USOO7468934B1
`
`US 7,468,934 B1
`(10) Patent No.:
`(12) Unlted States Patent
`
`Janik
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Dec. 23, 2008
`
`(54) CLOCK WITH LINK TO THE INTERNET
`
`5,991,306 A
`
`11/1999 Burns et a1.
`
`(75)
`
`InVemOf:
`
`.
`.
`.
`CUrglg M- Jamks L05 A1105 H1115: CA
`(
`)
`(73) Assignee: EZ4Media, Inc., Bannockburn, IL (US)
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, theterm 0fthis
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 673 days.
`
`12/1999 Jones et al.
`6,005,566 A
`3/2000 Ruckdashel .................... 705/9
`6,038,542 A *
`6,134,584 A * 10/2000 Chang etal.
`................ 709/219
`6,229,430 B1 *
`5/2001 Smith Dewey ......... 340/286.02
`6,263,503 B1
`7/2001 Margulis
`6,360,101 B1*
`3/2002 Irvin ....................... 455/4566
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 09/613,322
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Jul. 11, 2000
`
`(Continued)
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`EP
`
`0733983 A2
`
`9/1996
`
`(63) Continuation-in-part of application No. 09/519,007,
`filed on Mar. 3, 2000.
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/166,052, filed on NOV.
`17, 1999, provisional application No. 60/158,986,
`filed on Oct. 12, 1999, provisional application No.
`60/143,475, filed on Jul. 12, 1999.
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`G04B 47/00
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`........................................................ 368/13
`(58) Field of Classification Search ................. 713/502,
`340/286' 709/203. 368/10 13
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`(Continued)
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`“Electronic Notes”. Electronic Commerce Review. Jul. 1, 1998. vol.
`1 Issue: 7. Phillips Business Information.*
`
`(Continued)
`
`.
`.
`Fri/"W Emmi/”*Rehana Peween
`1455151011! ExammeriErlc Chang
`(74) Attorney, Agent, 0” FirM4311? R- Jarosik
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`7/ 1995 Riddle
`5,434,860 A
`””997 ROgerS et 31'
`5,701,451 A
`3133: 31:32:13 31'
`57421255599 2
`6/1998 Hidary et al.
`5,774,664 A *
`8/ 1998 Payton
`5,790,93 5 A
`8/ 1998 Glaser et al.
`5,793,980 A
`5,832,067 A * 11/1998 Herold ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 379/ 110.01
`5,907,793 A
`5/1999 Reams ....................... 725/122
`5,961,602 A * 10/1999 Thompson et al.
`.......... 709/229
`5,964,830 A
`10/1999 Durrett
`5,974,441 A
`10/1999 Rogers et a1.
`
`............... 725/110
`
`The disclosure describes an alarm clock and a system for
`presenting pre-selected information from a website via the
`internet. The alarm clock includes a snooze button, a visual
`displays a Speaker: a POrt for 0011116091190 the internets and a
`timer device for activating downloading ofpre-selected infor-
`mation from a website through the port, and for activating the
`presentation of the pre-selected information on the visual
`display and the speaker.
`
`20 Claims, 17 Drawing Sheets
`
`Web—enabled 010cm Programming and Contra! Sequenoe
`
`USE? ACCESSES PROGRAMMING AND
`CONTENT ELECTION WEBSITE VIA AN‘I
`PC CONNECTED TO INTERNET
`
`
`
`1
`USE SIGNS DNTD PROGRAMMING AND CONTENT
`SEIEL'I'ION WEBSITE USING THE 5mm NUMEBI
`INCLUDE) WITH THE WEB-ENAZLED CLOCK
`
`
`
`1
`USER ELECIS FROM A MENU 0F
`WW AND PREFERENCES FOR
`CONTDTT TO BUILD THE WAKE-UP ROUTINE
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`1
`USE? SONS OFF OF PROGWMIMS
`AND OONTEKT SELEVTION WEBSITE
`
`1
`PROGRAMME AND WNTENT SELECTION
`SOFTWARE APHJCATION GATHERS OON'I'ENT WM
`MENU BASED ON usm's PRERRENCS.
`STORES CONTENT OF! LINKS TO comm AT
`wraomm) cum SERVER
`
`3
`
`1
`
`APPLE 1011
`
`APPLE 1011
`
`1
`
`

`

`US 7,468,934 B1
`
`Page 2
`
`US. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`................ 705/14
`
`8/2002 K1100 et a1.
`6,434,747 B1
`8/2002 Krishan et a1.
`6,442,529 B1 *
`9/2002 Jones et a1.
`6,453,355 B1
`6,483,986 B1 * 11/2002 Krapf .......................... 386/68
`6,516,340 B2 *
`2/2003 Boys .......................... 709/204
`6,526,581 B1
`2/2003 EdSOIl
`................ 704/275
`6,587,822 B2 *
`7/2003 Brown et al.
`
`6,594,682 B2 *
`7/2003 Peterson et al.
`. 718/102
`................... 368/10
`6,678,215 B1 *
`1/2004 TreyZ et a1.
`6,678,737 B1
`1/2004 Bucher
`6,717,952 B2
`4/2004 Jones et 31'
`6,744,763 B1
`6/2004 Jones et 31~
`6,826,283 B1
`11/2004 Wheeler et al.
`6,829,648 B1 * 12/2004 J9me? et 31'
`618421779 B1
`“2005 Nrshrzawa """"""""" 709/220
`7,191,242 B1
`3/2007 Serenyr et a1.
`73665788 B2
`4/2008 Jones et 31'
`2002/0056112 A1
`5/2002 Dureau et a1.
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`EP
`
`0992921 A2
`
`4/2000
`
`EP
`EP
`WO
`W0
`W0
`W0
`wo
`W0
`
`1003115 A2 *
`0909112 B1
`9918506 A1
`WO 99/39466
`0023899 A1
`0049731 A1
`0110124 A1
`0147192 A1
`
`5/2000
`1/2004
`4/1999
`8/1999
`4/2000
`8/2000
`2/2001
`6/2001
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`International Search Report, PCTflJSOO/28369. Mar. 5, 2001, 1 page.
`Roy, Deb K. et a1., News Comm: A Hand-Held Interface for Interac-
`tive Access to Structured Audio, CHI 96 Conference, pp. 173-180,
`Apr. 13-18, 1996.
`PR Newswire, New Company Xenote Allows Consumers to ‘Book-
`mark the Real World’ with Fun, Personal Internet Device, Jan. 25,
`2000, 2pgs.
`G. Degoulet et a1., EPEOS -- Automatic Program Recording System,
`Nov. 1975, 22 pgs.
`Tivo, Inc., Form S-1, Jul. 22, 1999, 902 pgs.
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`2
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Dec. 23, 2008
`
`Sheet 1 of 17
`
`US 7,468,934 B1
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`
`
`
`
`3
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Dec. 23, 2008
`
`Sheet 2 of 17
`
`US 7,468,934 B1
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`
`
`4
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Dec. 23, 2008
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`Sheet 3 of 17
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`US 7,468,934 B1
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`
`
`5
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Dec. 23, 2008
`
`Sheet 4 of 17
`
`US 7,468,934 B1
`
`antenna
`
`phone fine
`
`fietwsrk cmnectian
`ssfi’ware madam
`emuiatacn
`
`I
`
`pawgr bufim
`
`jack
`
`extermi
`speukar
`
`ampiifier
`
`speaker
`
`:
`
`
`
`6
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Dec. 23, 2008
`
`Sheet 5 of 17
`
`US 7,468,934 B1
`
`3"" mmmmmmmmmmm “g
`E
`E ‘3 3 f:
`E
`E
`mic-smear“,
`E
`L“ ““““““““““ ~J
`
`
`
`phmne fine
`
`
`
`
`phane Sim:
`
`webmenabkd
`
`ckmk 1
`
`
`
`phcna fine
`
`
`»
`bu
`hi
`webmenabied
`» gas? 8
`
`
`ciock f2
`
`phme fine
`
`(i
`
`
`
`7
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Dec. 23, 2008
`
`Sheet 6 of 17
`
`US 7,468,934 B1
`
`Webmembied Ciacki Programming and Cmtmi Sequance
`
`UNER AQCESSES PNNGRANNING AND
`
`PC CGNNECYEQ TC INTENNEF
`
`CNNTEN? SELECTEGN WEBSITE VIA ANY
`
`{ESEN SENS @NTQ FRGGRANNENG ANE} CONTENT
`
`SELECTEQN WEBSHE NSING THE SERIAL NUMBER
`
`
`
`
`
`
`ENCLUSEE) WITH THE WEBmENABLEE} CHECK
`
`3
`
`4
`
`
`USER SELECTS ENQN A MENU 9?
`ACNQNS ENE} PREFERENCES EON
`
`
`
`QQNFENT TO BUM) THE NAKED? NGNNNE
`
`ESE?! SIGNS OFF CE PNQGRANNENG
`AND CGNTENT SELESTIGN WEBSI'FE
`
`PRQGRANNING ANN CQNTENT SELECTIQN
`
`SQWARE APPHCATEQN GAMERS CQNTENT ENQN
`
`E
`
`INTERNET BASES (EN USER’S PREFERENCES,
`STORES CGNTENT GR EINNS TE}
`(ZQNTENT AT
`
`WEBmENAELEfl CHECK SERVER
`
`8
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Dec. 23, 2008
`
`Sheet 7 of 17
`
`US 7,468,934 B1
`
`Wabugmbkd Cieck -— Initiai Swim Setup
`
`USER ACTWATES WEBmENABLED CLGCK
`
`SETUP/REES?" BUTTQN; CAUSES CHECK
`Ti} CALL (MT Ti} USER‘S ESP AE‘ED
`
`ESTAfiuSH A CGNNEQTEON TG THE
`
`WEB-“ENABLED CHECK SERVER
`
`SERVER SENBS USER‘S WWRAMMENG SAM,
`
`CQNTERT, AND ANY QTHER
`DATA Ti) BE SYGRED AT WEBHENABLEE
`
`CLGCK
`
`WEBwENABLEE) ELGCK INTERNAL MEMORY
`
`PRQQRAMMENG DATA, CQNTENT, ANS
`
`ANY QTHER {DATA IS STORES} m
`
`
`
`9
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Dec. 23, 2008
`
`Sheet 8 of 17
`
`US 7,468,934 B1
`
`E USER’S GENERAL PURPQSE PC 0?? FDA _ .. 135
`
`sauma cf digits]! Scheduie cantant (PM)
`
`used ts access ihe gragramméng and cantefit
`seiecticn website at the webmenabied dock
`5am!
`
`phoneiina madam, cabis
`madam,
`[ESL
`
`figment an
`Eniefngt
`
`E
`E
`E
`:
`g
`E
`E
`E
`L- mmmmmmm «j
`
`m»
`
`WEBnENABLE-ZD SERVER
`
`.
`pragrgmming 52nd cantent preferencf:
`seieciwn wabsfie and software appiacatmn
`textmtemspeech sgfiware
`aser’s acmunt
`g QSQF’S {kits flies (wakemup wartime,
`{mafia fifies fmm textm’samspesch
`appiication)
`5 cantenimtammuitipée webnembied
`; ciack management software appiicntign
`cantani‘ Einkfi
`
`‘
`
`‘
`
`1‘32
`
`can‘mn’: search engines
`
`straamed audio
`
`madam fink via
`
`dunng wakauup mime, m“
`
`gimme fine
`
`L
`
`dcwnimd canient
`
`WEB-“ENABLED CLOCK
`
`msgmnxe tagging basttms and funciien
`
`piaying of sireumed audio content
`sicrage m” audits cmtent (flies)
`stored instrucfiom for caiiaut and wakemup times
`star-age cf graphics (Lament {flies}
`swam buttan
`veiuma buttan
`iime set
`diam: set
`cannecficn i0 Entemet
`
`
`
`10
`
`10
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Dec. 23, 2008
`
`Sheet 9 of 17
`
`US 7,468,934 B1
`
`Mbmenaba {:Emk wakgwup mime
`
`g2;
`
`dawniaad scheduie
`
`
`
`
`
`g2
`
`:
`
`sumac? LES
`
`92
`
`
`
`:1
`
`The web—enabim (:5ch :5; the internat connected aiam clock.
`
`This website aiicaws yen to creaie you awn ausmm wake—up rituai mat WEE: run can yam
`web~enabied mock. YQU can stream audits fram any saurce onihe web, hear ngws items 63’?
`interegt or be aimed :0 appfiintments fram ymur awn day pianning sanare, as yen wake up.
`
`Ta buiid yew awn gersonai wake-up mutine, fiii cut the farm beicw:
`
`First Name
`
`Last Name
`
`Web—enabied GEGCK
`Seriai number
`
`mmm
`
`passwurd
`
`m:
`
`
`
`
`
`11
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Dec. 23, 2008
`
`Sheet 10 of 17
`
`US 7,468,934 B1
`
` web~enabied CEQCK wakamup {miéne
`
`ha Enigma cmnnctd aiarm CEQQK
`
`Web—enabéed cieck
`setup
`
`Here am @519 twa inimmafian sauna-33 is.) seiect fmm far yaurwebenabied deck:
`
`88% Preset wake—up muting
`
`83““{3 Gustam wake—up muting
`
`88“"0 i want is have scheduie m appoimmem infcrmaiicn fmm my
`arganizer smfiware read tag me every meming as part cf my
`wakemup mutine
`
` Paim Deskmp
`
`Afiways send [:3 days {21‘ scheéuie eniries; $20 the
`web-enabied simk server,
`
`imam my server fiie: [:3]a
`
`., QQ
`
`
`
`
`
`12
`
`12
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Dec. 23, 2008
`
`Sheet 11 of 17
`
`US 7,468,934 B1
`
`
`wabwanabéed mack : wake~up aniina
`
`The Enigma: mnnested aiarm ciack
`
`Frasetwake—ug}
`pmgram far webenabiefi
`1::ch user
`
`When yau set up your web—enabied (flack using this Preset made, yam simpiy
`chmse (semen? yams wauid Eike to hear fmm the Seiacfiians heiaw. The wan“
`enabied duck gamer piays them far ymu at ycsur wake—up time. Ta seiaci the
`€33"er
`air in shame fmm a Earger saiacfim m“ canient, 153mm Cusmm Setup
`Appficafiian.
