`
`1111111111111111 IIIIII IIIII 11111 1111111111 11111 11111 1111111111 11111 11111 1111111111 11111111
`US 20060008256Al
`
`(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication
`Khedouri et al.
`
`(10) Pub. No.: US 2006/0008256 Al
`Jan. 12, 2006
`( 43) Pub. Date:
`
`(54) AUDIO VISUAL PLAYER APPARATUS AND
`SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONTENT
`DISTRIBUTION USING THE SAME
`
`(76)
`
`Inventors: Robert K. Khedouri, Roslyn, NY
`(US); Jonathan N. Axelrod, New York,
`NY (US); Harold E. Price, Bethel
`Park, PA (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`GOTTLIEB RACKMAN & REISMAN PC
`270 MADISON AVENUE
`8TH FLOOR
`NEW YORK, NY 100160601
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`10/953,746
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Sep.29,2004
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/507,110, filed on Oct.
`1, 2003.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`H04N 5/781
`(2006.01)
`(52) U.S. Cl. ............................................ 386/124; 386/125
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`(57)
`A portable wireless communications subscriber audio and/or
`video player apparatus and system and method for selecting,
`requesting, downloading, and playing audio and/or video
`data content files from an Internet-based database server.
`The wireless link is preferably implemented in accordance
`with the WiFi protocol, which allows connectivity to the
`Internet by being in proximity with a local base station or
`WiFi hotspot (i.e., publicly available local wireless access
`hub connected to the Internet). The portable wireless com(cid:173)
`munications subscriber audio and/or video player apparatus
`and system preferably include a security means for moni(cid:173)
`toring and blocking unauthorized use of the player apparatus
`and system. The player apparatus further preferably has the
`capability to communicate with other neighboring player
`apparatus for the purpose of exchanging content data files,
`playlists and personal messages.
`
`309
`30
`
`30 3/
`
`ENGINE
`
`305
`
`)
`AUDIO CONTENT
`I SUBSCRIBER AND USAGE DATABASES
`DATABASES
`t /306
`t
`/304
`/307
`ENCRYPTION H UPLOAD
`AUTHENTIFICATION WEBSITE APPLICATIONS
`I
`MANAGER
`SERVER
`AND FRONT END DATA
`I
`I
`SECURE NETWORK GATEWAY USING SSL ]
`t
`WEBSITE FRONT-END AND USER
`~08
`INTERFACE SOFTWARE
`315
`-------------------- ----------------------}----------------------
`PUBLIC OR PRIVATE INTERNET CONNECTION AND OPTIONAL WFI LOCAL
`ACCESS HUB (I.E., LOCAL BASE STATION RECEIVER/TRANSCEIVER)
`
`~02
`
`~10
`
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`
`1----------------------7---------------------- I
`
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`I
`
`OTHER
`PORTABLE
`PORTABLE
`/ AUDIO DEVICES~---• AUDIO DEVICES ◄---• COMPATIBLE
`#1
`/
`#2
`/ AUDIO DEVICES
`t
`312
`313
`
`DESKTOP OR
`LAPTOP
`COMPUTER
`t
`
`/
`314
`
`
`
`TRILLER EXHIBIT 1011-002
`
`Patent Application Publication Jan. 12, 2006 Sheet 1 of 17
`
`US 2006/0008256 Al
`
`111
`
`110
`
`RX
`
`TX
`
`108 COMM. MODULE
`
`ENCRYPT.
`UNIT
`
`109
`
`116
`
`INPUT
`DEVICE
`
`117
`
`100
`
`~118
`
`112
`
`113
`
`114
`
`/
`115
`
`VOLATILE
`MEMORY
`(SDRAM)
`'--103
`
`VOLATILE
`MEMORY
`(FLASH)
`104
`
`°'-118
`
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`
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`DRIVE
`
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`
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`BATTERY
`
`I
`
`I
`
`SOFTWARE
`MODULES
`
`HEAD PHONE
`JACK
`
`~
`106
`107
`COMPUTER CONTROLLER
`101
`
`FIG. 1
`
`
`
`TRILLER EXHIBIT 1011-003
`
`Patent Application Publication Jan. 12, 2006 Sheet 2 of 17
`
`US 2006/0008256 Al
`
`205
`
`201 1 06
`
`206 1 00
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`
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`
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`
`FIG. 2
`
`202
`
`204
`FIG. 2A
`
`
`
`TRILLER EXHIBIT 1011-004
`
`AUDIO CONTENT
`DATABASES
`t
`I ENCRYPTION --- UPLOAD
`ENGINE
`
`/304
`
`309
`30
`
`30
`
`305
`
`.. I I I
`1----------------------7---------------------- I
`t
`OTHER
`PORTABLE
`PORTABLE
`AUDIO DEVICES ~---• AUDIO DEVICES ◄---• COMPATIBLE
`1
`#2
`/ AUDIO DEVICES
`#1
`313
`312
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`
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`
`SUBSCRIBER AND USAGE DATABASES ~
`t /306
`/307
`AUTH ENTI Fl CATION WEBSITE APPLICATIONS
`SERVER
`MANAGER
`AND FRONT END DATA
`t
`t
`SECURE NETWORK GATEWAY USING SSL ]
`t
`•
`WEBSITE FRONT-END AND USER 'ros
`INTERFACE SOFTWARE
`315
`------------------- ----------------------}----------------------
`PUBLIC OR PRIVATE INTERNET CONNECTION AND OPTIONAL WFI LOCAL
`ACCESS HUB (I.E., LOCAL BASE STATION RECEIVERffRANSCEIVER)
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`314
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`
`
`
`TRILLER EXHIBIT 1011-005
`
`-
`
`- -.
`-- - - - - - - - -- -- ----- -
`UPLOAD AND DATA :
`f,,,
`TRANSMISSION
`! 401
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`CONTENT AND
`f,,,
`METADATA
`! 301
`DATABASES
`------------- ----- -- ---
`------ - - - - - - -- - - ------.
`SUBSCRIBER AND :
`USAGE
`:·,,,
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`LOCAL
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`
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`GATEWAY
`ACCESS k
`USING
`POINT
`SSL
`
`403
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`404
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`TRILLER EXHIBIT 1011-006
`
`' I
`
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`-----------------------------
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`------w•----------------------
`
`DOWNLOAD
`AND
`CONNECTIONS
`MANAGER
`~
`501
`
`CONTENT
`AND
`METADATA
`DATABASES
`
`~01
`
`------------
`
`---------
`
`RATING
`WAREAN
`FTW.
`
`DAM-ENABLED
`PLAYER
`
`503
`
`INDEXED
`DATABASES
`
`SUBSCRIBER
`AND USAGE
`DATABASES
`
`~04
`
`302
`
`------------------------------------,--------------------j
`' '
`'
`311
`
`FIG. 5
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`TRILLER EXHIBIT 1011-007
`
`Patent Application Publication Jan. 12, 2006 Sheet 6 of 17
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`US 2006/0008256 Al
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`TRILLER EXHIBIT 1011-008
`
`Patent Application Publication Jan. 12, 2006 Sheet 7 of 17
`
`US 2006/0008256 Al
`
`701 I 702
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`DEVICE A
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`I '®gD<JDa>j
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`FIG. 7
`
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`
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`
`TRILLER EXHIBIT 1011-009
`
`Patent Application Publication Jan. 12, 2006 Sheet 8 of 17
`
`US 2006/0008256 Al
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`802
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`Allman, Greg
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`Allen Brad
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`Algonquin, The
`Alkaline Trip
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`
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`
`TRILLER EXHIBIT 1011-0010
`
`Patent Application Publication Jan. 12, 2006 Sheet 9 of 17
`
`US 2006/0008256 Al
`
`CID
`
`home
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`new
`.
`music
`
`Gremlists
`
`spoken
`word
`
`Featured:
`Coldplay
`
`search
`
`Allman Brothers, The----901
`
`Statesboro Blues
`Jessica
`Midnight Rider
`Hoochie Coochie Man
`One Way Out
`Whipping Post
`True Fine Blues
`Great Train Robbery
`Fragile Tender Heart
`Hard Times A Plenty
`
`sort by
`
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`
`track
`
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`
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`FIG. 9
`
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`
`TRILLER EXHIBIT 1011-0011
`
`Patent Application Publication Jan. 12, 2006 Sheet 10 of 17
`
`US 2006/0008256 Al
`
`1001
`)
`
`I
`
`search
`
`(
`Allman Brothers, The
`Jessica
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`Legendary Hits
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`1002
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`
`Gremlists
`
`spoken
`word
`
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`
`buy song
`
`want
`the
`CD?
`
`[[
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`other versions
`
`l]
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`back
`
`l]
`
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`
`FIG. 10
`
`
`
`TRILLER EXHIBIT 1011-0012
`
`Patent Application Publication Jan. 12, 2006 Sheet 11 of 17
`
`US 2006/0008256 Al
`
`CD
`
`MusicGremlin Home
`
`search
`
`fm/record
`
`my_
`music
`
`my
`account
`
`~~ C> Why Georgia
`Room For Squares
`John Mayer
`
`1102
`
`1101
`
`FIG. 11
`
`
`
`TRILLER EXHIBIT 1011-0013
`
`Patent Application Publication Jan. 12, 2006 Sheet 12 of 17
`
`US 2006/0008256 Al
`
`CID
`
`search
`
`1202
`
`what's new:
`Madonna,
`Coldplay
`
`[[ back
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`
`FIG. 12
`
`
`
`TRILLER EXHIBIT 1011-0014
`
`Patent Application Publication Jan. 12, 2006 Sheet 13 of 17
`
`US 2006/0008256 Al
`
`.
`my music
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`l]
`
`1301 D
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`
`[[
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`my
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`my
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`my
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`FIG. 13
`
`
`
`TRILLER EXHIBIT 1011-0015
`
`Patent Application Publication Jan. 12, 2006 Sheet 14 of 17
`
`US 2006/0008256 Al
`
`CIT:>
`
`home
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`new
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`music
`
`Gremlists
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`spoken
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`
`Featured:
`Latin In
`Deep
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`search
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`l
`
`6
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`........
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`- ~
`
`[ MusicGremlin picks
`Alternative rock--1401
`This week in the clubs
`Hottest pop
`Aerobic workout
`Guitar spotlight
`Modern rock
`Country Charts
`
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`FIG. 14
`
`
`
`TRILLER EXHIBIT 1011-0016
`
`Patent Application Publication Jan. 12, 2006 Sheet 15 of 17
`
`US 2006/0008256 Al
`
`CID
`
`home
`
`my
`songs
`
`my
`playlists
`
`my
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`
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`Buffet's
`Top Ten
`
`.
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`
`Current Gremlist
`Subscriptions
`/1501
`Alternative rock (20)-1
`Jogging mix (5)
`Beach mix (25)
`Hottest pop (15)
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`TRILLER EXHIBIT 1011-0017
`
`Patent Application Publication Jan. 12, 2006 Sheet 16 of 17
`
`US 2006/0008256 Al
`
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`
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`last update 6/10/03---1501
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`
`TRILLER EXHIBIT 1011-0018
`
`Patent Application Publication Jan. 12, 2006 Sheet 17 of 17
`
`US 2006/0008256 Al
`
`CID
`
`home
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`new .
`music
`
`Gremlists
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`spoken
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`Alternative Rock
`
`[
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`
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`
`
`
`TRILLER EXHIBIT 1011-0019
`
`US 2006/0008256 Al
`
`Jan. 12,2006
`
`1
`
`AUDIO VISUAL PLAYER APPARATUS AND
`SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONTENT
`DISTRIBUTION USING THE SAME
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`[0001] This application claims priority to provisional
`application Ser. No. 60/507,110 filed Oct. 1, 2003, and
`incorporated herein by reference.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0002]
`
`a. Field of Invention
`
`[0003] The present invention relates to the field of digital
`audio and video player devices that are preferably portable
`and receive content either from a secure subscription-based
`or "a-la-carte" content delivery service or from other par(cid:173)
`ticipant devices, and more particularly to a portable player
`apparatus that is in wireless communications with an Inter(cid:173)
`net-based file server and laterally to a peer player apparatus.
`The present invention also relates to a system and method
`for delivery and management of such content to such
`devices.
`
`[0004] b. Description of the Prior Art
`
`[0005] The development of compressed digital audio and
`video formats, such as the Motion Picture Experts Group(cid:173)
`Layer 3 (MP3) audio compression standard, MPEG 21,
`Advanced Audio Coding (MC), ATRAC, WMA, FLAC,
`Ogg-Vorbis and others enabled the growth in popularity of
`recording, storing, transferring, and playing back digital
`audio and video data on computers, including personal
`desktop and laptop computers. In particular, compressed
`digital audio and video formats enabled more efficient
`storage and transmission of high-quality audio and video
`content by reducing the amount of digital data that needed
`to be stored and transmitted, resulting in data files that could
`be smaller than ½oth of the original uncompressed digital
`file without unacceptably degrading the quality of the out(cid:173)
`put. However, due to computational requirements, consum(cid:173)
`ers were generally only able to access and use compressed
`and uncompressed digital audio and video on their personal
`laptop and desktop computers ( except for conventional
`commercially-sold pre-recorded CDs and DVDs, which
`were playable on standard players connected to home ste(cid:173)
`reos and the like). This severely limited portable use and
`access to such digital audio and video content in that it
`required the user to be present at or near his or her computer
`to see and/or hear the playback, which typically could only
`be through speakers and/or a screen internal to or connected
`to the computer and not easily transported in digital format
`to more favorable listening environments, such as the user's
`car.
`
`[0006] More recently, relatively low-cost, lightweight,
`compact, portable digital media players ("DMPs") have
`been developed, e.g., Rios' Karma MP3 player, and Cre(cid:173)
`ative's Portable Media Center. These portable devices
`enable consumers to transfer compressed digital audio and/
`or video files stored on their computers to the portable
`devices through the use of associated computer-based soft(cid:173)
`ware via an external connection, such as a USE or
`"FireWire" cable, and to play the corresponding media
`on-demand through their DMPs while not in proximity to
`
`their computer. Users most commonly accessed the audio on
`the device by connecting headphones via a standard jack on
`the device, although it was also possible to connect a
`line-out cable to other audio output or recording devices,
`such as a microphone- or line-input of a standard home
`stereo system.
`
`[0007] Such DMPs originally tended to rely on the use of
`flash memory, such as compact flash or secure digital, for the
`storage of audio content, and were capable of holding a
`maximum of approximately 0.5 to 1 gigabyte of memory.
`More recently, so-called "portable jukeboxes" have been
`introduced that can hold an estimated 10,000 songs or more
`of musical entertainment by including a miniature hard disk
`recorder in the housing of the device, which can have 40
`gigabytes or more of capacity. Portable video players with
`even greater hard disk capacity have also been developed.
`
`[0008]
`In general, conventional DMPs are capable of
`allowing their users to (1) transfer compressed media files
`from a computer to the device through the use of associated
`transfer management software installed on the computer and
`a physical connection to the computer, such as a USE cable;
`(2) store such compressed media files in non-destructive
`memory; (3) decode for playback any of a variety of
`compression algorithms; ( 4) convert a compressed or
`uncompressed digital file to an analog format, potentially
`also processing the signal to enhance the resulting sound and
`images; (5) process and amplify the resulting analog signal;
`and (6) produce high-fidelity sound and video for the user,
`which may be played, paused, fast-forwarded, rewound,
`skipped or replayed instantly and on-demand. Also, typically
`in the case of audio DMPs (e.g., the Rio Karma), the devices
`feature a relatively small digital display window that pro(cid:173)
`vides information regarding the audio content stored on the
`device, such as the title and artist, and enables viewing ( and
`in some cases modifying) the sequence of the audio tracks
`that are currently stored on the device.
`
`[0009] Disadvantageously, however, data transfer and
`advanced sorting and sequencing of selections are difficult
`or impossible for a user to accomplish unless the DMP is
`connected to the computer, which does not allow the user to
`obtain new content or to make other desirable modifications
`to the content stored on the DMP, such as easily modifying
`the sequence of the content selections stored on the device
`while the player device is not connected to the computer.
