Media content router
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A system for remote processing of digital files, comprising:
- a) a file server connected to a local area network (LAN) containing a designated folder in hardware storage, for digital files;
b) a media content server containing trigger logic to notify a media content router when a file requiring processing is placed into the designated folder; and
c) the media content router, which is an apparatus including hardware and containing;
(i) router logic to manage the LAN and provide connectivity to a wide area network (WAN) for a digital device on the LAN;
(ii) upload logic to transmit the file requiring processing across the WAN to a remote service facility upon receipt of the notification from the media content server; and
(iii) catalog logic whereby,(A) upon receiving a search request, which specifies a search criterion, from a digital device connected to the LAN, the media content router transmits a list of digital media content items stored in file servers on the LAN that match the search criterion to the digital device; and
(B) upon receiving a search request, which specifies a search criterion, from a digital device connected to the WAN, the media content router transmits a list of digital media content items stored in file servers on the LAN that match the search criterion to the digital device.
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Abstract
The present invention is a router with extended capabilities allowing it to make digital media content on a home local area network accessible over a wide area network such as the Internet, and a method for using such a media content router. The router can provide automated services for the local files such as photolab processing of digital images, or file backups. A pair of the routers can collaborate to play home media content at an away location when feasible, or transfer such files for away storage.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. A system for remote processing of digital files, comprising:
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a) a file server connected to a local area network (LAN) containing a designated folder in hardware storage, for digital files; b) a media content server containing trigger logic to notify a media content router when a file requiring processing is placed into the designated folder; and c) the media content router, which is an apparatus including hardware and containing; (i) router logic to manage the LAN and provide connectivity to a wide area network (WAN) for a digital device on the LAN; (ii) upload logic to transmit the file requiring processing across the WAN to a remote service facility upon receipt of the notification from the media content server; and (iii) catalog logic whereby, (A) upon receiving a search request, which specifies a search criterion, from a digital device connected to the LAN, the media content router transmits a list of digital media content items stored in file servers on the LAN that match the search criterion to the digital device; and (B) upon receiving a search request, which specifies a search criterion, from a digital device connected to the WAN, the media content router transmits a list of digital media content items stored in file servers on the LAN that match the search criterion to the digital device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A media content router apparatus, comprising:
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a) router logic to manage a local area network (LAN) and provide connectivity to a wide area network (WAN) for a digital device on the LAN; b) upload logic to transmit a file across the WAN to a remote location upon receipt of notification from a media content server that a file requiring processing is placed into a designated folder on a file server connected to the LAN; and c) catalog logic whereby, (i) upon receiving a search request, which specifies a search criterion, from a digital device connected to the LAN, the media content router transmits a list of digital media content items stored in file servers on the LAN that match the search criterion to the digital device; and (ii) upon receiving a search request, which specifies a search criterion, from a digital device connected to the WAN, the media content router transmits a list of digital media content items stored in file servers on the LAN that match the search criterion to the digital device; wherein the media content router apparatus is a hardware device. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification