Patent Publication Number: US-2021176804-A1

Title: Apparatus and method to control a mobile terminal

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of prior U.S. application Ser. No. 16/377,281, filed on Apr. 8, 2019, which is a continuation of prior U.S. application Ser. No. 16/004,751, filed Jun. 11, 2018, which is a continuation of prior U.S. application Ser. No. 15/641,539, filed Jul. 5, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,004,096, which is a continuation of prior U.S. application Ser. No. 15/192,179 filed Jun. 24, 2016, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,743,445, which is a continuation of prior U.S. application Ser. No. 14/467,233, filed on Aug. 25, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,971,803, which is a continuation of prior U.S. application Ser. No. 13/975,504, filed on Aug. 26, 2013, which is a continuation of prior U.S. application Ser. No. 13/556,445, filed on Jul. 24, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,583,044, which is a continuation of and claims benefit of priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/127,979, filed on May 12, 2005, issued on Aug. 14, 2012 as U.S. Pat. No. 8,244,179, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to wireless media players and related systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a wireless media system and player having improved features for establishing wireless connectivity with various electronic devices. 
     2. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The ever increasing speed and the reduced size of electronic components has contributed to the proliferation of consumer electronic devices capable of processing digital media such as audio, video, images, animation, presentations, and other content. Handheld media players include for example, cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), MP3 players, video players, game players, cameras, radios, televisions, CD/DVD players, Personal Video Recorders (PVRs), etc. Many existing media players are able to store large amounts of digital content, wirelessly connect to the Internet and exchange data over short ranges with other electronic devices. 
     It is often desirable to interact on a frequent basis with multiple electronic devices that contain different types of digital media. For example, users might have digital music stored in a pocket-size MP3 player, photos or video stored in a cellular phone, presentations stored in a personal digital assistant (PDA), or a variety of other digital media and applications stored on other portable electronic devices. The standardization of file formats for a variety of media types and the resulting availability of processing support for these media types has allowed users to transfer and share digital information between devices more readily. 
     A problem remains in that getting personal electronic devices to communicate with one another in order to transfer or access information is typically a cumbersome and time-consuming process. In some cases, a direct physical connection must be established between two devices prior to and during data transfer or access using, for example, a docking station interface, FireWire connector, Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector, or some type of cable. All of the above connectivity methods impose difficulties in that the devices must be directly attached or tethered to one another while communicating. 
     In other instances, connectivity between devices can be established using infra-red capability integrated into the devices. A major short-range infra-red (IR) communications network protocol, defined by the Infra-red Device Association (IrDA), is known as the IrDA standard. Infra-red technology restricts mobility by requiring the devices to be in direct line-of-sight to each other&#39;s infra-red port. 
     Wireless connectivity offers the most flexible means by which to connect devices and exchange information. Short-range wireless capability using standards such as Bluetooth, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, Ultra-Wideband (UWB), and others are presently being integrated into media player devices. Wireless technology obviates the need for peripherals such as docking stations, cables, and adapters and provides for mobility within a certain range. 
     However, one issue with wireless device-to-device connectivity is that some form of user configuration is typically required. For example, communication settings, software settings, security settings, and other information is typically required to be exchanged between and among the devices which are to communicate. In most cases, user configuration in this manner makes data exchange between the media devices insecure and time consuming. Known over-the-air techniques for configuration between two devices have also proven to be generally insecure. 
     As devices such as cellular phones, PDAs, MP3 players, and cameras and other handheld devices capable of storing and playing media become more prevalent and offer more and more features, it is increasingly desirable to provide interconnection between these devices for convenience and to take advantage of the rich feature sets available. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved method, apparatus, and system for wirelessly connecting these devices and discovering each others&#39; communication, media processing, and other capabilities. There is a further need for a solution that allows for the automatic establishment of a secure wireless connection between a source device and a target device and the automatic transmission of certain media assets to the target device. There is also a need for a solution that allows wireless media player devices to connect with and transmit media assets to other devices via the Internet. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a system and methodology which improves upon prior art systems and methodologies and their related drawbacks as described above. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide an efficient, user-friendly and automated methodology by which two or more devices can establish wireless communication and make each other aware of device capabilities, available media types, communication protocols and other information specific to the devices and the content stored thereon. 
     It is another object of the present invention to use Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) to automatically setup and establish a wireless connection between at least one source device and one target device. 
     These and other objects of the present invention are obtained through the use of a novel wireless media player system and related methodology. The wireless media system of the present invention includes a handheld media player (source device) capable of transmitting and receiving information over a wireless connection with other electronic devices (target devices). In one embodiment, the media player is able to simultaneously communicate with multiple target devices in close proximity using one or more supported short-range wireless protocols. In another embodiment, the media player may connect with one or more target devices through the Internet or another network, by connecting to a cellular network or a local wireless access point. 
     The media player of the present invention preferably includes integrated Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. More specifically, the media player includes an RFID Tag-Reader Module that is capable of functioning as both an RFID tag and an RFID reader. According to a preferred embodiment, the RFID Tag-Reader Module allows interoperability with all RF 13.56 MHz readers and tags compatible with existing international standards, including ISO 14443 A/B, ISO 15693, FeliCa™, and NFC. 
     The RFID Tag-Reader Module also preferably includes an RFID Tag-Reader Controller that manages all communication between the media player&#39;s CPU and the RFID Tag-Reader Module&#39;s functional components. In addition to the hardware interface between the media player&#39;s CPU and the RFID Tag-Reader Controller, an application program interface (API) layer supports communication between applications operating on the terminal and the RFID module. An RFID activation button may be integrated in the media player. This activation button is capable of activating the reader functionality of the RFID Tag-Reader Module when pressed. 
     The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a method of using RFID to capture the media processing capability and other parameters of a target device in order to customize certain menu options and software settings in the media player. The method includes for example, recognizing the media processing capability of the target device, and customizing the user interface on the media player so that it only displays media categories and files that could be processed by the target device if transmitted. 
     The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a method of using the RFID connector system to quickly establish a wireless communication link with a target device and automatically transmitting certain media assets to it once connectivity has been established. The method includes, in one embodiment, automatically transmitting media which is being viewed/played on the media player at the time of an RFID exchange with the target device. 
     The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a method of transmitting media to a target device for viewing or listening, and using controls on the media player, or software operating therein, to alter the viewing/listening experience on the target device. The method includes, for example, transmitting audio or video from the media player to the target device, and using, the “play”, “pause”, “fast forward”, “rewind”, “stop”, “skip back”, and “skip forward” keys on the media player to adjust the viewing/listening experience of the media being transmitted and presented on the target device. 
     The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a method of creating, storing, and accessing profiles for target devices that have previously exchanged communication settings, media processing capabilities, and other information with the media player. Profiles can be used to establish automatic connectivity between the media player and one or more target devices that are in proximity via a common short-range wireless communication protocol. The method includes, receiving device information, communication settings, media processing capabilities, and other parameters associated with the target device and using the information to establish a profile for the target device on the media player. The device profile can be enabled at the user&#39;s option to automatically detect the target device when within a certain proximity to the media player. At that point wireless connectivity between devices can be automatically established. Alternatively, the profile could also be used to manually establish wireless connectivity with a target device at the user&#39;s discretion. 
     The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a method of selecting one or more Internet-connected target devices for the delivery of certain media assets. The method includes, selecting a media source, selecting specific media assets, selecting an address for the target device, resolving the address to an Internet routable address, and establishing a peer-to-peer communication session with the target device over the Internet. 
     These and other advantages and features of the present invention are described herein with specificity so as to make the present invention understandable to one of ordinary skill in the art. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a functional representation of media player terminal interfacing with a wireless headphone unit, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2A  is a front-side perspective view of a media player terminal, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2B  is a representation of the keypad interface of a media player terminal, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2C  is a front-side perspective view of a media player terminal with an alpha-numeric keypad, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3A  is a left-side perspective view of a media player terminal, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3B  is a back-side perspective view of a media player terminal, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3C  is a top-side perspective view of a media player terminal, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3D  is a bottom-side perspective view of a media player terminal, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4A  depicts a functional diagram illustrating one embodiment of a RFID tag-reader module according to the invention. 
