate that program as well. After that, the user will have
`to load the completed file to a third server for distribution
`and must know how to use the systemon that third server as
`well.
`Therefore, there is a need for a simple, inexpensive way
`to create, process, encode, upload, post and distribute seam-
`less media files and presentations while requiring minimal
`creator input, expertise, and time. Hence, a system is needed
`that runs on a user’s local PC andis suitable for users who
`
`are not experts in various media recording, processing,
`encoding, transmitting, and server based software packages.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention provides a method and apparatus
`for creating and posting media. Embodiments of the inven-
`tion provide a convenient process for a user to quickly
`create, signal process, encode, and transfer mediafiles to a
`server for storage, posting, distribution, and retrieval. For
`example, audio, video, display, photo, database, spreadsheet,
`voice messages, Web Clips, pictures, HTMLpages, attach-
`ments, templates, and/or combinations of such data can be
`combined into a media file for uploading to a server and
`accessible from a listing posted at a website.
`In accordance with an embodiment of the present inven-
`tion, a user accesses a system server to download a plug-in
`and register as a user. After downloading the plug-in, the
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`FIG. 5 is a ow diagramthatillustrates the process used
`by the system to perform digital signal processing at the
`plug-in, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present
`invention.
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`plug-in is installed. The user may then log into the server
`where the user is given multiple options. For example, the
`user can “create” a media file using the create command. If
`the user selects the create command, server based control is
`initiated and the plug-in continues to record or receive media
`illustrate the
`FIGS. 6a and 66 are flow diagrams that
`process used by the system to upload ortransferafile to the
`file at the plug-in, in accordance with the control parameters
`received from the system server.
`server, in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present
`invention.
`For example, a user may record audio, video, photo,
`and/or display information options using the plug-in or other
`systems. For example, the plug-in may provide a user with
`a system for recording audio information using a PC base
`microphone and video input. Alternatively, a media file may
`be recorded using another method, or previously recorded
`and accessed by the plug-in.
`Also, in accordance with another aspect of the invention,
`once the plug in has access to a media file,
`the plug-in
`performs digital signal processing upon that media file. In
`addition, the plug-in encodes the media file. After a file is
`encoded, it may be uploadedto a server for storage, posting,
`distribution, and retrieval from other client computers.
`According to an embodiment of the invention, recording
`(e.g. setting levels, recording, playback, etc), signal process-
`ing of the generated file, RealAudio encoding, and upload to
`a server can be done with as few as 3 clicks (e.g. record/
`stop/upload).
`Upon successful upload of a file, a file management
`system provides copies and listings of the file to other
`servers and websites as approved by the creator ofthefile
`and the owner of the servers and/or site owners. For
`
`illustrate the
`FIGS. 7a and 76 are flow diagrams that
`process used by the system to provide server based control
`of the plug-in, in accordance with an embodiment of the
`present invention.
`FIG. 8 is a flow diagram thatillustrates the process used
`by the system to provide a file management system,
`in
`accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
`FIG. 9 is a block diagram that illustrates a method and
`apparatus for distributing media file content to users over a
`network of computers, in accordance with an embodiment of
`the present invention.
`FIGS. 10a and 106 are flow diagramsthat illustrate the
`process used by the system to provide an information
`management system for giving file and file list rankings, in
`accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
`FIG, 11 is a block diagramthatillustrates representation
`ofinformation mediagrams used in the invention,
`in accor-
`dance with an embodiment ofthe present invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`example, once a file is uploaded, the system then incorpo-
`rates the file information into one or more website lists
`and/or server based database. Oncea file is incorporated into
`the databases, any user having access to a databaseorlist,
`may select that file for retrieval or playback. Hence, the
`inventionallows for media files to be stored to and accessed
`from one location (e.g. an Internet server) that is accessible
`from various locations (e.g. Internet clients via an Internet
`website).
`In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an
`information management system providesfile andfile list
`rankings based upon selection or click through of web page
`listing and/or desired files. Thus, for example. information
`relating to popular selections and lists can be tracked and
`recorded by the system in order to providelist and/orfile
`ratings.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example of a general
`purpose computer systemthat can be used for implementing
`the invention,
`in accordance with an embodiment of the
`invention.
`
`Internet or
`FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a general
`client/server environment that can be used for implementing
`the invention,
`in accordance with an embodiment of the
`present invention.
`FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a method and apparatus for
`creating and posting media system implemented in an Inter-
`net or client/server environment, showing a client systems,
`servers, a data storage medium, and their related connec-
`tions,
`in accordance with an embodiment of the present
`invention.
`
`FIG, 4 is a flow diagram that illustrates the process used
`by the system to create and post media, in accordance with
`an embodimentof the present invention.
`
`The present invention provides a method and apparatus
`for providing a system for creating and posting media. In the
`following description, numerous specific details are set forth
`in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the
`present
`invention.
`It will be apparent, however,
`to one
`skilled in theart, that the present invention may be practiced
`without these specific details. In other instances, well-known
`features have not been described in detail in order not to
`unnecessarily obscurethe present invention. Hereinafter, the
`term “system” is used to refer to a device and/or a method
`for performing a function. Furthermore, hereinafter, use of
`the term “media”, “audio”, “video”, “data”, or “data files”
`shall comprise various types of media including analog and
`digital audio, video, database, and display information or
`data.
`
`Embodiments of the invention provide a convenient sys-
`tem for the user to create, signal process, encode, and
`transfer a media file (e.g. an audio file) to a server for
`storage, distribution, and retrieval from a posting. For
`example, a system can be implement using a plug-in
`installed on a general purpose computer for creating Rea-
`|Audio recordings with client-side processing, and automati-
`cally hosting those recordings on a computer network server
`and posting a reference to the recording on website lists.
`
`Embodiment of General Purpose Computer Environment
`FIG, 1 is a block diagram of an example of a general
`purpose computer system that can be used for implementing
`the invention,
`in accordance with an embodiment of the
`invention. For example, an embodiment of the invention can
`be implemented as computer software in the form of com-
`puter readable program code executed on a general purpose
`computer such as the computer 100 or as system comprising
`a general purpose computer 100. Hereinafter,
`the term
`“system” is used to refer to a device and/or a method for
`performing a function.
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`Referring to FIG. 1, a keyboard 110 and mouse 111 are
`coupled to a bi-directional system bus 118 (e.g., PCI, ISA or
`other similar architecture). The keyboard and mouse are for
`introducing user input to the computer system and commu-
`nicating that user input to central processing unit (CPU) 113.
`Other suitable input devices may be used in additionto, or
`in place of, the mouse 111] and keyboard 110. I/O (input/
`output) unit 119 coupled to bi-directional system bus 118
`represents possible output devices such as a printer or an
`A/V(audio/video) device.
`Computer 100 includes video memory 114, main memory
`115, mass storage 112, and communicationinterface 120.
`All these devices are coupled toa bi-directional system bus
`118 along with keyboard 110, mouse 111 and CPU 113. The
`mass storage 112 may include both fixed and removable
`media, such as magnetic, optical or magnetic optical storage
`systems or any otheravailable mass storage technology. The
`system bus 118 provides a means for addressing video
`memory 114 or main memory 115. The system bus 118 also
`provides a mechanism for the CPU to transferring data
`between and among the components, such as main memory
`115, video memory 114 and mass storage 112.
`In one embodiment ofthe invention, the CPU 113 is a
`microprocessor manufactured by Motorola, such as the
`680X0 processor, an Intel Pentium III] processor, or an
`UltraSPARC processor from Sun Microsystems. However,
`any other suitable processor or computer may be utilized.
`Video memory 114 is a dual-ported video random access
`memory. One port of the video memory 114 is coupled to
`video accelerator 116. The video accelerator device 116 is
`used to drive a CRT(cathode ray tube), and LCD (Liquid
`Crystal Display), or TFT (Thin-Film Transistor) monitor
`117. The video accelerator 116 is well known in the art and
`
`may be implemented by any suitable apparatus. This cir-
`cuitry converts pixel data stored in video memory 114 to a
`signal suitable for use by monitor 117. The monitor 117 is a
`type of monitor suitable for displaying graphic images.
`The computer 100 may also include a communication
`interface 120 coupled to the system bus 118. The commu-
`nication interface 120 provides a two-way data communi-
`cation coupling via a network link 121 to a network 122, For
`example, if the communication interface 120 is a modem,
`the communication interface 120 provides a data commu-
`nication connection to a corresponding type of telephone
`line, which comprises part of a network link 121. If the
`communication interface 120 is a Network Interface Card
`(NIC), communication interface 120 provides a data com-
`munication connection via a network link 121 to a compat-
`ible network. Physical network links can include Ethernet,
`wireless, fiber optic, and cable television type links. In any
`such implementation, communication interface 120 sends
`and receives electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals
`whichcarry digital data streams representing various types
`of information and media (e.g. audio and video data).
`The network link 121 typically provides data communi-
`cation through one or more networks to other data devices.
`For example, network link 121 may provide a connection
`through local network 122 to a host computer 123 or to data
`equipment operated by an Internet Service Provider (ISP)
`124. ISP 124 in turn provides data communication services
`through the world wide packet data communication network
`nowcommonly referred to as the “Internet” 125. Hereinaf-
`ter, “the Internet” will be used to refer to the Internet itself
`as well as other types of Intranets, networks, distributed
`servers, or client/server architectures where a computer
`gaming systemis desired and applicable.
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`Local network 122 and Internet 125 both use electrical,
`electromagnetic or optical signals which carry digital data
`streams to files. The signals through the various networks
`and the signals on network link 121 and through commu-
`nication interface 120, which carry the digital data to and
`from computer 100, are exemplary forms of carrier waves
`for transporting the digital information.
`The computer 100 can send messages and receive data,
`including program code, through the network(s), network
`link 121, and communication interface 120. In the Internet
`example, server 126 might transmit a requested code for an
`application program through Internet 125, ISP 124, local
`network 122 and communication interface 120.
`
`The Internet/Client/Server
`Computers and computer networksare used to exchange
`information, perform transactions, and provide entertain-
`ment in many fields. During these events, the exchange of
`data between computers typically occurs between a “server
`application” that provides information or services, and a
`“client application” or device that receives the provided
`information and services. Multiple server applications are
`sometimes available on a “system server” such as a single
`computer server that provides services for multiple clients.
`Alternatively, distributed server systems allow a single cli-
`ent to obtain services fromapplications residing on multiple
`servers. For example, in current distributed server systems,
`client applications or plug-ins are able to communicate with
`server applications executing on the same computer system
`or on another computer system accessible via a network, for
`instance via the Internet.
`The Internet is a worldwide network ofinterconnected
`computers. An Internet client computer accesses a computer
`onthe network via an Internet provider. An Internet provider
`is an organization that provides a client (computer) with
`access to the Internet (via analog telephonelineor Integrated
`Services Digital Network line, for example). Aclient can, for
`example, read information from, download a file from, or
`send an electronic mail message to another computer/client
`using the Internet.
`To retrieve a file or service on the Internet, a client must
`typically search for the file or service, make a connection to
`the computer on which the file or service is stored, and
`download thefile or access the service. Each ofthese steps
`may involve a separate application and access to multiple,
`dissimilar computer systems (e.g. computer systems having
`operating different systems). The World Wide Web (WWW)
`was developedto provide a simpler, more uniform means for
`accessing information onthe Internet.
`The components of the WWW include browser software,
`network links, servers, and WWW protocols. The browser
`software, or browser, is a tool for displaying a user-friendly
`interface(i.e., front-end) that simplifies user access to con-
`tent (information and services) on the WWW.Browsers use
`standard WWW protocols to access content on remote
`computers running WWW server processes. A browser
`allows a user to communicate a request to a WWW server
`without having to use the more obscure addressing scheme
`of the underlying Internet. A browser typically provides a
`graphical user interface (GUI) for displaying information
`and receiving input. Examples of browsers currently avail-
`able include Netscape Navigator and Communicator, and
`Microsoft Internet Explorer.
`WWW browsers and servers communicate over network
`
`links using standardized messages formats called protocols.
`The most common modernprotocol is the TCP/IP (Trans-
`mission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) protocol suite.
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`The protocols are based on the OSI (Open Systems Inter-
`connect) seven-layered network communication model.
`WWW messages are primarily encoded using Hypertext
`Transport Protocol
`(HTTP). HTTP instantiates the (top)
`Application layer of the OS] model. Application layer pro-
`tocols facilitate remote access and resource sharing and are
`supported by the reliable communications ensured by the
`lowerlayers of the communications model. Therefore HTTP
`simplifies remote access and resource sharing between cli-
`ents and servers while providing reliable messaging on the
`WWW.
`Information servers maintain the information on the
`WWW andare capable ofprocessing client requests. HTTP
`has communication methods that allow clients to request
`data from a server and send information to the server.
`‘To submit a request, the client browser contacts the HTTP
`server and transmits the request to the HTTP server. The
`request contains the communication method requested for
`the transaction (e.