Media processing system communicating activity information to support user interaction during media broadcasts

In an embodiment of the present invention, a first user may associate a second user with particular media characteristics. The second user may be notified when the first user consumes media having pre-defined characteristics matching those associated with the second user. The second user may keep records of the consumption of media with particular media characteristics, and may provide services or incentives to the first user. A system in accordance with various aspects of the present invention may comprise a first and a second set top box, each having storage with an associated network address. A user of the second set top box may have at least one associated media characteristic, and the second user may be sent a notification when the first user requests media with pre-defined characteristics matching the media characteristic associated with the second user.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

SEQUENCE LISTING

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Frequently, the enjoyment of video and audio entertainment is a solitary experience. An individual chooses a program of interest and listens to or watches the presentation unaware of who among their co-workers, friends, family, and even those within the same house might also be listening to or watching the same presentation. On special occasions, groups of people will gather to view a program of particular interest, such as an important sports event, if the distance to the viewing location is reasonable. Attendance is limited to the those invited, and generally only those invitees are able to take part in person.

Occasionally, someone viewing or listening to a program may telephone a friend or relative known to have a special interest in the program being broadcast to let them know that it is on, or to exchange commentary about specific portions or events. The telephone instrument used may or may not be in the same location as the viewing/listening device, sometimes forcing the originating party to make the additional effort to leave the program and go to the telephone to contact the other person. Any separation of the telephone from the viewing/listening location influences the amount of time spent on the call, and influences the length of the interaction, and the enjoyment experienced in contacting the other party.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the present invention may be found in a method of communicating activity information to support user interaction in a communication network. Such a method may comprise accepting from a first user information identifying at least a second user, receiving from the first user at least one user-selected characteristic associated with media, and processing a media request from the first user, via a communication network, the requested media having a pre-defined set of characteristics. The method may comprise notifying the at least a second user, via the communication network, of the consumption of the requested media by the first user, if the pre-defined set of characteristics for the requested media matches the at least one user-selected characteristic. In addition, the method may comprise refraining from notifying the at least a second user, via the communication network, of the consumption of the requested media by the first user, if the pre-defined set of characteristics for the requested media does not match the at least one user-defined characteristic.

In an embodiment in accordance with the present invention, each of the first user and the at least a second user may be associated with at least one of an Internet protocol (IP) address, a media access control (MAC) address, and an electronic serial number (ESN). The communication network may comprise at least one of a cable infrastructure, a satellite network infrastructure, a digital subscriber line (DSL) infrastructure, an Internet infrastructure, an intranet infrastructure, a wired infrastructure, and a wireless infrastructure, and the communication network may be the Internet. The requested media may comprise at least one of audio, a still image, video, real time video, and data, and consumption may comprise at least one of playing audio, displaying a still image, displaying video, and displaying data.

In various embodiments of the present invention, the information identifying at least a second user may comprise a legal name, a given name, a screen name, a user identifier, a network identifier, an Internet protocol (IP) address, a media access control (MAC) address, and an electronic serial number. The at least one user-defined characteristic may comprise at least one of a title keyword, a subject keyword, a genre, an artist, a time period, a media channel type, a mode, and a language, and the notifying may comprise transmitting a message via the communication network. An embodiment of the present invention may also comprise keeping a record of the notification, and the record may be used by the second user to provide at least one of services and incentives to the first user.

Additional aspects of the present invention may be seen in a method of communicating activity information to support user interaction in a communication network. An embodiment in accordance with the present invention may comprise associating at least one media characteristic with a user, and processing a request for media from the user, the media having a pre-defined set of characteristics. An embodiment may comprise sending a notification via a communication network if the pre-defined set of characteristics for the requested media matches the at least one media characteristic. In addition, an embodiment of the present invention may comprise refraining from sending a notification if the pre-defined set of characteristics for the requested media does not match the at least one media characteristic. The requested media may comprise at least one of audio, a still image, video, real time video, and data, and the at least one media characteristic may comprise at least one of a title keyword, a subject keyword, a genre, an artist, a time period, a media channel type, a mode, and a language. The pre-defined set of characteristics may comprise at least one media characteristic. In addition, the communication network may comprise at least one of a cable infrastructure, a satellite network infrastructure, a digital subscriber line (DSL) infrastructure, an Internet infrastructure, an intranet infrastructure, a wired infrastructure, and a wireless infrastructure.

Further aspects of the present invention may be observed in a system supporting the communication of activity information to support user interaction in a communication network. Such a system may comprise a first storage, at a first location, having an associated first network address, and a first set top box circuitry at the first location, the first set top box circuitry communicatively coupled to the first storage to support consumption of media by a first user. An embodiment of the present invention may comprise a second storage, at a second location, having an associated second network address, and a second set top box circuitry at the second location, the second set top box circuitry communicatively coupled to the second storage to support consumption of media by a second user. In addition, an embodiment in accordance with the present invention may comprise at least one media characteristic associated with the second user, and server software. The server software may receive a request that identifies at least the associated first network address and media having at least one pre-defined characteristic, and may notify, via a communication network, the associated second network address if the at least one media characteristic matches the at least one pre-defined characteristic.

The media in an embodiment of the present invention may comprise at least one of audio, a still image, video, real time video, and data, and the associated first and second network addresses may be one of an Internet protocol (IP) address, a media access control (MAC) address, and an electronic serial number (ESN). Consumption may comprise at least one of playing audio, displaying a still image, displaying video, and displaying data. In addition, the communication network may comprise at least one of a cable infrastructure, a satellite network infrastructure, a digital subscriber line (DSL) infrastructure, an Internet infrastructure, an intranet infrastructure, a wired infrastructure, and a wireless infrastructure. In an embodiment of the present invention, the server software may be at a location separate from the first home and the second home. The at least one media characteristic may comprise at least one of a title keyword, a subject keyword, a genre, an artist, a time period, a media channel type, a mode, and a language. The at least one pre-defined characteristic may comprise at least one of a title keyword, a subject keyword, a genre, an artist, a time period, a media channel type, a mode, and a language.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to the simultaneous enjoyment of media channel content by a group of users. In particular, certain embodiments of the present invention enable a spatially diverse group of users to be made aware of and engage in an interactive group media experience in a media exchange network.

FIG. 1Ais a diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a media exchange network100supporting the communication of user activity information among users at multiple locations103,105and107on a media exchange network100, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. Specifically, the media exchange network100is a communication network comprising a MPS (media processing system)102at “My House”103, a brother's PC104at “My Brother's House”105, and a MPS106at “My Friend's House”107. The media exchange network100further comprises the Internet-based media exchange network infrastructure108which connects together the MPS102, the PC104, and the MPS106. In various embodiments of the present invention, the media exchange network100may comprise, for example, cable infrastructure, a satellite network infrastructure, a digital subscriber line (DSL) infrastructure, an Internet infrastructure, an intranet infrastructure, a wired infrastructure, and a wireless infrastructure, or any combination of the above. Note that the use labels such as “My House”, “My Brother's House”, etc., are for illustrative purposes only, and do not represent a limitation of the present invention. The media exchange network100may also contain a variety of other sources of media channel content connected to Internet-base media exchange network infrastructure108that are not shown inFIG. 1Aincluding, for example, 3rdparty media providers, 3rdparty service providers, 3rdparty sales providers, and 3rdparty broadcast channel providers. Entities within the media exchange network100may be identified using a network or protocol address such as, for example, an Internet protocol (IP) address, a media access control (MAC) address, and an electronic serial number (ESN).

The MPS's (102and106) may be, for example, enhanced set-top-boxes. The MPS's (102and106) may each include a TV screen (not shown) for viewing and interacting with various user interfaces, media, data, and services that are available on the media exchange network100using, for example, a remote control (not shown). The PC104may include a PC monitor (not shown) for viewing and interacting with various user interfaces, media, data, and services that are available on the media exchange network using, for example, a keyboard and mouse (both not shown). The MPS's102and106, and the PC104include functional software to support interaction with the various elements of the media exchange network100, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, a MPS may comprise a set-top-box (STB), a PC, or a TV with a media management system (MMS). A MMS is also known herein as a media exchange software (MES) platform.

A MMS comprises a software platform operating on at least one processor to provide certain functionality including user interface functionality, distributed storage functionality, and networking functionality. For example, a MMS may provide control of media peripheral devices, status monitoring of media peripheral devices, and inter-home MPS routing selection, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

For example, the MPS102comprises a media exchange software (MES) platform109. The MES platform109on the MPS102supports personalized views of media channels and set up of new media channels on the media exchange network100. For example, the MES platform109provides a format, displayed on a monitor of the MPS102, known as a media guide user interface110to allow a user to set up a personalized view of the media guide user interface110using a remote control. An example media guide user interface is described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/448,705, entitled “Media Exchange Network With Media Guide Interface”, filed February 18, the complete subject matter of which is hereby incorporate herein in its entirety. The MES platform109also provides the functionality for a user of the MPS102to set up a new media channel101in his/her personalized view.

In general, the MPS's102and106and the PC104each include a media exchange software (MES) platform and a networking component for connectivity. The MES platform provides multiple capabilities including media “push” capability, media “access” capability, media channel construction/selection, image sequence selection, text and voice overlay, channel and program naming, inter-home routing selection, authorship and media rights management, shared inter-home media experience, billing service, and an integrated media guide interface with a TV channel guide look-and-feel.

FIG. 1Bis a diagram illustrating an embodiment of an exemplary activity group setup screen120that may be used to enable communication of user activity information in a MPS such as the MPS's102or106ofFIG. 1A, or a PC, such as the PC104ofFIG. 1A, in accordance with the present invention. As described above, each MPS102or106, or PC104, may have a variety of users, each of whom may have a number of interests that may be shared with friends, family, co-workers, and in some cases, total strangers. In order to permit users with common interests to participate in media channel presentations as part of an interactive group, the media exchange network100and in particular, the MPS102or MPS106, or the PC104, may permit users to transmit to one or more other users of media exchange network100information about the sending user's media exchange network activity.

The diagram ofFIG. 1Billustrates a few of the parameters that may be used in selecting the recipients of user activity information, and the conditions under which the activity information will be shared, in an embodiment in accordance with the present invention. Such an embodiment may support the sharing of activity information by more than one user of an MPS or PC. Also, using the activity group setup screen120ofFIG. 1B, each of the users of an MPS or a PC, such as the MPS102and the PC104ofFIG. 1A, may define a number of activity groups, each activity group related to a particular interest.

For example, in the illustration ofFIG. 1B, the user parameter121of the activity group setup screen120has been set to “Dad”. This value was selected from the sub-menu of users122of the MPS102or the PC104(“Dad” and “Son”) who have established activity groups. In addition, the group parameter130has been set to “Golf Groupies”, a value selected from “Dad's” activity group sub-menu131. The remainder of the fields shown in the activity group setup screen120show the values that “Dad” has set for the respective parameters. For example, “Dad” included two friends, “Golf Friend1” and “Golf Friend2”, in the “User(s) in Group” parameter123, selected from the sub-menu124corresponding to other media exchange network subscribers that are candidates for inclusion in a group. Subscribers in media exchange network100ofFIG. 1Amay be identified by a legal name, a given name, a screen name, an alias, a user identifier, a network identifier, an electronic serial number, an Internet protocol (IP) address, a media access control (MAC) address, or the like. Note that sub-menu124also includes a designator that permits automatic notification of the source of any consumed media. The two friends listed, who are also media exchange network subscribers, share “Dad's” interest in golf and in particular, his interest in information about the golf player “Arnold Palmer”. User “Dad”, however, does not want these two friends to be aware of all of his media exchange network activity. To restrict notification of “Golf Friend1” and “Golf Friend2” only to those instances where “Dad” is accessing media exchange network media channel sports materials related to “Arnold Palmer”, user (“Dad”) has selected a media channel type parameter125value of “Sports” from sub-menu126, and has set the title/subject keywords parameter127to “Arnold Palmer”.

Continuing with respect toFIG. 1B, user “Dad” has decided to notify his friends of his media exchange network activity only between 8:00 AM (via the start time parameter128) and 12:00 AM (via the stop time parameter129), on weekend days (via the day parameter136). In addition, user “Dad” has chosen to notify this activity group only when the mode of the media channel program is a form of video, having selected the mode parameter134value of “Video-All” from sub-menu135. He has also selected the language of the media channel presentation (“English”) using the language parameter132and sub-menu133. As can be seen inFIG. 1B, an embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a user with a flexible set of controls to selectively share knowledge of their media exchange network activity.