         FIG. 4B  depicts a functional diagram illustrating an alternative embodiment of a RFID tag-reader module according to the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a functional diagram of a media player terminal interfacing with a wireless headphone unit, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a functional diagram of two media player terminals wirelessly interfacing with one another and their respective headphone units, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a table depicting the message components and example content of a RFID message exchange between two electronic devices, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8A  is a flow diagram of a wireless transmission method using RFID setup, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8B  is a flow diagram of an alternative wireless transmission method using RFID setup, according to the invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a flow diagram of a wireless transmission method via a wireless network and the Internet, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a functional diagram of a media player terminal capturing a video feed from an external video recording device, and transmitting the same video content via a cellular network and the Internet to another media player terminal, which further transmits the content to a television, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a functional diagram of a media player terminal with an embedded video recorder, filming a city scene, and transmitting the video content via a cellular network and the Internet to two separate media player terminals connected to different mobile operator networks, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is an illustration of an exemplary user interface screen depicting device categories, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is an illustration of an exemplary user interface screen depicting one specific device profile category in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  is an illustration of an exemplary user interface screen depicting messaging that indicates that the media player terminal is wirelessly connecting to a target device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  is an illustration of an exemplary user interface screen depicting options for Media Sources that can be selected in order to select specific media assets for transmission to a target device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  is an illustration of an exemplary user interface screen depicting Live Content options that can be selected for transmission to a target device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  is an illustration of an exemplary user interface screen depicting Internet Content options from which media assets can be selected for transmission to a target device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  is an illustration of an exemplary user interface screen depicting Stored Content options from which media assets can be selected for transmission to a target device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 19  is an illustration of an exemplary user interface screen depicting Video Files that can be selected for transmission to a target device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 20  a front-side perspective view of a media player terminal with an exemplary user interface screen depicting a video file being transmitted to a target device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention for a media player system, apparatus, and method is now described in specific terms sufficient to teach one of skill in the practice the invention herein. In the description that follows, numerous specific details are set forth by way of example for the purposes of explanation and in furtherance of teaching one of skill in the art to practice the invention. It will, however, be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and discussed herein and that the invention can be practiced without such specific details and/or substitutes therefor. The present invention is limited only by the appended claims and may include various other embodiments which are not particularly described herein but which remain within the scope and spirit of the present invention. 
     One important feature of the present invention is the use of RFID technology to establish wireless communication between a diverse set of devices. The methods by which RFID tags and RFID readers interact and communicate are well established and documented. The rising use of RFID technology, especially 13.56 MHz technology, for electronic payments and other applications has promoted standardization efforts to establish a broadly applicable communications framework between RFID tags and RFID readers. 
     One such standard was established by European Computer Manufacturers Association (ECMA) International based in Geneva, Switzerland, and is known as the Near Field Communication standard (ECMA-340). The Standard defines communication modes for Near Field Communication Interface and Protocol (NFCIP-1) for use with RFID tags and readers. It also defines both the Active and the Passive communication modes of Near Field Communication Interface and Protocol (NFCIP-1) to realize a communication network using Near Field Communication devices for networked products and also for consumer equipment. 
     This Standard specifies, in particular, modulation schemes, codings, transfer speeds, and frame format of the RF interface, as well as initialization schemes and conditions required for data collision control during initialization. Furthermore, this Standard defines a transport protocol including protocol activation and data exchange methods. NFC is also compatible with the broadly established contactless smart card infrastructure based on ISO 14443 A, as well as the Sony FeliCa™ protocol. This allows electronic devices with integrated NFC technology to perform multiple functions such as acting as an electronic key or wallet. 
     NFC can be used as a setup tool for quickly establishing wireless communication between two devices, acting as a virtual connector. Bringing two electronic devices with NFC technology into close vicinity allows the devices to automatically exchange communication settings and other information in complete security via RF signaling. This exchange of information via short-range RF allows the devices to quickly configure and establish a connection via Bluetooth or other wireless protocols supported by both devices. As discussed below, in one embodiment of the present invention, NFC may be used in connection with the teachings presented herein for establishing and maintaining communication between and among a wide variety of electronic devices. 
     A general discussion of the present invention is now provided and is thereafter followed by a detailed description of each of the components and functions of the invention according to specific preferred embodiments. 
       FIG. 1  is a functional representation of the components in a media player  100  with cellular phone capability, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The term “media player” generally refers to electronic devices that are capable of processing media such as audio, video, images, presentations, animation, and Internet content, as for example, cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), music players, game players, video players, cameras, and the like. In some cases, these media players are single-functionality devices (e.g. a media player dedicated to playing digital video) and in other cases these media players are multi-functional devices (e.g. a media player that is capable of playing music, displaying video, presenting images, and the like). In either case, these devices are generally portable so as to allow a user to, for example, listen to music, play video, take pictures, and engage in multi-player gaming without the need for a wired connection to some other electronic device. It should not be presumed for purposes of the following description that the term “media player” necessarily refers to a device which is capable of playing a particular media. 
     In the illustrated representation of  FIG. 1 , media player  100  is a pocket sized device that allows a user to process and store a large collection of digital audio/music, video, images, presentations, animation, Internet content, and other types of media. Media player  100  is capable of processing these media types using functionality integrated in its resident operating system. In an alternate embodiment, media processing is handled by a separate application which operates on the device  100 , such as media manager application  120 . The media manager application  120  allows incoming or resident media to be “played”, “viewed” or otherwise manipulated on the media player  100  and also allows for the transmission of media assets to other devices in proximity via short-range RF or via the Internet. The media manager application  120  also performs other media processing functions, as described below, such as dynamically converting media file formats, providing control functionality for adjusting the viewing/listening attributes on the media player  100  or a target device, organizing media assets into categories so they can be easily located, and providing a search engine for locating specific media assets using a variety of attributes. As mentioned above, the media manager functionality can be integrated with the operating system operating on the device  100  while still remaining within the scope and spirit of the invention. Media player  100  may also include additional functionality for placing phone calls, video teleconferencing, recording audio/video, taking pictures, storing a calendar, establishing a phone list/directory, storing and executing multi-player network games, text/media messaging, accessing/browsing the Internet, facilitating computations using a calculator, transacting at a point-of-sale location using a digital wallet application and the RFID capability of the player  100 , completing e-commerce transactions over-the-air, and the like. Media player  100  also provides the user with optional password security in order to protect confidential information stored in the device. In another embodiment, an integrated biometric fingerprint reader provides enhanced security for protecting the media player  100  against unauthorized use. 
     Media player  100  includes a casing that encloses various internal electrical components (including integrated circuit chips and other circuitry) that provide computing operations for the media player  100 . In addition, the casing may also define the exterior shape, form, and color of the media player. The integrated circuit chips and other circuitry contained within the housing may include a microprocessor (e.g., CPU  109 ), memory (e.g., ROM, RAM, flash)  106 , a rechargeable power supply  103  (e.g., rechargeable lithium polymer battery), a circuit board, a hard drive  112 , and various input/output (I/O) support circuitry  116 . The input/output (I/O) assembly  116  allows Media Player  100  to connect to a docking station, or connect to other devices/peripherals via a FireWire port, USB port, PS/2 port, serial port, parallel port, network interface port, infrared (IR), audio jack, video jack, and the like. The I/O assembly  116  is generically shown in  FIG. 1  since the media player  100  could employ a wide variety of connector/port options for interfacing with external hardware. Multiple connector/port types could be integrated into media player  100 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , media player  100  includes a microprocessor  109  configured to execute instructions and to carry out various operations. In most instances, microprocessor  109  executes instructions under the control of an operating system or other software (e.g., media manager). The processing function in media player  100  can also be performed by dual-processor chips or multi-processor chips for higher performance. 
     The electrical components contained within media player  100  may also include components for inputting or outputting audio such as a speaker  101 , microphone  115 , and an amplifier and a digital signal processor (DSP)  110 . Media player  100  may further comprise additional components for capturing images such as camera  104  (e.g., charge coupled device (CCD) or complimentary oxide semiconductor (CMOS)) or optics (e.g. lenses, splitters, filters). Similarly, media player  100  may also include components for sending and receiving media (e.g. antenna  117 , and transceivers  105  and  108 , etc.). 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , media player  100  includes a display screen and related circuitry  102  for displaying a graphical user interface that allows the user to interact with the device. The display screen  102  also allows a user to visually see data input into terminal via keypad  111  and other information (e.g., video, images, text, objects). By way of example, the display screen  102  may be a liquid crystal display (LCD). In one particular embodiment, the display screen is a high-resolution color display that provides visibility in daylight as well as low-light conditions. The display screen  102  supports “touch-screen” data input using a stylus or other object. 
     A short-range transceiver  108  and antenna  117  provide wireless connectivity with external devices or access points using supported communications protocols (e.g., Bluetooth, 802.11 a/b/g/n, Ultra Wideband, Wireless USB, 802.15.3/WiMedia, Wireless 1394, Wireless FireWire, WiMax, and 802.1 5.4/ZigBee). The short-range transceiver  108  and antenna  117  system also support broadcast standards such as AM, FM, UHF, VHF, and HDTV. Support for these broadcast standards allows the media player  100  to receive and broadcast radio and television signals over a short-range. 
     The short-range transceiver  108  and antenna system  117  are specifically designed to support the widest array of communication protocols and broadcast standards in order to allow the media player  100  to establish communication with a multiplicity of devices now available or which later become available. The short-range transceiver  108 , antenna system  117 , and other components within media player  100 , are also designed to allow for the simultaneous communication with multiple devices, and using multiple communication standards and broadcast standards. 
     The antenna used in short-range communication is not the same antenna used in communication with a wide area cellular network, and as such are represented in  FIG. 1  separately, but are enclosed in the same antenna assembly  117 . As such, generic references to antenna  117  may refer herein to the short-range transceiver antenna or the network transceiver antenna. The antenna assembly  117  is represented in  FIG. 1  and may extend out from the main body of the media player  100 . However, in a preferred embodiment the actual antenna system  117  in media player  100  is enclosed within the casing of the media player  100 . 
     A receiver for satellite-based Digital Audio Radio Services (DARS) could also be integrated in the media player  100 . The receiver allows the device  100  to receive programming in the “S” band (2.3 GHz) spectrum, broadcast by companies such as XM and Sirius. 
     Short-range transceiver  108  interacts with a CPU  109  for implementing short-range communications protocols and processing messages exchanged between other electronic devices and the media player  100 . CPU  109  is linked to a volatile or dynamic random access memory (DRAM)  106 . CPU  109  executes programs stored in a non-volatile or read only memory  106  and provides instructions for managing and controlling the operating of media player  100 . CPU  109  is also connected to network transceiver  105  for interacting with a cellular network, such as a Global System Mobile (GSM) network and the like via antenna  117 . Media player  100  is able to access the Internet through the cellular network, or through a wireless access point using short range transceiver  108  and a supported communications protocol (e.g., WiFi). 
     In one embodiment, media player  100  functions as a wireless terminal that has one or more E.164 phone numbers, Uniform Resource Identifiers (URIs), or other types of unique addresses that can be resolved over the Internet associated with it. Media player  100  may also have a built in TCP/IP stack that supports communication over Internet Protocol (IP)-based networks. Preferably, media player  100  supports both the IPv4 and IPv6 network addressing schemes. 
     In accordance with the invention, media player  100  includes a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) application stack for multimedia communication over the Internet. Media player  100  preferably also supports other application layer protocols such as H.323, Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP), HTTP, SMTP, FTP, DNS, and DHCP. 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, media player  100  is fully compliant with 3GPP and 3GPP2 standards. 3GPP and 3GPP2 are worldwide standards for the creation, delivery and playback of multimedia over 3rd generation, high-speed wireless networks. Defined by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project and 3rd Generation Partnership Project 2 respectively, these standards seek to provide uniform delivery of rich multimedia over newly evolved, broadband mobile networks (3rd generation networks) to the latest multimedia-enabled devices, such as media player  100 . 
     In accordance with the invention, an RFID Tag-Reader Module  113  is integrated into media player  100 . RFID Tag-Reader Module  113  is provided so that, among other things, media player  100  can rapidly exchange information with an electronic device that is in close proximity and which also has integrated RFID technology. Information exchanged between media player  100  and a target device via RFID can allow for the fast and automatic set-up of wireless connectivity between media player  100  and various target devices. As previously stated, RFID Tag-Reader Module  113  can also be used in connection with other applications available through media player  100  such as electronic payments at the point-of-sale and secure key access to buildings, cars, etc. 
     RFID Tag-Reader Module  113  is connected to CPU  109 . RFID Tag-Reader Module  113  comprises a radio frequency ID transponder which conforms to the principals of RFID technology and known standards. The RFID Tag-Reader Module  113  also includes a reader component used for transmitting interrogation signals via its antenna to an external electronic device&#39;s RFID tag when in close proximity, and receiving a response signal from the external device&#39;s RFID tag. RFID Tag-Reader Module  113  uses media player&#39;s  100  internal power supply  103  as a power source for transmitting interrogation signals to a target device. 
     In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, media player  100  has an integrated RFID activation button  118  which is visible on the exterior of the device. RFID activation button  118  is shown separately from the generic keypad components  111  shown in  FIG. 1  in order to highlight its specific function versus other buttons/controls which are incorporated in media player  100 . RFID activation button  118 , like all other keypad  111  components, interfaces with CPU  109 . When RFID activation button  118  is pressed, CPU  109  signals RFID Tag-Reader Module  113  to disable its RFID tag component and activate its reader component in order to transmit interrogation signals to one or more target devices. In one embodiment, this condition is maintained for as long as RFID activation button  118  remains depressed. In an alternative embodiment, RFID activation button  118  can be pressed and immediately released, and the condition of the disabled RFID tag and activated reader is maintained until such time the reader sends interrogation signals and receives a response from a target device. Upon receiving a response, RFID Tag-Reader Module  113  returns to its normal state whereby the RFID tag component is active (and awaiting an interrogation signal), and the RFID reader component is disabled. Yet another possible embodiment for the function of RFID activation button  118  is wherein the reader function is activated and the tag function is disabled for some predetermined length of time following the pressing of button  118  after which time, RFID Tag-Reader Module  113  reverts to its normal operation mode. 
     According to one important aspect of the present invention, RFID Tag-Reader Module  113  and RFID activation button  118  can be used together, with the media manager application  120  operating on media player  100  as a virtual connector system for automatic setup and establishment of a wireless connection with one or more target devices, and transmission of certain media assets. 
     While media player  100  can also connect headphones and speakers via I/O assembly  116 , media player is particularly well suited to interface with wireless sound output devices such as wireless headphone unit  152  in  FIG. 1 . Media player  100  can wirelessly transmit audio signals via short range transceiver  108  to one or more devices that support a common communications protocol. 
       FIG. 2A  is a front-side perspective view of media player  100  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Media player  100  has a large high-resolution color display screen  102  which takes up substantially most of the surface space on the front-side of media player  100 . 
     According to one embodiment, on the left-side of media player  100 , are placed a set of integrated buttons. For example, RFID activation button  118  (discussed above) is shown at the top left. Below it are two volume control buttons  183  and  184  for adjusting audio output from the player&#39;s integrated speaker system  101  or an external audio output device connected to media player  100 . The top volume control button  183  is for increasing sound volume, and the bottom button  184  is for lowering the sound volume. 
     Multiple speakers  101  integrated in player  100  offer a rich surround sound capability. In one embodiment, speakers  101  are situated at the top of the media player terminal, and provide audio output through an opening that extends from the top left of the unit to the top right. Digital audio processor  110  in media player  100  supports Dolby™ and THX™ audio technologies. 
     Also present at the bottom of media player  100  is the keypad interface  195  used to interact with the operating system and software loaded in media player  100 . Keypad interface  195  buttons are configured to provide control for making selections or issuing commands associated with operating the media player  100 . Contained in the keypad interface  195  at the bottom are two buttons  185  &amp;  186  used for selecting options that appear directly above the respective buttons in display screen  102  and graphical user interface (known sometimes as “soft keys”). At the center of keypad interface  195  is a miniature joy stick  190 . Joy stick  190  can be pressed down as a button and used as a way to make menu selections in connection with the graphical user interface. 
     Joy stick  190  may also function as a play/pause button when used in the same manner with the media manager application  120 . Joy stick  190  can also be used to navigate menus by leaning the stick upwards, downwards, to the right, or left in order to make certain selections. Also contained in the key pad interface  195  is a “stop” button  187 , which stops the playback of the current media asset. The “skip back” button  188  returns to the beginning of the current media asset, or if at the beginning, returns to the beginning of the previous media asset. The “rewind” button  189  rewinds the current media asset; when the rewind button is released, the media manager application  120  begins playing the current media asset. The “fast forward” button  191  advances forward through the current media asset. When the “fast forward” button is released, the media manager application  120  begins playing the current media asset. The “skip forward” button  192  begins playing the beginning of the next media asset in the list. The “back” or “previous screen” button  193  takes the user to the screen that was previously displayed. The “rewind” button  189  can also be used to delete characters that may have been input to the device when in text mode. Pressing the “fast forward” button  191  or leaning the joy stick  190  to the right can also be used to create a “space” when in text mode. The keypad interface  195  can be used to control the viewing of audio, video, images, presentations, or other media assets on the media player terminal  100 . 
     The above description with respect to particular layouts of the device and the location and presence of various buttons and control elements is merely exemplary. It will be readily understood that a virtually limitless number of alternatives may be used while still remaining within the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, the position of display screen  102  and the key pad interface  195  may be widely varied. The shape of display screen  102  may also be varied. The shape of the buttons represented may also be varied. In addition to the above, there could be other buttons or features which provide additional control functions. For example, media player  100  may include additional switches, keys, trackballs, touch pads, touch screens, and the like. 
       FIG. 2B  is a representation of an alternate keypad interface  195  design for media player  100  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the play/pause functionality still resides with joy stick  190  at the center of key pad interface  195 . Joy stick  190  can be pressed as a button and used as a way to make menu selections, and also function as a play/pause key when used in this manner. Leaning joy stick  190  to the right can provide a “fast forward” capability when manipulating media assets like audio or video files. Similarly, leaning joy stick  190  to the left can provide a “rewind” capability when manipulating audio or video assets. Other buttons represented in  FIG. 2B  have similar functionality to buttons contained in  FIG. 2A . 
       FIG. 2C  is a front-side perspective view of a media player  100  with an alpha-numeric telephone keypad  200  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Media player  100  has an integrated key pad interface  195  as previously represented in  FIG. 2B  for controlling media assets while using the media manager application, and providing other software navigation functionality. Key pad interface  195  represented in  FIG. 2C  could, in an alternate embodiment, be the key pad interface  195  that is represented in  FIG. 2A . Below key pad interface  195  in  FIG. 2C  is an alpha-numeric telephone keypad  200  similar to ones found on most cellular and fixed line telephones. Incorporating alpha-numeric key pad  200  into another embodiment of the device would require the use of a smaller display screen  102  in order make media player  100  illustrated in  FIG. 2C  a pocket-size device. In another embodiment, alpha-numeric key pad  200  could be replaced with a QWERTY keyboard interface similar to those found on Blackberry™ type devices made by Research In Motion (RIM). Regardless of whether media player  100  has a physical alpha-numeric keypad or QWERTY keyboard, the device preferably includes a software-based QWERTY keyboard which is displayed in the graphical user interface and allows data input using joy stick  190  or the touch-screen display  102 . 
       FIG. 3A  is a left-side perspective view of media player  100 , in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. At the top is RFID activation button  211 . Below it are two volume control buttons  212  and  213 . The button with the “plus sign”  212  is for increasing sound volume, and the button with the “minus sign”  213  is for lowering the volume of sound output. 
       FIG. 3B  is a back-side perspective view of media player  100 , in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. At the top of the back-side is an RFID “hot spot”  221 . RFID “hot spot”  221  is a marked area representing the location of RFID Tag-Reader Module antenna  114 . RFID “hot spot”  221  is marked to allow a user to know which area of the media player  100  to position over an RFID “hot spot” on a target device to which wireless connectivity is desired. 
     In one embodiment, RFID “hot spot” area  221  appears in a different color than the rest of the terminal casing, and is labeled with a symbol that users recognize as being the location of the RFID Tag-Reader Module antenna  114 . Also situated on the back-side of media player  100  may be camera lens  223  and flash  225  for video capture and digital photography. Preferably, the camera lens and related apparatus in the media player  100  is capable of supporting very high-resolution imaging. 
       FIG. 3C  is a top-side perspective view of media player  100 , in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. RFID “hot spot”  221  previously described could be positioned on any side and in any area of media player  100 .  FIG. 3C  shows RFID “Hot Spot”  221  being on the top-side of media player  100 . Next to RFID “Hot Spot”  221  is a power button  231  for switching the power to the media player  100  “on” or “off”. 
       FIG. 3D  is a bottom-side perspective view of the media player  100 , in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Located on the bottom of the device is a microphone  245  for audio input. Also situated on the bottom of the terminal is a data and power port  248 . The data port may use any connector/port interface previously mentioned for interfacing with other electronic devices. Also included is a power port that receives a power plug or car charger plug for delivering power and charging the media player&#39;s internal battery  103 . 
       FIG. 4A  is a functional diagram illustrating one embodiment of a RFID Tag-Reader Module  113  according to the invention. It is assumed that the RFID Tag-Reader Module  113  as embodied in  FIG. 4A  is attached to or embedded within media player  100 . 
     RFID Tag-Reader Module  113  is capable of functioning as both an RFID tag and an RFID reader. In accordance with the invention, RFID Tag-Reader Module  113  allows interoperability with RF 13.56 MHz readers and tags compatible with existing international standards, including ISO 14443 A/B, ISO 15693, FeliCa™, and NFC. Compatibility with these standards gives media player  100  the ability to not only establish a wireless connection with other electronic devices using RFID for setup as earlier described, but also allows media player  100  to function as an electronic key and wallet (for point-of-sale transactions). Alternative protocols and frequencies may be used in connection with RFID Tag-Reader Module  113  while still remaining within the scope and spirit of the present invention. 
     With reference to  FIG. 4A , RFID Tag-Reader Module  113  includes an integrated RFID Tag-Reader Controller  303  that manages all communication between CPU  109  and the functional components of RFID Tag-Reader Module  113 . The hardware and software interface  302  between CPU  109  and RFID Tag-Reader Controller  303  allows an application operating on media player  100  to control functions of RFID Tag-Reader Module  113  and to exchange data with it. In addition to the appropriate hardware interface, an application program interface (API) layer supports communication between applications operating on media player  100  and RFID Tag-Reader Module  113 . RFID Tag-Reader Controller  303  may also provide notification to CPU  109  of unsuccessful read attempts by RFID Tag-Reader Module  113 , successful read attempts, reader time-outs (as discussed below), and other possible results or actions associated with RFID Tag-Reader Module  113 . These notifications are delivered to CPU  109  via the hardware and software interface  302  in order to allow media player  100  to emit distinctive sounds/tones via its integrated speaker  101  or display specific messages when these and other actions occur. 
     In one embodiment ( FIG. 4A ), RFID Tag-Reader Controller  303  interfaces with RFID reader unit  304 , a switch unit  305 , and RFID tag unit  306 . 
     The  FIG. 4A  version of RFID Tag-Reader Module  113  includes RFID reader unit  304  which represents the RFID tag reader functionality and RFID tag unit  306 , which represents the RFID tag functionality. The embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4A  includes a common RF interface  307  and a common antenna  114  used by both RFID reader unit  304  and the RFID tag unit  306 . It will be understood that radio frequency interface  307  as well as the antenna  114 , which are presented in the present description, are adaptable to employ any suitable radio frequency used in the field of RFID readers and tags while still remaining within the scope and spirit of the invention. RFID-Tag Reader Module  113  may be adapted, for example, to allow communication in passive and active communication modes with reading/writing functionality in accordance with the near field communication standard (ECMA- 340 ). Antenna  114  can be adapted to communicate with an RFID tag and with another RFID tag reader device. 
     RFID Tag-Reader Module  113  comprises a switch  305 , which operates to switch between RFID reader functionality and RFID tag functionality. Switch  305  receives a switching signal from RFID Tag-Reader Controller  303  to which it connected via interface  311 . RFID Tag-Reader Controller  303  receives the switching signal from CPU  109  when an application operating on media player  100  requires RFID Tag-Reader Module  113  to switch functionality. The RFID Activation button  118  described above may also be used to switch RFID Tag-Reader Module  113  functionality. 
     Depending on the switching state or position of switch  305 , either RFID reader unit  304  is coupled to RF interface  307  or RFID tag unit  306  is coupled to RF interface  307 . In the former case, RFID reader functionality is available, whereas in the latter case RFID tag functionality is available. As the RFID reader functionality utilizes the media player&#39;s  100  battery power in order to transmit interrogation signals, switching the RFID reader functionality “on” only when desired has the benefit of conserving the media player&#39;s  100  battery. In contrast, when the tag functionality is switched “on”, the media player  100  does not consume battery power as it is waiting for an interrogation signal from another device. 
     When RFID activation button  118  on the media player  100  is pressed, CPU  109  sends a switching signal to RFID Tag-Reader Controller  303  to change the position of switch  305 . RFID Tag-Reader Controller  303 , in turn, signals switch unit  305  to change positions via interface  311 . While RFID activation button  118  is held pressed, the RFID reader functionality is switched on while the RFID tag functionality is disabled. Holding RFID activation button  118  down provides the necessary power for RFID reader unit  304  to transmit one or more interrogation signals and to receive one or more response signals from an RFID tag (associated with an external electronic device) that is within range of antenna  114 . 
     When RFID activation button  118  is released, CPU  109  sends a switching signal to RFID Tag-Reader Controller  303  to change the position of switch  305  back to its original state. RFID Tag-Reader Controller  303 , in turn, sends a message to switch unit  305  via interface  311  to change positions. This time the RFID tag functionality is switched on while the RFID reader functionality is disabled. The use of RFID activation button  118  in this manner serves to conserve power for media player  100 , while making RFID reader  304  functionality readily accessible. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, RFID activation button  118  can be pressed and immediately released in order to activate the reader functionality as previously described. In this case, the reader may continue sending interrogation signals via antenna  114  until a response is received (from a target device), or until such time as the reader functionality times-out (without having received a response). In this embodiment, RFID Tag-Reader Controller  303  tracks, via an internal clock, the time that has elapsed before a pre-set time-out limit is achieved. If an interrogation response is received within the time limit or if the reader times-out without receiving a response signal, RFID Tag-Reader Controller  303  will signal switch unit via interface  311  to switch functionality. This results in RFID Tag-Reader Module  113  reverting to its normal state whereby the RFID tag functionality is switched on while the RFID reader functionality is disabled. 
     Analogously, RFID Tag-Reader Module  113  may be operable with RFID reader functionality when RFID activation button  118  is pressed (as described above), or media player  100  and/or one or more applications operating thereon instruct RFID Tag-Reader Controller  303  to select/switch to RFID reader functionality. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, RFID activation button  118  can be integrated into an electronic device that only includes an integrated RFID tag (and no reader). Holding RFID activation button  118  down in this case would have the effect of activating the RFID tag to respond to an interrogation signal received by its antenna from another electronic device&#39;s RFID reader. The RFID tag would only respond to an interrogation signal received by its antenna while RFID activation button  118  is held pressed. In another embodiment, pressing and immediately releasing the RFID activation button  118  may activate the RFID tag and allow it to respond to interrogation signals received by its antenna  114  within a set time limit after which time the tag returns to its normal state where it is inoperable and unable to respond to interrogation signals. 
     In the case of RFID reader  304  functionality, the antenna  114  is adapted to transmit one or more interrogation signals and to receive one or more response signals for retrieving information from an RFID tag in an external electronic device. In case of RFID tag functionality, antenna  114  is adequate to receive one or more interrogation signals and to transmit one or more response signals carrying information retrieved from RFID tag unit  304 . Antenna  114  is connected to RF interface  307  via one or more signal connections which supplies RF/HF signals generated by RF interface  307  to antenna  114  and which accepts RF/HF signals received by antenna  114 . 
     RF interface  307  is responsible for both modulating and demodulating the signals to be transmitted and received by antenna  114 , respectively. Therefore, RF interface  307  couples to RFID reader unit  304  and RFID tag unit  306 , respectively. In particular, RF interface  307  receives from RFID reader unit  304  signals to be modulated and transmitted and transmits demodulated signals to RFID reader unit  304 . RF interface  307  also transmits demodulated signals to RFID tag unit  306  and receives signals from RFID tag unit  306  to be modulated and transmitted. More particularly, RF interface provides further signals necessary for the operation of RFID tag unit  306  which are comprised of a power supply signal (voltage signal) and a clock signal. The power supply signal is gained from the coupling of the interrogating electromagnetic field whereas the clock signal is obtained from the demodulator included in the RF interface. The power supply signal and the clock signal are necessary for operating RFID tag unit  306  as a passive RFID tag energized by interrogating signal of a RFID reader device. 
     Signal  313  is generated by RFID reader unit  304  to be modulated by RF interface  307  and to be transmitted by antenna  114 . Signal  313  is also received by antenna  114  and demodulated by RF interface  307  to be supplied to RFID reader unit  304 . Signal  313  is provided to switch unit  305  which interfaces with RF interface  307  via signal  315 . 
     Signals received by antenna  114  and supplied to RFID reader unit  304 , are passed to RFID Tag-Reader Controller  303  via interface  310 . RFID Tag-Reader Controller  303  in turn, passes the received data to CPU  109  via interface  302  for use by applications operating on media player  100 . Applications operating on media player  100  can also customize interrogation signals by sending a message to RFID reader unit  304  via RFID Tag-Reader Controller  303 . 
     Analogously, connection  314  carries signals received by the antenna  114  and demodulated by RF interface  307  to be supplied to RFID tag unit  306 . Connection  314  also carries signals generated by RFID tag unit  306  to be modulated by RF interface  307  and to be transmitted by antenna  114 . Connection  314  is switched by switch unit  305  to RF interface  307  connected to switch  305  via connection  315 . The aforementioned power supply signal and clock signal are supplied from RF interface  307  to RFID tag unit  306  via switch  305  and may be part of the signals transmitted via connection  316  and connection  314 . 
     The information stored in RFID tag unit  306  that can be retrieved by an RFID reader device is stored in memory. The memory may be a read-only storage component or a configurable storage component. In case of a configurable storage component, a number of storage technologies including, non-volatile configurable memory can be used. Applications operating on media player  100  can update information stored in RFID tag unit  306  by sending the data to RFID Tag-Reader Controller via interface  302 . RFID Tag-Reader Controller  303  in turn sends the new data to RFID tag unit  306  via interface  312 . Access to the configurable tag memory may be limited to one or more specific applications executed on media player  100  to ensure data integrity, which may be required and necessary depending on the kind of information stored. 
       FIG. 4B  is a block diagram illustrating an alternative embodiment of an RFID Tag-Reader Module  113  according to still another embodiment of the invention. The RFID Tag-Reader Module embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4B  is comparable to the RFID Tag-Reader Module illustrated in  FIG. 4A  in several ways. RFID Tag-Reader Module  113  according to the embodiment in  FIG. 4B , includes an integrated RFID Tag-Reader Controller  303  that manages all communication between CPU  109  and the functional components of RFID Tag-Reader Module  113 . The hardware and software interface  302  between CPU and RFID Tag-Reader Controller  303  allows an application operating on media player  100  to control functions of RFID Tag-Reader Module  113  and to exchange data with it. A common RF interface  307  and a common antenna  114  are used by the RFID reader functionality and RFID tag functionality. The reader logic  320  is preferably implemented as a microcontroller (μC) and a microprocessor (μP), respectively, which provide for data communication interface to media player  100  and the application executed thereon, respectively. The reader logic operates the interface and protocol framework for communicating with RFID tags (passive communication mode) and in particular, when supporting active communication mode, for communicating with RFID tag reader devices. 
     An optional reader memory  323  is associated with the microcontroller (μC) and a microprocessor (μP), respectively. Conventionally, a distinct reader memory  323  is not necessary for RFID reader functionality, but reader memory  323  may be used as a buffer storage for communication with media player  100  as well as with an RFID tag or another RFID tag reader device. 
     A switch/logic component  321  is interposed between RF interface  307  and reader logic  320  to switch between RFID reader functionality and RFID tag functionality as described in detail above. The switch/logic component implement tag logic necessary for providing RFID tag functionality. Correspondingly, the tag memory  322  is connected to the switch/logic component  321 . The tag memory  322  is also connected to the RFID Tag-Reader Controller  303  in order to receive configuration data from applications operating on media player  100 . 
     According to the invention, memory components in RFID Tag-Reader Module  113  may be tamper resistant as to prevent hackers from retrieving confidential information and encryption keys 
     Common RF interface  307  provides signals to the switch/logic component  321 , which are required for operation of RFID reader functionality and RFID tag functionality. The switch/logic component  321  passes through signals to the microprocessor (μP)  320 , which are required by the microprocessor (μP)  320 . Signal control is accomplished via switch/logic component  321 . 
     As described above, the switching state of switch/logic component  321  and the switch defines the functionality of RFID Tag-Reader Module  113 , respectively. The switching state and therefore the switching operation is important to ensure proper operation of RFID Tag-Reader Module  113 . The switching state of switch/logic component  321  and the switch is controlled by a switching signal supplied via the interface  311  to RFID Tag-Reader Controller  303 . 
     RFID Tag-Reader Module  113  may be operable with RFID reader functionality when the RFID activation button  118  is pressed on media player  100  as described earlier, or if one or more applications operating thereon signal RFID Tag-Reader Controller  303  to switch to RFID reader functionality. If no explicit indication to select RFID reader functionality is present, RFID Tag-Reader Module  113  is operated in RFID tag functionality by default to conserve power. 
     Alternatively, switch/logic component  321  and the microprocessor (μP)  320  may be implemented in a common logic component (not shown), which is adapted to operate functions of switch/logic component  321  as well as functions of microprocessor (μP)  320 . Other functional components may also be combined, while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     Further details concerning an RFID Tag-Reader Module with transponder functionality which may be used in connection with the teachings of the present invention are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication US 2004/0176032A1, filed Mar. 19, 2004, which is assigned to Nokia Corporation and which is fully incorporated herein by reference. RFID Tag-Reader Controller  303  and RFID activation button  118  as described herein may be used with other RFID Tag-Reader Module designs while remaining within the scope and spirit of the invention. 
       FIG. 5  is a functional diagram of a media player  100  interfacing with wireless headphone unit  152 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Media player  100  can securely establish wireless connectivity with headphone unit  152  by first initiating an RFID data exchange between the RFID components integrated in both devices. The exchange of communication settings, device information, media capabilities, and other parameters via RFID is accomplished by bringing the RFID antenna of both devices in proximity to one another. The RF exchange of communication and other settings facilitates the automatic setup and establishment of a secure wireless connection between the devices in order to allow audio signals to be transmitted over-the-air from media player  100  to headphone unit  152 . The subsequent creation of a “device profile” containing the captured communication settings and other parameters associated with wireless headphone unit  152 , allows media player  100  to establish connectivity with headphone unit  152  in future communication sessions. 
     Wireless headphone  152  in this embodiment may be a Bluetooth-enabled device with an integrated RFID tag module  369 . RFID tag module  369  is a component of the System-on-Chip  361  assembly integrated in wireless headphone unit  152 . System-on-Chip assembly  361  is designed for ultra low power consumption. Wireless headphone unit  152  has a rechargeable battery that can be charged using a car charger or charger unit that plugs in to a power outlet. 
     System-on-Chip  361  assembly includes a Bluetooth sequencer  364 , a low power 2.4 GHz Bluetooth radio  363 , Bluetooth antenna  362 , CPU  373 , DSP and CODEC unit  374 , high-speed UART/GPIO  376 , RC oscillator  377 , power management unit  378 , EEPROM/Serial Flash Memory  379 , and an RFID Tag Module  369 . Components of the wireless headphone unit  152 , such as, for example, a speaker  375 , may communicate with the System-on-Chip  361 . The RFID Tag Module  369  in one embodiment includes an RFID tag  371 , an RFID antenna  372 , and an optional RFID tag memory component  370 . The embedded Bluetooth sequencer  364  executes the lower layers of the Bluetooth stack, while the host processor  373  runs the application and the higher levels of the Bluetooth protocol stack software. This architecture guarantees that the real-time operations of the lower levels can&#39;t be influenced by the application. The Host Controller Interface (HCl) has been specified into the Bluetooth protocol as a standardized interface between the lower and upper layers. The upper layers are components of software implemented on the host processor  373  and communicating with the Bluetooth sequencer  364  through the HCl. The HCl commands are carried by an internal UART link between the host processor (CPU)  373  and the Bluetooth sequencer  364 . 
     The on-chip DSP (Digital Signal Processing) and CODEC unit  374  is connected with the headphone speakers to facilitate high quality audio output. A Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) directly interfaces to the serial EEPROM or Flash Memory  379 . This memory stores the application and the upper layers of the Bluetooth protocol stack are loaded at boot-up, and executed by the on-chip application processor. The Bluetooth sequencer  364  is ROM-based. The General Purpose Input/Output ports (GPIO)  376  interface to push buttons, LEDs, and other peripherals part of the headphone. The high speed UART supports hardware flow control and data rates up to 460 kbit/s. 
     The embedded Bluetooth sequencer  364  executes the lower layers of the Bluetooth stack, while the host processor (CPU)  373  runs the application and the higher levels of the Bluetooth protocol stack software. 
     In one embodiment, RFID tag  371  may be a passive tag, which operates without the internal battery source of the headphone  152 , deriving the power to operate from the radio field  351  generated by RFID tag-reader module  113  in media player  100  when in very close proximity (10-20 centimeters). In this case, the Bluetooth device serial number is transmitted by RFID tag  371  to RFID tag-reader module  113  in media player  100 . If System-On-Chip  361  only has a passive tag there is no option to update the tag information, so the information may include only the Bluetooth serial number of the headphone unit  152 , which may be hard-coded within RFID tag  371  during the manufacturing process. 
     In another embodiment, RFID tag module  369  can be a semi-passive or active tag powered by an internal battery allowing a greater RF communication range and higher data transmission rates. A semi-passive or active tag module  369  may include a read/write storage device  370 . In the case of a semi-passive tag it is possible to process information before message transmission. This enables the transmission of additional information such as the Bluetooth Clock Offset, Bluetooth device serial number, and other parameters that would allow media player  100  to capture the media capability of the headphone  152  and facilitate the creation of a device profile on media player  100 . Bluetooth communication settings, device information, and other data can be updated in the tag memory  370  by the application processor  373 . The application processor  373  receives the Bluetooth communication settings from the Bluetooth sequencer  364 . 
     In one embodiment, RFID activation button  118  on media player  100  may be pressed in order to activate the RFID reader functionality in RFID tag-reader module  113 . Activation of the RFID reader functionality results in the RFID antenna  114  transmitting interrogation signals. When the headphone&#39;s RFID tag antenna  372  enters the radio field  351  generated by the media player&#39;s RFID antenna  114  and receives interrogation signals, the headphone&#39;s RFID tag transmits  352  the Bluetooth serial number and other parameters to the media player&#39;s RFID tag-reader module  113 . 
     After the media player&#39;s RFID tag-reader module  113  receives the Bluetooth serial number and other parameters, the data is transferred to CPU  109 . Media player  100  instantly sends a Bluetooth paging message using the received information via its short range transceiver  108 . In response to the page, the headphone  152  performs a connection setup with media player  100  using normal Bluetooth session set-up procedure. Upon completion, media player  100  can stream all audio output via wireless signal  353  to the headphone unit  152 . 
     The RFID discovery/paging process shortens the session setup time as compared to normal Bluetooth terminal discovery process for establishing a session. The RFID discovery methodology and system described herein can also be used in communication between two or more media player devices  100 , if the devices are respectively equipped with RFID tags and RFID readers. 
     Along those lines,  FIG. 6  is a functional diagram of two media players  100 A &amp;  100 B wirelessly communicating with one another and their respective headphones  152 A &amp;  152 B, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
     In one embodiment, the first media player  100 A is playing digital music stored in storage unit  112  using the media manager application  120  on media player  100 A. The digital music is being transmitted wirelessly to a headphone unit  152 A to which connectivity was established using the RFID discovery/paging process previously described. The user of media player  100 A who is listening to the audio output via his wireless headset  152 A decides to allow his friend to listen to the same music he is currently listening to. His friend also possesses a media player  100 B and a wireless headphone  152 B that have already established wireless connectivity via Bluetooth. 
     In accordance with the invention, RFID activation button  118  on the first media player  100 A is pressed in order to activate the RFID reader functionality in RFID tag-reader module  113 . Activation of the RFID reader functionality results in the RFID antenna  114  transmitting interrogation signals. At this time, the target media player&#39;s RFID tag-reader module  113  is in its normal state with tag functionally operable, and reader functionality disabled. When the target media player&#39;s  100 B RFID tag antenna  114  enters the radio field  410  generated by the media player&#39;s  100 A RFID antenna  114  and receives interrogation signals, the target media player&#39;s  100 B RFID tag transmits the Bluetooth serial number, Bluetooth Clock Offset, media capabilities, and other parameters to the media player&#39;s  100 A RFID tag-reader module  113 . 
     After the media player&#39;s  100 A RFID tag-reader module  113  receives the communication settings, media processing capabilities, and other parameters, the data is transferred to CPU  109 . Media player  100 A instantly sends a Bluetooth paging message using the received information via its short range transceiver  108 . In response to the page, the target media player  100 B performs a connection setup with the media player  100 A using normal Bluetooth session set-up procedure. Upon completion, media player  100 A automatically transmits the music content that is playing at the time the connection is established. The media content is transmitted via wireless signal  412  to the target media player  100 B. Audio content that is transmitted from media player  100 A to the target media player  100 B, can be listened to on the headphone unit  152 B which is wirelessly connected to media player  100 B via wireless signal  414 . 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, electronic devices with integrated RFID tags or tag-reader modules that use the RFID discovery process for automatically establishing a wireless connection will be capable of transmitting more than just communication settings via RFID. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a sample RFID transmission  450  between two electronic devices may include, for example, the message components  451  outlined in  FIG. 7 . Also represented in the table is example content  452  for the different message components  451 . The example content  452  listed in  FIG. 7  is not meant to be exhaustive; examples are shown for exemplary purposes to help explain the invention. 
     The following is a discussion of the message components  451  contained in the RFID transmission data  450 . The first message component is “device type”  453  which describes the unit&#39;s primary function (e.g., MP3 player, cellular phone, stereo, etc.). The “device type”  453  may be coded by the manufacturer, and typically corresponds to the same label used to market the device. In one embodiment, device manufacturers use standardized codes to represent the “device type” parameter in the RFID transmission data  450 . 
     The second message component is “device manufacturer”  454  (e.g., XYZ Electronics). The name of the “device manufacturer”  454  could be represented in the user interface of another connecting device, as a way to provide validation that it is wirelessly connecting to the correct device. If the user saves the profile for the connecting device, the name of the “device manufacturer” can be helpful in differentiating between similar types of devices within a profile list. 
     The next message component is “device model”  455  (e.g., WaveRadio TH-190). The “device model” is the manufacturer&#39;s model number/code. In some cases, the “device model” may correspond to a model name that appears directly on the device. The “device model”  455  also helps in identifying a specific device. 
     The next message component, “device or user identifier”  456  may have been programmed in the device by the user to denote its location (e.g., “kitchen”), owner (e.g., “Anthony”), or other attributes (e.g., a complete calling card containing the contact information for the device owner such as f all name, title, company, mailing address, E.164 number, e-mail address, etc.). Unlike other message components that are established by the manufacturer or generated by the device itself, the “device/user identifier”  456  is input into the device by the operator. The “device/user identifier”  456  is also helpful in identifying specific devices from a list of device profiles. To properly represent its application, assume that a user has three stereos in his house that are wireless enabled, capable of processing digital music, and have RFID “hot spots” integrated. Further assume that all the stereos are manufactured by the same company, and are the same model. 
     In such instances, a differentiating piece of information like location or owner name could help identify the right device from a list of device profiles. Assuming that the stereos allow a user to input a device/user identifier, the user could in this example, input room locations as the identifier (e.g., kitchen, family room, basement). Alternatively, the user could use family member names if each stereo is in a different person&#39;s room (e.g., Anthony, Robert, John). Whatever information is input into each stereo as a “device/user identifier”  456 , is what is used in its respective RFID transmission data  450 . This information may also be particularly useful in a business setting wherein a number of users access various shared devices through user provided media players. 
     Separately, certain devices such as the wireless media player  100 , may allow a user to specify an electronic calling card for the “device/user identifier”  456 . As such, the user&#39;s calling card may be included in the RFID transmission data  450  and provided to the connecting device. This “calling card” may provide specific information about a user such as is included in a “vcard” as is known in the art. In the event that a particular device does not allow data input by the user, the manufacturer may provide a default setting for the “device/user identifier”  456 . 
     The next message component is “profile settings”  457  and specifies, for example, whether to allow a profile for the device to be created on a connecting device. If profiles are allowed, the “profile settings”  457  further specify whether to allow the connecting device to be able to auto-detect and connect via wireless when in proximity. The profile settings  457  may be pre-set by the manufacturer, or may be adjusted according to user-driven preferences on the device. 
     The next message component is “RF capability”  458 . This parameter specifies the supported wireless communications protocols (e.g., 802.11a/b/g/n, UWB, 802.15.4/ZigBee, Wireless USB, 802.15.3/WiMedia, Wireless 1394, Wireless FireWire, Bluetooth) and RF frequency bands for broadcast transmission/reception (e.g., UHF/VHF, AM/FM) available through the device. In the event that the device supports multiple communications protocols and frequency bands, they can be listed in the RFID transmission data  450  in order of preference. This information also enables connecting devices to try an alternate communications protocol, in the event that connectivity cannot be first established with a preferred one. 
     The next message component is “communication settings”  459 . This includes the necessary parameters for configuring the supported wireless communications protocols. For example, if the Bluetooth protocol is supported, a Bluetooth terminal serial number and the Bluetooth Clock Offset of the device would be included. In the case of Bluetooth, “communication settings”  459  may further include details on supported Bluetooth profiles (e.g., handsfree, handset). The configuration settings overall will vary for each of the different communications protocols that are supported by the device. Additional “communication settings”  459  could be included for enabling security. 
     Security settings such as encryption keys may be included as part of the communication parameters  459 . Various types of encryption keys can be populated by the media player  100  and other devices in their respective RFID transmission messages  450 . For example, encryption data for three layers of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model can be populated in the RFID transmission data  450 : the application, the data link, or the network layers. Data encryption in these layers provides for secure communication over IP networks. Encryption keys for use in descrambling secure video and audio signals over broadcast frequencies like the ones mentioned can also be populated in the RFID transmission data  450  as discussed later. 
     Also included as part of the communication parameters  459  is a list of supported protocols and parameters for communication via the Internet (IP, SIP, etc.). A complete catalogue of protocols and parameters for operation of the Internet and its future development can be found on the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) web site; any possible combination of protocols and parameters from the IANA site can be incorporated in the RFID transmission message  450  if supported by the device. 
     The next message component is hardware/software parameters  460 . Hardware capabilities related to the device&#39;s display, audio equipment, data input hardware, and other components can be populated. Further, the device&#39;s operating system (OS) and other software capabilities can be provided in this category. Information such as OS version, list of supported software, and other software parameters may be included as a way to ensure compatibility and interoperability between devices. Certain connecting devices may use this information to only facilitate connections with devices that have identical hardware and software. 