`
`Start Wake-up w am
`
`88
`
`5m“! 2)
`
`inflame: ngramming Seiectian
`
`88
`
`mm
`D Music
`
`
`[:E Maming Shaws
`
`88
`
`
`
`
`
`13
`
`13
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Dec. 23, 2008
`
`Sheet 12 of 17
`
`US 7,468,934 B1
`
` wehmehabied CEQCK wakemiip Qi‘iiii‘ig
`
`3
`
`The Internet marinaded alarm ciack
`
`Wahe~up program
`hr Wehenahiefi
`cihhk user
`
`This page aiisws yam 1h sheath yam own cusihm wahhnup mutine. Start by
`specifying a wake—up iime. Each Sim aiihws yhu is specify aonient fmm the
`web 0r audio fiies yhu may have on yhur campuier. ii the time fielci i$ iefi
`blank, the flies wiii piay far their duraiian.
`
`Wake-uh Time m am (:{ihm E)
`
`88
`
`piety audit} flies
`
`93
`
` Sim “i timh iehgih
`hmwse ti‘iS weh far this aim
`
`
`
`
`
`hmwm ihh weh-anahiaci
`ciach she
`
`:
`
`brnwse
`
`
`
` hmwse: the web far this Sim $an auciia flies
`9i)
` biflWSE ihe weh—enahieci
`
`
`
`
` hmwsa the web far this aim i353}! audih iiias 93
`
`
` W , .
`
`>
`».
`............................ .
`Clack site
`
`
`
` hrawge the weh far this; siai may audit: iiies
`9i;
`
`hmwse the web-enahied
`
`“
`browse
`‘
`clack site
`
`
`
`
`14
`
`14
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Dec. 23, 2008
`
`Sheet 13 of 17
`
`US 7,468,934 B1
`
`webuenabied CEQCK wakanup aniina
`
`The internet CDHE‘BQS‘ied aiarm ciask
`
`Late breaking mews
`
`News and interesi
`
`Financiai news
`
`Messaging
`
`user
`
`Send a personai messaga
`m anmher web-enabied cicck
`
`
`
`15
`
`15
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Dec. 23, 2008
`
`Sheet 14 of 17
`
`US 7,468,934 B1
`
`Opgmtim 9f Wabmambied Ciack
`
`ENTERNAL WEBmENABLEB CLGCK TIMER mmms
`
`ACCESS TG WEEn—ENAELED SERVER AT THE:
`
`FRESCRIBED CALLa-EJF TIME
`
`WEBmENABLED CLOSK QQWNLGADS PRGGRAMMENG
`
`AN?) CQNTENT "MAT ES TE} BE DOWNLOABEE) PRIGR T9,
`AND USE?) SURENG THE WAKEHUP RGUTINE
`
`WEBwENABLED CLOCK TEMER ACTNATES ANS MAY
`
`CGNNECT T0 WEBmENABLED SERVER ‘35 MINUTES
`
`BEFGRE PRESfi WAKEU? TIME
`
`(394 LCD
`
`WEBwENABLEfl CLOCK MAY BE GNUNE AT WAKEwiJP
`
`TIME ANS EXECUTE THE {SSER’S PRESCREBED
`
`WAKEMUP ROUTINE - INCLUBENS PLAYBACK CF
`
`CONTENT, DISPLAY OF USER’S SCHEDULE CONTENE,
`
`MESSAQES, AUTGMAYIC TUNING TC? RADEQ
`
`STAHQNS, PLAYING MP3 FILES ANS ANY MHER
`CQNTENT QR INSTRUCHGNfi
`
`AFTER WAKEn-U? RQLETENE IS PENISHEE}, WEEmENABLED
`CLGCK TERMINATES CGNNECHQN (E? ANY}, DEFAEJLT
`STAGE IS ENTERED, WITH GRAWEC Amiga TEME SHOWN
`
`16
`
`16
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Dec. 23, 2008
`
`Sheet 15 of 17
`
`US 7,468,934 B1
`
`Qmm
`
`wwm
`
`mmm.
