`US 20060258289Al
`
`c19) United States
`
`c12) Patent Application Publication
`Dua
`
`c10) Pub. No.: US 2006/0258289 Al
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Nov. 16, 2006
`
`(54) WIRELESS MEDIA SYSTEM AND PLAYER
`AND METHOD OF OPERATION
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`(76)
`
`Inventor: Robin Dua, Vienna, VA (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`Charles B. Lobsenz
`Roberts, Mlotkowski & Hobbes, PC
`Suite 850
`8270 Greensboro Drive
`McLean, VA 22102 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`11/127,979
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`May 12, 2005
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`H04B 7100
`(2006.01)
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`.......................................... 455/41.3; 455/41.2
`
`350 \
`
`117
`
`A wireless media player and a related system and method(cid:173)
`ology are disclosed. One aspect of the wireless media player
`system pertains to a virtual connector system, apparatus, and
`method for the automatic establishment of wireless connec(cid:173)
`tivity with other electronic devices. In one embodiment, the
`media player device employs the use of integrated Radio
`Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to exchange
`communication settings, media capability, and other param(cid:173)
`eters with an external device that also has integrated RFID
`technology. The automatic exchange of settings and other
`information via a proximity-based RFID data exchange
`allows a media player to quickly establish a secure commu(cid:173)
`nication link with another device via a commonly supported
`wireless protocol such as Ultra Wideband (UWB) or Blue(cid:173)
`tooth. Another aspect of the media player system pertains to
`a method of using the captured media capability of the
`connecting device to customize certain menu options and
`software parameters in the media player.
`
`··-· .
`
`~ 1 5 2
`
`Tormnal Pcwer
`Supptj
`103
`
`DSPIAudio
`CODEC
`110
`
`RFIDTag M:>dule
`369
`
`RFID fv'lemJry
`37 □
`
`RAO Tag
`371
`
`VO Asserrbly
`116
`
`Bluetoothlnlerface
`
`,.,
`
`Bluetooth ControUer
`366
`
`Bluetoath SequencerJ64
`
`OSP & CODEC
`374
`
`GAO/UART
`376
`
`CPU
`373
`
`ES='ROM/Seria1Fla~h379
`
`RC Oscilator
`
`377 -~
`
`Managerrenl
`376
`
`Page 1 of 43
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`GOOGLE EXHIBIT 1004
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`
`
`Patent Application Publication Nov. 16, 2006 Sheet 1 of 19
`
`US 2006/0258289 Al
`
`152
`
`Speaker
`101
`
`Display
`102
`
`Video
`CODEC
`107
`
`CPU
`109
`
`100"\
`
`Terminal Power
`Supply
`103
`
`: Media Manager :
`L~pplication 120 :
`
`Memory
`106
`
`DSP/Audio
`CODEC
`110
`
`Keypad
`111
`
`Storage
`112
`
`117
`
`RFID Activation
`Button
`118
`
`Network
`Transceiver
`105
`
`Short Range
`Transceiver
`108
`
`RFID
`Tag-Reader
`Module 113
`
`RFID Module
`Antenna
`114
`
`FIG.1
`
`icrophone
`115
`
`1/0 Assembly·
`116
`
`Page 2 of 43
`
`
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 16, 2006 Sheet 2 of 19
`
`US 2006/0258289 Al
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`185
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`190
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`192
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`193
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`FIG. 28
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`Page 3 of 43
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 16, 2006 Sheet 3 of 19
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`US 2006/0258289 Al
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`Page 4 of 43
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 16, 2006 Sheet 4 of 19
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`US 2006/0258289 Al
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`FIG. 3C
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`Page 5 of 43
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`310
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`Page 6 of 43
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`368
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`367
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`366
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`Storage
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`112
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`111
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`110
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`106
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`103
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`Supply
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`362
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`118
`
`102
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`117
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`Page 7 of 43
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`Terminal A>w er I
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`103
`Supply
`
`Page 8 of 43
`
`
`
`Patent Application Publication Nov. 16, 2006 Sheet 8 of 19
`
`US 2006/0258289 Al
`
`450~
`
`Message Component
`451
`
`Example Content
`452
`
`Device Type
`453
`
`454
`
`Device Model
`455
`
`456
`
`Profile Settings
`457
`
`RF Capability
`458
`
`(UWB)
`
`WiMedia
`• Wireless 1394
`
`FireWire
`
`. TV
`. Digital Video Recorder (DVR)
`. VCR/DVD Player
`. Cellular Phone
`. Stereo
`. MP3 Player
`. HeadseUEarphones
`. Digital Camera
`. Telephone
`. Automobile - Integrated Computer
`Device Manufacturer . XYZ Electronics
`. WaveRadio TH-190
`. Location of Device: "Kitchen"
`Device/User Identifier . Device owner's name: "Anthony"
`. Device owner's calling card (e.g., name, address, tel.#, e-mail)
`. Allow Create Profile: "On" or "Off'
`. Allow Auto-Detect & Connect: "On" or "Off'
`. Bluetooth
`. Wireless USB
`. 802.11 a/b/g/n
`. 802.15.3/
`. Ultra Wideband
`. AM/FM
`. Wireless
`. UHFNHF
`. ZigBee/802. 15.4
`. RF configuration settings
`. Standardized communication profiles (e.g., Bluetooth -
`. Supported network protocols (IANA)
`. Security settings
`
`Communication
`Settings
`459
`
`handsfree, headset, etc.)
`
`- Challenge/response information, Encryption keys, PINs/
`passwords
`- Device Addresses: e.g., BD_ADDR, MAC
`
`Hardware/Software . Hardware capabilities (e.g., display, audio, input)
`. Operating System version & capabilities
`. Software capabilities
`. Audio: MP3, WMA, WAV, AAC, HE-AAC, FLAC, Ogg Vorbis
`. Video: MPEG 1, MPEG 2, MPEG 4, MPEG 7, AVI, XviD
`. Image: JPEG, JPEG2000, TIFF, GIF, BMP, PNG
`. Presentation: PPS, PPT
`. Internet Content: HTML, XHTML, DHTML, JavaScript
`
`Parameters
`460
`
`Media Capability
`461
`
`FIG. 7
`
`Page 9 of 43
`
`
`
`Patent Application Publication Nov. 16, 2006 Sheet 9 of 19
`
`US 2006/0258289 Al
`
`500~
`
`501
`
`See
`Fig. 98
`
`Press RFID activation button on
`wireless device
`
`RFID Reader is temporarily activated
`and RFID Tag becomes inoperable
`
`Bring RFID "Hot Spot" on device in
`proximity to "Hot Spot" on another
`wireless device to which connectivity
`is desired
`
`Communication and other settings
`exchanged via RFID.
`Capabilities assessed.
`
`RFID Tag-Reader Module returns to
`normal state
`
`Wireless communication session
`established between devices
`
`Transmit media wirelessly to target
`device
`
`End communication session
`
`502
`
`503
`
`504
`
`505
`
`506
`
`507
`
`510
`
`512
`
`514
`
`Device profile saved
`
`Device profile
`discarded
`
`515
`
`FIG_ 8A
`
`Page 10 of 43
`
`
`
`Patent Application Publication Nov. 16, 2006 Sheet 10 of 19
`
`US 2006/0258289 Al
`
`530
`
`501
`
`Press RFID activalioo button on
`wireless device
`
`RFID Reaier is temporarily activated
`and RFIO Tag becomes inoperable
`
`Bring RFlO "Hot Spot" on device in
`prmdmtty to "Hot Spa:" on another
`wireless device to which coonectivtty
`is desired
`
`Communication and olher settings
`exchanged via RFIO.
`Capabilities assessed.
`
`RFID Tag/Reader Module returns to
`normal state
`
`Wireless communication session
`established between de-.iices
`
`502
`
`503
`
`504
`
`505
`
`506
`
`507
`
`1..iw Content
`(R~time capture)
`
`541
`
`544
`
`545
`
`Broadcast Radle
`
`514
`
`De'ke profile saved
`
`Device profile
`discarded
`
`515
`
`FIG. 8B
`
`Page 11 of 43
`
`
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`
`577
`
`575
`
`573
`
`570
`
`End communication
`
`session
`
`wireless network and
`
`Internet
`
`target device via
`Transmit media to
`
`LAN Content
`
`Broadcast Radio
`
`Broadcast TV
`
`Internet COntent
`
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`
`(Real-time captura)
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`
`Incoming Media
`
`546
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`545
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`544
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`543
`
`542
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`541
`
`562
`
`561
`
`560----
`
`Page 12 of 43
`
`
`
`Patent Application Publication Nov. 16, 2006 Sheet 12 of 19
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`US 2006/0258289 Al
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`Page 13 of 43
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`Page 14 of 43
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`
`
`Patent Application Publication Nov. 16, 2006 Sheet 14 of 19
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`US 2006/0258289 Al
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`>
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`SELECT DEVICE TO CONNECT
`
`603[ □ Television
`n Headset
`
`MP3 Player
`
`Automobile Computer System
`
`-~
`
`~ Phone
` Camera
`&i=j Stereo system
`
`Projector
`
`u Attachments: Mouse, Joy Stick, Keyboard, Display,
`' - Printer, Copier, Fax
`
`J:-+
`
`Medical Monitoring Devices
`
`~ DVR,DVD,VCR
`
`FIG. 12
`
`Page 15 of 43
`
`
`
`Patent Application Publication Nov. 16, 2006 Sheet 15 of 19
`
`US 2006/0258289 Al
`
`r .• 1
`
`CONNECT: TELEVISION
`
`(Ill
`
`611[ □ TV - XYZ Elect.
`612[ □ TV - BigTV Co.
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 16, 2006 Sheet 18 of 19
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`US 2006/0258289 Al
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`Page 19 of 43
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`
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 16, 2006 Sheet 19 of 19
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`Page 20 of 43
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`US 2006/0258289 Al
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`Nov. 16, 2006
`
`1
`
`WIRELESS MEDIA SYSTEM AND PLAYER AND
`METHOD OF OPERATION
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
`
`[0002] The present invention relates generally to wireless
`media players and related systems. More particularly, the
`present invention relates to a wireless media system and
`player having improved features for establishing wireless
`connectivity with various electronic devices.
`
`[0003] 2. Background of the Invention
`
`[0004] The ever increasing speed and the reduced size of
`electronic components has contributed to the proliferation of
`consumer electronic devices capable of processing digital
`media such as audio, video, images, animation, presenta(cid:173)
`tions, and other content. Handheld media players include for
`example, cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PD As),
`MP3 players, video players, game players, cameras, radios,
`televisions, CD/DVD players, Personal Video Recorders
`(PVRs ), etc. Many existing media players are able to store
`large amounts of digital content, wirelessly connect to the
`Internet and exchange data over short ranges with other
`electronic devices.
`
`[0005]
`It is often desirable to interact on a frequent basis
`with multiple electronic devices that contain different types
`of digital media. For example, users might have digital
`music stored in a pocket-size MP3 player, photos or video
`stored in a cellular phone, presentations stored in a personal
`digital assistant (PDA), or a variety of other digital media
`and applications stored on other portable electronic devices.
`The standardization of file formats for a variety of media
`types and the resulting availability of processing support for
`these media types has allowed users to transfer and share
`digital information between devices more readily.
`
`[0006] A problem remains in that getting personal elec(cid:173)
`tronic devices to communicate with one another in order to
`transfer or access information is typically a cumbersome and
`time-consuming process. In some cases, a direct physical
`connection must be established between two devices prior to
`and during data transfer or access using, for example, a
`docking station interface, FireWire connector, Universal
`Serial Bus (USB) connector, or some type of cable. All of the
`above connectivity methods impose difficulties in that the
`devices must be directly attached or tethered to one another
`while communicating.
`
`[0007]
`In other instances, connectivity between devices
`can be established using infra-red capability integrated into
`the devices. A major short-range infra-red (IR) communi(cid:173)
`cations network protocol, defined by the Infra-red Device
`Association (IrDA), is known as the IrDA standard. Infra(cid:173)
`red technology restricts mobility by requiring the devices to
`be in direct line-of-sight to each other's infra-red port.