FIG. 1Cillustrates an exemplary activity groups list screen140showing the activity groups defined for several users of an MPS such as the MPS102ofFIG. 1A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Four groups have been defined in the illustration ofFIG. 1C. Three of the groups belong to user “Dad”: a “Golf Groupies” group141, an “Investment” group142, and a “Family” group144. In addition, user “Son” has defined a “Skateboarders” group143. Each of the listed activity groups141,142,143, and144define a set of conditions under which the activity information of the corresponding user will be shared, and the identities of the media exchange network subscribers with whom it will be shared. Although the illustrations ofFIGS. 1B and 1Cshow the use of only nine parameters, the present invention is not limited in this regard. An embodiment of the present invention may employ a greater, a lesser, or a completely different complement of parameters in controlling the sharing of activity information in a media exchange network, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, an activity group list showing the activity groups of all users of a MPS or PC, such as that shown in the illustration ofFIG. 1C, may be provided only to the administrator of the MPS or the PC, with each user able to view only their own activity groups. In an alternative embodiment, a non-administrative user may be permitted see all activity groups, but permitted to modify only their own entries.

Returning briefly toFIG. 1B, an embodiment in accordance with aspects of the present invention may permit an authorized and authenticated user to establish or modify the parameters used in the sharing of activity information for a given user of an MPS or a PC, such as the MPS102or the PC104ofFIG. 1A, either directly or remotely. This may be accomplished directly using, for example, the TV screen137and remote control138ofFIG. 1Bthat may be connected to a MPS, such as the MPS102ofFIG. 1A. The setup or modification of activity groups may also be performed directly on a PC, such as PC104ofFIG. 1A, via the keyboard, mouse, and monitor (not shown) that may be connected to the PC104. Activity groups may be defined and configured remotely using another MPS, such as MPS106ofFIG. 1A, via media exchange network infrastructure108, or via a remote PC, such as PC104, via the Internet. For example, a parent acting as administrator of a MPS or a PC may use a remote MPS or PC to create or modify an activity group. This may be useful to permit a family member who does not have authorization to create an activity group to participate in a group media viewing activity when the administrator parent is away from the MPS.

In another embodiment in accordance with the present invention, activity information related to the consumption of media channel programming may be sent directly or indirectly to the media provider. This may allow the media provider to supplement the viewing/listening experience by making available additional or alternate program materials related to those already accessed by the user. In doing so, the media provider is able to keep the appearance of a media channel “fresh” to those that have previously viewed/listened to a media channel offering. In addition, the media provider may provide rewards or incentives, such as coupons, viewing points, or the like, based upon the activity information.

FIG. 2Ais a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of configuring an activity group in an embodiment in accordance with the present invention. Although the following discussion refers to a MPS such as the MPS102ofFIG. 1A,FIG. 2Aapplies equally to a PC, such the PC104ofFIG. 1A. In the illustration ofFIG. 2A, the method begins when the user powers up the MPS and the MPS prompts the user for the entry of an access code (block201). The user then enters an access code (block202), and the MPS displays the options available to that user (block203). In the example ofFIG. 2A, the user selects the option for the management of activity groups (block204).

The MPS then displays a current list of activity groups known to the MPS, and the user chooses to create a new activity group (block205). The user then selects the members of the new activity group (block206). In addition, the user designates the media channel type and mode (block207), and selects an appropriate set of title/subject keywords to be used to determine when information is to be sent to the members of the activity group (block208). The user also sets the time period (e.g., time-of-day, days-of-the-week) during which sharing of activity information may occur (block209).

FIG. 2Bis a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of communicating user activity information in an embodiment of a media exchange network in accordance with the present invention. As inFIG. 2A, the following discussion is made with respect to a MPS, such as MPS's102or106ofFIG. 1A, but applies equally to a PC on which the media exchange software platform is running, such as the PC104ofFIG. 1A. The communication of user activity information begins after the MPS or PC is turned on, and the MPS displays a prompt requesting the entry of a user access code (block221). The user then enters an access code via the MPS (block222), and the MPS displays the current options available to the user (block223). The user then selects media channel access, and chooses the specific media channel to be listened to or viewed (block224). The MPS then determines if the selected media channel matches the media channel type of any activity group list entry for the user, and checks for a match of title and/or subject keywords, the current time, the selected language, and the media channel mode (block225). If an entry belonging to the user matches an activity group list entry (block226), the MPS notifies via the media exchange network, the activity group members identified in the activity group list entry (block227). Information identifying the user and the selected media exchange network activity is included in the notification. Upon receiving the notification of the media exchange network activity of the user, the members of the activity group may elect to participate in an interactive media exchange network session, and may initiate contact with the user (block228). The user proceeds to view or listen to the selected media channel program, whether or not a matching user activity group list entry is found (block226), and without regard to whether any notified activity group list members choose to participate (block229).

