Method and system for accessing media content via the Internet

• US 20070180485A1
• Filed: 01/27/2006
• Published: 08/02/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 01/27/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Syndefense
• Original Assignee: Robin Dua
• Inventors: Dua, Robin
• Granted Patent: US 7,624,417 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 725/114
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 61/106 across networks, e.g. mapping telephone numbers to data network addresses
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 61/4511 using domain name system [DNS]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 61/4557 Directories for hybrid networks, e.g. including telephone numbers
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/083 using passwords cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication using a predetermined code H04L9/3226
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0861 using biometrical features, e.g. fingerprint, retina-scan cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for entity authentication using biological data H04L9/3231
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/10 for controlling access to devices or network resources
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1101 Session protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1104 Session initiation protocol [SIP]
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1106 Call signalling protocols; H.323 and related
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/60 Network streaming of media packets
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/306 User profiles
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/25875 involving end-user authentication restricting access to computer systems by authenticating users using a predetermined code G06F21/33; arrangements for secret or secure communication including means for verifying the identity or authority of a user of the system H04L9/32; networks authentication protocols H04L63/08; authentication in wireless network security H04W12/06
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/25891 being end-user preferences retrieval of video data in a video database based on user preferences G06F16/739; arrangements for recognizing users' preferences H04H60/46; user profiles in network data switching protocols H04L67/306; processing of user preferences or user profiles in wireless networks H04W8/18
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4135 external recorder interface circuits between an apparatus for recording television signals and a television receiver H04N5/775
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4147 PVR [Personal Video Recorder] H04N5/76 takes precedence ; arrangements for broadcast with accumulation-type receivers H04H20/40
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/42204 User interfaces specially adapted for controlling a client device through a remote control device; Remote control devices therefor constructive details of casings for the remote control device H01H9/0235; user interfaces for controlling a tuning device of a television receiver through a remote control H03J9/00; remote control of peripheral devices connected to a television receiver through the remote control device of the television receiver H04B1/205
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/42206 characterized by hardware details
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/42221 Transmission circuitry, e.g. infrared [IR] or radio frequency [RF]
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/431 Generation of visual interfaces for content selection or interaction; Content or additional data rendering
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4325 by playing back content from the storage medium reproduction of recorded television signals H04N5/76; reproduction of recorded television signals H04N9/79
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/43615 : Interfacing a Home Network, e.g. for connecting the client to a plurality of peripherals home Audio Video Interoperability [HAVI] data switching networks H04L12/2805
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/43635 : HDMI
• 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 21/44004 : involving video buffer management, e.g. video decoder buffer or video display buffer
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/440218 : by transcoding between formats or standards, e.g. from MPEG-2 to MPEG-4 conversion of standards in analogue television systems H04N7/01
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4415 : using biometric characteristics of the user, e.g. by voice recognition or fingerprint scanning cryptography using biological data H04L9/3231; authentication in networks using biometric H04L63/0861
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4532 : involving end-user characteristics, e.g. viewer profile, preferences monitoring of user activities for profile generation for accessing a video database G06F16/739; user profiles in network data switching protocols H04L67/306; processing of user preferences or user profiles in wireless networks H04W8/18
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/462 : Content or additional data management, e.g. creating a master electronic program guide from data received from the Internet and a Head-end, controlling the complexity of a video stream by scaling the resolution or bit-rate based on the client capabilities
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/4622 : Retrieving content or additional data from different sources, e.g. from a broadcast channel and the Internet web site content organization and management for information retrieval from the Internet G06F16/958; transmission by internet of broadcast information H04H60/82; stock exchange data over packet-switching network H04L12/1804; push services including data channel over packet-switching network H04L12/1859
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/472 : End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification, for manipulating displayed content end-user interfaces for retrieving video data from a database G06F16/739; network services for supporting unicast streaming H04L65/612
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/47202 : for requesting content on demand, e.g. video on demand
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/478 : Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification, shopping application
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/482 : End-user interface for program selection broadcast systems using EPGs H04H60/72
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6125 : involving transmission via Internet transmission by internet of broadcast information H04H60/82
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6187 : involving transmission via a telephone network, e.g. POTS
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/3233 : of authentication information, e.g. digital signature, watermark
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/76 : Television signal recording
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/163 : by receiver means only
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/17309 : Transmission or handling of upstream communications
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/06 : Authentication

Abstract

A media storage and access system and methodology including a set-top box which receives and processes a plurality of signal sources and makes programming available locally through connected devices or via a data network such as a LAN, WAN, or the Internet. The system also integrates a multimedia storage system that allows programming content to be digitally stored. The system utilizes an integrated digital storage system and operating software to allow users to view a broadcast program (e.g., television, radio, etc.) with the option of instantly reviewing previous segments within the program. In addition, the system allows the user to store selected media programming while the user is simultaneously watching or reviewing another program. The system also allows stored media assets to be accessed locally via a media device connected to the unit or remotely via the Internet.

Claims

1. A digital media storage and access system comprising:

(a) a router device, said router device further comprising means for receiving a plurality of input signals comprising digital content, means for processing said digital content, means for storing said digital content and means for transmitting said digital content; and

(b) at least one media player device capable of receiving said digital content;

wherein said router device and said at least one media player device communicate via an electronic communications network.

2. The digital media storage and access system of claim 1 wherein said electronic communications network comprises a wireless network.

3. The digital media storage and access system of claim 1 wherein said electronic communications network comprises a local area network.

