System and method for integrated, multiple-remote controlled computer media server

• US 7,606,872 B2
• Filed: 06/06/2003
• Issued: 10/20/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 05/19/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: X10 Wireless Technology Incorporated (X10)
• Original Assignee: X10 Wireless Technology Incorporated (X10)
• Inventors: Stevenson, George E., Rye, David J., Phillips, James R. W., Leech, Leslie Alan
• Primary Examiner(s): Osman; Ramy M
• Application Number:
  US10/456,049
• Publication Number:
  US 20040236864A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,328 Days
• Field of Search: 709/203, 709/217, 709/227, 709/231, 709/232, 725/47, 725/58, 348/552
• US Class Current: 709/217
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 17/02 using a radio link
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 2201/40 Remote control systems using repeaters, converters, gateways
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 2201/41 Remote control of gateways
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1101 Session protocols

Abstract

A system and method providing a media server system are disclosed. A software module for storage on a computer and operable by the computer is provided to receive a media request for a media selection from a media source including video and audio data. The media selection is retrieved, and a media signal conveying the media selection is communicated. A communications hub receives the media signal and transmits the media selection for play on a remote media device. A receiver configured to communicate with the communications hub and with the remote media device receives the media selection and communicates the media selection to the remote media device for play. A set of media preferences associated with an identifier allows for selectable access to media content. A plurality of remote interfaces each can be coded for generating an identifier, whereby using a particular remote interface invokes a set of media preferences.

Claims

1. A system for identifying and transmitting compatible media stored on a media server in response to individual media requests from a plurality of different media stations, the system comprising:

a first media station having a first media transmitter operable to transmit a first media request that includes a first media type identifier;

a second media station having a second media transmitter operable to transmit a second media request that includes a second media type identifier; and

a media server comprising;

a memory storing a plurality of media of different media types;

a receiver for receiving the first and second media requests;

a processor for identifying compatible media in the memory based on each of the first and second media type identifiers; and

a transmitter for transmitting the identified compatible media to each of the first and second media stations, wherein the first media station is a stereo operable to play only audio media content, wherein the first media type identifier indicates only an audio media type, wherein the second media station is a television operable to play broadcast cable or satellite television content, wherein the second media type identifier indicates a broadcast audiovisual media type, wherein the first remote media transmitter of the stereo includes a remote control device capable of making media selections from the media server, and wherein the remote control device of the stereo utilizes a visual display of the television to make media selections.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second media requests include user identifiers indicating various user defined media preferences associated with users of the first and second media transmitters.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the user defined media preferences include media subject preferences, such that a user of the first or second media transmitter is able to make media selections based on a customized listing of media corresponding to a distinct subject.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the distinct subject includes a preferred genre of music.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein the user defined media preferences include media discretionary preferences, such that a user of a media transmitter can limit other users from accessing specific media content stored on the memory of the media server.

6. A method for identifying and transmitting compatible media stored on a media server in response to individual media requests from a plurality of different media stations, the method comprising:

storing a plurality of media of different media types in a memory of a media server;

transmitting a first media request to the media server with a first media transmitter of a first media station, the first media request including a first media type identifier;

transmitting a second media request to the media server with a second media transmitter of a second media station, the second media request including a second media type identifier;

receiving the first and second media requests at the media server;

identifying compatible media in the memory based on each of the first and second media type identifiers; and

transmitting the identified compatible media to each of the first and second media stations, wherein the first media station is a stereo operable to play only audio media content, wherein the first media type identifier indicates only an audio media type, wherein the second media station is a television operable to play broadcast cable or satellite television content, wherein the second media type identifier indicates a broadcast audiovisual media type, wherein the first media transmitter of the stereo includes a remote control device capable of making media selections from the media server, and wherein the remote control device of the stereo utilizes a visual display of the television to make media selections.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the first and second media requests include user identifiers indicating various user defined media preferences associated with users of the first and second media transmitters.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the user defined media preferences include media subject preferences, such that a user of the first or second media transmitter is able to make media selections based on a customized listing of media corresponding to a distinct subject.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the distinct subject includes a preferred genre of music.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein the user defined media preferences include media discretionary preferences, such that a user of a media transmitter can limit other users from accessing specific media content stored on the memory of the media server.