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`
`USOU?069310B1
`
`(12} United States Patent
`Bartholomew
`
`[10) Patent N0.:
`(45} Date of Patent:
`
`US 7,069,310 Bl
`Jun. 27, 2006
`
`(54) SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CREATING
`AND POSTING MEDIA LISTS FOR
`
`PURPOSES 01-“ SUBSEQU EN'I‘ PLAYBACK
`
`(75}
`
`Inventor: Alan Bartholomew. La Canada. (“A
`(US)
`
`(73) Assignee: Trio Systems, LLC. Pasadena, CA
`(US)
`
`( "‘
`
`) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer. the term ol‘t’nis
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`USE. 1540)) by 752 days.
`
`(21} Appl. No.: 091710.654
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Nov. 10, 20th
`
`(51)
`
`Int- (31-
`(2006-01)
`GM!" ””6
`(52) U-S- 0- -----------------------
`7093219: 709901: 715704
`(58) Field of Classification Search
`7091200403,
`7093217 229: N93310: 700323. 88. 94:
`71537041 500-1- 712
`890 application file [01' 901111719“: search history.
`"
`References ('1th
`
`(56)
`
`”'8' PAFENT DOCUMENTS
`5.237.|57 A
`8-1993 Kaplan
`5.428378 A
`6’1995 BIOOkCS
`5-431”2 A
`“1995 Cheng
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`7:"1996 Larson. Jr.
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`[31996 ('Iyncs
`5.592.5l1 A
`l.-'l99? Schocn etal.
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`4.199? Chm
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`5.199? Goldman
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`[0.1997 Hair
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`2-1998 Danish et at.
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`251998 Rubinstein
`5325309 A
`3’1993 KT“‘0‘i311
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`45-1998 Sine“ 3' “1-
`5368.578 A
`6-"1998 Klrk ct a].
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`6-1998 Light
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`7.51998 Monteiro et at.
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`831.998 McCoy et at.
`
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`
`9.1995: Goldman
`
`(Cmmued;
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Mediagram Inc. 1999. p. I."(
`
`_
`(Connnued)
`John Follansbee
`
`
`
`Primary Examiner
`‘
`_
`_
`_
`_
`.
`..
`.
`Assume.“ Examiner—Haresh Patel
`[74) Attoraelt‘. Agent. or I‘irm-- -l)allna Law (rmnp l’.(..
`
`(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 media file for uploading to a server and accessed from
`listings posted at web sites. In accordance with embodi-
`ments, at user downloads and installs a plug-in at the user’s
`client computer. The user then registers and logs onto the
`server to perform various tasks. F or example. the user can
`create a combined audio and photo media file at the client
`computer, in accordance with server based control param~
`cters received from the system server. The plug-in then
`allows the user to perform digital signal processing and
`encoding ofthe media file at the client computer. After the
`file is encoded. it may be uploaded to a server for storage.
`posting. distribution. and retrievai. A file management sys-
`tern provides copies and listings 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
`may select the file for retrieval. In accordance with another
`aspect of the invention. an information management system
`provides file and file list rankings based upon selection or
`click through of files and file listings.
`
`28 Claims. 12 Drawing Sheets
`
`930
`
`980
`
`WEB PAGE
`SERVER
`
`MEDIA FILE
`
`SERVER are
`
`CREATOR
`USER
`
`940
`
`1
`
`GOOGLE 1031
`
`GOOGLE 1031
`
`1
`
`

`

`US 7,069,310 Bl
`Page 2
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`.
`
`10.-' 1998
`1 If 1998
`l l t” l 998
`l l t l 998
`12-‘1998
`122r 1998
`l.-' 1999
`2-1999
`21 l 999
`4." l 99*)
`521999
`521999
`611999
`ISL-"1999
`7-“1999
`7-F ] 999
`811999
`8-" l 999
`8.“ l 999
`811999
`8.“ 1999
`811999
`82' 1999
`9!” 1 999
`9.1 1999
`9.-' 1999
`l 0.-' l 999
`10-1 1999
`1011999
`1 l.f 1999
`1 If 1999
`72"200 1
`121200]
`4.12002
`712003
`812003
`9!2003
`122004
`712004
`322002
`752004
`1.12005
`
`1'1
`{X
`
`AA
`
`AA AA
`
`in
`
`>bbyfibbb>bb>>>b
`
`523992}
`
`131*
`131*
`31’“
`Bl‘“
`131*
`Bl"
`131’
`Al‘“
`Al‘“
`A1*
`
`5.819.160
`5.832.223
`5.841.979
`5.842.206 .
`if"
`5.845.278
`f"
`5.848.410
`5.864.868
`5.870.739
`5.873.079
`5.892.909
`2X
`5.905.865
`2‘
`5.905.981
`5.913204 .4
`5.9 1 3 .2 1 5
`5.920.855
`5.930.258
`5.93 i .901
`5.931 .905
`5.93 I .902
`5.931.908
`5.932.402
`5.943 .559
`5.945.988
`5.949.492
`5.955.215
`5.959.945
`5.953 .9 t5
`5.953.955
`5.920.489
`5.922.954
`5 .9830 05
`5.253 .3 1 3
`5.333.932
`5.324.250
`5.591 .242
`5.502. 135
`5.525 .2 34
`5.575.205
`5259.0 10
`200220032283
`200420128592
`20052002 151 i
`
`Foladare et 01.
`I-Iara et a].
`Schulhof et :11.
`Sotomayur
`Kirsch ct a].
`Walls et a].
`Contois
`Davis. III et :11.
`Davis. 111 et al.
`Grasso at 51.
`Palmer ct al.
`Lawlcr
`Keily
`Rubinstein et al.
`Swda—Mahmood
`Hooban
`Wolfe et .11.
`Fidelibus. Jr. et al.
`Davies et a1.
`Gerba et a].
`Saknla
`Nnmata
`Williams et .1].
`Mankovitz
`Kenner et al.
`Kleiman
`Kaplzm
`V’ogcl
`Jacobson et 31.
`Williams et a].
`Monteiro et al.
`Milsted et al.
`Kobaynsi et al.
`Iloficrt et al.
`Stern
`Atsmon eta].
`Marvit ct a].
`Meadway ct a].
`Knapp et a].
`Tnatini
`Wood el al.
`Knapp et a].
`
`709.1201
`
`Press and Online Coverage [outline]. [retrieved on Feb. 1.
`2000]. Retrieved l’rom the Internet: <URI..:
`Itttp:12’www.
`scaIa.comfttsersfquotes.asap>.
`Discover Music Template [online]. [retrieved on Jan. 20.
`2000]. Retrieved from the Internet: <URL: htlpflwww.
`dismvermusiccmb.
`
`How Do I Create 3 Talk Program [online]. [retrieved on Sep.
`28, 1999]. Retrieved from the Internet: <URL: http:ft’ww.
`givemetalk.com>.
`Personal Video Webcasting [oniine]. [retrieved on Feb. 6.
`2000]. Retrieved from the Internet: <URL:
`Itttpflwwvv.
`pnpcast.com>.
`Cyber Greetings and MesgageBay to Offer Industry First
`Online Voice Greeting Cards [onIinc]. [retrieved on Oct. 10.
`1999]. Retrieved from the Internet:
`(URL: httpflwwvv.
`messagebaycomfpresst90799.htnt>.
`Destiny ittternet radio broadcast network [onJine]. [retrieved
`on Jan. 10. 2000]. Retrieved from the Internet: <URL:
`hllp:ffwww.radiodestiny.comfbmadcasla"index.sht.1111>.
`Jose AIvear. NextAndio Launches Radio Software Using
`Windows Media [online].
`[retrieved on Jun. 7. 2000].
`Retrieved
`from the
`Internet:
`(URL:
`Itttp:12'www.
`streamingmedia.coni:busine55-technology-conlent>.
`Welcome to Activatenet
`[oniine].
`[retrieved on Jun. 7.
`2000]. Retrieved from the Internet: <URL:
`Intpflwww.
`activatoneb.
`
`19, 2000].
`[retrieved on Sep.
`Voizletter Pro [online].
`Retrieved from the Internet: <URL: httptfi’wwwmediaring.
`comlbusinesst’productsfvoizletterpro>.
`Paul Giister, Headline: Computers—The Web Connection to
`your Phone. InternetSpeech.com [online]. [retrieved on Oct.
