Media bridge apparatus and methods
First Claim
1. Computerized apparatus configured to distribute media content within a premises network, said apparatus comprising:
- digital processing apparatus;
a data interface in data communication with said digital processing apparatus and configured to communicate data with a portable media device; and
a storage apparatus in data communication with said digital processing apparatus and comprising at least one computer program, said at least one computer program comprising a plurality of instructions which are configured to, when executed by said digital processing apparatus;
access one or more rules associated with said media content, and utilize said rules to provide access to said media content by said portable media device via said data interface;
based on a determination that said one or more rules permit creation of at least one copy of said media content, cause a copy of said media content to be generated and delivered to said portable media device via said data interface; and
based on a determination that said rules do not permit said media content to be copied;
transfer said media content to said portable media device; and
cause said media content to be removed from a storage entity accessible to said computerized apparatus, thereby preventing persistent existence of more than one instance of said media content within at least said network.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for content, media and data delivery and access between devices of a premises and one or more portable media devices. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a media bridge between a portable media device (PMD) and a user'"'"'s home network and/or home devices (e.g., set-top boxes, DVRs, etc.)). The apparatus is adapted to convert content stored on a PMD to a format capable of being rendered on a home device which may then store or playback the content. Control of the presentation is also provided by the bridging apparatus. The apparatus may also be adapted to transfer content from the home device to the PMD for storage or playback. In another embodiment, the apparatus may function within a home network having a trusted domain to provide content between a plurality devices on the network (and in the domain) and the PMD.
378 Citations
21 Claims
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1. Computerized apparatus configured to distribute media content within a premises network, said apparatus comprising:
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digital processing apparatus; a data interface in data communication with said digital processing apparatus and configured to communicate data with a portable media device; and a storage apparatus in data communication with said digital processing apparatus and comprising at least one computer program, said at least one computer program comprising a plurality of instructions which are configured to, when executed by said digital processing apparatus; access one or more rules associated with said media content, and utilize said rules to provide access to said media content by said portable media device via said data interface; based on a determination that said one or more rules permit creation of at least one copy of said media content, cause a copy of said media content to be generated and delivered to said portable media device via said data interface; and based on a determination that said rules do not permit said media content to be copied; transfer said media content to said portable media device; and cause said media content to be removed from a storage entity accessible to said computerized apparatus, thereby preventing persistent existence of more than one instance of said media content within at least said network. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A premises network apparatus for providing a plurality of digital media content to one or more portable client devices capable of communication therewith, said apparatus comprising:
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digital processor apparatus; and
storage apparatus in data communication with said digital processor apparatus and having at least one computer program stored thereon, said at least one computer program comprising a plurality of instructions which are configured to, when executed on said digital processor apparatus;store one or more device profiles comprising information associated with said one or more portable client devices; provide, to said one or more portable client devices, a list of a plurality of digital media content stored on a storage entity accessible to said premises network apparatus; receive data indicative of a selection of at least one of said plurality of digital media content from one of said one or more portable client devices; and implement one or more copy protection rules associated with said at least one of said plurality of digital media content; wherein said at least one computer program further comprises; first logic configured to determine, based at least in part on said one or more rules and in part on said one or more device profiles, whether or not to provide a copy of said at least one of said plurality of digital media content to said one of said one or more portable client devices; and second logic configured to determine, based at least in part on said one or more rules and in part on said one or more device profiles, whether or not to enable said one of said one or more portable client devices to obtain said at least one of said plurality of digital media content from said storage entity. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method of providing a plurality of digital media content to one or more portable client devices capable of communication with a premises network apparatus, said method comprising:
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storing one or more device profiles comprising information associated with said one or more portable client devices; providing, to said one or more portable client devices, a list of a plurality of digital media content stored on a storage entity accessible to said premises network apparatus; receiving a selection of at least one of said plurality of digital media content from at least one of said one or more portable client devices; and implementing one or more copy protection rules associated with said at least one of said plurality of digital media content; determining, based at least in part on said one or more rules and in part on said one or more device profiles, whether or not to provide a copy of said at least one of said plurality of digital media content to said at least one of said one or more portable client devices; and determining, based at least in part on said one or more rules and in part on said one or more device profiles, whether or not to enable said at least one of said one or more portable client devices to obtain said at least one of said plurality of digital media content from said storage entity. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification