Multi-media synchronization system

• US 20030088621A1
• Filed: 11/08/2001
• Published: 05/08/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 11/08/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Original Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Inventors: Martinez, Anthony Edward, Fox, Valerie Jill
• Granted Patent: US 7,028,103 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 709/204
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1101 Session protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/611 for multicast or broadcast systems for broadcast or conference H04L12/18; arrangements for broadcast or distribution combined with broadcast H04H20/00; arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linkage to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time H04H60/00; selective distribution of broadcast services, e.g. multimedia broadcast multicast service [MBMS], H04W4/06
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/41265 having a remote control device for bidirectional communication between the remote control device and client device unidirectional remote control device H04N21/42204
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/43637 involving a wireless protocol, e.g. Bluetooth, RF or wireless LAN [IEEE 802.11] arrangements for wireless networking or broadcasting of information in indoor or near-field type systems H04B10/114
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4722 for requesting additional data associated with the content
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/485 End-user interface for client configuration
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/00 Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/02 Terminal devices

Abstract

An improved methodology and implementing system are provided in which a docking station is arranged to receive and dock a number of individual wireless personal information management (IM) units. In an exemplary embodiment, the personal IM units include touch-sensitive flat display screens. One or more of the personal wireless IM units may be individually removed from the docking station and operated to selectively and individually communicate with the docking station to access and retrieve more detailed information related to a presentation being made in another medium such as a TV or even an associated live presentation. In one example, the docking station is arranged to receive input from a TV system relative to which channel is being presented on the TV and is enabled to access and retrieve detailed information from a server which is related to the content of the current TV presentation. Alternatively, a user may select to use the personal IM unit independently of the TV to access selected unrelated web sites or to retrieve information from a server concerning a past or scheduled future TV presentation. The docking station includes means for determining which of a number of personal IM units is front-most in the docking station. The server is generally programmed ahead of time with detailed information related to scheduled TV programs and may also be coupled to a TV station directly to dynamically provide additional content for unscheduled TV programs.

Claims

1. A method for managing content displayed on an information management (IM) unit, said method comprising:

providing selection means for enabling a user to select a first input for receipt by said IM unit, said first input comprising a synchronized datastream received from a server, said synchronized datastream being synchronized with an event being presented in a first medium; and

providing means for enabling said user to select a second input for receipt by said IM unit, said second input comprising a data stream wherein content of said second input is unsynchronized with said event.

2. The method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said IM unit is enabled to be coupled to a docking station, said IM unit including means for displaying content associated with said first and second inputs.

3. The method as set forth in claim 2 wherein said display means comprises a touch-sensitive display screen by which said user is enabled to make selections by applying pressure to selected display screen areas.

4. The method as set forth in claim 3 wherein said selection means is included as part of said IM unit.

5. The method as set forth in claim 4 wherein said IM unit further includes an indicator to indicate which of said first and second inputs is selected.

6. The method as set forth in claim 4 wherein said IM unit further includes an indicator to indicate a channel identification source for said first input.

7. The method as set forth in claim 4 wherein said IM unit further includes means for retrieving a history file, said history file containing a history of links displayed on said IM unit.

8. The method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first input is synchronized with a television signal for a selected television program, and said second input is provided through a connection to an Internet server.

9. The method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said selection means is arranged to enable said user to switch between said first and second inputs in a time synchronous real-time manner such that said first input is displayed in real-time content position after switching from said second input.

10. A medium containing machine-readable code, said code being selectively readable to provide program signals for executing a method for managing content displayed on an information management (IM) unit, said method comprising:

providing selection means for enabling a user to select a first input for receipt by said IM unit, said first input comprising a synchronized datastream received from a server, said synchronized datastream being synchronized with an event being presented in a first medium; and

providing means for enabling said user to select a second input for receipt by said IM unit, said second input comprising a data stream wherein content of said second input is unsynchronized with said event.

11. The medium as set forth in claim 10 wherein said IM unit is arranged to be coupled to a docking station for docking at least one IM unit, said IM unit including means for displaying content associated with said first and second inputs.

12. The medium as set forth in claim 11 wherein said display means comprises a touch-sensitive display screen by which said user is enabled to make selections by applying pressure to selected display screen areas.

13. The medium as set forth in claim 12 wherein said selection means is included as part of said IM unit.

14. The medium as set forth in claim 13 wherein said IM unit further includes an indicator to indicate which of said first and second inputs is selected.

15. The medium as set forth in claim 13 wherein said IM unit further includes an indicator to indicate a channel identification source associated with said first input.

16. The medium as set forth in claim 13 wherein said IM unit further includes means for retrieving a history file, said history file containing a history of links displayed on said IM unit.

17. The medium as set forth in claim 10 wherein said first input is related to a television signal for a selected television program, and said second input is provided through a connection to an Internet server.

18. The medium as set forth in claim 10 wherein said selection means is arranged to enable said user to switch between said first and second inputs in a time synchronous real-time manner such that said first input is displayed in real-time content position after switching from said second input.

19. A system for managing content displayed on an information management (IM) unit, said system comprising:

selection means for enabling a user to select a first input for receipt by said IM unit, said first input comprising a synchronized datastream received from a server, said synchronized datastream being synchronized with an event being presented in a first medium; and

switching means for enabling said user to select a second input for receipt by said IM unit, said second input comprising a data stream wherein content of said second input is unsynchronized with said event.