`Further, in the case of audio, these players typically do not
`enable a non-technical user to create and manage custom
`"playlists" (i.e., fixed song sequences), such that a user can
`easily develop and use a variety of personalized playlists for
`use at different times. Also disadvantageously, the display
`and user interface on these audio devices is typically limited
`in size, involves the use of multi-functional buttons which
`are complex for many users and is not touch-sensitive,
`thereby preventing non-expert users from easily viewing and
`modifying the listing and sequence of audio tracks stored on
`the DMP.
`
`[0010] A further disadvantage of the prior art is that users
`are typically required to select content selections one-by-one
`and then to add them to the device. Such requirement creates
`an inconvenience for the user since typically the user may
`prefer variety in the programming, and in many cases may
`not want to create a selection-by-selection sequence of
`entertainment, especially in the case of music. Programmed
`
`
`
`TRILLER EXHIBIT 1011-0020
`
`US 2006/0008256 Al
`
`Jan. 12,2006
`
`2
`
`entertainment of this sort is currently available to consumers
`through traditional broadcast media and through other
`means that generally require the use of a device connected
`to a wired input, such as Internet-based streaming, acces(cid:173)
`sible through laptop and desktop computers ( and certain
`specialized wired devices, such as the Streamium audio
`device made by Royal Philips Electronics), and digital cable
`television and radio services, accessible through cable(cid:173)
`connected television sets. More recently, subscription-based
`commercial satellite broadcast services have been intro(cid:173)
`duced, such as DirecTV for television and Sirius and XM for
`radio, which enable consumers to receive hours of program(cid:173)
`ming by selecting among available stations.
`
`[0011] However, in all cases involving terrestrial and
`satellite broadcasts, the user does not have the control to
`stop, start, rewind, fast-forward, replay or skip any portion
`of the programming. Also, neither terrestrial and satellite
`broadcasts, nor Internet-based media services allow the user
`to call up and access specific new selections on-demand on
`a portable device that does not have full PC functionality
`( e.g., a lap top) and is not connected to a wired Internet
`connection. Accordingly, for the convenience of receiving
`programming with existing DMPs, the user is required to
`cede control over delivered content for convenience, or will
`be required to choose to cede convenience for control.
`Further, in the case of radio-linked audio player devices,
`player device reception is typically limited due to physical
`terrain and geographic features, which can distort radio
`signals that in all cases need to be continuously present and
`stable during the audio output to provide the user with a
`satisfactory entertainment experience. Further, of the forms
`of media services (e.g., TV and radio) available, only
`Internet-based streaming and digital cable, each of which
`require the user to use a stationary wired-device for access
`( e.g., television set and digital cable decoding box), and
`satellite broadcasts, which do not permit on-demand access
`or control by the user, provide digital-quality output, which
`may be a benefit required by users.
`
`[0012] A further disadvantage of the prior art is that a
`security method is not provided for content owners to enable
`distribution of content to users, management of the content
`and deletion/expiration of their content on a subscription
`basis using only a standalone DMP that is not reliant on the
`use of associated desktop or laptop computer software,
`while still maintaining royalty records and rights, especially
`against secondary party transfers. Content owners and users
`would also benefit from a way content can be shared
`laterally across peer-to-peer device transfers to other users
`of both the personal play lists and the media data content that
`may be stored in the player device in a way that is secure and
`that permits only authorized sharing activities. It can be
`appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that the
`terms "audio", "video", "media", and words of similar
`import may be used interchangeably throughout this docu(cid:173)
`ment to describe the relevant content, since methods of
`digital video content compression, storage, transfer, play(cid:173)
`back and control can be accomplished by using very similar
`methods and technologies and are similarly well-known by
`those skilled in the art. Note that "content," as used in this
`document, shall accordingly mean any audio or video
`recording that a user may seek to access, and also shall
`include any other file type capable of being interpreted by a
`user, such as a written document stored in digital form or a
`
`digitally stored and compressed photograph, which may be
`similarly transferred, shared and used.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`[0013] The present invention addresses the problems with
`the prior art described above. A preferred embodiment of the
`present invention consists of a portable wireless audio
`and/or video player apparatus having one or more of the
`following elements: a peer-to-peer audio and/or video data
`transfer module to allow communications with another
`wireless audio and/or video player apparatus; a wireless
`communication link to an Internet-connected base, a com(cid:173)
`munication software module for requesting one or more
`audio and/or video data files from an Internet-based database
`server via the Internet-connected base station; a first security
`means for enabling the downloading and storage of the
`requested files; a second security means for the management
`and playing of the stored files; and one or more software
`modules for interfacing with a user to effect the foregoing
`features using a easy to understand interface.