`
`
`
`ex wm‘
`
`E..muEmm5%mmEmuEmemum
`
`
`
`
`megmwwfimmmmmwww.mmnflmwflozfimnwfimwwumfimmmowmfig33.,”mung
`
`
`mmfimmmgamma33$?ng8.x83mmfimcminmg
`
`/33.30mmmmm
`...gmmm§a§$9:5%mmammmmg“
`
`
`
`$20.mcmEaEm3“,mama5MEm>m
`
`17
`
`17
`
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Dec. 23, 2008
`
`Sheet 16 of 17
`
`US 7,468,934 B1
`
`
`
`
`
`18
`
`18
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Dec. 23, 2008
`
`Sheet 17 of 17
`
`US 7,468,934 B1
`
`i“ """"""""""""" "1
`i
`miemet
`i
`L mmmmmmmmmmmmm J
`
`
`
`interneiiink
`
`wired (madam, braadband)
`9r wireiws
`
`
`
`8
`
`
`
`
`
`hams server 0:“ PE:
`
`Q9
`
`
`
`
`
`wireiess, AC Sine
`
`ar’phane Sine
`
`
`
`
`
`19
`
`19
`
`

`

`US 7,468,934 B1
`
`1
`CLOCK WITH LINK TO THE INTERNET
`
`This patent application is a Continuation-in-part (CIP) of
`patent application Ser. No. 09/519,007, filed Mar. 3, 2000,
`entitled “Docking Station for PDA with Added Functional-
`ity”, US. Provisional Application No. 60/143,475, filed Jul.
`12, 1999, entitled Alarm Clock with Link to the Internet, US.
`Provisional Application No. 60/158,986, filed Oct. 12, 1999,
`entitled Alarm Clock with Link to the Internet, and US.
`Provisional Application No. 60/166,052, filed Nov. 17, 1999,
`entitled Alarm Clock with link to the lntemet.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`This invention is a type of clock or time and information
`display device that may be used to both present a wide range
`of content from the internet, and also alert a user at a preset
`time. Specifically, this device is a programmable alarm and
`clock that is connected to the internet for receiving program-
`ming for alarm clock functional features, as well as content
`that is to be presented to a user. Hereafter the present inven-
`tion will be referred to as the web-enabled clock, or web-
`enabled alarm clock 10 if its automatic activation is used to
`
`wake-up or otherwise alert or remind the user. The web-
`enabled clock delivers preferred content to a user in a contex-
`tually relevant situation.
`
`DEFINITIONS
`
`PC (Personal Computer) is defined as a general purpose
`computer commonly used by individuals for a variety of
`computing tasks but, with respect to the invention disclosed
`herein, most notably for establishing a connection to and
`browsing information on, the world wide web. Web, world
`wide web, or internet is used here interchangeably, and is
`defined as the sum total of all connected devices, the connec-
`tion being via standardized digital communications proto-
`cols, such as TCP-IP (Transmission Control Protocolilnter-
`net Protocol) and the like. The information transfer protocols
`that are used by a particular device depends on the type of
`devices that are connected. Currently, the hypertext markup
`languate (HTML) is used to display pages of text content on
`a PC.
`
`Local net is used interchangeably with LAN (Local Area
`Network) and is defined as a communication network includ-
`ing two or more devices. Typically, the term “local” means
`that the devices are located in close physical proximity. For
`the purposes of the invention disclosed herein, a local net for
`example would be a home network where several computers
`and other devices such as printers or fax machines would be
`functionally connected for the purpose of control, or sharing
`programming or data. A LAN may be connected either by a
`wired or wireless medium, and associated communications
`protocols. Devices that are connected via a LAN may ulti-
`mately have access to the internet if one device on the LAN is
`connected to the internet. Thus data can be directed to other
`
`devices through the device with the internet connection.
`Browsing is a function that is performed by a user with a
`browsing device, often a PC with browsing software, and is
`defined as interactively viewing text, still images, and other
`types ofmedia on webpages that use a standard format such as
`hypertext markup language (HTML) or XML. When brows-
`ing, to access a subsequent page or item of content, the user
`must actively make a request that is in the form of a mouse
`click or a typed character string. It is important to note that
`browsing requires active real-time decisions and the attention
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`of a user, as an alternative method of interaction is presented
`as part ofthe invention disclosed herein. Browsing may occur
`on a variety of devices.
`Associated with browsing are browsers, defined as soft-
`ware applications that allow navigation to specific website
`addresses, viewing of webpages, and the selection of links.
`Navigation to specific website addresses is based on the entry
`of specific universal resource locators (URLs) that follow the
`HTTP (hypertext transfer protocol) to connect to associated
`webpages. Browser can view webpages in browser compat-
`ible formats such as HTML or XML, which support the
`ability to assign links to other URLs to elements such as text
`or images within webpages. Typically, browsing software
`runs on PCs, but is also available to work with lower powered,
`single purpose browsing computers.
`A modem (modulator-demodulator) is a device that allows
`a computer to send data to another computer via a standard
`analog phone line. DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) is a trans-
`mission technology that also uses existing copper phone lines
`but provides for much faster data rates, compared to conven-
`tional analog modems. Modems, cable modems, and DSL are
`all well known technologies and will not be described here in
`detail.
`
`An internet service provider (ISP) is defined as a business
`that provides end users with a connection to the internet. For
`example, many ISPs provide dial -up numbers that are
`answered by large banks of modems maintained by the ISPs
`at one or more locations. The ISP’s modems bridge between
`the enduser’ s PC modem and a fast connection to the internet.
`
`Many ISP’s also provide broadband access for home com-
`puter users and businesses.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`The proliferation oftelecommunications infrastructure has
`resulted in the ubiquitous availability of internet connections.
`A significant portion of US. households have PCs that c011-
`tain modems, providing users with access to the internet
`through dial-up connections to ISPs. Recently, broadband
`internet connections such as cable modems and DSL have
`
`been gaining popularity and increasing in market share, espe-
`cially in the home market. The popularity and extension of a
`fast digital communication medium into the home is provid-
`ing the opportunity to bring increased functionality to a vari-
`ety of devices, as well as driving the creation of whole new
`classes of connected products. At the same time, the phenom-
`enon of the world wide web has vastly increased the amount
`of information that is available in digital format. The infor-
`mation available on the web extends across many different
`media, including text, still images, audio files, streaming
`audio, and video. There is a great deal of new information on
`the web that in multimedia format, a combination of still
`images, audio, and full motion video.
`Another technology that is driving ubiquitous access to the
`internet is home networking (LAN) technology. There is a
`need for users to connect multiple PCs in the home, or to
`connect one or more PCs to peripheral devices such as print-
`ers, facsimile machines, or broadband gateways. Currently,
`there are three competing technology mediums for home
`networking: wireless (radio frequency), AC powerline, and
`phone line systems. The AC powerline systems are comprised
`of a data signal superimposed on the 60 cycle alternating
`current in home electrical wiring systems. Phone line systems
`likewise include a data signal superimposed at a different
`frequency, on home phone wiring. Each ofthese technologies
`has advantages and disadvantages, and all three currently
`co-exist in the marketplace. For example, Intel Corporation,
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`US 7,468,934 B1
`
`3
`of Santa Clara, Calif, markets products that use variously all
`three of these mediums, under the brand name AnyPointTM.
`The speed of these technologies varies slightly and the data
`transfer rates is being made quickly in each technology. For
`example, the Intel AnyPointTM wireless system is actually
`manufactured by Proxim, of Sunnyvale, Calif. Proxim’s
`wireless technology is based on an industry standard for
`wireless networking technology called HomeRFTM. Hom-
`eRFTM is based on IEEE (Institute of Electrical Electronic
`Engineers, Inc.) standard 802.11 which uses the 2.4 gigahertz
`part of the wireless spectrum. HomeRF can currently achieve
`data rates of approximately 1.6 mbps (million bits per sec-
`ond).
`New products have been introduced to take advantage of
`the availability of ubiquitous internet connections, to allow
`users to gain access to the vast storehouse of information on
`the web. Many ofthese new products attempt to bring brows-
`ing capability to scenarios other than the use of a PC. A new
`class of devices was created when WebTV of Palo Alto,
`Calif, introduced a product called a set-top box. Set-top
`boxes are devices that connect to the internet, usually through
`a dial-up modem, allowing users to browse the internet using
`their television as the visual output device. Set-top boxes also
`typically include keyboards or a pointing device to allow the
`user to interact with an on-screen or on-line interface. Set-top
`boxes bring greater functionality to televisions.
`Another example of a device that is not a PC that attempts
`to take advantage of on-line access to information is the
`iPhone, manufactured by infoGear of Redwood City, Calif.
`The iPhone is an integrated telephone-browser system. It
`includes a medium size display and an integral modem so that
`the user can access the web and especially email, at the phone
`apparatus. The iPhone is also a standalone browser, providing
`universal access to all content on the world wide web in an
`interactive format.
