1111111111111111 IIIIII IIIII 11111 1111111111 1111111111 1111111111 11111 11111 1111111111 11111111
`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
`
`GOOGLE EXHIBIT 1004
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication NoY. 16, 2006 Sheet 1 of 19
`
`US 2006/0258289 Al
`
`152
`
`Speaker
`101
`
`Display
`102
`
`Video
`CODEC
`107
`
`CPU
`109
`
`1 0 0 \
`
`Terminal Power
`Supply
`103
`
`nviedia Manager -!
`i _ Application 12Q_j
`
`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
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication NoY. 16, 2006 Sheet 2 of 19
`
`US 2006/0258289 Al
`
`( '
`118
`
`153-
`
`184----
`
`Display •
`102
`
`■
`
`►
`
`II
`
`187
`
`188
`
`189
`
`190
`
`191
`
`192
`
`193
`
`186
`
`}'
`
`186
`
`FIG. '2A
`
`185
`
`'{
`
`~
`
`t:::. }oo
`
`187
`
`188
`
`190
`
`192
`
`193
`
`FIG. 28
`
`Page 3 of 43
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication NoY. 16. 2006 Sheet 3 of 19
`
`US 2006/0258289 Al
`
`100
`
`r '
`
`118
`
`1s3- I
`
`184-1
`
`(
`
`101
`
`)
`
`Display
`102
`
`1 9 5 [
`
`I/
`
`\
`
`200
`
`\.
`
`~011+
`■ I ~
`~
`~
`~
`c;;)
`
`~
`~
`~
`~
`
`'
`~ I ~ /
`E)
`~
`~
`~
`
`FIG. 2C
`
`Page 4 of 43
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication NoY. 16, 2006 Sheet 4 of 19
`
`US 2006/0258289 Al
`
`210---------.
`
`220~
`
`211
`
`FIG. 3A
`
`FIG. 3B
`
`230~
`
`( ___ ~_221 -~
`
`FIG. 3C
`
`231
`
`(
`
`240~
`
`C 245
`
`)
`
`(II I ~
`
`248
`
`FIG. 30
`
`Page 5 of 43
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication NoY. 16. 2006 Sheet 8 of 19
`
`US 2006/0258289 Al
`
`450~
`
`Message Component
`451
`
`Device Type
`453
`
`Device Manufacturer
`454
`
`Device Model
`455
`
`Device/User Identifier
`456
`
`Profile Settings
`457
`
`RF Capability
`458
`
`Communication
`Settings
`459
`
`Hardware/Software
`Parameters
`460
`
`Media Capability
`461
`
`FIG. 7
`
`Example Content
`452
`
`. TV
`
`• Digital Video Recorder (DVR)
`• VCR/DVD Player
`• Cellular Phone
`• Stereo
`
`• Automobile - Integrated Computer
`
`• Location of Device: "Kitchen"
`• Device owner's name: "Anthony"
`
`. MP3 Player
`. HeadseVEarphones
`. Digital Camera
`. Telephone
`. XYZ Electronics
`. WaveRadio TH-190
`. Device owner's callino card (e.o., 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
`• Ultra Wideband
`(UWB)
`
`• 802.15.3/
`WiMedia
`. Wireless
`• Wireless 1394
`
`FireWire
`
`. AM/FM
`. UHFNHF
`. ZigBee/802. 15.4
`. Standardized communication profiles (e.g., Bluetooth -
`. Supported network protocols (IANA)
`. Security settings
`
`• RF configuration settings
`
`handsfree, headset, etc.)
`
`- Challenge/response information, Encryption keys, PINs/
`passwords
`- Device Addresses: e.g., BD_ADDR, MAC
`
`. 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
`
`Page 6 of 43
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication NoY. 16, 2006 Sheet 9 of 19
`
`US 2006/0258289 Al
`
`500~
`
`501
`
`Press RFID activation button on
`wireless device
`
`RFID Reader is temporarily activated
`and RFID Tag becomes inoperable
`
`Bring RFID "Hot Spot" on de.ice in
`proximity to "Hot Spot" on another
`wireless de.ice to which connectMty
`is desired
`
`Communication and other settings
`exchanged \ia RFID.
`Capabilities assessed.
`
`RFID Tag-Reader Module returns to
`nonnal state
`
`Wireless communication session
`established between de.ices
`
`Transmit media wirelessly to target
`device
`
`End communication session
`
`502
`
`503
`
`504
`
`505
`
`506
`
`507
`
`510
`
`512
`
`514
`
`Device profile saved
`
`D<MCBprofile
`discarded
`
`515
`
`FIG. 8A
`
`Page 7 of 43
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication NoY. 16. 2006 Sheet 10 of 19
`
`US 2006/0258289 Al
`
`,,,--
`
`530
`
`► ~
`
`sot
`
`Ye s - - -< / o,playing
`media?
`
`No
`
`Press RFID activalioo button on
`.,.,,;retess device
`- -~ - - - - -~
`
`RFID Rea:ier is tempaarlly activated
`and RC:-1D Tag becomes inoperable
`
`Bring RFlD riot Spot" on device in
`pl'Q)dmicy to i-tct Spa:" on another
`wireless device to which coonectivtty
`is desired
`
`Communicaiion and other settings
`exch::mged via RFID.
`Capabilities assessed.
`
`RFIO T ag!Reader Module returns to
`normal state
`
`Wireless communicalion !>es:s.lon
`e:-;tabl1shed between devices
`
`502
`
`503
`
`504
`
`505
`
`506
`
`507
`
`9A
`
`541
`
`544
`
`-
`
`545
`
`Broadcas: RadlcJ
`
`514
`
`Oe.iceprdile-
`
`00'.1cei,rafile
`dfscanlod
`
`515
`
`FIG. 8B
`
`Page 8 of 43
`
`

