Methods, systems, and computer program products for coordinating playing of media streams

• US 8,983,264 B2
• Filed: 03/08/2013
• Issued: 03/17/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 01/21/2010
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Cypress Lake Software, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Sitting Man LLC
• Inventors: Morris, Robert Paul
• Primary Examiner(s): NGUYEN, HUY THANH
• Application Number:
  US13/790,082
• Publication Number:
  US 20130188924A1
• Time in Patent Office: 739 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 386/241
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0481 based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04817 using icons graphical or visual programming using iconic symbols G06F8/34
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0484 for the control of specific functions or operations, e.g. selecting or manipulating an object, an image or a displayed text element, setting a parameter value or selecting a range
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04886 by partitioning the display area of the touch-screen or the surface of the digitising tablet into independently controllable areas, e.g. virtual keyboards or menus
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/65 Network streaming protocols, e.g. real-time transport protocol [RTP] or real-time control protocol [RTCP]
• 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 21/44227 Monitoring of local network, e.g. connection or bandwidth variations; Detecting new devices in the local network configuring of peripheral devices in general G06F9/4411; monitoring connectivity in data switched networks H04L43/0811
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 9/80 Transformation of the television signal for recording, e.g. modulation, frequency changing; Inverse transformation for playback

Abstract

Methods and systems are described for coordinating playing of media streams. In one aspect, an access by a media player to a presentation device to play a media stream is detected. Additionally, presentation focus information is accessed for determining whether the media player has presentation focus for playing the media stream. Further, it is determine, based on the presentation focus information, that the media player has presentation focus for playing the media stream. Still further, in response to determining the media player has presentation focus, it is indicated that the media player is allowed to play the media stream via the presentation device.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

detecting, based on a first user interface element, a first media player that is assigned a first presentation focus allowing the first media player to play a first media stream in the first user interface element presented via a first presentation device;

identifying a first change in the first presentation focus;

determining, based on the first change, that the first media player is not assigned the first presentation focus;

indicating that the detected first media player is not allowed to play the first media stream in the first user interface element, in response to the determining based on the first change;

identifying a second change in the first presentation focus;

determining, based on the second change, that the first media player is assigned the first presentation focus; and

indicating that the first media player is allowed to play the first media stream in the first user interface element, in response to the determining based on the second change;

wherein performing at least one of the preceding actions comprising the method includes execution of an instruction by a processor;

wherein the first change in the first presentation focus is based on a releasing of the first presentation focus assigned to a second media player based on a second user interface element for presenting a second media stream by the second media player.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the detecting includes intercepting representation information, for presenting at least a portion of the first media stream, sent to play the at least a portion of the first media stream.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the first user interface element is included in a user interface presented by a web browser and the first presentation focus is assigned by the web browser.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the detecting includes receiving session information via a network from a remote client and the method includes detecting that the first media player is assigned the first presentation focus based on the session information.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein at least one of a media player application, a graphical user interface subsystem, a graphics subsystem, a display driver, an audio driver, a user interface element handler component, and a device communicatively coupled to the first presentation device via a network is included in the detecting.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the user interface element is not assigned input focus for any input device while the first media player is assigned the first presentation focus.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein whether the first media player is assigned the first presentation focus is based on whether the first user interface element is assigned a first input focus for a first input device.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein the determining based on the first change includes:

detecting a second access to a second presentation device to play a second media stream by the first media player; and

determining whether the first media player has a second presentation focus to play the second media stream via the second presentation device.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein determining whether the first media player has a second presentation focus to play the second media stream via the second presentation device includes:

determining that a second media player has the second presentation focus; and

indicating, in response to determining the second media player has the second presentation focus, that the detected first media player is not allowed to play the first media stream, via the first presentation device.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the determining that the second media player has the second presentation includes determining that the first media player does not have second presentation focus.

11. The method of claim 1 wherein indicating that the first media player is not allowed to play the first media stream includes preventing sending of representation information based on data in the first media stream to present in the first user interface element.