A major challenge is to be able to transfer and share many different types of digital media, data, and services between one device/location and another with ease while being able to index, manage, and store the digital media and data.

For example, it is desirable to be able to distribute and store many types of digital media in a PC and/or television environment in a user-friendly manner without requiring many different types of software applications and/or unique and dedicated interfaces. Any networking issues or other technical issues should be transparent to the users. It is also desirable to take advantage of existing hardware infrastructure, as much as possible, when providing such capability.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a media exchange network is provided that enables many types of digital media, data, and/or services to be stored, indexed, viewed, searched for, pushed from one user to another, and requested by users, using a media guide user interface. The media exchange network also allows a user to construct personal media channels that comprise his personal digital media (e.g., captured digital pictures, digital video, digital audio, etc.), request that third-party media channels be constructed from third-party digital media, and access the media channels pushed to him by other users on the media exchange network.

PC's may be used but are not required to interface to the media exchange network for the purpose of exchanging digital media, data, and services. Instead, set-top-boxes or integrated MPS's (media processing systems) may be used with the media exchange network to perform all of the previously described media exchange functions using a remote control with a television screen.

Current set-top-boxes may be software enhanced to create a MPS that provides full media exchange network interfacing and functionality via a TV screen with a TV guide look-and-feel. PC's may be software enhanced as well and provide the same TV guide look-and-feel. Therefore, the media exchange network supports both PC's and MPS's in a similar manner. Alternatively, a fully integrated MPS may be designed from the ground up, having full MPS capability.

In the case of an MPS configuration, the user takes advantage of his remote control and TV screen to use the media exchange network. In the case of a PC configuration, the user takes advantage of his keyboard and/or mouse to use the media exchange network.

An MPS or enhanced PC is effectively a storage and distribution platform for the exchange of personal and third party digital media, data, and services as well as for bringing the conventional television channels to a user's home. An MPS and/or PC connects to the media exchange network via an existing communication infrastructure which may include cable, DSL, satellite, etc. The connection to the communication infrastructure may be hard-wired or wireless.

The media exchange network allows users to effectively become their own broadcasters from their own homes by creating their own media channels and pushing those media channels to other authorized users on the media exchange network, such as friends and family members.

FIG. 3comprises a media exchange network300for exchanging and sharing digital media, data, and services in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The media exchange network300is a secure, closed network environment that is only accessible to pre-defined users and service providers. The media exchange network ofFIG. 3comprises a first PC301and a first media processing system (MPS)302at a user's home303, a communication infrastructure304, external processing hardware support305, remote media storage306, a second PC307at a remote location308such as an office, and a second MPS309at a parent's home310.

The PC's301and307and the MPS's302and309each include a media exchange software (MES) platform311and a networking component312for connectivity. The MES platform311provides multiple capabilities including media “push” capability, media “access” capability, media channel construction/selection, image sequence selection, text and voice overlay, channel and program naming, inter-home routing selection, authorship and media rights management, shared inter-home media experience, billing service, and an integrated media guide interface providing a TV channel guide look-and-feel.

The external processing hardware support305comprises at least one server such as a centralized internet server, a peer-to-peer server, or cable head end. The server may alternatively be distributed over various hosts or remote PC's. The MES platform311may also reside on the external processing hardware support server305. The remote media storage306may comprise user media storage and distribution systems313and/or third party media storage and distribution systems314.

The communication infrastructure304may comprise at least one of internet infrastructure, satellite infrastructure, cable infrastructure, dial-up infrastructure, cellular infrastructure, xDSL infrastructure, optical infrastructure, or some other infrastructure. The communication infrastructure304links the user's home303, parent's home310, remote media storage306, and remote location office308to each other (i.e., the communication infrastructure304links all users and service providers of the media exchange network300).

The various functions315of the media exchange network300comprise generating personal network associations, personal storage management, media capture device support, security/authentication/authorization support, authorship tracking and billing and address registration and maintenance. These media exchange management functions315may be distributed over various parts of the media exchange network300. For example, the personal network associations and personal storage management functions may be integrated in the PC301at the user's home303.

FIG. 4illustrates an example of personal media exchange over a media exchange network400in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In step1, the media exchange software (MES) platform401is used to construct personal media channels on a PC402by a user at “my house”403. For example, with various media stored on the PC402such as digital pictures404, videos405, and music406, the MES platform401allows the digital media to be organized by a user into several channels having a media guide user interface407on the PC402.

In step2, the user at “my house”403pushes a media channel408(e.g., “Joe's Music”) to “brother's house”409and pushes two media channels410and411(e.g., “Vacation Video” and “Kid's Pictures”) to “Mom's house”412via a peer-to-peer server413over the internet-based media exchange network400. “Brother's house”409includes a first MPS414connected to the media exchange network400. “Mom's house”412includes a second MPS415connected to the media exchange network400. The MPS's414and415also provide a media guide user interface407.

In step3, brother and/or Mom access the pushed media channels via their respective media processing systems (MPS's)414and415using their respective MPS TV screens and remote controls.

FIG. 5illustrates an example of third-party media exchange over a media exchange network500in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In step1, a PC-initiated third-party request is made by a first party501via an internet-based media exchange network500using a media guide user interface502on a PC503. In step2, an anonymous delivery of the requested third-party channel504is made to a second party505via the internet-based media exchange network500. In step3, the second party505accesses the third-party channel504using a media guide user interface506on a TV screen507that is integrated into an MPS508.

Similarly, in step A, an MPS-initiated third-party request is made by a second party505via an internet-based media exchange network500using a media guide user interface506on a TV screen507using a remote control509. The second party505may key in a code, using his remote control509, that is correlated to a commercial or some other third party broadcast media. In step B, an anonymous delivery of the requested third-party channel504is made to a first party501via the internet-based media exchange network500. In step C, the first party501accesses the third-party channel504using a media guide user interface502on a PC503.

FIG. 6illustrates a media guide user interface600in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The media guide user interface600may be displayed on a TV screen608and controlled by a remote control device609. Also, the media guide user interface600may be displayed on a PC monitor and controlled by a keyboard or mouse.

The media guide user interface600may be configured not only for conventional TV channels but also for personal media channels601that are constructed by a user of a media exchange network, friend's and family's media channels602constructed by friends and family, and third party channels603that are constructed by third parties either upon request by a user of a media exchange network or based on a profile of a user.

The personal media channels601may include, for example, a “family vacations channel”, a “kid's sports channel”, a “my life channel”, a “son's life channel”, a “my music channel”, and a “kid's music channel”. The friends and family media channels602may include, for example, a “brother's channel”, a “Mom's channel”, and a “friend's channel”. The third party media channels603may include, for example, a “Sears Fall sale channel” and a “car commercials channel”.

Each media channel may correspond to a schedule604showing, for example, a week605and a year606. For example, under the “kid's sports channel”, Ty's soccer game could be scheduled to be viewed on Tuesday of the current week605and current year606. For each media channel, a sub-menu607allows for selection of certain control and access functions such as “play”, “send to list”, “send to archive”, “confirm receipt”, “view”, “purchase”, and “profile”.

FIG. 7illustrates possible multiple instantiations of a media guide user interface700in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The media guide user interface700may be viewed with a schedule having formats of, for example, “month, year”, “week#, year”, “day, week#”, or “hour, day”.

Referring toFIG. 8, a user of a media exchange network may push a media channel (e.g., “Vacation in Alaska Video”) to a friend who is on the same media exchange network. The media guide user interface800may give the friend several options801for how to accept and download the pushed media in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

For example, a first, most expensive option803may be “Express Delivery” which would deliver the pushed media to the friend in 18 minutes using queuing and cost $1.20, for example. The pushed media may be stored in a file in an MPEG 2 format that was recorded at a rate of 4 Mbps, for example. Queuing comprises buffering and delivering a previous part of the media and then buffering and delivering a next part of the media. For example, a first six minutes of the “Vacation in Alaska Video” may be buffered and delivered first, then a second six minutes may be buffered and delivered next, and so on until the entire media is delivered.

A second, less expensive option802may be “Normal Delivery” which would deliver the pushed media in 2 hours and 13 minutes without queuing and cost $0.59, for example. The pushed media may be stored in a file in an MPEG 2 format that was recorded at a rate of 1.5 Mbps, for example.

A third, least expensive option804may be “Overnight Delivery” which would deliver the pushed media by the next morning and cost only $0.05, for example. The pushed media may be stored in a file in an MPEG 2 format that was recorded at a rate of 19 Mbps and stored on a server, for example.

FIG. 9Aillustrates the detailed elements of a media processing system (MPS)900and media capture devices901in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The media capture devices901may comprise audio, video, and image players, such as digital cameras, digital camcorders, and MP3 players, that each include a temporary storage area902and a communication interface903such as, for example, a USB interface or a wireless interface. The media capture devices901have the capability to interface to an MPS and a PC.

The MPS900comprises a media processing unit (MPU)904, remote user interface(s)905, and a TV screen918to provide integrated media processing capability and indirect user interface capability. The remote user interfaces905may comprise a voice or keyed remote control906, keyboards and pads907, a remote PC access interface908, and a remote media system access interface909(i.e., providing access from another MPS).

The media processing unit (MPU)904comprises TV and radio tuners910for image and audio consumption, communications interfaces911, channel processing912(creating, storing, indexing, viewing), storage913, media players914(CD, DVD, Tape, PVR, MP3), an integrated user interface915(to provide a TV channel guide look-and-feel), networking components916to provide client functions such as consumption (billing), authorization (e.g., using digital certificates and digital ID's), registration, security, and connectivity. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the networking components916may include a distributed server element917that is part of a distributed server.

FIG. 9Billustrates an alternative embodiment of a media processing system (MPS)920in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. The MPS920is essentially an enhanced set-top-box for viewing and interacting with various user interfaces, media, data, and services that are available on the media exchange network using, for example, a remote control. The MPS920comprises a media peripheral921, a MMS (media management system)922, and a broadband communication interface923.

The media peripheral921may include a TV (television), a PC (personal computer), and media players (e.g., a CD player, a DVD player, a tape player, and a MP3 player) for video, image, and audio consumption of broadcast and/or personal channels. The broadband communication interface923may include internal modems (e.g., a cable modem or DSL modem) or other interface devices in order to communicate with, for example, a cable or satellite headend.

The MMS922includes a software platform to provide functionality including media “push” capability, media “access” capability, media channel construction/selection, image sequence selection, text and voice overlay, channel and program naming, inter-home routing selection, authorship and media rights management, shared inter-home media experience, billing service, and a media guide user interface providing an integrated TV channel guide look-and-feel.

FIG. 10illustrates connectivity between a PC1000, an MPS1001, and external processing hardware1002(e.g., a server) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The PC1000and MPS1001include networking components1003to provide client functions such as consumption (billing), authorization, registration, security, and connectivity. Alternatively, the PC1000and MPS1001may include a distributed server element1004that is part of a distributed server.

The PC1000and MPS1001connect to the external processing hardware1002via wired or wireless connections. The external processing hardware1002comprises a distributed server or peer-to-peer server. The external processing hardware1002also comprises communication interfaces1005(e.g., cable interfaces, optical interfaces, etc.) and a media exchange software (MES) platform1006. The MES platform1006in the external processing hardware1002allows for communication with the PC1000and MPS1001which may also use the same MES platform1006. The external processing hardware1002also includes networking server components1007to provide the similar client functions such as consumption (billing), authorization, registration, security, and connectivity at the server side.

FIG. 11illustrates connectivity between a PC1100, remote media storage1101, and personal media capture devices1102when the PC11100is used as the primary distributor of digital media such as in the case of PC-to-PC operation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The personal media capture devices1102and remote media storage1101connect to the PC1100via a wireless or wired connection. The remote media storage1101provides user media storage and distribution1103as well as third party media storage and distribution1104. The personal media capture devices1102provide temporary storage1114and communication interfaces1115.

Viewing is done using a PC monitor1105instead of a television screen. The PC1100may include storage1106, TV/radio tuners1107for media consumption, media players1108, and communication interfaces1109and user interfaces1110similar to those for the MPS ofFIG. 9A. The PC1100includes a media exchange software (MES) platform1111that provides channel construction capability1112and networking capability1113. The channel construction capability1112allows third party and personal media access, sequencing, editing, media overlays and inserts, billing, scheduling, and addressing.

Various embodiments of the present invention include a system and method that provide for the communication of user activity information in a media exchange network.