`5. 2000]. Retrieved from the Internet: <URL: httpflwww.
`inlemelspecch.COW06-05-00.h1m>.
`Message Bay. Create Your Own Persona] Voice Greeting
`Card [onIine]. [retrieved on Oct. 10. 1999]. Retrieved from
`the
`Internet:
`<URL:
`ht‘tp:1'1'wvvtvntessagebaycotnfperlir
`mb_up.p1>.
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`3701389
`.. 70721041
`...... 705.1 [4
`
`235.5492
`713.1201
`7091219
`709.5203
`7092229
`.. 725:"1l5
`709-203
`
`
`
`
`
`2
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jun.27,2006
`
`Sheetl of12
`
`US 7,069,310 B1
`
`EOmmMUOEm
`
`Own;
`
`>EOEME
`
`now
`
`rmmDGE
`
`D¢¢Om>w1
`
`3
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 27, 2006
`
`Sheet 2 of 12
`
`US 7,069,310 B1
`
`203
`
`202
`
`SERVER
`
`202
`
`
`FIGURE 2
`
`390
`
`390
`
`390
`
`DATA
`
`STREAMING
`
`SERVER
`
`CREATOR
`
`USER
`
`
`
`
`
`-
`
`APPLICAUON
`
`350
`
`FIGURE 3
`
`4
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 27, 2006
`
`Sheet 3 of 12
`
`US 7,069,310 B1
`
`REGISTER
`AS USER
`
`402
`
`DOWNLOAD
`PLUG—IN
`
`INSTALL
`
`PLUG-IN
`
`404
`
`406
`
`uses LOG on:
`
`T0 SERVER
`
`408
`
`"CREATE" COMMAND
`
`410
`
`— 420
`
`SERVER BASED CONTROL
`
`CREATE MEDIA FILE
`
`430
`
`AT PLUG-IN
`
`DIGITAL SIGNAL
`
`440
`
`PROCESSING AT PLUG-IN
`
`ENCODE FILE AT PLUG—IN
`
`450
`
`UPLOAD FILE FROM
`
`450
`
`PLUG-IN TO SERVER
`
`47D
`
`PROCESS 490
`
`FILE MANAGEMENT
`SYSTEM PROCESS
`
`
`FILE RETRIEVAL
`PROCESS
`
`
`
`FIGURE 4
`
`INFORMATION
`
`MANAGEMENT
`
`SYSTEM
`
`5
`
`

`

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

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 27, 2006
`
`Sheet 5 of 12
`
`US 7,069,310 B1
`
`COLLECT SYSTEM
`INFORMATION
`
`ESTABLISH
`NETWORK CONNECTION
`
`600
`
`
` 605
`
`
`
`
` IS
`CONNECTION
`
`ESTABLISHED
`
`
`
`
`610
`
`YES
`
`675
`
`SEND INFORMATTON
`HEADER
`
`READ DATA
`BLOCK FROM FILE
`
`
`
`
`
`' IS
`CONNECTION
`ESTABLISHED
`
`
`
`
`640
`
`IS CURRENT
`
`
`DATA BLOCK
`
`
`
`REPORTSTATUS
`.
`THE LAST BLOCK
`
`
`INFORMATION
`035 TnAgusmnTED
`
`
`
`YES
`
`SEND DATA
`BLOCK
`
`
`
`
`READ SERVER
`
`FIGURE 6A
`
`7
`
`7
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 27, 2006
`
`Sheet 6 of 12
`
`US 7,069,310 B1
`
`
`
` IS TOTAL RECEIVED
`@ 670
`
`YES
`
`RECEIVE HEADER
`
`VALIDATE USER
`
`655
`
`660
`
`
`
`OENEBATE
`FILE NAME
`
`565
`
`YES
`
`675
`
`RECEIVE DATA
`BLOCK
`
`OATA SIZE EOLIAL TO OB
`OBEATEB THAN THE
`EXPECTED?FILE SIZE
`'
`
`
`
`680
`
`
`APPENO OATA BLOCK
`TO OATA FILE
`
`
`YES
`
`CLOSE AND STORE DATA FILE
`
`OENEBATE FILE
`INFORMATION WEB PA GE
`
`SEND FILE INFORMATION
`WEB PAGE TO CLIENT
`
`
`
`684
`
`535
`
`590
`
`FIGURE 63
`
`8
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 27, 2006
`
`Sheet 7 of 12
`
`US 7,069,310 B1
`
`710
`
`SEND REQUEST
`FOR CONTROL FILE
`
`
`,
`RESPONSE
`RECEIVED
`
`
`YES
`
`730
`
`RECEIVE CONTROL
`INFORMATION
`
`740
`
`750
`
`DECRYPT CONNECTION
`LOCATION INFORMATION
`
`DISPLAY
`HELPER APPLICATION
`SCREENS
`
`FIGURE 7A
`
`9
`
`9
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 27, 2006
`
`Sheet 8 of 12
`
`US 7,069,310 B1
`
`IS
`
`
`
`REQUEST
`
`
`RECEIVED FROM
`
`CLIENT
`
`
`?