12. An apparatus, comprising:

a portable first presentation device having a touchscreen and being capable of providing access to a plurality of applications including a first media player and a second media player, the first presentation device capable of communication with a second presentation device including a display on a wireless local area network on which the first presentation device resides for allowing at least one of the first media player or the second media player to play at least one media stream including video via the second presentation device based on user input, the first presentation device configured for;

identifying a first change in a first presentation focus;

determining, based on the first change, that the first media player is not assigned the first presentation focus;

indicating that the first media player is not to play a first media stream including video, in response to the determining based on the first change;

identifying a second change in the first presentation focus;

determining, based on the second change, that the first media player is assigned the first presentation focus; and

indicating that the first media player is to play the first media stream via at least one of the first presentation device or the second presentation device based on user input, in response to the determining based on the second change;

wherein the first presentation device is operable such that the first media player is capable of playing the first media stream via both the first presentation device and the second presentation device.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the first presentation device is operable such that at least one of the first presentation device or the second presentation device is capable of being utilized based on user input received in connection with at least one operating system user interface element of the first presentation device including a rewind icon or a forward icon.

14. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the first presentation device is operable such that at least one of the first presentation device or the second presentation device is capable of being utilized based on user input received in connection with at least one user interface element of the first presentation device including a rewind icon or a forward icon, the at least one user interface element being part of an operating system that is capable of being displayed while the first media stream is presented via the second presentation device.

15. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the first presentation device is operable such that at least one of the first presentation device or the second presentation device is capable of being utilized based on user input received in connection with at least one user interface element of the first presentation device including a rewind icon or a forward icon, the at least one user interface element being part of an operating system and being separate from the first media player, where the at least one user interface element is capable of being displayed while the first media stream is presented via the first presentation device.

16. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the first presentation device is operable such that the first presentation device is further capable of communication with a third presentation device including a display via the wireless local area network on which the first presentation device resides for utilizing, based on user input, the second presentation device or the third presentation device for presenting at least one web page downloaded by a web browser installed on the first presentation device.

17. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the apparatus is operable for utilizing the second presentation device, based on user input, for presenting at least one web page downloaded by a web browser installed on the first presentation device.

18. An apparatus, comprising:

a portable first presentation device having a touchscreen and being capable of providing access to a plurality of applications including a first media player and a second media player, the first presentation device capable of communication with a second presentation device including a display on a wireless local area network on which the first presentation device resides, the first presentation device configured for;

identifying a first change in a first presentation focus;

determining, based on the first change, that the first media player is not assigned the first presentation focus;

indicating that the first media player is not to play a first media stream including video, in response to the determining based on the first change;

detecting an access to the second presentation device to play a second media stream including video by the first media player; and

determining whether the first media player has a second presentation focus to play the second media stream via the second presentation device.

19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the first presentation device is operable such that determining whether the first media player has the second presentation focus to play the second media stream via the second presentation device includes:

determining that the second media player has the second presentation focus; and

indicating, in response to determining the second media player has the second presentation focus, that the detected first media player is not to play the first media stream, via the first presentation device.

20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the first presentation device is operable such that the determining that the second media player has the second presentation includes determining that the first media player does not have the second presentation focus.

21. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the first presentation device is operable such that a command interface including a rewind option and a forward option is displayed while the second media stream is presented via the second presentation device.

22. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the first presentation device is operable such that, if it is determined that the first media player has the second presentation focus to play the second media stream via the second presentation device, the second media stream is presented via the second presentation device and not presented via the first presentation device.

23. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the first presentation device is operable such that, if it is determined that the first media player has the second presentation focus to play the second media stream via the second presentation device, the second media stream is wirelessly communicated by the first presentation device in, at least in part, an unprocessed form, for being processed for presentation prior to being presented via the second presentation device.

24. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the first presentation device is operable such that, if it is determined that the first media player has the second presentation focus to play the second media stream via the second presentation device, the second media stream is wirelessly communicated by the first presentation device in a processed form, for being presented via the second presentation device.

25. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the first presentation device is operable such that the second media stream is communicated from a remote node directly to the second presentation device.

26. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the first presentation device is operable such that user input is capable of being received in connection with a user interface element displayed with a command interface element including a rewind icon or a forward icon for changing an operational state of the first media player in connection with the second media stream.

27. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein the first presentation device is operable such that the command interface element is a component of an application associated with the first media player, and capable of being displayed while the second media stream is presented via the second presentation device.

28. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the first presentation device is operable such that the determination whether the first media player has the second presentation focus is based on a detected user input indication.

29. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the first presentation device is operable such that at least one of the first presentation device or the second presentation device is capable of being utilized based on user input received in connection with at least one operating system user interface element of the first presentation device including a rewind icon or a forward icon.

30. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the first presentation device is operable such that the first media player is capable of playing the first media stream via both the first presentation device and the second presentation device.

31. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the first presentation device is operable such that the first media player is to play the first media stream via at least one of the first presentation device or the second presentation device, based on user input.

32. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the first presentation device is operable such that at least one of the first presentation device or the second presentation device is capable of being utilized based on user input received in connection with at least one user interface element of the first presentation device including a rewind icon or a forward icon, the at least one user interface element being part of an operating system that is capable of being displayed while the first media stream is presented via the second presentation device.

33. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the first presentation device is operable such that at least one of the first presentation device or the second presentation device is capable of being utilized based on user input received in connection with at least one user interface element of the first presentation device including a rewind icon or a forward icon, the at least one user interface element being part of an operating system and being separate from the first media player, where the at least one user interface element is capable of being displayed while the first media player is displayed.

34. A program product embodied on a non-transitory computer readable medium, comprising:

code for working in association with a first presentation device including a touchscreen for playing a first media stream including video utilizing a first media player, and for communicating with a second presentation device including a display via a wireless local area network on which the first presentation device resides;

code for determining whether the first media player has a first presentation focus for the first presentation device indicating that the first media player is to play the first media stream via the first presentation device;

code for indicating that the first media player is not to play the first media stream, via the first presentation device, in response to determining that the first media player does not have the first presentation focus;

code for detecting an access to the second presentation device to play the first media stream by the first media player; and

code for determining whether the first media player has a second presentation focus to play the first media stream via the second presentation device.

35. The program product of claim 34 wherein the program product is operable such that determining whether the first media player has the second presentation focus to play the first media stream via the second presentation device includes:

determining that a second media player has the second presentation focus; and

indicating, in response to determining the second media player has the second presentation focus, that the detected first media player is not to play the first media stream, via the first presentation device.

36. The program product of claim 35 wherein the program product is operable such that the determining that the second media player has the second presentation includes determining that the first media player does not have the second presentation focus.

37. The program product of claim 34 wherein the program product is operable such that a command interface including a rewind option and a forward option is displayed while the first media stream is presented via the second presentation device.

38. The program product of claim 34 wherein the program product is operable such that, if it is determined that the first media player has the second presentation focus to play the first media stream via the second presentation device, the first media stream is presented via the second presentation device and not presented via the first presentation device.

39. The program product of claim 34 wherein the program product is operable such that, if it is determined that the first media player has the second presentation focus to play the first media stream via the second presentation device, the first media stream is wirelessly communicated by the first presentation device in, at least in part, an unprocessed form, for being processed for presentation prior to being presented via the second presentation device.

40. The program product of claim 34 wherein the program product is operable such that, if it is determined that the first media player has the second presentation focus to play the first media stream via the second presentation device, the first media stream is wirelessly communicated by the first presentation device in a processed form, for being presented via the second presentation device.

41. The program product of claim 34 wherein the program product is operable such that the first media stream is communicated from a remote node directly to the second presentation device.

42. The program product of claim 34 wherein the program product is operable such that user input is capable of being received in connection with at least one user interface element of the first media player that is displayed with a command interface element including a rewind icon or a forward icon, for utilizing the second presentation device to present the first media stream while the first media player does not play the first media stream via the first presentation device.

43. The program product of claim 34 wherein the program product is operable such that user input is capable of being received in connection with at least one user interface element of the first media player that is displayed with a command interface element including a rewind icon or a forward icon, for utilizing the second presentation device to present the first media stream while the first media player plays the first media stream via the first presentation device.

44. The program product of claim 34 wherein the program product is operable such that user input is capable of being received in connection with at least one operating system user interface element displayed with a command interface element including a rewind icon or a forward icon, for utilizing the second presentation device to present the first media stream while the first media player plays the first media stream via the first presentation device.

45. The program product of claim 34 wherein the program product is operable such that user input is capable of being received in connection with at least one operating system user interface element displayed with a command interface element including a rewind icon or a forward icon, for utilizing the second presentation device to present the first media stream while the first media player does not play the first media stream via the first presentation device.

46. The program product of claim 34 wherein the program product is operable such that at least one of the first presentation device or the second presentation device is capable of being utilized based on user input received in connection with at least one operating system user interface element of the first presentation device including a rewind icon or a forward icon.

47. The program product of claim 34 wherein the program product is operable such that the first media player is to play the first media stream via at least one of the first presentation device or the second presentation device, based on user input.

48. The program product of claim 34 wherein the program product is operable such that at least one of the first presentation device or the second presentation device is capable of being utilized based on user input received in connection with at least one user interface element of the first presentation device including a rewind icon or a forward icon, the at least one user interface element being part of an operating system that is capable of being displayed while the first media stream is presented via the second presentation device.

49. A program product embodied on a non-transitory computer readable medium, comprising:

code for working in association with a portable first presentation device including a touchscreen and a first media player and a second media player installed thereon, for communicating with a second presentation device including a display via a wireless local area network on which the first presentation device resides for utilizing the second presentation device, based on user input, for playing a first media stream including video in a first user interface element utilizing, based on user input, the first media player;

code for identifying a first change in a first presentation focus;

code for determining, based on the first change, that the first media player is not assigned the first presentation focus; and

code for indicating that the first media player is not to play the first media stream, in response to the determining based on the first change;

wherein the program product is operable such that the first change in the first presentation focus is based on a releasing of the first presentation focus based on a second user interface element for playing a second media stream by the second media player.

50. The program product of claim 49 wherein the program product is operable such that, if it is determined that the first media player is to play the first media stream via the second presentation device, the first media stream is wirelessly communicated by the first presentation device in a processed form, for being presented via the second presentation device.

51. The program product of claim 50 wherein the program product is operable such that the first media stream is communicated from a remote node directly to the second presentation device.

52. The program product of claim 49 wherein the program product is operable such that, if it is determined that the first media player has the second presentation focus to play the first media stream via the second presentation device, the first media stream is wirelessly communicated by the first presentation device in, at least in part, an unprocessed form, for being processed for presentation prior to being presented via the second presentation device.

53. The program product of claim 49 wherein the program product is operable such that user input is capable of being received in connection with at least one user interface element of the first media player that is displayed with a command interface element including a rewind icon or a forward icon, for utilizing the second presentation device to present the first media stream while the first media player does not play the first media stream via the first presentation device.

54. The program product of claim 49 wherein the program product is operable such that user input is capable of being received in connection with at least one user interface element of the first media player that is displayed with a command interface element including a rewind icon or a forward icon, for utilizing the second presentation device to present the first media stream while the first media player plays the first media stream via the first presentation device.

55. The program product of claim 49 wherein the program product is operable such that user input is capable of being received in connection with at least one operating system user interface element displayed with a command interface element including a rewind icon or a forward icon, for utilizing the second presentation device to present the first media stream while the first media player plays the first media stream via the first presentation device.

56. The program product of claim 49 wherein the program product is operable such that user input is capable of being received in connection with at least one operating system user interface element displayed with a command interface element including a rewind icon or a forward icon, for utilizing the second presentation device to present the first media stream while the first media player does not play the first media stream via the first presentation device.

57. The program product of claim 49 wherein the program product is operable such that the first media player is capable of playing the first media stream via both the first presentation device and the second presentation device.

58. The program product of claim 49 wherein the program product is operable such that the first media player is to play the first media stream via at least one of the first presentation device or the second presentation device, based on user input.

59. The program product of claim 49 wherein the program product is operable such that at least one of the first presentation device or the second presentation device is capable of being utilized based on user input received in connection with at least one user interface element of the first presentation device including a rewind icon or a forward icon, the at least one user interface element being part of an operating system that is capable of being displayed while the first media player is displayed.

60. The program product of claim 49 wherein the program product is operable for utilizing the second presentation device, in response to user input, for presenting at least one web page via a web browser installed on the first presentation device.

61. A computer program product embodied on a non-transitory computer readable medium, comprising:

code for working in association with a first presentation device having a touchscreen that is capable of providing access to a first media player and a second media player in an execution environment, the first presentation device capable of communication with a second presentation device including a display via a wireless local area network on which the first presentation device resides, where presentation focus information is accessible for identifying whether at least one of the first presentation device or the second presentation device is to be utilized for presentation;

code for detecting access to the first media player to play a first media stream that includes video;

code for indicating, if the first presentation device is to be utilized for presentation based on the presentation focus information, that the first media stream is allowed to be presented via the first presentation device; and

code for indicating, if the second presentation device is to be utilized for presentation based on the presentation focus information, that the first media stream is allowed to be presented via the second presentation device;

wherein the computer program product is operable such that a change in presentation focus is capable of being based on at least one of a releasing of a first presentation focus in connection with the first media player, a detected user input indication for giving the second media player a second presentation focus, a change in input focus, a change in an attribute of a user interface element, a transparency level of at least one of the user interface element, or another user interface element sharing a region of a display of the first presentation device.

62. The computer program product of claim 61 wherein the computer program product is operable such that a command interface including a rewind option and a forward option is displayed while the first media stream is allowed to be presented via the second presentation device.

