Personal access and control of media peripherals on a media exchange network

Methods are disclosed for indirectly monitoring and controlling at least one media peripheral device in a media exchange network by accessing a media management system (MMS) via a first media peripheral (MP) device (e.g., a TV screen) using a user control device (e.g., a remote control). An operation corresponding to a second media peripheral (MP) device (e.g., a digital camera) may be selected via the MMS using the first MP device and the user control device. The operation is then carried out (i.e., performed) by the second MP device. A status of the second MP device may be selected via the MMS using the first MP device and the user control device. The selected status is then displayed on the first MP device.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/657,390 filed on Sep. 8, 2003, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

SEQUENCE LISTING

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Digital media devices may be battery powered, portable or mobile devices that are designed to operate while in motion (“roaming digital media devices”), or may be designed for operation while in a fixed location and usually connected to a power outlet (“stationary digital media devices”). Typical digital media devices, including media capture and player devices such as video and image cameras, audio recorders, and video, audio and image players, are designed for direct user control.

Direct control of such digital media devices occurs manually through buttons, switches and keypads on the digital media device or on an associated remote control device. With direct control, users have access to a wide set of device commands and trick modes, such as power on or off, play, rewind, capture, erase, delete, zoom, rewind, skip, sleep, standby, volume, brightness, modes, scan, etc. Direct access to media (for playback, review, etc.) in typical digital media devices is but one result of direct control.

Many of such digital media devices also use displays, light emitting diodes, and other visual components to assist the user in carrying out direct control. Audible or audio components are also often employed to assist.

Most digital media devices offer no means for indirect control, and, for those that do, the indirect control is very limited and difficult to use. Indirect control is control that is initiated from an independent device that may or may not be operated by a user. Independent devices do not include remote control devices that communicate directly with the digital media device (associated remote control devices).

A personal computer (PC) is an exemplary independent device that is often used to indirectly access media stored on a digital media device via a wired link. The indirect control of such digital media devices involves the: (1) exchange of media meta information, e.g., media file names, sizes, dates, resolution and format; (2) uploading of media to the digital media device; or (3) downloading of media from the digital media device. Through such indirect control, a user is able to extract media for printing, routing, or processing or load media for playback or review. Even so, the overall process for doing so is not easy.

For example, to route images to a friend, a user removes a digital camera from its case and through direct control turns on the power, adjusts settings and captures images. Afterwards, the user through direct control turns off the power and returns the camera to its case. Later, when within range of a PC, the user: (1) removes the digital camera from its case; (2) attaches a cable between the PC and the digital camera; (3) powers up the digital camera using direct control; (4) places the camera in a download mode using direct control; (5) runs a PC application that, using indirect control, copies the image files from the digital camera to the PC via the cable; (6) powers down the digital camera using direct control; (7) removes the cable; (8) places the camera into its case; (9) exits the PC application; (10) establishes an Internet connection; (11) runs an e-mail program on the PC; and (12) creates and sends an e-mail with the image files attached. This process is very tedious and time consuming, and, especially when problems arise, requires a fairly savvy user.

Occasionally, a user may want to determine certain status of a digital media device such as, for example, model number, software/firmware version, settings, and capabilities. As a result, the user may have to manually examine the digital media device or read through much of the user's manual of the digital media device. Also, in order to discover a battery charge level or a stored image status, for example, of a digital media device, a user may have to find, unpack, and examine the digital media device.

Many times, a user may quickly grab a digital media device such as, for example, a digital camera, only to discover that the digital camera is not ready to use because the charge of the battery pack is low. A user may have to keep a digital media device plugged into a wall socket while not using the digital media device to ensure that a battery pack of the digital media device is charged.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to indirectly monitoring and controlling media peripheral devices on a media exchange network. As defined herein, a media peripheral device includes any device comprising a processor and media capture software and/or media player software. Also, a PC monitor, a TV screen, and any display device are considered media peripheral devices herein.

Aspects of the present invention may be seen in a system supporting the indirect control of at least one media peripheral. Such a system may comprise a first television display in a first home, a first storage in the first home for storing media, a second storage in the second home, and at least one media peripheral, in the second home. The first storage may have an associated first network protocol address, the second storage may have an associated second network protocol address, and the at least one media peripheral may be communicatively coupled to the second storage. An embodiment of the present invention may also comprise server software that receives via a communication network a request that identifies one of the associated first and second network protocol addresses. The request may also identify one of the at least one media peripheral, and at least one media peripheral command selected by a user at the first home.

In an embodiment in accordance with the present invention, the server may respond by identifying the other of the associated first and second network protocol addresses. In this manner, the server may support control from the first home, via the communication network, of the identified one of the at least one media peripheral, at the second home, according to the at least one media peripheral command. The first and second network protocol addresses may be one of an Internet protocol (IP) address, a media access control (MAC) address, and an electronic serial number (ESN). The at least one media peripheral may comprise at least one of a digital camera, a digital camcorder, an MP3 player, a home juke-box system, a multi-media personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile multi-media gateway device. The media may comprise at least one of audio, a still image, video, and data, and the media may comprise real-time video. The at least one media peripheral command may comprise at least one of on, off, select, play, capture, download, erase, delete, zoom, focus, pan, tilt, set compression format, set resolution, set frame rate, set quality, rewind, fast forward, scan, list, skip, and check status.

In an embodiment of the present invention, 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. The communication network may be the Internet. An embodiment of the present invention may also comprise a user interface, at the first home, for identifying at least one of the second home, the at least one media peripheral, and the at least one media peripheral command, and the user interface supporting at least one media channel.

Additional aspects of the present invention may be found in a system supporting the indirect control of at least one media peripheral. Such an embodiment may comprise a first storage in the first home that stores media, and a second storage in the second home. The first storage may have an associated first network address, and the second storage may have an associated second network address. An embodiment of the present invention may also comprise set top box circuitry, in the first home, communicatively coupled to the first storage and the second storage, and at least one media peripheral, in the second home, communicatively coupled to the second storage.

An embodiment of the present invention may also comprise server software. The server software may receive a request that identifies one of the associated first and second network addresses, one of the at least one media peripheral, and at least one media peripheral command. The server may respond by identifying the other of the associated first and second network addresses to support control, via a communication network, of the identified one of the at least one media peripheral, according to the at least one media peripheral command. The media may comprise at least one of audio, a still image, video, and data, and the at least one media peripheral may comprise at least one of a digital camera, a digital camcorder, an MP3 player, a home juke-box system, a multi-media personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile multi-media gateway device.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the 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). 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 server software in an embodiment of the present invention may forward media from the at least one media peripheral to the set top box circuitry. The server software may be at a location separate from the first home and the second home.

Further aspects of the present invention may be observed in a system supporting the indirect control of at least one media peripheral. Such an embodiment may comprise a first storage, in a first home, that stores media, and at least one media peripheral, in a second home. The system may also comprise set top box circuitry, in the first home, communicatively coupled via a communication network, to exchange media between the first storage and the at least one media peripheral. An embodiment may also comprise server software that supports the delivery of at least one media peripheral command to the at least one media peripheral, and the exchange of media between the at least one media peripheral and the set top box circuitry.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the media may comprise at least one of audio, a still image, video, real-time video, and data. The at least one media peripheral command may comprise at least one of on, off, select, play, capture, download, erase, delete, zoom, focus, pan, tilt, set compression format, set resolution, set frame rate, set quality, rewind, fast forward, scan, list, skip, and check status. 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. The at least one media peripheral may comprise at least one of a digital camera, a digital camcorder, an MP3 player, a home juke-box system, a multi-media personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile multi-media gateway device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1Ais a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a media exchange network100supporting access, monitoring, and control of media peripheral devices (e.g.,108and109), in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. Specifically, the media exchange network100is a communication network comprising a first MPS (media processing system)101located in a home location115of the media exchange network100, a second MPS102at a remote location116, WAN(s) (“Wide Area Network(s)”)103, and LAN(s) (“Local Area Network(s)”)104. The MPS101may interface wirelessly or via a wired connection to both LAN(s)104and WAN(s)103. Similarly, MPS102may interface wirelessly or via a wired connection to WAN(s)103. Remote location116may be, for example, a user's second home, a friend's home, or a family member's home.

The media exchange network100also includes several PCs (“personal computers”)105,106, and107in the home location115of the media exchange network100that interface wirelessly or via a wired connection to the LAN(s)104. The PC's may comprise desktop PC's, notebook PC's, PDA's, or any computing device. The media exchange network100further comprises a first plurality of media peripheral devices108at the home location115, and a second plurality of media peripheral devices109at the remote location116. The first plurality of media peripheral devices108may interface wirelessly or via a wired connection to the MPS101in any combination. Similarly, the second plurality of media peripheral devices109may interface wirelessly or via a wired connection to the MPS102in any combination.

The media peripheral devices (108,109) may include a digital camera113, a digital camcorder124, a MP3 player125, a home juke-box system126, a multi-media PDA (personal digital assistant)119, and a mobile multi-media gateway device127. The MPS's (101,102) may include a TV screen111for viewing various types of media and for controlling and accessing the various media peripheral devices.

Furthermore, the media exchange network100comprises a 3rdparty media provider(s)112, a 3rdparty sales provider(s)120, a remote computer(s)121, a 3rdparty peripheral service(s)122, and a 3rdparty peripheral manufacturer(s)123all interfacing wirelessly or via a wired connection to the WAN(s)103.

The LAN(s)104may comprise, for example, a home cable infrastructure, an Ethernet infrastructure, an 802.11b wireless infrastructure, or a home PNA (phoneline networking alliance) infrastructure, providing peer-to-peer networking capability within the home location115.

The WAN(s)103may include cable infrastructure, DSL infrastructure, Internet infrastructure, or intranet infrastructure in order to provide communications between, for example, the home location115, the remote location116, and third party locations112,120,121,122,123. Entities within the LAN103and the WAN104may be identified using network or protocol addresses such as, for example, Internet protocol (IP) addresses, media access control (MAC) addresses, and electronic serial numbers (ESN's).

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. An MPS is also known, herein, as a media-box and/or an M-box.

Any of the PC's (105,106,107,121) may indirectly access and control any of the plurality of media peripheral devices (108,109). Such access and control may be accomplished in communication pathways via the MPS's (101,102) or outside of the MPS's (101,102). Similarly, any of the MPS's (101,102) may indirectly access and control any of the media peripheral devices (108,109) via a remote control110interacting with a TV screen111, or outside thereof.

Today, TV is typically only used for media consumption, not to control media peripheral devices without performing media consumption. An MPS may or may not be the beneficiary or initiator of media peripheral device controls.

There are many types of indirect control commands available to manipulate the various media peripheral devices. Each media peripheral device may have particular indirect commands unique to that device or type of device. Many of the indirect commands will find parallels to the available direct commands. Exemplary commands include turning media peripheral devices108and/or109on and off, initiating play, capture, select, erase/delete, zoom, focus, pan, tilt, fast forward, rewind, scan, list, skip, etc.

Media peripheral devices may be controlled from a TV screen111or a PC105via user interaction, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. For example, a user may initiate checking of battery levels of the media peripheral devices through his TV screen.

FIG. 1Bis a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a device view130with drop down menus for controlling the operation of media peripheral devices on the media exchange network100ofFIG. 1A, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. The device view130comprises a table of media peripheral device options131versus media content categories132(e.g., image files, video files, audio files, album titles) for each of the media peripheral devices. The media peripheral device options131listed in the device view130include a digital camera option133, a digital camcorder option134, a MP3 player option135, a multi-media PDA option136, a home juke-box option137, a first home PC option138, a mobile multi-media gateway option139, and a second home PC option140.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a user may call up the device view130on a TV screen of a MPS, using a remote control, or on the monitor of a PC, using a keyboard or mouse, on the media exchange network100. The user may select a device option from the device view130in order to display a drop-down sub-menu (e.g., sub-menu141). A sub-menu provides access, control, and monitoring command options to the user for that device.

For example, referring toFIG. 1AandFIG. 1B, a user of the MPS101may call up the device view130on the TV screen111using the remote control110and select the digital camcorder option134on the device view130. The device view130may be stored in the MPS101, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The sub-menu141appears on the TV screen111and the user selects the “power on/off” option to power the digital camera113on. As another example, a user of the PC107may call up the device view130on a monitor of the PC107using a keyboard and select the MP3 player option135on the device view130. The sub-menu142appears on the PC monitor and the user selects the “play” option to play the songs digitally stored in the MP3 player125.

As a further example, a user of the MPS102at the remote location116may call up the device view130on the TV screen of the MPS102using a remote control and select the second home PC option140on the device view130. The sub-menu143appears on the TV screen of the MPS102and the user selects the “download” option to begin the process of downloading an image file from the PC105at the home location115via the LAN104, the MPS101, and the WAN103. Such remote access may require permission to be granted, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Other sub-menu options are available as well such as, for example, a “check status” option that allows a user to check the status of a media peripheral device, a “change resolution” option that allows a user to change a digital file resolution of a MP device, and a “frame rate” option that allows a user to change an acquisition frame rate of a MP device.

FIG. 1Cis a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a media peripheral device status page150showing status information of various media peripheral devices on the media exchange network100ofFIG. 1A, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. The media peripheral device status page150comprises a table of media peripheral device options151versus status information categories152and allows a user to view the status of multiple media peripheral devices on the media exchange network100. The status information categories152may include, for example, “battery level”, “power on/off”, “storage used”, “storage left”, and “within range”.

“Battery level” refers to the percent of full charge remaining on the battery or power pack of the media peripheral device. “Power on/off” indicates the power state of the media peripheral device (i.e., ON or OFF). “Storage used” refers to the percent of total digital storage space that has been used in the media peripheral device. “Storage left” refers to the percent of total digital storage space remaining (i.e., unused) in the media peripheral device. Finally, “within range” refers to whether or not the media peripheral device is currently able to access the polling device (e.g., MPS or PC). The polling device is the device that is trying to access the status information from the media peripheral device. If the polling device cannot currently access a certain media peripheral device, the MP device status page150will indicate “NO” under the “within range” category for that MP device. Otherwise, the indication will be “YES”.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a user may call up the MP device status page150on a TV screen of a MPS, using a remote control, or on the monitor of a PC, using a keyboard or mouse, on the media exchange network100. The user may then view the status of each media peripheral device in the MP device status page150for each status information category152(assuming the MP device is within range). For example, the user may look under “battery level” for the multi-media PDA option and discover that the battery level for the multi-media PDA119is at 70% of full charge. As another example, the user may look under “storage left” for the digital camera option and discover that the amount of digital storage space remaining is 70% in the digital camera113.

FIG. 2Ais a flowchart200illustrating a general embodiment of a method, using the media exchange network100ofFIG. 1A, for indirectly controlling a media peripheral device, in accordance with certain aspects of the present invention. In step201, indirect control of a media peripheral device is initiated by a media control initiation device. The media control initiation device may comprise, for example, a MPS, a PC, or another media peripheral device. The media peripheral device may comprise, for example, a digital camera, a digital camcorder, a MP3 player, a home juke-box system, a multi-media PDA, or a mobile multi-media gateway.

In step202, a decision is made based on whether or not the media control initiation device is a MPS. If the media control initiation device is a MPS, then the method200proceeds to step203, else the method200proceeds to step204.

In step203, at least one control command is communicated indirectly from the media control initiation device to the media peripheral device over a communication path comprising at least one wired and/or wireless connection between the media control initiation device and the media peripheral device. The at least one wired and/or wireless connection may comprise at least one local area network and/or at least one wide area network, or any combination thereof.

In step204, at least one control command is communicated indirectly from the media control initiation device to the media peripheral device over a communication path comprising at least one MPS and at least one wired and/or wireless connection between the media control initiation device and the media peripheral device. The at least one wired and/or wireless connection may comprise at least one local area network and/or at least one wide area network, or any combination thereof. In step205, the media peripheral carries out the at least one control command.

FIG. 2Bis a flowchart206illustrating a specific embodiment of the method ofFIG. 2A, using the media exchange network100ofFIG. 1A, for indirectly controlling a media peripheral device, in accordance with certain aspects of the present invention. In step207, a user of a PC (e.g., PC106at home location115) initiates indirect control of a media peripheral device (e.g., digital camera114at remote location116) using a keyboard or mouse.

In step208, a control command (e.g., “power on”) is communicated from the PC to a first network infrastructure (e.g., LAN(s)104) via either a wireless or wired connection. In step209, the control command is communicated from the first network infrastructure to a first MPS (e.g., MPS101) via either a wireless or wired connection. In step210, the control command is communicated from the first MPS to a second network infrastructure (e.g., WAN(s)103) via either a wireless or wired connection.

In step211, the control command is communicated from the second network infrastructure to a second MPS (e.g., MPS102) via either a wireless or wired connection. In step212, the control command is communicated from the second MPS to the media peripheral device via either a wireless or wired connection. In step213, the media peripheral device carries out the command (i.e., performs the associated operation such that the digital camera114powers on).

In another example, a digital camera113may be placed on a table in the home location115. A user of the PC107may command digital camera113to turn on using a keyboard. The command may be communicated to digital camera113wirelessly from PC107. Next, the user of the PC107may initiate another command to digital camera113, in a similar manner, instructing digital camera113to download image files from digital camera113to PC107.

The management of memory, such as evaluating how much memory storage space is left in a media peripheral or moving and migrating media files, may be controlled using certain media peripheral commands. For example, a user of the MPS101may command digital camera113to turn on using a remote control. The command may be communicated to digital camera113wirelessly from MPS101using the TV screen111and remote control110. Next, the user of the MPS101may initiate another command to digital camera113, in a similar manner, instructing digital camera13to download image files from digital camera113to MPS101.

As yet another example, a user of the PC105may command digital camera113to turn on using a mouse. The command may be communicated wirelessly from PC10S to LAN(s)104, and then through a wired connection from LAN(s)104to MPS101. Finally, the command may be communicated wirelessly from MPS101to digital camera113. Next, the user of the PC105may initiate another command to digital camera113, in a similar manner, instructing digital camera113to download image files from digital camera113to MPS101. Finally, the user of the PC105may initiate a third command to MPS101via LNA(s)104, instructing MPS101to display the pictures in the image files on TV screen111.

The digital camera114may have been left on a table at remote location116pointing out a window. A user may use remote control110at home location115to power on digital camera114and MPS102via MPS101and TV screen111from home location115. The power-on commands may be initiated by the user of the MPS101and may be communicated from MPS101to WAN(s)103via a wired connection, and then from WAN(s)103to MPS102via a wired connection. Finally, the commands may be communicated from MPS102to digital camera114via a wireless connection. Next, the user of the MPS101may initiate another command, in a similar manner, to direct digital camera114to take pictures at remote location116.

As yet another example, a user of the MPS102may command digital camera113to turn on and download image files to MPS102. The commands may be communicated from MPS102, using a remote control, to WAN(s)103via a wireless connection, and then from WAN(s)103to MPS101via a wired connection, and finally from MPS101to digital camera113via a wired connection.

As another example of indirect control, a user of the MPS101may command home juke-box system126to be turned on via a wireless connection using remote control110and TV screen111. Next, the user of the MPS101commands the home juke-box system126to download a music file in a first format to MPS101. The command is accomplished over the wireless connection between MPS101and home juke-box system126. After the MPS101converts the music file from the first format to a second MP3 format, the user of the MPS101commands that MP3 player125at home location115and an MP3 player128at remote location116both be turned on. The command from the MPS101to the MP3 player125may be communicated via a wireless connection. The command from the MPS101to the MP3 player128at remote location116may be communicated first from the MPS101to the WAN(s)103via a wired connection, and then from the WAN(s)103to the MPS102via a wired connection, and finally from the MPS102to the MP3 player128at the remote location116via a wireless connection. As a result, the MPS101may follow up by downloading the music file in the second MP3 format to the MP3 player125at the home location115and to the MP3 player128at the remote location116.

Certain media peripheral commands may be initiated by a user to perform feature interrogation such that a user can access the stats of a media peripheral (e.g., camera resolution, version number, model number, serial number, registration information, etc.). Also, a user may control a media delivery format such as a compression format, resolution, quality, etc. For example, a user of the MPS101may initiate a command to the digital camcorder124for the digital camcorder124to power on using a remote control. Next, the user of the MPS101may command the digital camcorder124to deliver a stats file to the MPS101. The commands may be communicated via a wireless connection.

FIG. 2Cis a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method215for indirectly monitoring status information of media peripheral devices on the media exchange network100ofFIG. 1A, in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. In step216indirect monitoring of a media peripheral device is initiated by a status monitoring device (e.g., a MPS or a PC). In step217, a decision is made as to whether or not the status monitoring device is an MPS. If the status monitoring device is a MPS, then the method215proceeds to step218. Otherwise, the method215proceeds to step219. In step218, a status access command is communicated indirectly from the status monitoring device to the media peripheral device over a communication path comprising at least one wired and/or wireless connection between the status monitoring device and the media peripheral device. In step219, a status access command is communicated indirectly from the status monitoring device to the media peripheral device over a communication path comprising at least one MPS and at least one wired and/or wireless connection between the status monitoring device and the media peripheral device. In step220, the status of the media peripheral device is communicated to the status monitoring device.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, a status monitoring device may comprise a MPS, a PC, or another media peripheral device.

As an example, a user of the MPS101initiates sending of a status access command to the home juke-box system126over a wireless connection using the remote control110and TV screen111. The home juke-box system126responds to the status access command by sending status information back to the MPS101. The status information may include, for example, a power on/off state, storage used, storage left, and a within range indication for the home juke-box system126and may be displayed on the TV screen111.

As another example, a user of the MPS102at the remote location116initiates sending of a status access command to the MP3 player125at the home location115using a remote control and TV screen at the remote location116. The status access command is transmitted over a wired connection to the WAN103, then to the MPS101, and finally over a wireless connection to the MP3 player125. The MP3 player125responds to the status access command by sending status information back to the MPS102. The status information may include, for example, a power on/off state, a battery level, storage used, storage left, and a within range indication for the MPS125and may be displayed on the TV screen of the MPS102.

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 PC1100is 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.

Aspects of the present invention include a system and method that provides indirect access and control of media peripheral devices in a manner not previously accomplished. Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to various types of media peripheral device control and access, and various sources of initiation of media peripheral device control and access.