Controlling a media device using a mobile device

Techniques for automatically configuring and controlling a digital media device are described. A digital media device can be configured or controlled by a mobile device, e.g., a smart mobile phone. When the digital media device is being configured, the digital media device can broadcast a signal, indicating that the digital media device is requesting configuration information from a mobile device. A mobile device located in proximity of the digital media device, upon detecting the signal, can perform various security checks to determine that the request is legitimate, and then open a communication channel with the digital media device. The mobile device can provide user preferences of the mobile device, as well as credentials for accessing and downloading remote content, to the digital media device through the communication channel. Upon receiving the configuration information, the digital media device can use parameters in the configuration information as its settings.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to media device management.

BACKGROUND

Many electronic devices can function as media devices (e.g., digital media receivers or DMRs) suitable for receiving digital media content from a communications network and providing the digital media content for presentation to a user. For example, a home entertainment system often includes a DMR configured to download digital multimedia content including pictures, music, or video from remote media services and to provide the digital multimedia content for play on an audio system or a television. The DMR often requires complex configurations to function properly. For example, to start downloading or playing content, the DMR is often connected to a wireless network that requires a password to access, and to a media service that requires a user name and password. In addition, the configurations can include user preferences, e.g., a language setting, a time zone setting, or a display setting. A hardware keyboard or a remote control can be used to enter or change the settings of the DMR. Alternatively, a DMR can provide for display a virtual keyboard, and allow a user to navigate the virtual keyboard using up, down, left, and right buttons on a remote control to enter the settings one letter at a time.

SUMMARY

Techniques for automatically configuring and controlling a digital media device are described. A digital media device can be configured or controlled by a mobile device, e.g., a smart mobile phone. When the digital media device is being configured, the digital media device can broadcast a signal, indicating that the digital media device is requesting configuration information from a mobile device. A mobile device located in proximity of the digital media device, upon detecting the signal, can perform various security checks to authenticate the request, and then open a communication channel with the digital media device. The mobile device can provide user preferences of the mobile device, as well as credentials for accessing and downloading remote content, to the digital media device through the communication channel. Upon receiving the configuration information, the digital media device can use parameters in the configuration information as its settings.

The features described in this specification can be implemented to achieve the following advantages. Compared to conventional ways of configuring a digital media device, automatic device configuration can be more user friendly. The configuration procedure is simplified. The techniques described in this specification can reduce or remove the need for manually entering network access passwords, which are often long and difficult to remember. In addition, user preferences and subscribed services can be ported from one digital media device to another using a mobile device, without requiring a user to re-enter the preferences and re-login to the subscribed services.

Control of a digital media device can be enhanced. A conventional media device often has a simple remote control. Accessing various features of the digital media device can require navigation through multiple layers of menus. The techniques described in this specification can allow a mobile device to function as a full-featured remote control of the media device, such that multiple virtual control switches, buttons, or dials can be displayed on a surface (e.g., a screen) of the mobile device, giving a user direct access to multiple functions by touching the surface, by performing a motion gesture using the device, or by voice input.

The techniques described in this specification can allow context-sensitive control of a media device. A conventional remote control of a media device typically has fixed buttons, where all the buttons are physically located on the remote control. A mobile device having a programmable surface can display virtual buttons based on a context, including presenting some virtual buttons in one given context (e.g., movie browser navigation buttons when browsing for movies) and other virtual buttons in another context (e.g., play/pause and volume control buttons when playing movies).

The techniques described in this specification can allow multiple media devices to be synchronized to have the same configuration. For example, movie or music channels can be selected on a first media device. A mobile device can transport the selected channels to a second media device, such that the user need not select those channels again on the second media device.

The details of one or more implementations of automatically configuring and controlling a digital media device using a mobile device are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of automatically configuring and controlling a media device using a mobile device will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary Device Configuration

FIG. 1is a diagram illustrating an exemplary implementation of automatically configuring a digital media device using a mobile device. Mobile device102can be an exemplary electronic device programmed to configure digital media device104. Digital media device104can be an electronic device programmed to download or play multimedia content including pictures, audio, or video. For example, digital media device104can be a DMR, a digital audio or video player, a mobile or stationary computing device, a digital camera, an Internet-enabled television, or a game console. Digital media device104can include or be coupled to display device106. Display device106can be a television. Digital media device104can be a device that has not been previously configured. For example, digital media device104can be removed from packaging and powered up the first time. Upon powering up, digital media device104can provide a configuration user interface for display on display device106. The configuration user interface can include parameters that require user input to setup.

Mobile device102, when located in proximity to digital media device104, can provide values of the parameters to digital media device104. Mobile device102can be located in proximity to digital media device104when mobile device102is located within a proximity threshold distance from digital media device104. The proximity threshold distance can be a pre-determined distance that is much less than (e.g., less than ten percent of) a communication range of mobile device102and digital media device104. For example, when mobile device102and digital media device104can communicate wirelessly over a distance of ten to twenty meters, the proximity threshold distance can be half a meter (or one to two feet). In some implementations, the proximity threshold distance can be expressed in a signal strength measurement (e.g., above X dB).

Mobile device102can determine that mobile device102is located within the proximity threshold distance to digital media device104. Mobile device102can make the determination using various location technologies. The determination can trigger mobile device102to configure digital media device104automatically. In some implementations, to trigger mobile device102to configure digital media device104automatically, a confirmation event can be utilized. The confirmation event can include an action that confirms that mobile device102is not located close to digital media device104by accident but is intended to configure digital media device104. In various implementations, mobile device102can be programmed to detect various confirmation events. For example, mobile device102can be programmed to trigger configuration of digital media device104after mobile device102taps digital media device104or taps an object located within the proximity threshold distance to digital media device104.

The automatic configuration can include a security check. For example, upon the determination, mobile device102can turn on display surface108(if display surface108was not already turned on) and display security user interface item110. Security user interface item110can be a textual or graphic item requesting a user to enter a password to unlock mobile device102before mobile device102provides information to digital media device104.

After passing the security check, mobile device102can provide for display set up user interface item112. Set up user interface item112can be a virtual button programmed to receive a touch input that can trigger transmission of configuration information from mobile device102to digital media device104. The configuration information can include multiple parameters for configuring a device. The parameters can include, for example, a name of a wireless network, a password to access that wireless network, a locality setting that specifies a preferred language, a time zone setting, a display setting specifying a preferred display format (e.g., a 12-hour or a 24-hour time-display format) and other parameters. The configuration information can also include credentials for accessing an online store or a content provider. Mobile device102can automatically gather the configuration information from existing settings of mobile device102, or request a portion of the configuration information from a server.

After mobile device102transmits the configuration information to digital media device104, digital media device104can assign parameter values in the configuration information to corresponding parameters of digital media device104. Digital media device104can provide the parameters and corresponding values for display on display device106. The parameters, which conventionally would require manual entry by a user using a remote control or a keyboard, are now automatically configured by mobile device102.

In some implementations, mobile device102can simultaneously configure multiple digital media devices. Mobile device102can detect the digital media devices and determine that each of the digital media devices is located with a proximity threshold distance of mobile device102. Mobile device102can make the determination based on a personal area network (PAN) signal broadcast by each of the digital media devices. The determination can trigger mobile device102to configure the digital media devices simultaneously.

Additionally or alternatively, mobile device102can detect digital media device104and determine that digital media device104is located within a proximity threshold distance of mobile device102. Mobile device102can identify a network (e.g., a wireless local area network (WLAN)) to which digital media device104is connected. Mobile device102can then detect multiple digital media devices connected to the WLAN. Mobile device102can simultaneously configure the digital media devices, including devices located more than the proximity threshold distance away from mobile device102. Mobile device102can configure these digital media devices wirelessly through the WLAN.

In some implementations, mobile device102can provide for display a list of detected digital media devices, receive a selection of one or more detected digital media devices from a user or a program. Mobile device102can then automatically and simultaneously configure the selected digital media devices.

Some advantages of configuring multiple media device through the WLAN are that multiple media devices (e.g., those in a school or at a business) can be configured simultaneously according to a same specification. In addition, the configuration through radio frequency (RF) signals through WLAN or PAN can be omnidirectional, avoiding some draw backs of configuration by conventional infra-red remote controls. For example, the media devices need not be in a line of sight in an infra-red cone of mobile device102.

Exemplary Device Interactions

FIG. 2Ais a diagram illustrating exemplary interactions between a mobile device and a media device being controlled by the mobile device. The mobile device and media device can be mobile device102and digital media device104ofFIG. 1, respectively.

Digital media device104, when initially powered up, during a reset, or upon another event that triggers a configuration of the device, can broadcast beacon signal202. Beacon signal202can indicate that digital media device104requests configuration information. Digital media device104can broadcast beacon signal202using a wireless transmission protocol suitable for short-range communications in a PAN. For example, digital media device104can broadcast beacon signal202using Bluetooth™ technology. Beacon signal202can include a payload indicating a type or model of digital media device104. The payload can include an identifier of digital media device104.

Mobile device102, upon receiving beacon signal202, can determine whether to configure digital media device104. The determination can be based on a distance between mobile device102and digital media device104. In some implementations, mobile device102can determine the distance using a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) computed based on strength of beacon signal202. If the distance satisfies a proximity threshold distance, mobile device102can provide various user interface items (including graphical or audio user interface items) for configuring digital media device104.

In some implementations, when the distance satisfies the proximity threshold distance, mobile device102can use a confirmation event to trigger the automatic configuration. In various implementations, the confirmation event can be a tapping of mobile device102on digital media device104or any object located within the threshold distance to digital media device104. The confirmation event can be mobile device102detecting a motion gesture of mobile device102. The confirmation event can be mobile device102detecting an audio input, e.g., a whistle sound or a speech command. Upon detecting the confirmation event, mobile device102can present the user interface items to indicate to a user that it is now possible to configure digital media device104.

The user interface items can include a prompt to a user for receiving a password. The password can be a password for unlocking mobile device102or a password for accessing a web-based service (e.g., an online application store). If mobile device102receives a valid password, mobile device102can create secure communication channel204between mobile device102and digital media device104. Secure communication channel204can be created using a same or different wireless transmission protocol as the protocol used by digital media device104to broadcast beacon signal202. Mobile device102can send, through secure communication channel204, configuration information to digital media device104. Upon receiving the configuration information, digital media device104can present a visual or audio setup menu, in which parameter values are already populated.

The configuration information can include a name and a password to access a WLAN of wireless access gateway206. Wireless access gateway206can be a Wi-Fi™ or WiMAX™ access point. Communications between devices and wireless access gateway206can use a protocol (e.g., under Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 or IEEE 802.16 standard) that is same as or different from a protocol for communications between mobile device102and digital media device104.

In some implementations, mobile device102can send request208to server212through wireless access gateway206and communications network214. Communications network214can be a local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN). Request208can include credentials, e.g., an account name and a password, for accessing services hosted on server212. In addition, request208can include an identifier of digital media device104. Server212can authenticate the password and provide, as a response to request208, token220to mobile device102. Token220can include a cryptographically secure code derived from an identifier of digital media device104and other cryptographic mechanisms such that token220is only valid for the specific instance of digital media device104. In some implementations, token220can be associated with an expiration date, and is valid only before the expiration date In some implementations, token220can be associated with an expiration time (e.g., 30 minutes) from issuance, and is valid only before the expiration time has passed.

Mobile device102, upon receiving token220, can send token220to digital media device104through secure communication channel204. Digital media device104can send token220to server212when digital media device104requires authentication (e.g., to purchase a movie).

FIG. 2Bis a diagram illustrating exemplary interactions between a mobile device and a media device being controlled by the mobile device. The mobile device and media device can be mobile device102and digital media device104ofFIG. 1, respectively. In some implementations, during configuration, mobile device102can send, to digital media device104through secure communication channel204, credentials for accessing a certification service of server212. The credentials can include a user name and password, or token220received from server212.

The certification service can store credentials to access multiple online services. For example, the certification service can store credentials for accessing an online shop, subscribed content, a mail server, or a document storage service. In some implementations, the credentials to access multiple online services stored by the certification service can be synchronized with mobile device102and can include all accounts and passwords know to mobile device102. In some implementations, the credentials to access multiple online services stored by the certification service can be uploaded by mobile device102when mobile device102configures digital media device104.

Upon receiving the credentials from mobile device102, digital media device104can send request222to server212for a virtual package from the certification service. Request222can include the credentials received from mobile device102. In response, server212can return virtual package224, which can include the credentials to access all online services subscribed by a user of mobile device102. Upon receiving virtual package224, digital media device104can set up access to each of these online services using information contained in the virtual package.

Exemplary Device Components

FIG. 3is a block diagram illustrating components of exemplary mobile device102and exemplary digital media device104. Each component of mobile device102and digital media device104can include hardware and software components.

Digital media device104can include beacon manager302. Beacon manager302is a component of digital media device104configured to trigger a beacon broadcast based on one or more pre-specified conditions. The conditions can include, for example, when digital media device104displays a password entry field, such that each password entry requirement by digital media device104allows a user to enter the password by transmitting the password to digital media device104from mobile device102. Additionally or alternatively, the condition can include a first-time power up of digital media device104, a reset of digital media device104initiated by a user, or a change of environment of digital media device104(e.g., when digital media device104detects a new wireless network). Beacon manager302can detect an event satisfying a pre-specified condition. Upon detection of the event, beacon manager302can request beacon transmitter304to broadcast a configuration request beacon signal (e.g., beacon signal202ofFIG. 2). In some implementations, beacon manager302can request beacon transmitter304to broadcast the configuration request beacon signal periodically and frequently (e.g., every N seconds), such that mobile device102can control digital media device104any time.

Beacon transmitter304is a component of digital media device104configured to encode device identification information and device type information as a payload of the configuration request beacon signal and broadcast the configuration request beacon signal for a pre-specified time period. After the time expires, beacon transmitter304can stop broadcasting the configuration beacon signal until requested to broadcast again by beacon manager302.

Digital media device104can include configuration manager306configured to assign values to various parameters of digital media device104. Configuration manager306can include manual setup module308and automatic setup module310. Manual setup module308is a component of configuration manager306that, after a given period of time has expired since beacon transmitter304started broadcasting the configuration request beacon signal, causes configuration manager306to enter manual setup mode, if no configuration information is received wirelessly. In manual setup mode, configuration manager306can present parameters with empty values or default values as visual or audio prompts to presentation interface312. Presentation interface312can be a component of digital media device104configured to interface with a presentation device to display or play the visual or audio prompts. The presentation device can be an audio system connected to digital media device104or a display device (e.g., display device106ofFIG. 1).

If digital media device104receives configuration information during the given period since beacon transmitter304started broadcasting the configuration request beacon signal, automatic setup module310can stop beacon transmitter304from additional broadcasting and present parameters with values as provided in the configuration information as visual or audio prompts to presentation interface312.

Mobile device102can include beacon detector314. Beacon detector314can include a daemon executing on mobile device102and controlling a radio receiver to detect a configuration request beacon signal. When beacon detector314detects the beacon signal, beacon detector314can activate beacon configuration module316.

Beacon configuration module316is a component of mobile device102configured to determine whether automatic configuration of digital media device104shall proceed. Beacon configuration module316can allow the configuration to proceed when one or more conditions are satisfied. The conditions can include a proximity condition based on a threshold distance. Beacon configuration module316can include a proximity calculator to determine whether a distance between a location of mobile device102and digital media device104satisfies the threshold distance. The conditions can include a security condition. Mobile device102can include lock manager318, which can be configured to request a user to enter a password. Lock manager318can authenticate the password. The security condition can include successful authentication of the password. The conditions can include confirmation condition, which can be detection of occurrences of one or more confirmation events by various sensors of mobile device102.

Mobile device102can include one or more sensors320coupled to beacon configuration module316. Sensors320can include an accelerometer configured to detect a tap of mobile device102on an object by measuring acceleration. Sensors320can include a gyroscope, which can detect a motion (e.g., a flipping) of mobile device102by measuring angular speed. Sensors320can include a magnetometer, which can measure a motion of mobile device102based on changes in intensity and direction of magnetic fields. Sensors320can include a microphone for receiving an audio signal including a speech command. When sensors320detects the user action, beacon configuration module316can determine whether the tap, the motion, or the audio signal matches a pre-specified pattern and has occurred within a threshold distance of digital media device104. If a match is found, and the threshold distance is satisfied, beacon configuration module316can trigger device configuration module322to configure digital media device104automatically.

Device configuration module322is a component of mobile device102configured to determine configuration information and provide the configuration information to digital media device104in a secure communication channel. Device configuration module322can determine the configuration information from credential store324. Credential store324is a component of mobile device102storing user credentials and settings. The user credentials can include user identifiers and passwords of a WLAN to which mobile device102and digital media device104can be connected, and account information including user identifiers and passwords of a remote service accessible through communications network214. The settings can include user preferences, e.g., sharing options, language settings, time zone settings, or display settings.

In some implementations, device configuration module322can provide a device identifier in a configuration beacon received from digital media device104to server communication module326. Server communication module326can provide the identifier to a server through communications network214. The server can issue a token (e.g., setup token220ofFIG. 2) to digital media device104.

In some implementations, the server can send the token directly to automatic setup module310through communications network214. In some implementations, the server can send the token to server communication module326of mobile device102through communications network214. Upon receiving the token, server communication module326of mobile device102can provide the token to device configuration module322. Device configuration module322can then send the token to digital media device104through a secure communication channel. Automatic setup module310of digital media device104, upon receiving the configuration information and the token, can use the configuration information and the token to configure parameters of digital media device104.

In some implementations, device configuration module322can provide the device identifier in a configuration beacon received from digital media device104to credential store324for storage. Device configuration module322can determine that, after beacon configuration module316confirms that one or more conditions are satisfied, mobile device102can be used as a remote control of digital media device104. Device configuration module322can create a long term pairing by storing the device identifier of digital media device104. After the long term pairing has been created, device configuration module322can launch an application program for controlling various functions (e.g., volume, channel selection, or pause/resume) of digital media device104. Some examples of controlling digital media device104using mobile device102are described below in reference toFIGS. 4-6.

Exemplary Device Control

FIG. 4is a diagram illustrating an exemplary implementation of controlling a function of digital media device104using a mobile device102. Digital media device104can have a category of one or more functions that require approval before execution. For example, digital media device104can have functions to play pay-per-view content, to add paid channels, or to purchase additional programs (e.g., games) online. When digital media device104detects an attempt to activate a function that requires approval, digital media device104can present prompt410to a user to inform the user that the function requires approval. Prompt410can be a message displayed on display device106. In addition, digital media device104can start broadcasting a beacon signal.

Mobile device102can detect the beacon signal and then, if mobile device102determines that a trigger condition has been satisfied, acts as a master key to approve execution of the function by digital media device104. Mobile device102can determine that the trigger condition has been satisfied when a distance between a location of mobile device102and digital media device104satisfies a threshold distance. Mobile device102can determine that the trigger condition has been satisfied when mobile device102detects that mobile device102has tapped on digital media device104or an object located within the threshold distance of digital media device104. Other conditions as described in reference toFIG. 3can be used as the trigger condition.

Acting as the master key, mobile device102can request a password and then, upon authentication of the password, present user interface item414. User interface item414can include, for example, a virtual button or a voice prompt for approving activation of the function on digital media device104.

Upon receiving an approval input through user interface item414, mobile device102can send approval through a secure communication channel between mobile device102and digital media device104. Upon receiving the approval, digital media device104can activate the function.

FIG. 5is a diagram illustrating an exemplary implementation of controlling content on digital media device104using mobile device102. Digital media device104can have a content filtering function that allows some media content (e.g., certain movies or games) to be played only with permission by a particular user (e.g., permission by a user having parental administrative rights). When digital media device104detects an attempt to play the content that requires approval, digital media device104can present prompt502to a user. Prompt502can be a message displayed on display device106indicating that the content is locked and cannot be presented except if the particular user provides permission. In addition, digital media device104can start broadcasting a beacon signal indicating that permission to access content is requested.

Mobile device102can act as a master key to unlock the content when mobile device determines that a trigger condition has been satisfied. Mobile device102can request a password and then, upon authentication of the password, present user interface items504and506. User interface items504and506can include, for example, virtual buttons or voice prompts for locking and unlocking the content on digital media device104.

Upon receiving, through user interface items504or506, an input for locking or unlocking the content, mobile device102can send instructions to lock or unlock the content through a secure communication channel between mobile device102and digital media device104. Upon receiving the instructions, digital media device104can deny or approve a request to view the content.

FIG. 6is a diagram illustrating an exemplary implementation of transferring settings from one digital media device to another digital media device. Mobile device102and digital media device104can be paired together by an event in which mobile device102automatically configured digital media device104. An application program that harvests settings of digital media device104can be activated on mobile device102when a trigger condition has been satisfied (e.g., when mobile device102taps digital media device104). Once activated, and when a password is authenticated by both mobile device102and digital media device104, the application program can cause mobile device102to provide for display user interface item602for recording settings604of digital media device104. Upon receiving a user input through user interface item602, the application program can record settings604of digital media device104through a secure communication channel when the trigger condition is satisfied.

Settings604can be different from the original settings of digital media device104as provided by mobile device102through configuration. For example, settings604can include display settings of a new operating system of digital media device104, a list of new stations subscribed from server606through communications network214by digital media device104after the original configuration, a list of new online stores hosted by server608where a user created accounts on digital media device104, or current position of paused music, movies, or games. Settings604can be stored on mobile device102after the application program receives and records settings604from digital media device104.

Mobile device102can act like a “settings wallet” carrying settings604and moving to a new location close to digital media device610. Digital media device610can be a device being configured the first time, or a device that has been configured before. In the latter case, digital media device610can provide prompt612for display on display device614that is connected to digital media device610. Prompt612can indicate that, upon user approval, digital media device610can be configured by mobile device102. Digital media device610can broadcast a beacon signal.

Upon detecting the beacon signal, mobile device102can configure digital media device610using recorded settings604when a trigger condition is satisfied (e.g., when a proximity threshold distance is satisfied or when a tap of mobile device102is detected). When the trigger condition is satisfied, and a password is authenticated, mobile device102can provide for display user interface item616. User interface item616can include a virtual button configured to receive a user input for transferring settings604to digital media device610. Upon receiving the user input, mobile device102can automatically configure digital media device610using settings604by sending settings604to digital media device610through a secure communication channel. After the automatic configuration, digital media device610can have the same settings as the settings of digital media device104.

In some implementations, settings604can be stored at a server, e.g., server606. Mobile device102can store key618that gives a digital media device610access right to settings604stored on server606. Key618can include a token or an account name and password. Upon receiving the user input, mobile device102can automatically configure digital media device610by providing key618to digital media device610. Mobile device610can then use key618to retrieve settings604from server606.

Exemplary Procedures

FIG. 7Ais a flowchart illustrating exemplary procedure700of automatically controlling digital media device104using a mobile device102.

Mobile device102can receive (702) a wireless signal from digital media device104. Digital media device104can be an electronic device configured to download, from a server and through a communications network, media content including video content for display on a television device, audio content for playing on an audio device, or online or standalone electronic games for executing on a computing device (e.g., a game console).

The wireless signal can be a beacon signal indicating that digital media device104requests configuration information. The beacon signal can include an identifier of digital media device104. The beacon signal can include a signal conforming to a protocol for a personal area network. The protocol can be different from a protocol of the communications network for downloading the media content.

Mobile device102can determine (704), based on the wireless signal, that a distance between mobile device102and digital media device104satisfies a proximity threshold distance. The proximity threshold distance can be a pre-specified distance (e.g., no more than 30 inches) that is less than a maximum distance at which the wireless signal from digital media device is detectable by mobile device102.

Mobile device102can establish (706) a communication channel based on determination that the proximity threshold distance is satisfied and based on one or more confirmation events indicating that the communication channel, when created between the mobile device and the digital media device, is secure. The confirmation events can include an authentication of a user's password received through a password input. The confirmation events can include a tap event where mobile device102taps on digital media device104or an object located within the proximity threshold distance to digital media device104. Mobile device102can detect the tap event when an accelerometer reading of mobile device102matches a pre-specified pattern (e.g., when the reading is above a given lower limit and above a given upper limit). The confirmation events can include a signature gesture input received by mobile device102(e.g., when a gyroscope of mobile device102detects a flipping motion of mobile device102based on angular speed changes). The confirmation events can include a signature sound input received by mobile device102(e.g., when a microphone of mobile device102detects a whistling sound in a given frequency range or a speech command).

Mobile device102can then provide (708), to digital media device104and through the communication channel, parameters for configuring digital media device104. The parameters can include credentials for receiving, from a server, media content accessible by mobile device102. The credentials can include a password to access a wireless portion of the communications network, an account name and a password to access the media content on the server, a token for authenticating the digital media device at the server, or combinations of the above. The token can be received by mobile device102from the server. The parameters can include user preference information for configuring digital media device104. The user preference information can include at least one of a content sharing setting of mobile device102or a language setting of mobile device102.

In some implementations, when mobile device102receives the wireless signal, digital media device104can include previously stored parameters. The previously stored parameters can include user preferences or credentials manually entered on digital media device104. The previously stored parameters can include at least one of a user selection of media content on a server or a user selection of servers through a communications network. Mobile device102can record a status of digital media device104. The status can include the previously stored parameters of digital media device104. Mobile device102can automatically configure another digital media device using the recorded status.

FIG. 7Bis a flowchart illustrating exemplary procedure720of digital media device104automatically requesting configuration. Digital media device104can determine (722) that digital media device104is ready to be configured. Determining that digital media device104is ready to be configured can include determining that digital media device104is powered up the first time, is reset, or has received a request (e.g., from a remote control) for reconfiguration.

Digital media device104can broadcast (724) a wireless signal requesting configuration information. The wireless signal can be beacon signal202. The wireless signal can include a payload indicating a type or model of digital media device104.

Digital media device104can establish (726) a communication channel between digital media device104and a mobile device (e.g., mobile device102) located within a proximity threshold distance from the digital media device. The proximity threshold distance can be less than a maximum distance at which the wireless signal from digital media device104is detectable by mobile device102.

Digital media device104can configure (728) digital media device104using parameters received from mobile device102through the communication channel. The parameters can include user preference information for configuring digital media device102. The user preference information can include at least one of a content sharing setting of mobile device102or a language setting of mobile device102.

In some implementations, digital media device104can provide previously stored parameters to mobile device102through the communication channel. The previously stored parameters can include at least one of a user selection of media content on a server or a user selection of servers through a communications network.

Exemplary Mobile Device Architecture

FIG. 8is a block diagram illustrating exemplary device architecture800of a mobile device implementing the disclosed features and operations. A mobile device (e.g., mobile device102) can include memory interface802, one or more data processors, image processors and/or processors804, and peripherals interface806. Memory interface802, one or more processors804and/or peripherals interface806can be separate components or can be integrated in one or more integrated circuits. Processors804can include application processors, baseband processors, and wireless processors. The various components in mobile device102, for example, can be coupled by one or more communication buses or signal lines.

Sensors, devices, and subsystems can be coupled to peripherals interface806to facilitate multiple functionalities. For example, motion sensor810, light sensor812, and proximity sensor814can be coupled to peripherals interface806to facilitate orientation, lighting, and proximity functions of the mobile device. Location processor815(e.g., GPS receiver) can be connected to peripherals interface806to provide geopositioning. Electronic magnetometer816(e.g., an integrated circuit chip) can also be connected to peripherals interface806to provide data that can be used to determine the direction of magnetic North. Thus, electronic magnetometer816can be used as an electronic compass. Motion sensor810can include one or more accelerometers configured to determine change of speed and direction of movement of the mobile device. Barometer817can include one or more devices connected to peripherals interface806and configured to measure pressure of atmosphere around the mobile device.

Camera subsystem820and an optical sensor822, e.g., a charged coupled device (CCD) or a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) optical sensor, can be utilized to facilitate camera functions, such as recording photographs and video clips.

Communication functions can be facilitated through one or more wireless communication subsystems824, which can include radio frequency receivers and transmitters and/or optical (e.g., infrared) receivers and transmitters. The specific design and implementation of the communication subsystem824can depend on the communication network(s) over which a mobile device is intended to operate. For example, a mobile device can include communication subsystems824designed to operate over a GSM network, a GPRS network, an EDGE network, a Wi-Fi™ or WiMAX™ network, and a Bluetooth™ network. In particular, the wireless communication subsystems824can include hosting protocols such that the mobile device can be configured as a base station for other wireless devices.

Audio subsystem826can be coupled to a speaker828and a microphone830to facilitate voice-enabled functions, such as voice recognition, voice replication, digital recording, and telephony functions. Audio subsystem826can be configured to receive voice commands from the user.

I/O subsystem840can include touch surface controller842and/or other input controller(s)844. Touch surface controller842can be coupled to a touch surface846or pad. Touch surface846and touch surface controller842can, for example, detect contact and movement or break thereof using any of a plurality of touch sensitivity technologies, including but not limited to capacitive, resistive, infrared, and surface acoustic wave technologies, as well as other proximity sensor arrays or other elements for determining one or more points of contact with touch surface846. Touch surface846can include, for example, a touch screen.

Other input controller(s)844can be coupled to other input/control devices848, such as one or more buttons, rocker switches, thumb-wheel, infrared port, USB port, and/or a pointer device such as a stylus. The one or more buttons (not shown) can include an up/down button for volume control of speaker828and/or microphone830.

In one implementation, a pressing of the button for a first duration may disengage a lock of the touch surface846; and a pressing of the button for a second duration that is longer than the first duration may turn power to mobile device102on or off. The user may be able to customize a functionality of one or more of the buttons. The touch surface846can, for example, also be used to implement virtual or soft buttons and/or a keyboard.

In some implementations, mobile device102can present recorded audio and/or video files, such as MP3, AAC, and MPEG files. In some implementations, mobile device102can include the functionality of an MP3 player. Mobile device102may, therefore, include a pin connector that is compatible with the iPod. Other input/output and control devices can also be used.

Memory interface802can be coupled to memory850. Memory850can include high-speed random access memory and/or non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic disk storage devices, one or more optical storage devices, and/or flash memory (e.g., NAND, NOR). Memory850can store operating system852, such as Darwin, RTXC, LINUX, UNIX, OS X, WINDOWS, iOS, or an embedded operating system such as VxWorks. Operating system852may include instructions for handling basic system services and for performing hardware dependent tasks. In some implementations, operating system852can include a kernel (e.g., UNIX kernel).

Memory850may also store communication instructions854to facilitate communicating with one or more additional devices, one or more computers and/or one or more servers. Memory850may include graphical user interface instructions856to facilitate graphic user interface processing; sensor processing instructions858to facilitate sensor-related processing and functions; phone instructions860to facilitate phone-related processes and functions; electronic messaging instructions862to facilitate electronic-messaging related processes and functions; web browsing instructions864to facilitate web browsing-related processes and functions; media processing instructions866to facilitate media processing-related processes and functions; GPS/Navigation instructions868to facilitate GPS and navigation-related processes and instructions; camera instructions870to facilitate camera-related processes and functions; magnetometer data872and calibration instructions874to facilitate magnetometer calibration. The memory850may also store other software instructions (not shown), such as security instructions, web video instructions to facilitate web video-related processes and functions, and/or web shopping instructions to facilitate web shopping-related processes and functions. In some implementations, the media processing instructions866are divided into audio processing instructions and video processing instructions to facilitate audio processing-related processes and functions and video processing-related processes and functions, respectively. An activation record and International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) or similar hardware identifier can also be stored in memory850. Memory850can store device configurations instructions876that, when executed, can cause processor804to perform operations of detecting beacon broadcast from a digital media device, determining a distance between mobile device102and the digital media device, detecting one or more confirmation events (e.g., a tapping event), providing configuration information to the digital media device, controlling functions or content of the digital media device, and porting configuration information from one digital media device to another digital media device.

Exemplary Operating Environment

FIG. 9is a block diagram of exemplary network operating environment900for the mobile devices implementing the features and operations of category-based geofence. Mobile devices902aand902bcan, for example, communicate over one or more wired and/or wireless networks910in data communication. For example, a wireless network912, e.g., a cellular network, can communicate with a wide area network (WAN)914, such as the Internet, by use of a gateway916. Likewise, an access device918, such as an 802.11g wireless access point, can provide communication access to the wide area network914. Each of mobile devices902aand902bcan be mobile device102.

In some implementations, both voice and data communications can be established over wireless network912and the access device918. For example, mobile device902acan place and receive phone calls (e.g., using voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) protocols), send and receive e-mail messages (e.g., using Post Office Protocol 3 (POP3)), and retrieve electronic documents and/or streams, such as web pages, photographs, and videos, over wireless network912, gateway916, and wide area network914(e.g., using Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) or User Datagram Protocol (UDP)). Likewise, in some implementations, the mobile device902bcan place and receive phone calls, send and receive e-mail messages, and retrieve electronic documents over the access device918and the wide area network914. In some implementations, mobile device902aor902bcan be physically connected to the access device918using one or more cables and the access device918can be a personal computer. In this configuration, mobile device902aor902bcan be referred to as a “tethered” device.

Mobile devices902aand902bcan also establish communications by other means. For example, wireless device902acan communicate with other wireless devices, e.g., other mobile devices, cell phones, etc., over the wireless network912. Likewise, mobile devices902aand902bcan establish peer-to-peer communications920, e.g., a personal area network, by use of one or more communication subsystems, such as the Bluetooth™ communication devices. Other communication protocols and topologies can also be implemented.

Mobile device902aor902bcan, for example, communicate with one or more services930and940over the one or more wired and/or wireless networks. For example, one or more media services930can provide streaming services of audio or video content to mobile devices902aand902b. Online store940can provide applications (e.g., games, utility tools, or educational software) to mobile devices902aand902b.

Mobile device902aor902bcan communicate with one or more media devices950. Each of media devices950can be a digital media device (e.g., digital media device104). Each of media devices950can communicate to other devices, including mobile device902aor902b, through wide area network914, a local area network, or a personal area network. Each media devices950, after automatic configuration by a mobile device, can receive content from media service930or online store940.

Mobile device902aor902bcan also access other data and content over the one or more wired and/or wireless networks. For example, content publishers, such as news sites, Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds, web sites, blogs, social networking sites, developer networks, etc., can be accessed by mobile device902aor902b. Such access can be provided by invocation of a web browsing function or application (e.g., a browser) in response to a user touching, for example, a Web object.

Exemplary System Architecture

FIG. 10is a block diagram of exemplary system architecture1000for implementing the features and operations ofFIG. 1-7. Other architectures are possible, including architectures with more or fewer components. System architecture1000can be an architecture for digital media device104. In some implementations, architecture1000includes one or more processors1002(e.g., dual-core Intel® Xeon® Processors), one or more output devices1004(e.g., an interface to a LCD monitor), one or more network interfaces1006, one or more input devices1008(e.g., interfaces for connecting to a mouse, keyboard, touch-sensitive display, or a remote control) and one or more computer-readable mediums1012(e.g., RAM, ROM, SDRAM, hard disk, optical disk, flash memory, etc.). These components can exchange communications and data over one or more communication channels1010(e.g., buses), which can utilize various hardware and software for facilitating the transfer of data and control signals between components.

The term “computer-readable medium” refers to any medium that participates in providing instructions to processor1002for execution, including without limitation, non-volatile media (e.g., optical or magnetic disks), volatile media (e.g., memory) and transmission media. Transmission media includes, without limitation, coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics.

Computer-readable medium1012can further include operating system1014(e.g., Mac OS® server, Windows Server®, UNIX®, Linux®, or iOS®), network communication module1016, wireless content management instructions1020and configuration instructions1030. Operating system1014can be multi-user, multiprocessing, multitasking, multithreading, real time, etc. Operating system1014performs basic tasks, including but not limited to: recognizing input from and providing output to devices1006,1008; keeping track and managing files and directories on computer-readable mediums1012(e.g., memory or a storage device); controlling peripheral devices; and managing traffic on the one or more communication channels1010. Network communications module1016includes various components for establishing and maintaining network connections (e.g., software for implementing communication protocols, such as TCP/IP, HTTP, etc.). Wireless content management instructions1020can include computer instructions that, when executed, cause processor1002to perform operations of managing a user's accounts at various online content providers. Configurations instructions1030can include computer instructions that, when executed, cause processor1002to perform operations automatically configuring digital media device104, including procedure720as described above in reference toFIG. 7B.

Architecture1000can be implemented in a parallel processing or peer-to-peer infrastructure or on a single device with one or more processors. Software can include multiple software components or can be a single body of code.

A number of implementations of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.