4. The digital media storage and access system of claim 1 wherein said electronic communications network comprises a wide area network.

5. The digital media storage and access system of claim 1 further comprising a multimedia time warping function.

6. The digital media storage and access system of claim 1 further comprising an analog telephone adapter providing call termination and origination capabilities.

7. The digital media storage and access system of claim 1 wherein said router device and said at least one media player device communicate via said electronic communications network using SIP.

8. The digital media storage and access system of claim 1 wherein said router device and said at least one media player device communicate via said electronic communications network using an E.164 addressing scheme.

9. The digital media storage and access system of claim 1 wherein said at least one media player device requests and receives said digital content via the Internet.

10. The digital media storage and access system of claim 1 wherein said router device further comprises an RFID module for establishing communication with said at least one media player device.

11. The digital media storage and access system of claim 10 wherein said at least one media player devices further comprises an RFID module for establishing communication with said router device.

12. The digital media storage and access system of claim 10 wherein said router device facilitates electronic payments via the Internet.

13. The digital media storage and access system of claim 1 wherein said input signals further comprise control signals for controlling access to and storage of said digital content.

14. The digital media storage and access system of claim 1 wherein said router device further comprises an RFID module for establishing communication with an external device and processing an electronic payment initiated by said external device via said electronic communications network.

15. The digital media storage and access system of claim 1 wherein said router device further comprises an RFID module for establishing communication with an external device and capturing identification information therefrom for transmission via said electronic communications network.

16. The digital media storage and access system of claim 1 wherein said router device further comprises an RFID module for establishing communication with said at least one media player device and authorizing said at least one media player device for connection to said router device via said electronic communications network.

17. The digital media storage and access system of claim 16 wherein said router device and said at least one media player device exchange authorization information via RFID transmission.

18. The digital media storage and access system of claim 1 further comprising a remote control device and a tag device wherein said remote control device and said device communicates user-specific information to said remote control device via RFID transmission and wherein said user-specific information is employed to modify the function of said remote control device.

19. The digital media storage and access system of claim 1 further comprising a remote control device and a tag device wherein said remote control device and said device communicates user-specific information to said remote control device via RFID transmission and wherein said user-specific information is transmitted to said router device.

20. A set-top device comprising:

(a) at least one input channel for receiving media content;

(b) a media processor component for processing said media content;

(c) at least one memory component for storing said processed media content; and

(d) at least one network interface component for transmitting said processed media content to at least one media player device, said at least one media player device being accessible through a network.

21. The set-top device of claim 20 wherein said media content comprises analog video signals.

22. The set-top device of claim 20 wherein said media content comprises digital video signals.

23. The set-top device of claim 20 wherein said media content comprises an audio stream.

24. The set-top device of claim 20 wherein said processed media content is output for live viewing.

25. The set-top device of claim 20 wherein said processed media content is output for delayed viewing.

26. The set-top device of claim 20 wherein said processed media content is output for time warped based viewing.

27. The set-top device of claim 20 further comprising a user input interface allowing a user to input control data to said digital set-top device.

28. The set-top device of claim 27 wherein said user input interface comprises an infrared remote control device.

29. The set-top device of claim 27 wherein said user input interface comprises a Bluetooth-enabled remote control device.

30. The set-top device of claim 20 further comprising a digital tuner for tuning and processing broadcast signals.

31. The set-top device of claim 20 wherein said network comprises a wireless LAN.

32. The set-top device of claim 20 wherein said network comprises a wireline LAN.

33. The set-top device of claim 20 further comprising a VOIP module for originating and terminating VOIP calls.

34. The set-top device of claim 33 wherein said VOIP module comprises at least one telephony input port and wherein each of said telephony input ports is associated with at least one E.164 number.

35. The set-top device of claim 20 wherein said at least one memory component stores digital answering machine data.

36. The set-top device of claim 35 wherein said digital answering machine data comprises video mail greetings.

37. The set-top device of claim 20 further comprising a DVD/CD player.

38. The set-top device of claim 20 further comprising a traffic routing module for controlling the flow of said digital content within said digital set-top device.

39. The set-top device of claim 20 further comprising an RFID module capable of functioning as both an RFID tag and an RFID reader.

40. The set-top device of claim 39 wherein said RFID module functions to wirelessly connect said set-top device with said at least one media player device.

41. The set-top device of claim 40 wherein said set-top device transmits said processed media content to said at least one media player device automatically upon establishing the presence of said at least one media player device.

42. The set-top device of claim 40 wherein said set-top device receives said processed media content from said at least one media player device automatically upon said set-top device establishing the presence of said at least one media player device.

43. The set-top device of claim 40 wherein said set-top device transmits said processed media content to said at least one media player device only upon receiving a request from said at least one media player.

44. A methodology for accessing and delivering media content comprising the steps of:

(i) providing a digital set-top device for routing said media content, wherein said set-top device receives said media content through one or more of a plurality of input ports;

(ii) processing said media content for use by at least one media player device;

(iii) storing said processed media content; and

(iii) transmitting said processed media content to said at least one media player device, said media device being accessible via an electronic network.

45. The methodology of claim 44 further comprising the step of establishing a virtual connection between said at least one media player device and said set-top device via RFID prior to said step of transmitting said processed media content.

46. The methodology of claim 44 wherein said electronic network comprises a LAN.

47. The methodology of claim 44 wherein said electronic network comprises a WAN.

48. The methodology of claim 44 further comprising the step of said at least one media player making a request for the delivery of said processed media content to said set-top device via the Internet.