`
`
`
`PROCESS REQUEST
`
`INFORMATION
`
`785
`
`
`
`
`18
`m SEND ACCESS DENIED
`
`MESSAGE AND ALTERNATE
`CLIENT REQUEST
`
`
`
`
`
`PERMHTED
`CONTROL INSTRUCTIONS
`
`
`
`?
`
`
`
`
`790
`
`SEND REQUEST
`
`
`
`CONTROL INSIRUCTIONS
`
`
`TO CLIENT
`
`FIGURE 73
`
`10
`
`10
`
`

`

`
`
`
`USER ENTERS
`
`830
`
`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 27, 2006
`
`Sheet 9 of 12
`
`US 7,069,310 B1
`
`810
`
`SELECT ALLOWABLE
`
`FUNCTIONS
`
`GENERATE WEB PAGE
`CONTAINING CONTROLS
`
`820
`
`
`
`
`SERVER UPDATES
`840
`
`
`DATABASE WITH
`
`
`INFORMAHONI
`
`
`
`SERVER GENERATES
`
`
`HYPERLINK TO
`MEDIA FILES
`
`
`INFORMATION/ISSUES
`
`. COMMANDS
`
`850
`
`FIGURE 3
`
`980
`
`WEB PAGE
`SERVER
`
`MEDIA FILE
`SERVER
`
`970
`
`940
`
`FIGURE 9
`
`11
`
`11
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 27, 2006
`
`Sheet 10 of 12
`
`US 7,069,310 B1
`
`USER DEFINES
`MEDIA FILE LIST
`
`ADD MEDIA FILE
`TO ENTRIES
`
`CREATE UST ENTRY
`CONNECTIONS AND
`RELATIONSHIPS;
`
`
`
`STORE DATA
`
`70’”
`
`7015
`
`7020
`
`EDIT LIST ENTRIES
`
`7025
`
`SELECTUST DISPLAX
`BROWSING, EXPORTING
`
`1030
`
`
`
`PERFORM UST DISPLAY
`BROWSING,
`IMPORTAND
`
`
`CONNECTIONS
`
`NDIIEY SELECTED
`USERS, CREATORS,
`LIST OWNERS, MANAGERS
`
`USER RE GUESTS USTS
`
`USER REQUESTS DATA
`ASSOCIATED WITH
`
`ENTRIES
`
`7035
`
`1040
`
`1045
`
`1050
`
`9 FIGURE 10A
`
`12
`
`12
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 27, 2006
`
`Sheet 11 of 12
`
`US 7,069,310 B1
`
`
`
`PROVIDE DATA ASSOCIATED
`
`WITH usr ENTRIES
`
`(INCLUDING POPULAR/m
`
` 1055
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`DATA
`
`(POPULARITY DATA)
`
`
` RANK POPULARITYIUSAGE
`
`
`
` PROVIDE CREATOR, USERS
`
` 1070
`
`ACCUMULATE USAGE
`
`1060
`
`AND STORE DATA IN
`
`DATA BASE
`
`1065
`
`LIST OWNERS, MANAGERS
`
`WITH POPULARITY
`
`
`USAGE DATA
`
`
`FIGURE 108
`
`13
`
`13
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 27, 2006
`
`Sheet 12 of 12
`
`US 7,069,310 B1
`
`1110
`
`LIST ATTRIBUTES
`
`LIST
`
`REFRBNCES
`
`MEDIA
`FILES
`
`REFRENCES
`
`1150
`
`LIST ATTRIBUTES
`
` 1130
`
`
` AS_O—CIATION
`
`_Tl"-RIBUTES
`ITEMS LIST
`A—SSOCIATED
`
`
`
`
` 1140
`
`
`
`MEDIA
`FEES
`
`RBFRENCES
`
`FIGUFIE 11
`
`14
`
`14
`
`

`

`US ?,069,310 B1
`
`1
`SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CREATING
`AND POSTING MEDIA LISTS FOR
`PURPOSES OF SUBSEQUENT PLAYBACK
`
`BACKGROUND OF Till]. 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 media files for server based storage. post-
`ing. distribution. and retrieval.
