Content distribution service

This disclosure describes content distribution circuitry that supports content distribution between one or more users. The disclosure describes a system including circuitry for receiving a request for at least a specific instance of content from a user; circuitry for receiving a request to notify at least one remote user that said specific instance of said content has been selected by said user; and circuitry for transmitting said specific instance of said content to said user and said at least one remote user.

SUMMARY

An embodiment provides a method. In one implementation, a method includes but is not limited to receiving a request for at least a specific instance of content from a user, receiving a request to notify at least one remote user that said specific instance of said content has been selected by said user, transmitting a notification to said at least one remote user that said user has selected said specific instance of said content, receiving an indication that said at least one remote user selected said specific instance of said content, transmitting said indication that said at least one remote user selected said specific instance of said content to said user, transmitting said specific instance of said content to said user and said at least one remote user, and enabling interaction between said user and said at least one remote user. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

An embodiment provides a method. In one implementation, a method includes but is not limited to receiving at a user device, a notification that at least one remote user has selected a specific instance of content, displaying on said user device a request to select said specific instance of content indicated by said notification, receiving a request to select said specific instance of said content, transmitting an indication to said at least one remote user that said specific instance of said content has been selected, receiving said specific instance of said content, displaying on said user device said specific instance of said content, enabling said user device to handle at least one manipulation of at least said specific instance of said content, and enabling said user device to communicate with at least one remote user. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

An embodiment provides a method. In one implementation, a method includes but is not limited to transmitting a request for content to a server, receiving on a user device, information identifying one or more specific instances of said content from said server, displaying on said user device an indication of said one or more specific instances of said content, receiving a request for at least a specific instance of said content, server, receiving, transmitting said notification to at least one remote user to said server, receiving from said server an indication that at least one remote user has selected said specific instance of said content, receiving on said user device said specific instance of said content, and enabling said user device to send and receive at least one communication from at least one remote user. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

An embodiment provides a method. In one implementation, the method includes but is not limited to receiving, at a user device a notification indicating at least a specific instance of content, transmitting a request to receive at least said specific instance of content to a server, and receiving at least said specific instance of content from said server. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

An embodiment provides a method. In one implementation, the method includes but is not limited to transmitting a notification to at least one remote user that a user has selected a specific instance of said content. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

An embodiment provides a method. In one implementation, the method includes but is not limited to receiving at a user device a notification that at least one remote user has selected a specific instance of content, displaying on said user device a request to select said specific instance of content indicated by said notification, and transmitting an indication to said at least one remote user that said specific instance of said content has been selected. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

An embodiment provides a system. In one implementation, the system includes but is not limited to circuitry for receiving a request for at least a specific instance of content from a user, circuitry for receiving a request to notify at least one remote user that said specific instance of said content has been selected by said user, circuitry for transmitting a notification to said at least one remote user that said user has selected said specific instance of said content, circuitry for receiving an indication that said at least one remote user selected said specific instance of said content, circuitry for transmitting said indication that said at least one remote user selected said specific instance of said content to said user, circuitry for transmitting said specific instance of said content to said user and said at least one remote user, and circuitry for enabling interaction between said user and said at least one remote user. In addition to the foregoing, other system aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

An embodiment provides a device. In one implementation, the device includes but is not limited to circuitry for receiving at a user device, a notification that at least one remote user has selected a specific instance of content, circuitry for displaying on said user device a request to select said specific instance of content indicated by said notification, circuitry for receiving a request to select said specific instance of said content, circuitry for transmitting an indication to said at least one remote user that said specific instance of said content has been selected, circuitry for receiving said specific instance of said content, circuitry for displaying on said user device said specific instance of said content, circuitry for enabling said user device to handle at least one manipulation of at least said specific instance of said content, and circuitry for enabling said user device to communicate with at least one remote user. In addition to the foregoing, other device aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

An embodiment provides a device. In one implementation, the device includes but is not limited to circuitry for transmitting a request for content to a server, circuitry for receiving on a user device, information identifying one or more specific instances of said content from said server, circuitry for displaying on said user device an indication of said one or more specific instances of said content, circuitry for receiving a request for at least a specific instance of said content, circuitry for transmitting said request for at least said specific instance of said content to said server, circuitry for receiving a request to send a notification to at least one remote user, circuitry for transmitting said notification to at least one remote user to said server, circuitry for receiving from said server, an indication that at least one remote user has selected said specific instance of said content, circuitry for receiving on said user device said specific instance of said content, circuitry for enabling said user device to send and receive at least one communication from at least one remote user. In addition to the foregoing, other device aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

An embodiment provides a method. In one implementation, a method includes but is not limited to receiving at a user device a notification that at least one remote user has selected a specific instance of content; displaying on said user device a request to select said specific instance of content indicated by said notification; and transmitting an indication to said at least one remote user that said specific instance of said content has been selected. In addition to the foregoing, various other method aspects are set forth and described in the text (e.g., claims and/or detailed description) and/or drawings of the present application.

In addition to the foregoing, various other aspects are set forth and described in the text (e.g., claims and/or detailed description) and/or drawings of the present description.

The foregoing is a summary and thus contains, by necessity, simplifications, generalizations and omissions of detail; consequently, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects, features, and advantages of the devices and/or processes described herein will become apparent in the detailed description set forth herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1illustrates an example system100in which embodiments may be implemented. Generally, the system100is operable to provide on-demand content, such as, for example, movies, TV shows, and/or music to a plurality of buddies. As such, the system100may be configured receive a request from a user to view a specific movie. The system100may be operable to receive a request to send a message to one or more remote users indicating that a specific movie had been selected by a user for viewing. The system100may be operable to receive an indication that a remote user has selected the movie identified by the message, and the system may transmit this information to a user. The system100may be configured to transmit the movie selected by the user to a remote user who also selected the movie. The system100also may be configured to allow a user and remote users to interact with each other during the movie.

The system100may include at least one server150. The server150may be used to provide some or all of the functionality just described. For example a server150may receive a request for a movie and transmit a notification and/or a movie to at least one user of the system. The server may be a shared resource and may include a content distribution device that may include for example, one or more telephone switches, one or more analog/digital cable head-ends and/or one or more internet servers, etc. The server may be a combination of hardware, and/or software that is operable to connect with users over a network (e.g., over the internet or other network).

The server150may consist of circuitry for receiving a request for at least a specific instance of content from a user1040. For example, media management logic120of server150receiving a request to view a specified movie stored in a database160from user1040. A more specific example might include, a network circuit receiving a packet indicative of a request to receive streaming video of a documentary film from a human1040.

The server150may include circuitry for receiving a request to notify at least one remote user that said specific instance of said content has been selected by said user. For example and in addition to the preceding example, media management logic120receiving a request to send a message to one or more of remote user1041, . . . , and/or remote user104N (where N is an integer other than 1) that user1040has selected the specified movie for viewing (although the foregoing convention is used throughout for sake of clarity, those skilled in the art will appreciate that in general such requests will be received from one or more devices respectively associated with user1040or buddy1041. . .104N). A more specific example might include media management logic120receiving a packet indicative of a request to notify at least one buddy1041. . .104N (e.g., such as on a buddy list) of user1040that user1040has elected to receive streaming video of the-above referenced documentary film.

The server150may include circuitry for transmitting a notification to said at least one remote user that said user has selected said specific instance of said content. For example and in addition to the preceding example, media management logic120transmitting to one or more of remote user1041, . . . , and/or remote user104N a message indicating that user1040has selected a specified movie for viewing. A more specific example might include media management logic120transmitting to the above-referenced buddies a message (e.g., text, video, and/or voice message) indicating that the above-referenced documentary film has been selected for viewing by user1040.

The server150may include circuitry for receiving an indication that said at least one remote user selected said specific instance of said content. For example and in addition to the preceding example, media management logic120receiving a signal from remote user1041and/or remote user104N indicating that remote user1041and/or remote user104N has selected the specified movie for viewing. A more specific example may include media management logic120receiving a packet from the above referenced one or more buddies1041. . .104N, wherein the packet contains information indicating that the above referenced one or more buddies1041. . .104N have elected to receive the above referenced streaming video of a documentary film.

The server150may comprise circuitry for transmitting said indication that said at least one remote user selected said specific instance of said content to said user. For example and in addition to the preceding example, media management logic120transmitting a signal to user1040indicating that remote user1041. . .104N have selected the specified movie for viewing. A more detailed example may include media management logic120transmitting a packet to user1040, wherein the packet contains information indicating that the above referenced one or more buddies1041. . .104N have elected to receive the above referenced streaming video of a documentary film.

The server150may contain circuitry for transmitting said specific instance of said content to said user and said at least one remote user. For example and in addition to the preceding example, media management logic120transmitting the specified movie to user1040and one or more remote users1041, . . . , and/or104N. More specifically, media management logic120streaming video of a documentary film to user1040and the above-referenced buddies1041, . . . , and/or104N.

The server150may include circuitry for enabling interaction between said user and said at least one remote user. For example and in addition to the preceding example, media management logic120enabling interaction between a user1040and one or more remote users1041through104N. More specifically, media management logic opening a channel for communicating (e.g., opening a push-to-talk, text, video, and/or cellular channel) between the user and one or more buddies.

The server150may include circuitry for receiving a request from said user to access a member list, wherein said member list contains said at least one remote user. For example media management logic120receiving a request from a user1040to access a membership circuit170containing a member list updated by member list management logic175containing at least one remote user1041. . .104N where (where N is an integer other than 1). More specifically, media management logic120receiving a packet indicative of a request to access a buddy list from a user1040. The buddy list containing information (e.g., information about whether the buddy is online, offline, busy, and/or available to watch a movie) about at least one buddy1041. . .104N.

The server150may include circuitry for receiving a request to notify at least one member of a member list that said specific instance of said content has been selected by said user. For example media management logic120may receive a request to select at least one remote user1041. . .104N from a member list maintained by member list management logic175to send a notification to. An example of this operation may include media management logic120receiving a packet indicative of a request to select one or more buddies to send a message to. Where the message indicates that a specific documentary film has been selected for streaming by a user1040.

In some example embodiments of system100the circuitry for transmitting a notification to said at least one remote user that said user has selected said specific instance of said content may include but is not limited to circuitry for transmitting to said user information indicating the status of said at least one remote user. For example, media management logic120transmitting the status of at least one remote user1041. . .104N to a user1040. The media management logic120may receive information about the status of at least one remote user1041. . .104N from a membership circuit170. A more specific example may include media management logic120sending a packet containing information about the status of a buddy (e.g., information indicating whether a buddy is online, offline, busy, and/or available to receive a streamed movie) to a user. Another example may include media management logic120transmitting information indicating whether a buddy has become momentarily unavailable (e.g., received a telephone call, e-mail, and/or left their device unattended).

In some example embodiments of the system100circuitry for transmitting a notification to said at least one remote user that said user has selected said specific instance of said content may include but is not limited to circuitry for transmitting information identifying at least a time for said specific instance of said content. For example, media management logic120transmitting to one or more buddies1041. . .104N a message generated by notification logic180where the generated message identifies a time for viewing a specific movie. More specifically, media management logic120transmitting a packet to at least one buddy1041. . .104N, where the packet is indicative of a message identifying a time for receiving a streamed documentary film.

In some example embodiments of the system100circuitry for transmitting a notification to said at least one remote user that said user has selected said specific instance of said content may include but is not limited to circuitry for transmitting a request to modify at least the selection of said specific instance of said content. For example, media management logic120transmitting a request to modify the selection of the movie to at least one remote user1041. . .104N. A specific example of this may include media management logic120transmitting a packet to at least one buddy1041. . .104N where the packet is indicative of a request for at least one buddy1041. . .104N to pick a different documentary film to stream.

In some example embodiments of the system100circuitry for transmitting a notification to said at least one remote user that said user has selected said specific instance of said content may include but is not limited to circuitry for transmitting a request to vote for a desired time for said specific instance of said content. For example, media management logic120transmitting a request for one or more remote members1041. . .104N to vote for a time to transmit a specific movie. More specifically, media management logic120transmitting a packet indicative of a request for one or more buddies to vote for a time from a list of possible times for the server150to stream the desired documentary film. In some instances the possible times are suggested by one or more of user1040and/or user1041. . .104N while in other instances the times are pre-specified by server150.

In some example embodiments of the system100the circuitry for transmitting a notification to said at least one remote user that said user has selected said specific instance of said content may include but is not limited to circuitry for transmitting a request to modify at least a time for said specific instance of said content. For example, media management logic120transmitting a request to modify the selection of the time for server to transmit a movie to at least one remote user1041. . .104N. More specifically, media management logic120transmitting a packet to at least one buddy1041. . .104N where the packet is indicative of a request for at least one buddy1041. . .104N to choose a different time for the server150to stream a documentary film to a user and one or more buddies1041. . .104N.

In some example embodiments of the system100the circuitry for receiving an indication that said at least one remote user selected said specific instance of said content may include but is not limited to circuitry for receiving information identifying whether said at least one remote user modified a time for said specific instance of said content. For example, media management logic120may receive a signal from one or more remote users1041. . .104N indicating that one or more of the remote users changed the time for server150to transmit a movie. More specifically, media management logic120may receive a packet indicative of a message from one or more buddies1041. . .104N. The packet may contain information indicating that one or more of the buddies1041. . .104N has modified the time that the server150was scheduled to stream a documentary film to user and buddies.

In some example embodiments of the system100the circuitry for receiving an indication that said at least one remote user selected said specific instance of said content may include but is not limited to circuitry for receiving information identifying whether said at least one remote user modified said said specific instance of said content. For example, media management logic120receiving a signal from one or more remote users1041. . .104N such signal indicating that one or more of the remote users changed the specific movie server150was scheduled to transmit. A more specific example of this may be media management logic120receiving a packet from one or more buddies1041. . .104N. The packet may contain information indicating that one or more buddies1041. . .104N changed the selection of documentary film to stream to user1040and/or one or more buddies1041. . .104N.

In some example embodiments of the system100the circuitry for receiving an indication that said at least one remote user selected said specific instance of said content may include but is not limited to circuitry for receiving information identifying whether said at least one remote user has voted for a desired time. For example, media management logic120receiving a signal indicative of a vote for a desired time for server150to transmit a movie. A more specific example may include media management logic120receiving a packet from at least one buddy1041. . .104N. Media management logic120may parse the received packet for information indicating whether the packet contains a vote, e.g., whether the buddy chose a time from a list of possible times for the server to stream a documentary film. The media management logic120may increment an entry in a table corresponding to the time indicated in the packet and determine the most popular time to view a documentary film by determining which time has the most votes. The media management logic120may then modify the selection of a time to stream the documentary film at the time with the most votes.

In some example embodiments of the system100the circuitry for transmitting said specific instance of said content to said user and said at least one remote user may include but is not limited to circuitry for transmitting a time synchronized specific instance of said content to said user and said at least one remote user. For example, media management logic120may transmit a movie synchronously to a user1040and at least one remote user1041through104N. More specifically media management logic120may stream a documentary film from a database concurrently to a user and at least one buddy1041. . .104N.

In some example embodiments of the system100the circuitry for enabling interaction between said user and said at least one remote user may include but is not limited to circuitry for enabling at least said user and/or said at least one remote user to manipulate said specific instance of said content. For example media management logic120operable to receive a request to manipulate the movie playing from a user1040or a buddy1041. . .104N. More specifically, media management logic operable to receive a packet indicative of a request from a user1040, a remote buddy1041. . .104N, and/or a by voting majority of users to manipulate (e.g., pause, stop, rewind, or fast forward) and to apply the manipulation concurrently to the streaming documentary film.

In some example embodiments of the system100the circuitry for enabling interaction between said user and said at least one remote user may include but is not limited to circuitry for enabling said user and said at least one remote user to communicate with each other. For example, media management logic120operable to allow a user1040to send a message to at least one remote user1041. . .104N. More specifically, media management logic120operable to allow a user to send a message (e.g., voice, video and/or text) over a communication link to at least one buddy1041. . .104N.

In some example embodiments of the system100the circuitry for enabling interaction between said user and said at least one remote user may include but is not limited to circuitry for enabling said user and said at least one remote user to communicate with each other during transmission of said specific instance of said content. For example media management logic120operable to transmit a movie to user1040and remote users1041. . .104N, and media management logic operable to open a communication channel between a user1040and at least one remote user1041. . .104N. More specifically, media management logic120streaming a documentary film to user and at least one buddy1041. . .104N. Media management logic120operable to handle at least one message (e.g., text, video, and/or voice message) to and from a user1040to at least one buddy1041. . .104N while the documentary film is being streamed.

Following are a series of flowcharts depicting implementations of processes. For ease of understanding, the flowcharts are organized such that the initial flowcharts present implementations via an overall “big picture” viewpoint and thereafter the following flowcharts present alternate implementations and/or expansions of the “big picture” flowcharts as either sub-steps or additional steps building on one or more earlier-presented flowcharts. Those having skill in the art will appreciate that the style of presentation utilized herein (e.g., beginning with a presentation of a flowchart(s) presenting an overall view and thereafter providing additions to and/or further details in subsequent flowcharts) generally allows for a rapid and easy understanding of the various process implementations. In addition, those skilled in the art will further appreciate that the style of presentation used herein also lends itself well to modular and/or object-oriented program design paradigms.

FIG. 2illustrates the operational flow200representing example operations relating to distributing content that optionally may include one or more of the operations200,202,204,206,208,210,212and/or214. Those skilled in the art will note that operations202-214are indicated by dashed lines, which, in general, is indicative of the fact that such steps are typically to be considered optional, and this is generally true throughout this disclosure with respect to described operations. That is, different implementations will typically employ one or more herein-described operations dependent upon context, and the selection of the appropriate operation(s) appropriate to the various context(s) is within the skill of one in the art in light of the teachings herein.

Operation200shows the start of the operational process. Operation202shows receiving a request for at least a specific instance of content from a user. For example, media management logic120of server150receiving a request to view a specified movie stored in a database160from user1040. A more specific example might include network circuit receiving a packet indicative of a request to receive streaming video of a documentary film from a human.

Operation204depicts receiving a request to notify at least one remote user that said specific instance of said content has been selected by said user. For example and in addition to the preceding example, media management logic120receiving a request to send a message to one or more of remote user1041, . . . , and/or remote user104N (where N is an integer other than 1) that user1040has selected the specified movie for viewing. A more specific example might include media management logic120receiving a packet indicative of a request to notify at least one buddy1041. . .104N (e.g., such as on a buddy list) of the user that the user has elected to receive streaming video of the-above referenced documentary film.

Operation206illustrates transmitting a notification to said at least one remote user that said user has selected said specific instance of said content. For example and in addition to the preceding example, media management logic120transmitting to one or more of remote user1041. . .104N a message indicating that user1040has selected a specified movie for viewing. A more specific example might include media management logic120transmitting to the above-referenced buddies1041. . .104N a message (e.g., text, video, and/or voice message) indicating that the above-referenced documentary film has been selected for viewing by a user1040.

Operation208illustrates receiving an indication that said at least one remote user selected said specific instance of said content. For example and in addition to the preceding example, media management logic120receiving a signal from remote user1041. . .104N. The signal indicating that remote user1041. . .104N has selected the specified movie for viewing. A more specific example may include media management logic120receiving a packet from the above referenced one or more buddies,1041. . .104N wherein the packet contains information indicating that the above referenced one or more buddies1041. . .104N has elected to receive the above referenced streaming video of a documentary film.

Operation210shows transmitting said indication that said at least one remote user selected said specific instance of said content to said user. For example and in addition to the preceding example, media management logic120transmitting a signal to user1040indicating that remote user1041. . .104N have selected the specified movie for viewing. A more detailed example may include media management logic120transmitting a packet to user, wherein the packet contains information indicating that the above referenced one or more buddies1041. . .104N have elected to receive the above referenced streaming video of a documentary film.