`
`The majority of devices that provide connectivity and
`access to content on the internet provide a browsing function.
`However, there are other devices in the home or in business
`locations that can provide substantial function by simply
`presenting, displaying, or playing information content to a
`user, rather than supporting fully interactive browsing.
`A category of products that are information devices that
`typically present or play information or content are clocks,
`alarm clocks, and clock radios. There is a diverse product
`offering within the product category of clocks and alarm
`clocks. Clocks with integrated radio receivers, known as
`clock-radios, are very common. Clock radios typically offer
`the ability for the user to set the wake up sound as either an
`alarm sound or radio programming in the AM or FM band. Of
`course, clock radios are limited to the existing broadcast
`media selection for the content that they can present to the
`user. The broadcast model is such that many users listen to the
`same information. There are also alarm clocks with integrated
`compact disk players, so that users can further customize the
`audio wake-up content. The CD/Alarm Clock with Sound
`Soother® offered by The Sharper Image, of San Leandro,
`Calif, includes an integrated sound generation machine (the
`Sound Soother®) that provides soothing sounds, such as run-
`ning water, waterfall, rain, and the like, as well as a compact
`disk (CD) player. The soothing sounds cannot be changed
`because they are stored in the solid state memory 78 of the
`device. The display on this device also shows the day, the
`date, room temperature, and time zone. Clocks or alarm
`clocks with integral media playback devices, such as a CD
`player, are also limited since the user must load a new CD into
`the device if they want to hear different or new content. And
`only content that exists in a CD format can be played.
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`There have been attempts to add customized content func-
`tionality to clocks and alarm clocks. US. Pat. No. 5,708,627
`to Gormley shows an electronic device that stores audio mes-
`sages entered by the user onto digital chips. Each message is
`given a chronological code so that the message can be auto-
`matically played at a specified date and time. This device
`provides for some customized content to be played back to the
`user as an alarm or as a reminder. However, the playback
`content is limited to that which is recordable by the user. This
`requires a substantial amount of effort for the user to create
`new alarm content.
`US. Pat. Nos. 4,070,697 to Miller et a1, and 5,365,494 to
`Lynch, also disclose a system with a basic function which is
`to allow the user to record and store custom content, such as
`verbal reminder messages, and to link these stored bits of
`content to specific alarm trigger times. At the specified times,
`the pre-recorded pieces of content are played as alarms or
`reminders. These systems require significant effort by the
`user to create new content to be played as alarms.
`US. Pat. No. 5,621,458 to Mann et al discloses a docking
`and control apparatus for portable electronic entertainment
`devices. One function of this device is that it can be used to
`trigger activation of a variety of consumer electronic devices,
`for example a video camcorder unit. In this example it is
`assumed that the user has pre-recorded content on the video
`camcorder, that is played back. The device may also use an
`integral generic message stored in memory 78, or a custom
`message that has been added by the user, as the content that is
`played when the alarm date and time occurs. Additionally, the
`device can drive a computer video monitor or television as
`video output devices. Again, this device requires the user to
`create some or all of the original content that might be played
`back.
`US. Pat. No. 4,712,923 to Martin is an electronic calendar
`that displays the time, day, day of the week, month and year,
`and also displays preprogrammed and user programmed
`information such as holidays, birthdays, anniversaries,
`appointments, and other messages. One interesting feature is
`a function that provides for the randomly selected displaying
`of programmed messages such as advertisements and safety
`slogans at recurring times to reinforce the user’s memory 78
`of such messages. Again, adding new content into this device
`requires substantial programming effort by the user.
`What is needed is a product that simply and automatically
`presents customized information to a user in a specific situa-
`tion at a pre-determined time. The product should include the
`ability to set up the user-specific preferences for the content
`that is delivered, based on the diverse and prolific amount and
`types of information available on the internet.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention is a web -enabled clock; an electronic
`clock and display device with alarm functionality and internet
`connectivity. The web-enabled clock includes a housing with
`an internal electronic circuit that contains a networking func-
`tion, a display, a speaker, a power supply, and controls typi-
`cally found on an alarm clock, including a snooze button. The
`web-enabled clock also contains a radio tuner. The web-
`
`enabled clock connects to the internet on a daily basis to
`receive custom or preferred content from the internet based
`on selections made by a user at a web-enabled clock set-up
`website.
`
`The content that is received and played back automatically
`for the user may consist of a variety of content types such as
`news, weather, and trafific information, alfinity content (c011-
`tent specific to areas of interest to the user), and the entries for
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`US 7,468,934 B1
`
`5
`the user’ s daily schedule that has been synchronized from the
`user’s personal information manager (PIM) database.
`Furthermore, web-enabled clock features may be specified
`to be modified or changed at the clock setup website. For
`example, an automatic snooze activation, or a fade-in of the
`alarm audio content volume could be specified on the web-
`site, and these parameters would then be downloaded to the
`web-enabled clock during the daily or otherwise periodic
`connection interval.
`
`An important function that the web-enabled clock would
`perform is that the user’s daily schedule, or portion of the
`user’s daily schedule, could be audibly or visually presented
`to the user as part of the wake-up alarm process. The user
`would control this function via the controlling software as
`mentioned above. Therefore, a software program will exist
`that will take schedule data, as extracted from a user’s exist-
`ing scheduling software and move this to the web-enabled
`clock. This transfer would happen at a daily rate, at a time set
`by the user. For example, if the web-enabled clock used an
`internal modem to connect to the internet, it would dial the
`service provider at a set time, when the line wasn’t being
`used. This would most likely occur at a time after the user had
`gone to sleep, so that any schedule changes that had occurred
`late in the given day would be transferred to the web-enabled
`clock in time to be expressed to the user the next morning.
`A content response tagging function is provided by the
`web-enabled clock. The purpose of the response tagging
`function is to allow a user to select an item ofcontent for some
`
`further action at a later time. For example, while listening to
`content being presented or played by the web-enabled clock,
`a user may be interested in learning more about a particular
`item that is presented, such as a song, advertisement, or news
`or afiinity item. A number of softkeys are provided that are
`labeled by the display corresponding to various items of
`content that are being played or that have been played. The
`user would select the softkey that corresponds to the item of
`content of interest. The system would send this selection back
`through to the web-enabled clock server and provide more
`information to the user, either through aggregation of tags at
`a special website, or through emails sent to the user.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
`FIGURES
`
`FIG. 1 shows an isometric front view of the web-enabled
`clock.
`FIG. 2 shows an isometric rear view of the web-enabled
`clock.
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`FIG. 3 shows an isometric exploded view of the web-
`enabled clock.
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`FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the internal components
`of the web-enabled clock.
`
`FIG. 5 shows a diagram of the web-enabled clock phone
`linked to the internet.
`
`FIG. 6 shows a flow chart of the initial online setup of the
`web-enabled clock.
`
`FIG. 7 shows a flow chart of the initial setup at the web-
`enabled device.
`
`FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of the web-enabled clock
`system components with functions.
`FIG. 9 is a web page showing the initial user setup interface
`on programming and content selection website.
`FIG. 10 is a web page showing the user setup interface for
`selecting the custom or preset content selections on program-
`ming and content selection website.
`FIG. 11 is a web page showing the preset wake-up routine
`interface.
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`FIG. 12 is a web page showing the customer wake-up
`routine interface.
`
`FIG. 13 is a web page showing the custom wake-up content
`offerings.
`FIG. 14 is a flow chart describing the general operation of
`the web-enabled clock in playback mode.
`FIG. 15 is a front view of the web-enabled clock showing
`schedule information and labeled softkeys.
`FIG. 16 shows an isometric view of the web-enabled clock
`
`with the softkeys programmed as preset content selection
`buttons.
`
`FIG. 17 is a diagram of a system that uses a central home
`server to provide content to each of several web-enabled
`clocks.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
`
`First a description of the apparatus and functional compo-
`nents ofthe system will be described, then their operation. As
`shown in FIG. 1, the web-enabled clock 10 is comprised of a
`housing that is similar to a traditional alarm clock housing.
`That is, the size is of a scale that could fit conveniently on a
`nightstand. There is a top housing 10 and a bottom housing 14
`fastened together using threaded fasteners, which are not
`shown because this type ofdesign is well known in the field of
`consumer electronics design. Top housing 10 and bottom
`housing 14 are manufactured using injection-molded plastic.
`FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of web-enabled clock 10.
`There is a printed circuit board 22 that electrically connects
`and mechanically supports a microprocessor 74, a quantity of
`system memory 78, and other electronic components that
`combine to control the functions ofthe web -enabled clock 1 0.
`
`FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the internal functional com-
`ponents that comprise web-enabled clock 10. Also included
`in the electronic circuit is a timer subsystem for keeping track
`of the correct time and date. Web-enabled clock 10 also
`
`includes an output means, that is, the method for the user to
`receive information from the web-enabled clock 10. FIGS. 1,
`2, and 3 show a full color liquid crystal display (LCD 54)
`graphics module as the visual output, and an amplifier and
`speaker 70, for audio output. Web—enabled clock 10 includes
`input means, that is,