`
`[0008] Wireless connectivity offers the most flexible
`means by which to connect devices and exchange informa(cid:173)
`tion. Short-range wireless capability using standards such as
`Bluetooth, 802.lla, 802.llb, 802.llg, Ultra-Wideband
`(UWB), and others are presently being integrated into media
`player devices. Wireless technology obviates the need for
`peripherals such as docking stations, cables, and adapters
`and provides for mobility within a certain range.
`
`[0009] However, one issue with wireless device-to-device
`connectivity is that some form of user configuration is
`typically required. For example, communication settings,
`software settings, security settings, and other information is
`typically required to be exchanged between and among the
`devices which are to communicate. In most cases, user
`configuration in this manner makes data exchange between
`the media devices insecure and time consuming. Known
`over-the-air techniques for configuration between two
`devices have also proven to be generally insecure.
`
`[0010] As devices such as cellular phones, PDAs, MP3
`players, and cameras and other handheld devices capable of
`storing and playing media become more prevalent and offer
`more and more features, it is increasingly desirable to
`provide interconnection between these devices for conve(cid:173)
`nience and to take advantage of the rich feature sets avail(cid:173)
`able. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved
`method, apparatus, and system for wirelessly connecting
`these devices and discovering each others' communication,
`media processing, and other capabilities. There is a further
`need for a solution that allows for the automatic establish(cid:173)
`ment of a secure wireless connection between a source
`device and a target device and the automatic transmission of
`certain media assets to the target device. There is also a need
`for a solution that allows wireless media player devices to
`connect with and transmit media assets to other devices via
`the Internet.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0011]
`It is therefore a primary object of the present
`invention to provide a system and methodology which
`improves upon prior art systems and methodologies and
`their related drawbacks as described above.
`
`[0012]
`It is another object of the present invention to
`provide an efficient, user-friendly and automated methodol(cid:173)
`ogy by which two or more devices can establish wireless
`communication and make each other aware of device capa(cid:173)
`bilities, available media types, communication protocols and
`other information specific to the devices and the content
`stored thereon.
`
`[0013]
`It is another object of the present invention to use
`Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) to automatically
`setup and establish a wireless connection between at least
`one source device and one target device.
`
`[0014] These and other objects of the present invention are
`obtained through the use of a novel wireless media player
`system and related methodology. The wireless media system
`of the present invention includes a handheld media player
`(source device) capable of transmitting and receiving infor(cid:173)
`mation over a wireless connection with other electronic
`devices (target devices). In one embodiment, the media
`player is able to simultaneously communicate with multiple
`target devices in close proximity using one or more sup(cid:173)
`ported short-range wireless protocols. In another embodi(cid:173)
`ment, the media player may connect with one or more target
`devices through the Internet or another network, by con(cid:173)
`necting to a cellular network or a local wireless access point.
`
`[0015] The media player of the present invention prefer(cid:173)
`ably includes integrated Radio Frequency Identification
`(RFID) technology. More specifically, the media player
`includes an RFID Tag-Reader Module that is capable of
`
`Page 21 of 43
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`Nov. 16, 2006
`
`2
`
`functioning as both an RFID tag and an RFID reader.
`According to a preferred embodiment, the RFID Tag-Reader
`Module allows interoperability with all RF 13.56 MHz
`readers and tags compatible with existing international stan(cid:173)
`dards, including ISO 14443 A/B, ISO 15693, FeliCa™, and
`NFC.
`
`[0016] The RFID Tag-Reader Module also preferably
`includes an RFID Tag-Reader Controller that manages all
`communication between the media player's CPU and the
`RFID Tag-Reader Module's functional components. In addi(cid:173)
`tion to the hardware interface between the media player's
`CPU and the RFID Tag-Reader Controller, an application
`program interface (API) layer supports communication
`between applications operating on the terminal and the
`RFID module. An RFID activation button may be integrated
`in the media player. This activation button is capable of
`activating the reader functionality of the RFID Tag-Reader
`Module when pressed.