Operation212depicts transmitting said specific instance of said content to said user and said at least one remote user. For example and in addition to the preceding example, media management logic120transmitting the specified movie to user1040and one or more remote users1041, . . . , and/or104N. More specifically, media management logic120streaming video of a documentary film to the user and the above-referenced buddies1041. . .104N.

Operation214illuminates enabling interaction between said user and said at least one remote user. For example and in addition to the preceding example, media management logic120enabling interaction between a user1040and one or more remote users1041. . .104N. More specifically, media management logic opening a channel for communicating (e.g., opening a push-to-talk, text, and/or cellular channel) between the user1040and one or more buddies1041. . .104N.

FIG. 3provides an example of the operational sequence200. WhileFIG. 3throughFIG. 9provide additional embodiments of the operation200one skilled in the art will recognize that the operational steps illustrated inFIG. 3throughFIG. 9are examples and other embodiments exist.

FIG. 3illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operational flow200ofFIG. 2.FIG. 3illustrates an example embodiment where the operational flow of200includes operation316.

Operation316shows receiving a request from said user to access a member list, wherein said member list contains said at least one remote user. For example media management logic120receiving a request from a user1040to access a membership circuit170containing a member list updated by member list management logic175containing at least one remote user1041through104N where (where N is an integer other than 1). More specifically, media management logic120receiving a packet indicative of a request to access a buddy list from a user1040. The buddy list containing information (e.g., information about whether the buddy is online, offline, busy, and/or available to watch a movie) about at least one buddy1041. . .104N.

FIG. 4illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operational flow200ofFIG. 2. More specifically,FIG. 4illustrates the operation204of receiving a request to notify at least one remote user that said specific instance of said content has been selected by said user including an operational step418.

The example operation418illustrates receiving a request to notify at least one member of a member list that said specific instance of said content has been selected by said user. For example media management logic120may receive a request to select at least one remote user1041. . .104N from a member list maintained by member list management logic175to send a notification to. An example of this operation may include media management logic120receiving a packet indicative of a request to select one or more buddies1041. . .104N to send a message to. Where the message indicates that a specific documentary film has been selected for streaming by a user1040.

FIG. 5illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operational flow200ofFIG. 2. This example embodiment depicts operational step516.

The example operation516shows transmitting to said user information indicating the status of said at least one remote user. For example, media management logic120transmitting the status of at least one remote user1041. . .104N to a user1040, where the media management logic120may receive status information from a membership circuit170. A more specific example may include media management logic120sending a packet containing information about the status of a buddy1041. . .104N (e.g., information indicating whether a buddy is online, offline, busy, and/or available to receive a streamed movie) to a user1040. Another example may include media management logic120transmitting information indicating whether a buddy1041. . .104N has become momentarily unavailable (e.g., received a telephone call, e-mail, and/or left their device unattended).

FIG. 6illustrates alternative embodiments of the operational flow200ofFIG. 2.FIG. 6illustrates the operation206of transmitting a notification to said at least one remote user that said user has selected said specific instance of said content including operation616, operation618, operation620, and/or operation622.

Operation616shows transmitting information identifying at least a time for said specific instance of said content. For example, media management logic120transmitting to one or more buddies1041. . .104N a message generated by notification logic180where the generated message identifies a time for viewing a specific movie. More specifically, media management logic120transmitting a packet to at least one buddy1041. . .104N, where the packet is indicative of a message identifying a time for receiving a streamed documentary film.

Operational step618shows transmitting a request to modify at least the selection of said specific instance of said content. For example, media management logic120transmitting a request to modify the selection of the movie to at least one remote user1041. . .104N. A specific example of this may include media management logic120transmitting a packet to at least one buddy1041. . .104N where the packet is indicative of a request for at least one buddy1041. . .104N to pick a different documentary film to stream.

The additional operational step620illustrates transmitting a request to vote for a desired time for said specific instance of said content. For example, media management logic120transmitting a request for one or more remote members1041. . .104N to vote for a time to transmit a specific movie. More specifically, media management logic120transmitting a packet indicative of a request for one or more buddies1041. . .104N to choose a time from a list of possible times for the server150to stream the desired documentary film.

Operational step622illustrates an additional operational step of transmitting a request to modify at least the selection of said specific instance of said content. For example, media management logic120transmitting a request to modify the selection of the time for server150to transmit a movie to at least one remote user1041. . .104N. More specifically, media management logic120transmitting a packet to at least one buddy1041. . .104N where the packet is indicative of a request for at least one buddy1041. . .104N to choose a different time for the server150to stream a documentary film to a user and one or more buddies1041. . .104N.

FIG. 7illustrates alternate embodiments of the example operational flow200.FIG. 7illustrates the operational step208of receiving an indication that said at least one remote user selected said specific instance of said content including operations716,718and/or720.

The operation716shows receiving information identifying whether said at least one remote user modified a time for said specific instance of said content. For example, media management logic120may receive a signal from one or more remote users1041. . .104N indicating that one or more of the remote users changed the time for server150to transmit a movie. More specifically, media management logic120may receive a packet indicative of a message from one or more buddies1041. . .104N. The packet may contain information indicating that one or more of the buddies1041. . .104N has modified the time that the server150was scheduled to stream a documentary film to a user1040and buddies1041. . .104N.

Operation718shows receiving information identifying whether said at least one remote user modified said specific instance of said content. For example, media management logic120receiving a signal from one or more remote users1041. . .104N such signal indicating that one or more of the remote users1041. . .104N changed the specific movie server150was scheduled to transmit. A more specific example of this may be media management logic120receiving a packet from one or more buddies1041. . .104N. The packet may contain information indicating that one or more buddies1041. . .104N changed the selection of documentary film to stream to a user1040and one or more buddies1041. . .104N.

Operation720shows receiving information identifying whether said at least one remote user has voted for a desired time. For example, media management logic120receiving a signal indicative of a vote for a desired time for server150to transmit a movie. A more specific example of operation720may include media management logic120receiving a packet from at least one buddy1041. . .104N. Media management logic120may parse the received packet for information indicating whether the packet contains a vote, e.g., whether the buddy chose a time from a list of possible times for the server to stream a documentary film. The media management logic120may increment an entry in a table corresponding to the time indicated in the packet and determine the most popular time to view a documentary film by determining which time has the most votes. The media management logic120may then modify the selection of a time to stream the documentary film to the time with the most votes.

FIG. 8illustrates an alternate embodiment of the example operational flow200ofFIG. 2.FIG. 8illustrates the operation212of transmitting said specific instance of said content to said user and said at least one remote user including the operation816.

Operation816shows transmitting a time synchronized specific instance of said content to said user and said at least one remote user. For example, media management logic120may transmit a movie synchronously to a user1040and at least one remote user1041through104N. More specifically media management logic120may stream a documentary film from a database160concurrently to a user and at least one buddy1041. . .104N.

FIG. 9illustrates alternative embodiments of the operational flow200ofFIG. 2.FIG. 9illustrates the operational step214of enabling interaction between said user and said at least one remote user including operations916,918, and/or920.

Operation916shows enabling at least said user and/or said at least one remote user to manipulate said specific instance of said content. For example media management logic120operable to receive a request to manipulate the movie playing from a user1040or a buddy1041. . .104N (although the foregoing convention is used hereout through for sake of clarity, those skilled in the art will appreciate that in general the such requests will be received from a device associated with user1040or buddy1041. . .104N). More specifically, media management logic120operable to receive a packet indicative of a request from a user1040, a remote buddy1041. . .104N, and/or a by voting majority of users to manipulate (e.g., pause, stop, rewind, or fast forward) and to apply the manipulation concurrently to the streaming documentary film.

Operational step918shows enabling said user and said at least one remote user to communicate with each other. For example, media management logic120operable to allow a user1040to send a message to at least one remote user1041. . .104N. More specifically, media management logic120operable to allow a user1040to send a message (e.g., voice, video and/or text) over a communication link to at least one buddy1041. . .104N.

Operational step920shows enabling said user and said at least one remote user to communicate with each other during transmission of said specific instance of said content. For example media management logic120operable to transmit a movie to user1040and remote users1041. . .104N, and media management logic operable to open a communication channel between a user1040and at least one remote user1041. . .104N. More specifically, media management logic120streaming a documentary film to user1040and at least one buddy1041. . .104N. Media management logic120operable to handle at least one message (e.g., text, video, and/or voice message) to and from a user1040to at least one buddy1041. . .104N while the documentary film is being streamed.

FIG. 10illustrates the operational flow1000representing example operations relating to receiving content that optionally may include one or more of the operations1000,1002,1004,1006,1008,1010,1012,1014and/or1016.

Operation1002shows the start of the operational process. Operational step1002shows receiving at a user device, a notification that at least one remote user has selected a specific instance of content For example, user device102having a network circuit104receiving a signal indicative of a message that one or more remote users1041. . .104N (where N is an integer greater than 1) has selected a specific movie for joint viewing. More specifically, operation1002shows receiving at a user device102(e.g., PDA, Cellular phone, Laptop Computer) a packet indicative of a message from at least one member of a buddy list, the message indicating that at least one buddy has selected a documentary film for joint viewing.

Operation1004shows displaying on said user device a request to select said specific instance of content indicated by said notification. For example and in addition to the preceding example user device102having a display106operable to display a request received from network circuit104. More specifically, a LCD screen106on a cellular phone102displaying data indicative of a request for a user to join at least one buddy1041. . .104N in viewing a documentary film.

Operational step1006shows receiving a request to select said specific instance of said content. For example and in addition to the preceding example user device102having a user input module108operable to receive an indication that user1040has selected the specified movie for viewing. A more specific example would be a user device102(e.g., cellular phone, PDA, Laptop, and/or TV) having a user input module108(e.g., touchpad, keyboard, remote control, voice recognition module) operable to receive at least one command from a user1040to select the documentary film for viewing.

Operational step1008shows transmitting an indication to said at least one remote user that said specific instance of said content has been selected. For example and in addition to the preceding example user device102transmitting a signal from a network circuit104indicating that a user1040has selected the specified movie for viewing to at least one remote user1041. . .104N. More specifically, a cellular phone102transmitting over an antenna104a packet indicative of the user's selection of the specified documentary film for viewing to at least one buddy1041. . .104N.

Operational step1010illustrates receiving said specific instance of said content. For example and in addition to the preceding example network circuit104receiving a movie. A more specific example being a device102(e.g., cellular phone, PDA, Laptop Computer) with a network connection104(e.g., antenna, Ethernet port, coax cable interface) receiving a documentary film over the network connection104.

Operational step1012illustrates displaying on said user device said specific instance of said content. For example and in addition to the preceding example, display106displaying a movie. More specifically, a LCD screen106displaying a documentary film.

Operational step1014shows enabling said user device to handle at least one manipulation of at least said specific instance of said content. For example and in addition to the preceding example, user input module108operable to receive a command to manipulate the displayed movie and operable to display the manipulation on the device's screen. Additionally a network circuit104operable to transmit a command to a server150indicating that the user1040manipulated the displayed movie. More specifically, user input module108operable to receive a user command to manipulate (e.g., pause, stop, play, fast forward, and/or rewind) the streaming documentary film. An antenna104operable to transmit at least one user command to manipulate the documentary film to a server150and a LCD screen106operable to display the manipulated documentary film.

Operational step1016shows enabling said user device to communicate with at least one remote user. For example and in addition to the preceding example, network circuit104configured to communicate with at least one remote user1041. . .104N. More specifically, cellular phone102operable to communication (e.g., over text, cellular, video, and/or push to talk) over a network connection104(e.g., antenna, Ethernet port, coax cable interface) to at least one buddy1041. . .104N.

FIG. 11throughFIG. 15provide additional embodiments of the operation1000ofFIG. 10. One skilled in the art will recognize that the operations illustrated inFIG. 11throughFIG. 15are exemplary.

FIG. 11illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operational flow1000ofFIG. 10.FIG. 11illustrates the operational step1002of receiving at a user device, a notification that at least one remote user has selected a specific instance of content including operations1120,1122,1124,1126,1128, and/or1130.

Operational step1120shows receiving said notification from a member of a member list. For example network circuit104receiving a notification from a member1041. . .104N of a member list110. More specifically, antenna receiving a packet indicative of a message from a buddy1041. . .104N contained in a buddy list110.

Operational step1122includes receiving information identifying said specific instance of said content. For example, network104receiving a notification containing information identifying a specific movie for viewing. More specifically, antenna104of cellular phone102receiving a packet indicative of a notification where the notification contains information identifying a documentary film for viewing.

Operational step1124shows receiving information identifying a time for said specific instance of said content. For example, network circuit104receiving information identifying a specific time for viewing a specified movie. More specifically, network circuit104of cellular device102receiving a packet indicative of a notification. The notification may contain information identifying a specific time for a server150to stream a documentary film to a user.

Optional operational step1126illustrates receiving a request to modify the selection of said specific instance of said content. For example network circuit104may receive a request to modify the current selection of a movie. More specifically, cellular phone102with antenna104receiving a packet indicative of a request to change the documentary film to be streamed.

Optional operational step1128includes receiving a request to modify a time for said specific instance of said content. For example network circuit104may receive a request to modify the time for server150to stream the selected movie. More specifically, cellular phone102with antenna104receiving a packet indicative of a request to change the time for the streaming movie service provider150to stream the selected documentary film.

Optional operational step1130shows receiving a request to vote for a desired time for said specific instance of said content. For example, user device102with network circuit104receiving a request for a user1040to vote on one or more optional times for the server150to transmit the selected movie. More specifically, cellular phone102with network circuit104receiving a request for a user to select a time from a list of choices for server150to stream the selected documentary film.

FIG. 12illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operational flow1000ofFIG. 10.FIG. 12illustrates the operational step1006of receiving a request to select said specific instance of said content may include the operation1220.

Operational step1220shows receiving a command from a user input module. For example user device102receiving a command from a user1040through a user input module108. More specifically, cellular phone102receiving voice command from a speaker108.

FIG. 13illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operational flow1000ofFIG. 10.FIG. 13illustrates the operational step1012of displaying on said user device said specific instance of said content including operation1320.

Operational step1320shows displaying a time synchronized specific instance of said content. For example user device102displaying on a screen106a time synchronized specific instance of a movie. More specifically, cellular phone102displaying on a LCD screen106a specific documentary film streamed from a streaming movie service provider150. The documentary film being streamed synchronously to a user and at least one buddy1041. . .104N.

FIG. 14illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operational flow1000ofFIG. 10.FIG. 14shows the operation1014of enabling said user device to handle at least one manipulation of at least said specific instance of said content including operations1420,1422, and/or1424.

Operational step1420shows enabling said user device to receive a manipulated specific instance of said content. For example communication circuitry112configuring user device102to receive a modified movie. More specifically, device102(e.g., cellular phone, TV, Laptop computer) receiving from a network circuit104(e.g., antenna, Ethernet port, coax cable connector) a transmitted (e.g., streamed, or downloaded) documentary film that has been modified (e.g., paused, stopped, and/or started) by at least one buddy1041. . .104N.

Operational step1422shows enabling said user device to receive a command to manipulate said specific instance of said content. For example, communication circuitry112configuring user device102to receive a command through a user input module108to manipulate the movie being viewed. More specifically, a user's cellular phone102configured to receive a command on a touchpad to manipulate (e.g., pause, play, stop, fast forward, and/or rewind) the streamed documentary film.

Operational step1424shows enabling said user device to transmit to said at least one remote user, an indication that said specific instance of said content has been manipulated. For example communication circuitry112configuring a user device102to transmit an indication that user1040has manipulated the movie being viewed. More specifically, communication circuitry configuring a user's cellular phone102to transmit a packet indicative of a received command (e.g., indicative of a user touching a button on a touchpad) to manipulate (e.g., pause, play, stop, fast forward, and/or rewind) the streaming documentary film.

FIG. 15illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operational flow1000ofFIG. 10.FIG. 15shows the operational step1016of enabling said user device to communicate with at least one remote user including the operational step1520.

Operational step1520shows enabling said user device to handle at least one communication between said at least one remote user. For example communication circuitry112configuring user device102to send at least one message to at least one remote user1041. . .104N. Another example being communication circuitry112configuring user device102to receive at least one message from at least one remote user1041. . .104N. More specifically, communication circuitry configuring cellular phone102for user to send a message (e.g., text, cellular, and/or push to talk) to at least one buddy1041. . .104N. Another specific example would be communication circuitry configuring a cellular phone102for a user1040to receive a message (e.g., text, video, cellular, and/or push to talk) from at least one buddy1041. . .104N.

FIG. 16illustrates the operational flow1600representing example operations relating to receiving content that optionally may include one or more of the operations1600,1602,1604,1606,1608,1610,1612,1614,1618, and/or1620.

Operation1600starts the operational procedure. Operation1602illustrates the step of transmitting a request for content to a server. For example network circuit104of user device102transmitting a request to view the movies available for viewing. More specifically, antenna104of cellular phone102transmitting a packet indicative of a request to a streaming movie provider150to view a list of movies in a database160that are available for streaming.

Operation1604shows receiving on a user device, information identifying one or more specific instances of said content from said server. An example of this operational step may include a user device102receiving information about the available movies from a server150. A specific example of this may be a cellular phone102receiving a packet indicative of a list of the available documentary films that may be streamed.

Operation1606illustrates displaying on said user device an indication of said one or more specific instances of said content. For example and in addition to the preceding example, user device102displaying the information received in operational1604on a display106. A more specific example of this may be cellular phone102displaying the contents of a packet received in operation1604on an LCD screen106where the packet comprises a list of documentary films that are available to be streamed.

Operational step1608illustrates receiving a request for at least a specific instance of said content. For example and in addition to the preceding example user device102receiving a request for a specific movie from a user input module108. A more specific example may be cellular phone102receiving a user input from a user input module108(e.g., voice command, and/or touch command) selecting a specific documentary film for streaming.

Operational step1610illustrates transmitting said request for at least said specific instance of said content to said server. For example and in addition to the preceding example user device102transmitting a request to view a specific movie to a server150. More specifically, cellular phone102transmitting a packet indicative of a request to stream the specific documentary film selected in the preceding operational step1608.

Operational step1612illustrates receiving a request to send a notification to at least one remote user. For example and in addition to the previous example user device102receiving a request from a user input module108to send a notification to at least one remote user1041through104N. More specifically, cellular phone102receiving a command through a user input module108(e.g., voice command and/or touch command) indicative of a request to send a message to at least one buddy1041. . .104N.

Operational step1614shows transmitting said notification to at least one remote user to said server. For example and in addition to the previous example user device102transmitting over a network circuit104the notification received from a user1040in the preceding step1612for at least one remote user1041. . .104N to a server150. A more specific example may be a cellular phone102transmitting a packet over a network circuit104to a streaming movie provider150. The packet may be indicative of a message for at least one buddy1041. . .104N notifying them that the user1040selected a documentary film to stream.

Operational step1616shows receiving from said server an indication that at least one remote user has selected said specific instance of said content. For example and in addition to the preceding example user device102receiving over a network circuit104a transmission from a server150indicating that at least one remote user1041. . .104N has selected the specified movie for viewing. More specifically, cellular phone102receiving over an antenna104from a streaming movie provider150a packet indicating that at least one buddy1041. . .104N has elected to view the specified documentary film.

Operational step1618shows receiving on said user device said specific instance of said content. For example and in addition to the preceding example user device102receiving over a network circuit104from a server150the specified documentary film. More specifically, a cellular phone102receiving over an antenna104from a streaming media provider a streamed documentary film.