`2. Background Art
`The development of computer technology. computer net—
`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 andfor presentation files) over the Internet is a
`tedious and inefiicient process for the typical user. For
`instance. in order to disseminate an audio or visual presen-
`tation over the Internet, a nutnber of steps 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 andfor as a
`compilation of material that may inclttde recordings made
`live as well as prerecorded oITerings. including oli'erings
`frotn 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 of the
`user.
`
`In addition. recorded audio files can be digitally signal
`processed to optimize the quality of the sound using digital
`signal processing. Ilowever. such processing can require
`tnany 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 (cg, video, audio.
`etc. .
`.
`. ) using digital or analog optimization teclntiques. For
`example, in order to create professional quality tnedia 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. the file is usually converted into a file format. such as
`Real Audio“. that can be replayed by that application. File
`conversion may also be required when the target 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 of the user.
`Furthermore, media files uploaded to a server have little
`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.. RealServerTM). if parts of the
`
`2
`
`presentation are posted on difierent servers. the server must
`typically be provided with the capability to download all 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 media file or presentation includes repeating the
`same steps as above.
`Another limitation inherent in current systems is that once
`the user generates a media file. there is no simple mechanism
`for depositing the tnedia files into a dynamic environment
`(eg. 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 dynamic attributes. 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 ol‘compuler programs
`for processing each step. The process is so tedious because
`each step typically requires the use of a difi'erent 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-
`vidttal 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 them on a server.
`For example. a user may have to upload a .WAV file 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 know how 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 system on that third server as
`well.
`litemftire. 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 ntxtded
`that rttns on a user‘s local PC and is suitable for users who
`
`are not experts in various media recording, processing.
`encoding. transmitting, and server based sofiware packages.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE lNVl'iN'l'lON
`
`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 media files to a
`server for storage, posting, distribution. and retrieval. For
`example. audio. video, display. photo. database. spreadsheet.
`voice messages. Web Clips. pictures. HTML pages. attach-
`ments, templates. andfor combinations of such data cart be
`combined into a media file for uploading to a server and
`accessible frorn a listing posted at a web site.
`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. Afier downloading the plug-in, the
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`plugin 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 comr'nand. server based control is
`initiated and the plug-in continues to record or receive media
`file at the plug-in. in accordance with the control parameters
`received from the system server.
`For example. a user may record audio, video, photo,
`auditor 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 uploaded to 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 tile. RealAudio encoding. and upload to
`a server can be done with as few as 3 clicks (eg. record}
`stoptupload).
`Upon successful upload of a file. a file management
`system provides copies and listings of the file to other
`servers and web sites as approved by the creator of the file
`and the owner of the servers andt’or site owners. For
`
`example. once a file is uploaded. the system then incorpo-
`rates the file information into one or more web site lists
`
`andfor server based database. Once a file is incorporated into
`the databases. any user having access to a database or list.
`may select that file for retrieval or playback. Hence. the
`invention allows for media files to be stored to and accessed
`from one location (cg. an Internet server) that is accessible
`from various locations (cg. Internet clients via an Internet
`web site).
`In accordance with another aspect of the invention. an
`information management system provides file and file list
`rankings based upon selection or click through of web page
`listing and/er desired files. Thus. for example. information
`relating to popular selections and lists can be tracked and
`recorded by the system in order to provide list auditor file
`ratings.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`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.
`
`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 litter-
`net or clienttserver environment. showing a client systems,
`servers. 8 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 embodiment of the present invention.
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`FIG. 5 is a flow diagram that illustrates the process used
`by the system to perfonn digital signal processing at the
`plug-in, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
`invention.