`[0014] More specifically, the player apparatus according
`to the present invention is able to function as a standalone
`device to generate, search and obtain new audio and/or video
`digital data files ( containing content and associated metadata
`(as defined below)) wirelessly over the Internet, without the
`need to use an intervening device, such as a desktop or
`laptop computer that temporarily stores the content data files
`to be transferred to the portable device, or software that runs
`on a laptop or desktop computer to manage the transfer and
`arrangement of content on the portable device. This feature
`enables a non-technical user to access and use digital audio
`and/or video content without knowledge of how to operate
`a computer. Further, to overcome the limitations of the
`display interface of the prior art, the user interface software
`according to embodiments of the present invention is
`designed to enable more complex user functions and data
`organization, and to display these simply and clearly. Such
`user interface software permits the device to reasonably and
`comfortably function for the user as a standalone device
`while permitting the user to search for new content, manage
`and modify large volumes of content, and share content
`across a large number of potential users who may be listed
`by user ID or name. Moreover, the device obtains files from
`a server or laterally from another device without using a
`browser-type application.
`[0015]
`It is also a feature of the embodiments of the
`present invention to provide the user with a flexible pro(cid:173)
`gramming capability both as to time and selection for the
`playing of the individual audio and/or video files or groups
`of files. This includes allowing a user to select and play
`individual content selections from a broad content library
`stored in a network on-demand, and alternatively to request
`that hours of continuous programmed content be playable on
`demand, which programming will be updated on a periodic
`basis (e.g., daily), without limiting the user's ability to start,
`stop, rewind or fast-forward through the program.
`[0016]
`It is also a feature of the embodiments of the
`present invention to provide a means for exporting the data
`content to one or more of a plurality of output devices,
`including headphones or a home or car stereo, or another
`storage and/or playback apparatus such as a desktop or
`laptop computer. Such export may be via either a wired or
`a wireless communications link.
`
`
`
`TRILLER EXHIBIT 1011-0021
`
`US 2006/0008256 Al
`
`Jan. 12,2006
`
`3
`
`[0017]
`It is a feature of the embodiments of the present
`invention to provide a portable player apparatus that is not
`dependent on favorable physical terrain and geographic
`features that are typically associated with wireless commu(cid:173)
`nications devices. This is mainly accomplished by the pre(cid:173)
`storing of desired audio and/or video data and metadata
`content while in the presence of a communications uplink
`for accessing/playing at a later time, at which time a
`continuous wireless connection is not required for navigat(cid:173)
`ing the metadata database or for a satisfactory output of the
`stored audio and/or video content.
`
`[0018]
`It is a feature of the embodiments of the present
`invention to provide a secure method for content owners to
`enable distribution of their audio and/or video content to
`mass-market consumers on a subscription basis.
`
`[0019]
`In a preferred embodiment according to the present
`invention, a media distribution system preferably consists of
`a broadband network system for wirelessly distributing
`digital media files to multiple standalone portable digital
`media player devices in which the devices are: (1) dedicated
`to and optimized for searching for, receiving and playing
`audio and/or video files, authorized obtainment from a
`network or peer device, management and search of metadata
`and media content ( even while no network or Internet
`connection is present), authorized playback and authorized
`transfer (such as to a peer device or digital computer) of
`digital audio and/or video files by a user; (2) capable of
`wirelessly transmitting and receiving audio and/or video
`data files at "broadband" speeds via conventional broadband
`protocols, such as that promulgated in the 802.11 standard,
`both to and from a local network which preferably includes
`Internet connectivity; and (3) able to communicate with an
`application service in order to request and download
`encrypted audio and/or video content and associated meta(cid:173)
`data. Each portable player device preferably includes at least
`a first security means that disables playback and transfer of
`media files, or that selectively enables such playback and
`transfer when a subscription service is activated. The media
`distribution system preferably includes one or more Internet(cid:173)
`based database servers wherein are stored digital audio
`and/or video data content in compressed or uncompressed
`form and associated metadata (i.e., descriptive or associative
`data concerning the content-in the case of audio, this may
`include such items as length of track, name of artist, name
`of song, name of album, encoding format and bit rate), an
`Internet application server interface that communicates indi(cid:173)
`vidually with each portable device via a secure certification/
`authentication link, an upload manager that ensures the
`secure and efficient delivery of data content files to each of
`the portable devices, and the communications network,
`thereby allowing the user to request, download, and store
`individual titles, groups of titles (i.e. a playlist,) and/or
`preprogrammed entertainment that fit particular criteria
`(such as genre or purpose (e.g., work-out, dancing)) on a
`periodic basis.