Operational step1620shows enabling said user device to send and receive at least one communication from at least one remote user. For example and in addition to the preceding example communication circuitry112configuring user device102to send and/or receive at least one communication over a network circuit104from a remote user1041. . .104N. More specifically, communication circuitry112configuring cellular phone102to send at least one communication (e.g., text, cellular, video, and/or push to talk message) over an antenna104to a buddy1041. . .104N. Another example may include communication circuitry configuring cellular phone102to receive a communication over an antenna104from a buddy1041. . .104N.

FIG. 17throughFIG. 22provide additional embodiments of the operation1600. One skilled in the art will recognize that the operational steps illustrated inFIG. 17throughFIG. 22are only examples and that other combinations are possible.

FIG. 17illustrates alternative embodiments of the example operational flow1600ofFIG. 16.FIG. 17illustrates the operational step1612of receiving a request to send a notification to at least one remote user including operation1722.

Optional operational step1722shows receiving a request from a user to send said notification to a member of a member list. For example, device102receiving a request from a user1040through a user input module108to send a notification to a member of a member list110. More specifically, cellular phone102receiving an input from a touchpad108indicative of a request to send a message to a buddy1041. . .104N that is listed in a buddy list110.

FIG. 18illustrates alternative embodiments of the operational flow1600ofFIG. 16.FIG. 18shows example embodiments where the operation1614of transmitting said notification to at least one remote user to said server including the operations1822,1824,1826,1828and/or1830.

Operation1822shows transmitting information identifying said specific instance of said content. For example user device102transmitting over a network circuit104information identifying the movie selected by user1040. More specifically, cellular phone102transmitting over an antenna104a packet containing information identifying the documentary film selected by user1040.

Operation1824shows transmitting information identifying a time for said specific instance of said content. For example user device102transmitting over a network circuit104information identifying a time selected by user1040for viewing a movie. More specifically, cellular phone102transmitting over an antenna104a packet containing information identifying a time selected by a user1040for having streaming media provider150stream a documentary film.

Operation1826shows transmitting a request to modify the selection of said specific instance of said content. For example, user device102transmitting over a network circuit104a request to change the movie selected by a user1040to a server150. More specifically, cellular phone102transmitting over an antenna104a packet indicative of a request to change the documentary film selected by a user1040to a streaming media provider150.

Operation1828illustrating transmitting a request to modify a time for said specific instance of said content. For example, user device102transmitting over a network circuit104a request to change the time for server150to transmit the movie selected by a user1040. More specifically, cellular phone102transmitting over an antenna104a packet indicative of a request to change the time for the streaming media provider150to stream a documentary film selected by a user1040.

Operation1830illustrates transmitting a request to vote for a desired time for said specific instance of said content. For example user device102transmitting over a network circuit104a request for one or more remote users1041through104N to vote for a time for server150to transmit a specific movie. More specifically, cellular phone102transmitting over an antenna104a packet indicative of a request for one or more buddies1041. . .104N to choose for a time for streaming movie provider150to stream a documentary film.

FIG. 19illustrates alternative embodiments of the operational flow1600ofFIG. 16.FIG. 19shows the operational step1618of receiving on said user device said specific instance of said content including operations1922, and/or1924.

Operational step1922illustrates receiving a time synchronized specific instance of said content from a server. For example, user device102receiving over a network circuit104a synchronized specific movie from a server150. More specifically, cellular phone102receiving over an antenna104a streamed documentary film from a server150where the streamed documentary film is in-time with a documentary film streamed to at least one buddy1041. . .104N.

Operational step1924illustrates receiving a manipulated specific instance of said content For example, user device102receiving over a network circuit104a manipulated specific instance of a movie. More specifically, cellular phone102receiving over an antenna104a manipulated (e.g., paused, stopped, played, fast forwarded and/or rewound) documentary film.

FIG. 20illustrates alternative embodiments of the operational flow1600ofFIG. 16.FIG. 20illustrates the operational flow of1600having an operation2022.

Operation2022shows receiving a request from a user to manipulate said specific instance of said content2022. For example user device102receiving through a user input module108a command indicative of a request from a user1040to manipulate the movie being viewed. More specifically, cellular phone102receiving through a touchpad108a command indicative of a request from a user1040to manipulate (e.g., pause, stop, play, fast forward, and/or rewind) the streaming documentary film.

Operation2122shows transmitting, to said server an indication that said displayed specific instance of said content has been manipulated. For example user device102transmitting over a network connection104an indication that user1040manipulated the movie viewed to a server150. More specifically, cellular phone102transmitting over an antenna104a packet indicating that user1040manipulated (e.g., pause, stop, play, fast forward, and/or rewind) the streaming documentary film to a streaming movie provider150.

FIG. 22illustrates an alternative embodiment of the operational flow1600ofFIG. 16.FIG. 22illustrates the operational step1620of enabling said user device to send and receive at least one communication from at least one remote user including operation2222.

Operation2222includes configuring said user device to handle at least one communication between at least one remote user. For example, communication circuitry112configuring user device102to handle at least one communication between a user1040and at least one remote user1041. . .104N. More specifically, communication circuitry112configuring cell phone102to allow the cell phone102to send a message from at least one buddy1041. . .104N. Another example may include communication circuitry configuring112cell phone102to allow the cell phone102to receive a message from at least one buddy1041. . .104N.

FIG. 23illustrates the operational flow2300representing example operations relating to receiving content that may optionally include one or more of the operations2302,2304, and/or2306.

Operation2300starts the operational procedure. Operation2302illustrates the step of receiving, at a user device a notification indicating at least a specific instance of content. For example, network circuit104of user device102receiving a notification indicating that a specific instance of content is available for reception. More specifically, network circuit (e.g., antenna, Ethernet port, cable TV head-in)104of user device (e.g., mobile phone, TV, PDA, and/or laptop computer)102receiving a signal (e.g., packet based, cellular, analog, and/or digital cable signal) indicative of a message indicating that a specific instance of a documentary film is available (e.g., is streaming, and/or is going to be streamed at a certain time) for viewing. Another example may include, network circuit104receiving a notification by way of a signal (e.g., Bluetooth signal, RF signal, proximity detector, and/or Wi-Fi) from a remote user's device1041. . .104N indicating a specific documentary film for joint viewing.

Operational step2304illustrates transmitting a request to receive at least said specific instance of content to a server. For example, and in addition to the preceding example, user device102transmitting over a network circuit104a request to view a specific movie to a server150. More specifically, network circuit (e.g., antenna, Ethernet port, cable TV head-in)104of user device (e.g., mobile phone, TV, PDA, and/or laptop computer)102transmitting a request (e.g., packet, analog, and/or digital signal) to a streaming movie provider150to receive the documentary film specified in operational step2302.

Operational step2306illustrates receiving at least said specific instance of content from said server. For example and in addition to the preceding example, user device102receiving over a network circuit104from a server150the specified documentary film. More specifically, a cellular phone102receiving over an antenna104from a streaming media provider150a streamed documentary film.