`
`illustrate the
`FIGS. 60 and 6b are flow diagrams that
`process used by the system to upload or transfer a file to the
`server, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
`invention.
`
`illustrate the
`FIGS. 7a and 7b 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 that illustrates 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 10!; are flow diagrams that illustrate the
`process used by the system to provide an infbrmation
`management system for giving file and file list rankings, in
`accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
`FIG. I] is a block diagram that illustrates representation
`of infomtation mediagrams used in the invention.
`in accor-
`dance with an embodiment of the present invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`lNV‘l'iN'I‘ION
`
`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 the art. 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 obscure the present invention. Hereinafter. the
`term “system” is used to refer to a device antifor a method
`for performing a function. Furthemtore. 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 (cg. 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-
`lAudio recordings with client-side processing. and automati-
`cally hosting these recordings on a computer network server
`and posting a reference to the recording on web site 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 180 or as system comprising
`a general purpose computer 100. Hereinafter.
`the term
`“system" is used to refer to a device auditor a method for
`performing a function.
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`Referring to FIG. 1. a keyboard 110 and mouse 111 are
`coupled to a iii-directional system bus 118 (cg. PC 1. 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 inpttt devices may be used in addition to. or
`in place of. the mouse 111 and keyboard 110.
`IJ'O (input!
`output) unit 1'19 coupled to bi-directional system bus 118
`represents possible output devices such as a printer or an
`NV (audioz’video) device.
`Computer 180 includes video memory 114. main memory
`115. mass storage 112, and communication interface 120.
`All these devices are coupled to a bi-diertional system bus
`118 along with keyboard 110. mouse 111 and CPU 113. The
`tnass storage 1'12 may include both fixed and removable
`media. such as magnetic. optical or magnetic optical storage
`systems or any other available 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 of the invention. the CPU 113 is a
`
`microprocessor manufactured by Motorola, such as the
`680KB processor, an Intel Pentium III processor. or an
`UltraSl’ARC 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 'l‘FT (Thin-Film Transistor) monitor
`11?. The video accelerator 116 is well known in the art and
`
`may be implemented by any suitable apparatus. This cir~
`cuilry converts pixel data stored in video memory 114 to a
`signal suitable for use by monitor 11?. The monitor 11'? is a
`type of monitor suitable for displaying graphic images.
`The computer 100 may also include a communication
`interlace 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.
`lhe 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 corn-
`rnunication 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
`which carry digital data streams representing various types
`of information and media (cg. audio and video data).
`The network link 12] typically provides data conununi—
`cation through one or more networks to other data devices.
`For example. network link 12] 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. IS? 124 in tum provides data conununication services
`through the world wide packet data communication network
`now commonly referred to as the “Intemet” 125. Hercinaf~
`ter. “the Internet” will be used to refer to the Internet itself
`as well as other types of Intranets. networks. distributed
`servers. or cl ienti’servcr architectures where a computer
`gaming system is 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 12] 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 lntemet
`example. server 126 might transmit a requested code for an
`application program through Internet 125. ISP 124. local
`network 122 and communication interface 12!}.
`
`The lnternethIienthervcr
`Computers and computer networks are 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 from applications 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 Intemet.
`The Internet is a worldwide network of interconnected
`
`computers. An Internet client computer accesses a computer
`on the network via an Internet provider. An Internet provider
`is an organization that provides a client (computer) with
`access to the Internet (via analog telephone line or Integrated
`Services Digital Network line. for example). A client can. for
`example. read information from. download a file from. or
`send an electronic mail message to another computerlclient
`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 the file or access the service. [Each of these steps
`may involve a separate application and access to multiple.
`dissimilar computer systems (eg. computer systems having
`operating different systems). The World Wide Web (WWW)
`was developed to provide a simpler. more uniform means for
`accessing information on the 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 (infomtation 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 lntcmet. A browser typically provides a
`graphical user interface (GUI) for displaying infomiation
`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 modern protocol is the 'l’CTPfIl’ (Trans-
`mission Control l’rot‘ocolllnternet Protocol) protocol snitc.
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`The protocols are based 011 the 081 (Open Systems litter—
`eonnect} seven-layered network communication mode].
`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
`