`
`[0017] The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a
`method of using RFID to capture the media processing
`capability and other parameters of a target device in order to
`customize certain menu options and software settings in the
`media player. The method includes for example, recognizing
`the media processing capability of the target device, and
`customizing the user interface on the media player so that it
`only displays media categories and files that could be
`processed by the target device if transmitted.
`[0018] The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a
`method of using the RFID connector system to quickly
`establish a wireless communication link with a target device
`and automatically transmitting certain media assets to it
`once connectivity has been established. The method
`includes, in one embodiment, automatically transmitting
`media which is being viewed/played on the media player at
`the time of an RFID exchange with the target device.
`
`[0019] The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a
`method of transmitting media to a target device for viewing
`or listening, and using controls on the media player, or
`software operating therein, to alter the viewing/listening
`experience on the target device. The method includes, for
`example, transmitting audio or video from the media player
`to the target device, and using, the "play", "pause", "fast
`forward", "rewind", "stop", "skip back", and "skip forward"
`keys on the media player to adjust the viewing/listening
`experience of the media being transmitted and presented on
`the target device.
`
`[0020] The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a
`method of creating, storing, and accessing profiles for target
`devices that have previously exchanged communication
`settings, media processing capabilities, and other informa(cid:173)
`tion with the media player. Profiles can be used to establish
`automatic connectivity between the media player and one or
`more target devices that are in proximity via a common
`short-range wireless communication protocol. The method
`includes, receiving device information, communication set(cid:173)
`tings, media processing capabilities, and other parameters
`associated with the target device and using the information
`to establish a profile for the target device on the media
`player. The device profile can be enabled at the user's option
`to automatically detect the target device when within a
`certain proximity to the media player. At that point wireless
`connectivity between devices can be automatically estab-
`
`lished. Alternatively, the profile could also be used to
`manually establish wireless connectivity with a target device
`at the user's discretion.
`
`[0021] The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a
`method of selecting one or more Internet-connected target
`devices for the delivery of certain media assets. The method
`includes, selecting a media source, selecting specific media
`assets, selecting an address for the target device, resolving
`the address to an Internet mutable address, and establishing
`a peer-to-peer communication session with the target device
`over the Internet.
`[0022] These and other advantages and features of the
`present invention are described herein with specificity so as
`to make the present invention understandable to one of
`ordinary skill in the art.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0023] The present invention is illustrated by way of
`example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the
`accompanying drawings and in which like reference numer(cid:173)
`als refer to similar elements and in which:
`[0024] FIG. 1 is a functional representation of media
`player terminal interfacing with a wireless headphone unit,
`in accordance with one embodiment of the present inven(cid:173)
`tion.
`[0025] FIG. 2A is a front-side perspective view of a media
`player terminal, in accordance with one embodiment of the
`present invention.
`
`[0026] FIG. 2B is a representation of the keypad interface
`of a media player terminal, in accordance with another
`embodiment of the present invention.
`[0027] FIG. 2C is a front-side perspective view of a media
`player terminal with an alpha-numeric keypad, in accor(cid:173)
`dance with one embodiment of the present invention.
`
`[0028] FIG. 3A is a left-side perspective view of a media
`player terminal, in accordance with one embodiment of the
`present invention.
`[0029] FIG. 3B is a back-side perspective view of a media
`player terminal, in accordance with one embodiment of the
`present invention.
`
`[0030] FIG. 3C is a top-side perspective view of a media
`player terminal, in accordance with one embodiment of the
`present invention.
`[0031] FIG. 3D is a bottom-side perspective view of a
`media player terminal, in accordance with one embodiment
`of the present invention.
`
`[0032] FIG. 4A depicts a functional diagram illustrating
`one embodiment of a RFID tag-reader module according to
`the invention.
`[0033] FIG. 4B depicts a functional diagram illustrating
`an alternative embodiment of a RFID tag-reader module
`according to the invention.
`
`[0034] FIG. 5 is a functional diagram of a media player
`terminal interfacing with a wireless headphone unit, in
`accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
`[0035] FIG. 6 is a functional diagram of two media player
`terminals wirelessly interfacing with one another and their
`
`Page 22 of 43
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`Nov. 16, 2006
`
`3
`
`respective headphone units, in accordance with one embodi(cid:173)
`ment of the present invention.
`
`[0036] FIG. 7 is a table depicting the message compo(cid:173)
`nents and example content of a RFID message exchange
`between two electronic devices, in accordance with one
`embodiment of the present invention.
`
`[0037] FIG. SA is a flow diagram of a wireless transmis(cid:173)
`sion method using RFID setup, in accordance with one
`embodiment of the present invention.
`
`[0038] FIG. 8B is a flow diagram of an alternative wire(cid:173)
`less transmission method using RFID setup, according to the
`invention.
`
`[0039] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of a wireless transmission
`method via a wireless network and the Internet, in accor(cid:173)
`dance with one embodiment of the present invention.
`
`[0040] FIG. 10 is a functional diagram of a media player
`terminal capturing a video feed from an external video
`recording device, and transmitting the same video content
`via a cellular network and the Internet to another media
`player terminal, which further transmits the content to a
`television, in accordance with one embodiment of the
`present invention.
`
`[0041] FIG.11 is a functional diagram ofa media player
`terminal with an embedded video recorder, filming a city
`scene, and transmitting the video content via a cellular
`network and the Internet to two separate media player
`terminals connected to different mobile operator networks,
`in accordance with one embodiment of the present inven(cid:173)
`tion.
`
`[0042] FIG. 12 is an illustration of an exemplary user
`interface screen depicting device categories, in accordance
`with one embodiment of the present invention.
`
`[0043] FIG. 13 is an illustration of an exemplary user
`interface screen depicting one specific device profile cat(cid:173)
`egory in accordance with one embodiment of the present
`invention.
`
`[0044] FIG. 14 is an illustration of an exemplary user
`interface screen depicting messaging that indicates that the
`media player terminal is wirelessly connecting to a target
`device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
`invention.
`
`[0045] FIG. 15 is an illustration of an exemplary user
`interface screen depicting options for Media Sources that
`can be selected in order to select specific media assets for
`transmission to a target device, in accordance with one
`embodiment of the present invention.
`
`[0046] FIG. 16 is an illustration of an exemplary user
`interface screen depicting Live Content options that can be
`selected for transmission to a target device, in accordance
`with one embodiment of the present invention.
`
`[0047] FIG. 17 is an illustration of an exemplary user
`interface screen depicting Internet Content options from
`which media assets can be selected for transmission to a
`target device, in accordance with one embodiment of the
`present invention.
`
`[0048] FIG. 18 is an illustration of an exemplary user
`interface screen depicting Stored Content options from
`
`which media assets can be selected for transmission to a
`target device, in accordance with one embodiment of the
`present invention.
`[0049] FIG. 19 is an illustration of an exemplary user
`interface screen depicting Video Files that can be selected
`for transmission to a target device, in accordance with one
`embodiment of the present invention.
`[0050] FIG. 20 a front-side perspective view of a media
`player terminal with an exemplary user interface screen
`depicting a video file being transmitted to a target device, in
`accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`[0051] The present invention for a media player system,
`apparatus, and method is now described in specific terms
`sufficient to teach one of skill in the practice the invention
`herein. In the description that follows, numerous specific
`details are set forth by way of example for the purposes of
`explanation and in furtherance of teaching one of skill in the
`art to practice the invention. It will, however, be understood
`that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments
`disclosed and discussed herein and that the invention can be
`practiced without such specific details and/or substitutes
`therefor. The present invention is limited only by the
`appended claims and may include various other embodi(cid:173)
`ments which are not particularly described herein but which
`remain within the scope and spirit of the present invention.
`
`[0052] One important feature of the present invention is
`the use of RFID technology to establish wireless commu(cid:173)
`nication between a diverse set of devices. The methods by
`which RFID tags and RFID readers interact and communi(cid:173)
`cate are well established and documented. The rising use of
`RFID technology, especially 13.56 MHz technology, for
`electronic payments and other applications has prom