`

`► -
`
`\0
`00
`N
`00
`'JI
`N
`
`0
`0
`N
`r.r.i
`r::
`
`O's --0
`
`0 .... -\0
`~ -'JI
`r.r.i =-~
`
`O's
`0
`0
`N
`
`' .. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
`
`FIG. 48
`
`Antenna
`
`114
`
`,
`
`RF hterface ~ 316
`
`307
`
`~
`
`312 -, Tag Merrory
`
`322
`
`311 1 Sv..itd1 / Logic
`
`321
`
`313
`
`Controller
`Tag-Reader
`
`RFID
`
`303
`
`1 09
`CPU ___
`
`1111errory 323
`
`Reader
`
`324
`
`320
`
`uP (uC)
`
`310
`
`:
`
`l -----------------------------------------------------------------------.... --_---_--_--_----,
`
`RFU Tag-Reader Module 113
`
`~ -O's
`0
`2
`=
`~ -;·
`= -0 = "O" -· n
`FIG. 4A -;·
`"O -;:;·
`~ -~ = -► -,_,
`
`-0
`
`~
`
`:
`!
`i
`i
`i
`i
`i
`l
`l
`;--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------:
`
`u,rr 304
`
`RFID Reader
`
`310
`
`RFID Tag-Reader Module 113
`
`"I
`/\
`
`316
`
`"I RF hterface 1•
`
`307
`
`"315
`I
`
`Swtd1 unrr
`
`305
`
`j313
`
`... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
`'
`' '
`'
`' ' '
`'
`
`I 312 ~ RFID Tag Ultt
`
`306
`
`314
`
`Antenna
`
`114
`
`303
`
`Controller
`Tag-Reader I 311
`
`RFID
`
`109
`CPU
`
`Page 9 of 43
`
`

`

`► -
`
`\0
`00
`N
`00
`'..ll
`N
`
`0
`0
`N
`"1
`,(cid:173)
`
`0', --0
`
`0 .... -\0
`~ -0',
`rJ1 =(cid:173)~
`
`~ -?
`0
`2
`=
`~ -;·
`"C" --· n
`::
`-0
`=
`~ -;·
`"O -;:;·
`~ -~ = -► -,_,
`
`-0
`
`0',
`0
`0
`N
`
`375
`
`Bluet:Jclh Sequencer 364
`
`361 L __ ---······,
`
`152
`
`FIG. 5
`
`.:::::::::::::::::::: _·· -3
`
`351i
`
`114
`
`118
`
`353
`
`350\
`
`Page 10 of 43
`
`

`

`> -
`
`\0
`00
`N
`00
`'.JI
`N
`
`0
`0
`N
`[J)
`I"':
`
`0-, --0
`
`0 .... -\0
`~ --.]
`[J) =(cid:173)~
`
`0-,
`0
`0
`N
`
`~ -~0-,
`0
`2
`=
`~ -;·
`-0 = 'O" -;:;·
`=
`~ -;·
`"O -;:;·
`~ = -~ ,_,
`
`~
`-0
`
`Patent Application Publication Nov. 16,2006 Sheet 7 of 19
`
`US 2006/0258289 Al
`
`FIG. 6
`
`9Old
`
`Olt
`
`auoydosoyy
`
`SLL
`
`410
`
`Antenna
`
`114
`
`JaMidd
`
`£01Aiddng
`
`100B
`
`seyeeds
`
`LOL
`
`Aeidsig
`
`23000
`
`OLL
`
`I
`
`i
`
`361
`
`~528
`
`t
`
`t
`
`~
`
`1
`
`118
`
`413
`
`400 ~
`
`117
`
`JeURUIE|
`oNydSd
`oIpnvidSd
`OlAquessyOf
`EbbeINPOWEbbSINDOW
`specny-B2,auueureeseswenennsepesayBe|,
`
`
`TIS|anneenesenecnaalse
`BusyOtyeuUBIUY
`
`2th
`
`JBNIOSUBIL
`
`,~'\
`
`
`eBueyLOUS
`
`416MO[BUNA
`
`23009
`
`OlL
`
`oBe10\S
`
`ZL
`
`
`
`Page 11 of 43
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`

`~
`
`~ ;:;·
`
`"O
`
`-0
`
`~ --0\ .
`0
`2
`=
`~ -;·
`=-· 0 = -0 = "C" -;:;·
`~ -re = -►
`
`► --
`
`0\ --0
`
`0
`0
`N
`[J)
`r::
`
`\0
`00
`N
`00
`'JI
`N
`
`re -----0 .... -- \0
`
`[J) =- re
`
`0\
`0
`0
`N
`
`FIG. 9
`
`577
`
`575
`
`573
`
`570
`
`session
`
`End communicaUon
`
`Internet
`
`Wireless network and
`
`target device via
`Transmit media to
`
`LAN Content
`
`Broadcast Radio
`
`I ntemet Content
`
`Stored Content
`
`{Real-time capture)
`
`LiwContent
`
`lnccming Med"'
`
`546
`
`545
`
`544
`
`543
`
`542
`
`541
`
`562
`
`561
`
`560 ~
`
`Page 12 of 43
`
`

`

`► -
`
`\0
`00
`N
`00
`'.JI
`N
`
`0
`0
`N
`en
`,(cid:173)
`
`O', --0
`
`[fl =(cid:173)~
`
`0 .... -\0
`~ --N
`
`O',
`0
`0
`N
`
`~ -O',
`0
`2
`=
`~ -;·
`-0 = O" --· n
`=
`~ -;·
`'O -;::;·
`~ -~ = -►
`
`-0
`
`'O
`
`ill
`Tre;sb1
`
`:
`··········--------------·
`
`Lser B -Domain
`
`750
`
`---
`
`l
`i
`:
`
`----··1
`
`rvbbile Operator B t\etv.ork
`
`740
`
`FIG. 10
`
`~!!!I
`
`--------------------------
`
`: Ra:il kass
`
`I
`--~>~.· 11·· 1
`
`• CIIMa ill
`
`-
`
`Cly Ill ___ ......
`
`---------------
`
`19•
`
`rvbbile Operator A t\etv.ork
`
`720
`
`700 ~
`
`--------------------------------------·
`710
`
`lser A -Domain
`
`, .. ,.
`
`j
`:
`i
`
`..
`
`IM"· .. , ~li···,,c,,,,,,M-i
`
`Page 13 of 43
`
`

`

`~ ,_,
`
`-0
`
`~ -~c;-.,
`0
`2
`=
`~ ... ;·
`-0 = "C"
`=
`~ ... ;·
`"O -;:;·
`~ ;;-= ...
`
`► -
`
`\0
`00
`N
`00
`'.JI
`N
`
`0
`0
`N
`r.r.i
`r::
`
`0-., --0
`
`0 .... -\0
`~ ... -'..H
`
`r.r.i =(cid:173)~
`
`0-.,
`0
`0
`N
`
`n
`
`___________________________________________ j
`
`'---------------------
`
`----------------
`
`-----------------
`
`FIG. 11
`
`USEr C
`
`.,. __ ,1-.
`
`~
`~ t ~
`
`1
`1
`
`!
`
`862
`
`P<::i:R:ss
`
`Ra:t,
`
`Network
`
`!
`
`1-i
`
`§.§1
`
`Core Network
`
`-.1=
`
`l ________________ j
`' '
`
`User A
`
`------------------------------------------.
`
`User C -Domain 870
`
`----------------------··--------------
`l'vbbile Operator C Natv.or1<
`
`860
`
`------------------------------------------------------------------.J
`
`11~g1
`
`B52
`
`SlffBO SystEm
`
`.. ______ --------------------------------
`
`100B
`
`Pia;..--2
`
`842
`
`Network
`
`: Com,e<w• j
`
`/'>CCE5S
`
`Rail
`
`841
`
`Use-B
`
`_....
`
`,,.,,,
`\ ...
`.-(:
`
`,,.,-"'
`
`851
`
`T-m,
`
`[lit
`
`r------------------------
`840
`
`l'vbbile Operator B Natv.or1<
`
`r·-------------------------
`--------.
`rvbbile Operator A Nal'AOrk
`
`820
`
`---------------·-----------------------·-------------·------------
`
`User B -Domain 850
`
`800}
`
`User A -Domain 810
`
`! t ____________________ ------------------
`
`' j --Core Network
`
`822
`
`-
`
`!
`ill
`! Network
`• Ra:i,
`
`~ i I
`
`.
`
`f\
`
`)
`.J •,
`' ~\
`
`Pla;Er -1 100A
`Wdess Mda
`
`IIJ
`
`.
`
`\, ,'
`,..
`/
`/
`/
`I
`l
`/
`
`\
`,,
`.
`Cly lli
`
`•,
`\
`\
`
`Page 14 of 43
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication NoY. 16, 2006 Sheet 14 of 19
`
`US 2006/0258289 Al
`
`601
`
`r .• 1
`
`6 0 0 \
`
`SELECT DEVICE TO CONNECT
`
`Television
`
`MP3 Player
`
`Headset
`
`n
`
`Automobile Computer System
`
`Phone
`
`Camera
`
`tiii=j
`
`Stereo system
`
`Attachments: Mouse, Joy Stick, Keyboard, Display,
`Projector
`
`Printer, Copier, Fax
`
`Medical Monitoring Devices
`
`DVR, DVD.VCR
`
`FIG. 12
`
`>
`>
`>
`>
`>
`>
`>
`>
`>
`>
`>
`
`Page 15 of 43
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication NoY. 16, 2006 Sheet 15 of 19
`
`US 2006/0258289 Al
`
`/ r .• 1
`
`CONNECT: TELEVISION
`
`CIII
`
`611[ □ TV - XYZ Elect.
`612[ □
`
`TV - BigTV Co.
`TV123-A6
`
`Plasma TV-123
`
`Bedroom
`
`> ,~
`
`. \
`
`I Family Room I
`I Auto-Detect: \n r .• 1) I<
`I
`'----
`
`~
`
`-
`
`613
`
`:'c:
`
`FIG. 13
`
`Page 16 of 43
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication NoY. 16, 2006 Sheet 16 of 19
`
`US 2006/0258289 Al
`
`/ r .• 1
`
`6 2 0~
`
`CONNECTING ...
`
`(Ill "'\
`
`TV - XYZ Elect.
`Plasma TV-123
`
`Family Room
`
`FIG. 14
`
`625~
`
`SELECT MEDIA SOURCE
`
`(Ill
`
`/ r .• 1
`
`Media Types
`
`626
`
`(Ii
`
`Live Content
`
`~di!J!1~· -~
`
`Stored Content
`
`,,
`
`1,
`
`,;; > J::
`I 5) I;:
`>)
`>\I
`) >)
`>)
`
`627
`
`628
`
`629
`
`630
`
`631
`
`632
`
`'
`I
`
`FIG. 15
`
`(l
`(□ c,
`
`Internet Content
`
`Broadcast TV
`
`Broadcast Radio
`
`LAN Content
`
`(~
`□ TV - XYZ Elect. r .• 11
`' I
`
`Connected
`Devices
`
`\.
`
`Family Room
`
`I
`635
`
`Page 17 of 43
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication NoY. 16, 2006 Sheet 17 of 19
`
`US 2006/0258289 Al
`
`640 ~
`
`SELECT MEDIA CATEGORY
`
`T■■ I
`
`Live Content 641
`
`642
`
`( 'Iii. ~ Image
`
`c~ Video
`( f Aud;o
`
`(II
`
`>J
`>J
`>)
`
`Connected
`Devices
`
`TV - XYZ Elect.
`
`Family Room r .• 1
`
`FIG. 16
`
`650~
`
`SELECT MEDIA CATEGORY
`
`T■■ I
`
`Internet Content 651
`
`(al Movies
`(~~ Music
`Ct .. Radio
`(□ News
`
`652
`
`653
`
`654
`
`655
`
`Media Guide
`
`656
`
`FIG. 17
`
`>:
`>J
`>J
`>)
`>
`
`TV - XYZ Elect. r .• 1
`Connected □
`
`Family Room
`
`Devices
`
`Page 18 of 43
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 16, 2006 Sheet 18 of 19
`
`US 2006/0258289 Al
`
`SELECT MEDIA CATEGORY
`
`(Ill
`
`.
`
`660
`
`,.
`
`>) 11.J
`>) ·.,
`>) i FIG. 18
`>)
`>)
`
`/ r .• 1
`
`Stored Content 661
`
`Connected
`, Devices
`
`r .• 1
`
`(11
`( ~~ Music/Audio
`
`Video
`
`.~ Picture$
`
`( 9 Presentations
`( ~ Other
`
`TV - XYZ Elect.
`
`Family Room r .• 1
`
`662
`
`663
`
`66~
`
`665
`
`666
`
`SELECT FILE TO TRANSMIT
`
`CIII
`
`Video Files 671
`
`• Rob's Party
`• Speech
`• Graduation
`• Training
`
`w Paris Trip
`
`04/12/05
`
`05/19/05
`
`06/05/05
`
`07/05/05
`
`08/19/05
`
`>
`
`>
`
`>
`
`>
`
`>
`
`672
`
`670
`
`.)
`
`FIG. 19
`
`673
`
`Connected □ TV - XYZ Elect. r .• 1
`
`Family Room
`
`Devices
`
`View
`
`674
`
`Transmit 675
`
`( 185
`
`~ ~
`
`186 \
`
`Page 19 of 43
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication NoY. 16, 2006 Sheet 19 of 19
`
`US 2006/0258289 Al
`
`6 8 0~
`
`100 ~~-,----,-·~-- c -====== ' - - ' - - .= _ _ _ - ' - - ' - - "== - ; ,~=========~
`'I'...
`------
`--- -
`'"'
`-
`----
`i:.
`\
`
`681
`
`102
`
`11 Streaming - Paris Trip 07105/05
`
`I ,lJ:Jil'liC/;{0£:i¼Y,
`
`''"i'H:,,¼Dl'iMfil1lltlHiiiitiil@'
`
`'+1Dfl4""1iiiiiiiiiiiil,_ _________ _
`Time Remaining: 12:57
`
`682
`
`Connected
`Devices
`
`TV - XYZ Elect.
`
`Family Room r .• 1
`
`\ ■ ~
`
`FIG. 20
`
`Page 20 of 43
`
`

`

`US 2006/0258289 Al
`
`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
`
`

`

`US 2006/0258289 Al
`
`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
`
`

`

`US 2006/0258289 Al
`
`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 o