63. The computer program product of claim 62 wherein the computer program product is operable such that the indicating, if the second presentation device is to be utilized for presentation based on the presentation focus information, that the first media stream is allowed to be presented via the second presentation device, results in just the first media stream being presented via the second presentation device and the first media stream played by the first media player not being allowed to be presented via the first presentation device.

64. The computer program product of claim 61 wherein the computer program product is operable such that the indicating, if the second presentation device is to be utilized for presentation based on the presentation focus information, that the first media stream is allowed to be presented via the second presentation device, results in the first media stream being wirelessly communicated by the first presentation device in, at least in part, an unprocessed form, for being processed for presentation prior to being presented via the second presentation device.

65. The computer program product of claim 61 and further comprising code for indicating, if both the first presentation device and the second presentation device are to be utilized for presentation based on the presentation focus information, that the first media stream is allowed to be presented via the first presentation device and the second presentation device, resulting in the first media stream being wirelessly communicated by the first presentation device in a processed form such that the first media stream is configured to be presented via the second presentation device.

66. The computer program product of claim 61 wherein the computer program product is operable such that the first media stream is communicated from a remote node directly to the second presentation device.

67. The computer program product of claim 61 wherein the computer program product is operable such that the presentation focus information is capable of being changed based on user input received in connection with a user interface element displayed with a command interface element including a rewind icon or a forward icon for changing an operational state of the first media player in connection with the first media stream.

68. The computer program product of claim 67 wherein the computer program product is operable such that the command interface element is a component of an application associated with the first media player, and capable of being displayed while the first media stream is allowed to be presented via the second presentation device.

69. The computer program product of claim 67 wherein the computer program product is operable such that the command interface element is a component of an operating system separate from an application associated with the first media player, and capable of being displayed while the first media stream is allowed to be presented via the second presentation device.

70. The computer program product of claim 61 wherein the computer program product is operable such that the change in the presentation focus is based on the detected user input indication for giving the second media player a second presentation focus.

71. The computer program product of claim 70 wherein the computer program product is operable such that the detected user input indication for giving the second media player the second presentation focus includes an access to the second media player to play a second media stream that includes video, and further comprising:

code for indicating, if the first presentation device is to be utilized for presentation based on the presentation focus information, that the second media player is allowed to play the second media stream via the first presentation device; and

code for indicating, if the second presentation device is to be utilized for presentation based on the presentation focus information, that the second media player is allowed to play the second media stream via the second presentation device.

72. An apparatus, comprising:

a first presentation device having a touchscreen that is capable of providing access to a plurality of applications including a first media player and a second media player in an execution environment, the first presentation device capable of communication with a second presentation device including a display via a wireless local area network on which the first presentation device resides, where execution environment presentation focus information is accessible for identifying whether at least one of the first presentation device or the second presentation device is to be utilized for presentation in connection with the applications, the first presentation device configured for;

detecting access to the first media player to play a first media stream that includes video;

indicating, if the first presentation device is to be utilized for presentation based on the execution environment presentation focus information, that the first media player is allowed to play the first media stream via the first presentation device;

indicating, if the second presentation device is to be utilized for presentation based on the execution environment presentation focus information, that the first media player is allowed to play the first media stream via the second presentation device; and

indicating, if both the first presentation device and the second presentation device are to be utilized for presentation based on the execution environment presentation focus information, that the first media player is allowed to play the first media stream via both the first presentation device and the second presentation device;

wherein the first presentation device is operable such that a change in presentation focus is capable of being based on at least one of a releasing of a first presentation focus in connection with the first media player, a detected user input indication for giving the second media player a second presentation focus, a change in input focus, a change in an attribute of a user interface element, a transparency level of at least one of the user interface element, or another user interface element sharing a region of a display of the first presentation device.

73. The apparatus of claim 72 wherein the first presentation device is operable such that a command interface including a rewind option and a forward option is displayed while the first media stream is allowed to be presented via the second presentation device, so that the first presentation device is capable of providing remote control of the first media stream that is allowed to be presented via the second presentation device;

wherein the apparatus is further operable such that the indicating, if the second presentation device is to be utilized for presentation based on the presentation focus information, that the first media stream is allowed to be presented via the second presentation device, results in just the first media stream being presented via the second presentation device and the first media stream played by the first media player not being allowed to be presented via the first presentation device;

wherein the apparatus is further operable such that the indicating, if the second presentation device is to be utilized for presentation based on the presentation focus information, that the first media stream is allowed to be presented via the second presentation device, results in the first media stream being wirelessly communicated by the first presentation device in, at least in part, an unprocessed form, for being processed for presentation prior to being presented via the second presentation device.