FIGS. 24 and 25illustrate alternative embodiments of the operational flow2300.FIG. 24illustrates an alternative embodiment where the operational step2306receiving at least said specific instance of content from said server may include the optional operation2408.

Operational step2408shows receiving a time synchronized specific instance of said content from said server. For example, user device102receiving over a network circuit104a synchronized specific movie from a server150. More specifically, cellular phone102receiving over an antenna104a streamed documentary film from a server150where the streamed documentary film is in-time with a documentary film streamed to at least one remote user1041. . .104N (e.g., a buddy, and/or any user that elected to receive the documentary film).

FIG. 25illustrates an alternative embodiment of the example operational flow2300ofFIG. 23.FIG. 25illustrates an example embodiment where the operational flow2300may optionally include operation2510.

Operational step2510shows enabling said user device to handle at least one communication between at least one remote user. For example, communication circuitry112configuring user device102to send and/or receive at least one communication over a network circuit104from a remote user1041through104N. More specifically, communication circuitry112configuring cellular phone102to send at least one communication (e.g., text, cellular, and/or push to talk message) over an antenna104to a buddy1041. . .104N. Another example may include communication circuitry112configuring cellular phone102to receive a communication (e.g., text, cellular, and/or push to talk message) over an antenna104from a buddy1041. . .104N.

FIG. 26illustrates the operational flow2600representing an example operation for receiving content including the operation2602.

Operation2600starts the operational procedure. Operation2602illustrates transmitting a notification to at least one remote user that a user has selected a specific instance of said content. For example, media management logic120transmitting to one or more of remote user1041. . .104N a message indicating that user1040has selected a specified movie for viewing. A more specific example might include media management logic120transmitting to one or more buddies1041. . .104N a message (e.g., text, video and/or voice message) indicating that a documentary film has been selected for viewing by a user1040.

FIG. 27shows an alternative embodiment of the operational flow2600ofFIG. 26.FIG. 27depicts the operational step2602of transmitting a notification to at least one remote user that a user has selected a specific instance of said content optionally including steps2704,2706,2708, and/or2710.

Operational step2704shows transmitting information identifying at least a time for said specific instance of said content. For example, media management logic120transmitting to one or more buddies1041. . .104N a message generated by notification logic180where the generated message identifies a time for viewing a specific movie. More specifically, media management logic120transmitting a packet to at least one buddy1041. . .104N, where the packet is indicative of a message identifying a time for receiving a streamed documentary film.

Operational step2706shows transmitting a request to modify at least the selection of said specific instance of said content. For example, media management logic120transmitting a request to modify the selection of the movie to at least one remote user1041. . .104N. A specific example of this may include media management logic120transmitting a packet to at least one buddy1041. . .104N where the packet is indicative of a request for at least one buddy1041. . .104N to pick a different documentary film to stream.

Operational step2708shows transmitting a request to vote for a desired time for said specific instance of said content. For example, media management logic120transmitting a request for one or more remote members1041. . .104N to vote for a time to transmit a specific movie. More specifically, media management logic120transmitting a packet indicative of a request for one or more buddies1041. . .104N to choose a time from a list of possible times for the server150to stream the desired documentary film.

Operational step2710transmitting a request to modify at least a time for said specific instance of said content. For example, media management logic120transmitting a request to modify the selection of the time for server150to transmit a movie to at least one remote user1041. . .104N. More specifically, media management logic120transmitting a packet to at least one buddy1041. . .104N where the packet is indicative of a request for at least one buddy1041. . .104N to choose a different time for the server150to stream a documentary film to a user1040and one or more buddies1041. . .104N.

FIG. 28illustrates the operational flow2800representing example operations relating to receiving content that may optionally include operations2802,2804, and/or2806.

Operation2800starts the operational procedure. Operation2802illustrates receiving at a user device a notification that at least one remote user has selected a specific instance of content. For example, user device102receiving a notification indicating that at least one remote user1041. . .104N has selected a specific instance of content for viewing. More specifically, user device102(e.g., cellular phone, TV, laptop computer, PDA) receiving a signal (e.g., packet based, cellular, and/or analog or digital cable) indicative of a message indicating that at least one buddy1041. . .104N has selected a specific documentary film for a server150to stream.

Operation2804illustrates displaying on said user device a request to select said specific instance of content indicated by said notification. For example and in addition to the previous example, user device102displaying a request to select the specific movie for viewing on a screen106. More specifically, cellular phone102displaying a request to view a specified documentary film on a LCD screen106.

Operation2806illustrates transmitting an indication to said at least one remote user that said specific instance of said content has been selected. For example and in addition to the preceding example user device102transmitting a signal from a network circuit104of a user device102indicating that a user1040has selected a specified movie to at least one remote user1041. . .104N. More specifically, a cellular phone102transmitting over an antenna104a packet indicative of the user's selection of the specified documentary film to at least one buddy1041. . .104N.

FIG. 29shows an alternative embodiment of the operational flow2800ofFIG. 28.FIG. 29depicts the operational step2802receiving at a user device a notification that at least one remote user has selected a specific instance of content optionally including steps2908,2910,2912,2914,2916, and/or2918.

Operational step2908shows receiving said notification from a member of a member list. For example network circuit104receiving a notification from a member of a member list110. More specifically, antenna104of cellular phone102receiving a packet indicative of a message from at least one buddy1041. . .104N whose information is contained in a buddy list110.

Operational step2910shows receiving information identifying said specific instance of said content. For example, network104receiving a notification containing information identifying a specific movie. More specifically, antenna104of cellular phone102receiving a packet indicative of a notification where the notification contains information identifying a documentary film.

Operational step2912shows receiving information identifying a time for said specific instance of said content. For example, network circuit104receiving information identifying a specific time for viewing a specified movie. More specifically, network circuit104of cellular device102receiving a packet indicative of a notification. The notification may contain information identifying a specific time for a server150to stream a documentary film to a user1040.

Operational step2914shows receiving a request to modify the selection of said specific instance of said content. For example network circuit104may receive a request to modify the current selection of a movie. More specifically, cellular phone102with antenna104receiving a packet indicative of a request to change the documentary film to be streamed.

Operational step2916shows receiving a request to modify a time for said specific instance of said content. For example network circuit104may receive a request to modify the time for server150to stream the selected movie. More specifically, cellular phone102with antenna104receiving a packet indicative of a request to change the time for the streaming movie service provider150to stream the selected documentary film.

Operational step2918shows receiving a request to vote for a desired time for said specific instance of said content. For example, user device102with network circuit104receiving a request for a user1040to vote on one or more optional times for the server150to transmit the selected movie. More specifically, cellular phone102with network circuit104receiving a request for a user1040to select a time from a list of choices for server150to stream the selected documentary film.