`
`[0020] The audio and/or video content may be distributed
`to the portable player devices in encrypted form, capable of
`being played only when decrypted with a particular private
`digital decryption key. The portable player device (or appa(cid:173)
`ratus) is preferably constructed with an internal clock that is
`not settable or re-settable by the user (which is a necessary
`part of preventing a user from avoiding the expiration and
`disablement of content for time-based subscriptions), but
`
`rather can only be digitally set by establishing a secure and
`authenticated connection to a secure subscriber network that
`provides it with accurate time and date information. The
`portable player device preferably also includes a monitoring
`module that records the time and date each time a content
`selection is played or transferred by the device. The moni(cid:173)
`toring module also preferably includes a reporting module
`for transferring the monitoring results to the network (via the
`network's upload manager) when connection is made
`between the portable player device and the network for any
`reason.
`
`[0021]
`In a second embodiment according to the present
`invention, a portable peer-to-peer wireless communication
`player device for transferring audio and/or video and related
`files to and from a second portable peer-to-peer wireless
`communication player device, the portable peer-to-peer
`wireless communication player device preferably com(cid:173)
`prises: a wireless transceiver unit for wirelessly communi(cid:173)
`cating with external devices (such as peer devices and digital
`computers); an audio output unit for playing audio files; a
`visual output unit for displaying video and/or displaying
`user interface information (e.g., LCD screen or other exist(cid:173)
`ing or hereafter created output technology, which, in the case
`of user interface information, may also be replaced (as is
`familiar to those experienced in the art) with a menu-driven
`audio output means); a controlling computing unit having a
`user input interface and a microprocessor; a digital storage
`means for storing digital data; and an included software
`method for operating the device, wherein the digital data
`preferably includes audio and/or video data content and
`playlists. Further, the audio output unit preferably includes
`one or more from the group consisting of speakers and
`headphones, and the user input unit may consist of one or
`more from the group consisting of buttons, keys, joysticks,
`toggles, switches, keyboards, touch-pads and touch-sensi(cid:173)
`tive screen locations, which may include infrared, resistive,
`inductive and capacitive sensing means. The software may
`include one or more of the following modules: a commu(cid:173)
`nications module; a processing module; a security module;
`a user interface module; a resident database management
`module; a storage and retrieval module; and a play module.
`
`[0022] The user input interface of the second embodiment
`preferably includes a set of interactive screens displayed on
`the video output device, further including: the steps required
`for selection of one or more titles in response to screen
`display pages in order to generate a content request list for
`transmitting to the audio and/or video content distribution
`center upload manager and database. The security module
`preferably includes means for interaction with upstream
`base station to enable the operation of the portable peer-to(cid:173)
`peer wireless communication player device; interaction with
`at least one second portable peer-to-peer wireless commu(cid:173)
`nication player device; and expiration of audio and video
`content files according to a set of subscription and usage
`rules that may be modified through programmed changes at
`the network. Such rules may include, for example, prohibi(cid:173)
`tion on playing any subscription-based content resident on
`the portable device unless the network has authenticated and
`validated the subscription on the device within the past 30
`days.
`
`[0023]
`In a third embodiment according to the present
`invention, a portable peer-to-peer wireless communication
`player device for generating and wirelessly transmitting a
`
`
`
`TRILLER EXHIBIT 1011-0022
`
`US 2006/0008256 Al
`
`Jan. 12,2006
`
`4
`
`play list to local base station having an Internet connection to
`an Internet-based database server