     Finally, the device&#39;s media processing capabilities  461  are listed in the RFID transmission data  450 . This information indicates the device&#39;s ability to process media assets that are in specific formats. For example, the media player  100  may support the following audio formats which would be listed in its RFID transmission data: MP3, WMA, WAV, AAC, HE-AAC, FLAC, Ogg Vorbis. Others are also possible. Video formats supported by the media player  100  might include, for example: MPEG 1, MPEG 2, MPEG 4, MPEG  7 , AVI, and XviD. Image formats supported by the media player  100  might include, for example: JPEG, JPEG2000, TIFF, GIF, BMP, and PNG. Presentation formats supported by the media player  100  may include: PPS, and PPT. Internet content supported by the media player  100  might include: HTML, XHTML, DHTML, and JavaScript. 
     This type of information allows media player  100  to only transmit media assets which are supported by the target device(s). This information also allows either or both of the target device and media player  100  to convert media assets into supported formats before transmission to the other when required. The supported media formats for media player  100  listed above are not meant to comprise a complete and exhaustive list. It should also be noted that devices such as media player  100  may periodically update their media processing capabilities to be able to handle additional formats. 
     A standard message structure containing the RFID transmission information  450  in  FIG. 7  allows a multitude of electronic devices to be able to quickly setup and establish wireless connectivity with each other using the RFID connector system previously discussed. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a standard message structure for RFID transmission information  450  outlined in  FIG. 7  allows different devices to rapidly discover each other&#39;s communication and media capabilities and other parameters. According to the invention, transmitting the media player&#39;s  100  RFID transmission information  450  and processing a target device&#39;s RFID transmission information  450  could facilitate the automatic activation of a radio transceiver with an appropriate communications protocol, allowing the media player  100  and target device to conserve power by not always having their wireless interface turned on. 
     The RFID transmission information  450  could also facilitate the automatic launching of specific software applications operating on either device. The RFID transmission information  450  could also facilitate the automatic customization of software properties on both devices (e.g., GUI menu options, layout, graphics, messages, etc.); for example, when selecting media assets to transmit to a target device, the media player  100  may only show files that the target device is capable of processing. The RFID transmission information  450  could also facilitate the automatic transmission of certain media assets upon connection (as discussed below). Receiving and processing another device&#39;s RFID transmission information  450  on the media player  100  could also facilitate the automatic presentation of media received from that device, without any user action being required on the media player  100 . For example, if another device that has exchanged RFID transmission information  450  with the media player  100  wirelessly transmits a video to the media player  100 , the media player can automatically launch the media manager application  120  and begin displaying the incoming video. Other automated operations by the media player  100  in response to receiving and processing a target device&#39;s RFID transmission information  450  are possible and within the scope and spirit of the invention. 
     A standard message structure could use special codes to represent message components  451  and content  452 , that applications operating on various electronic devices, such as the media player  100 , could universally interpret and process. The message components  451  listed in  FIG. 7  are only general categories of the types of information that could be encoded in an RFID transmission message  450 . Sub-categories and additional categories of information are possible while remaining within the scope and spirit of the invention. 
     RFID transmission information  450  received from other electronic devices can be used to establish and store device profiles on the media player  100 . These device profiles can later be used by the media player  100  to automatically connect to these devices when in the vicinity, or to manually connect to them based on the user selecting a profile and initiating the connection. Data encoded in the RFID transmission  450  allows the media player  100  to appropriately organize the device profiles based on device type  453 , making them easier to find. 
     According to the invention, the RFID transmission information  450  could be encoded by the media player  100  and other electronic devices using SOAP/XML. XML is the acronym for extensible Markup Language, the universal format for structured documents and data on the Web. XML is an industry-standard protocol administered by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). The use of standard XML tags amongst electronics manufacturers to represent data in the RFID transmission information  450  allows for greater interoperability between devices using the methods described herein. According to the invention, the XML-encoded device information for the media player  100  may be generated by an application operating on the media player and sent to the RFID Tag-Reader Module  113  where it is stored for later transmission. 
     According to the invention, an XML message parser may operate on the media player  100  to interpret received RFID transmission information  450  encoded using the XML schema. The XML parser may in turn make the processed data available to other applications operating on the media player  100 . The use of other encoding schemes, other than XML, could be applied to standardizing the RFID transmission information  450 , and would not be outside the scope or spirit of the invention. 
     In one embodiment, the RFID transmission information  450  format complies with the Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) specification as promulgated by the Universal Plug and Play Forum. The UPnP Device Architecture document details the protocols and conventions required of UPnP devices, and explains the basic patterns all UPnP devices follow in their operation. The UPnP specification includes similar information related to addressing, description, discovery, control, eventing, and presentation. UPnP is the foundation of other home networking standards such as the Digital Living Network Alliance and Intel&#39;s Networked Media Products Requirements (NMPR) specifications; the RFID transmission information  450  could also be formatted according to these other specifications. In yet another embodiment, the RFID transmission information  450  could be formatted according to Apple&#39;s Rendezvous specification. Rendezvous, is an open source protocol that enables the automatic discovery of computers, devices, and services on IP networks. 
     In one embodiment of the invention, the RFID transmission information  450  for the media player  100  is stored in the RFID tag memory unit  322  of the RFID Tag-Reader Module  113 . Software and other changes which may be executed on the media player  100  may cause the RFID transmission information  450  to be dynamically updated in the RFID Tag-Reader Module  113 . For example, if software operating on the media player  100  is updated to handle new audio and video formats, the software can automatically update the RFID transmission information  450  stored in the RFID tag memory unit  322  with the latest information on the device&#39;s media capabilities. This in turn allows a communicating device to ascertain the media player&#39;s most current 
     As mentioned earlier, in one embodiment of the invention, the RFID transmission information  450  is transmitted from the target device which has an operable RFID tag to a master device which has enabled its RFID reader functionality. In accordance with the invention, it should be noted that RFID transmission information  450  as embodied in  FIG. 7  can also be transmitted from a device which has an operable RFID reader to a device with an operable RFID tag. An RFID tag that can be written with data by the master RFID reader device can be realized with varying memory capacities. In this embodiment, both electronic devices transmit each other&#39;s device information, communication settings, and other data to facilitate cross-discovery and customization of software properties as described herein. Where there are two devices that will be sharing sensitive media between each other and enhanced security is desired, this embodiment is preferred as both devices can discover each other&#39;s capabilities rapidly upon exchanging RFID transmission information  450 . In this embodiment, enhanced security is provided as both devices can share each other&#39;s encryption keys via the RFID exchange methods described. 
     There are instances where media only flows in one direction, as is the case with the media player  100  transmitting audio signals to a wireless headphone  152 . In such an instance, the media player  100  only needs to discover the capabilities of the headphone  152 , and not vice versa. As such, devices like the headphone unit  152  which may only receive data, only require a passive or active RFID tag. 
     In accordance with the invention, data stored in a device profile can periodically be updated over-the-air when the media player  100  establishes a communication session with the target device. According to the invention, the media player  100  may periodically poll the target device for new profile information. A new profile is sent over-the-air to the media player  100 , and the old device profile record is updated. This is an especially important feature for devices that may be continually updating their media processing capabilities. Device profile information stored on the player  100  could be encoded using an XML schema. As such, over-the-air updates of device profiles could be encoded the same way. As previously mentioned, other encoding schemes are also possible 
       FIG. 8A  is a flow diagram of a wireless transmission method using RFID setup, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The flow diagram is outlined from the perspective of a media player  100  establishing connectivity with a target electronic device. The method generally begins at decision point  501 , where it is determined if media is being received from an external source and viewed on the player  100 , whether media stored on the device is being played/viewed at that instance, or whether a resident game is operating on the player  100 . 
     In the first case mentioned, the user of media player  100  may decide that he wants to wirelessly transmit the incoming media to another electronic device to facilitate enhanced viewing, for example, on a large television with surround sound. Alternatively, he may decide to share the incoming media with a friend in the vicinity that also has a wireless media player device. Similarly, in the second case, the owner of the media player  100  may be listening to digital music stored on the device and may decide to wirelessly transmit the media to a stereo system that provides for enhanced listening with its powerful speakers and sound output capability. Finally, in the last case, the owner of the media player  100  may be in the midst of playing a game operating on the device and may wish to allow one or more of his friends with a similar device to wirelessly connect to his media player  100  and compete in multi-player mode. 
     All of these examples assume that the target devices are wireless enabled, have compatible media processing capabilities, and have integrated RFID modules. 
     A user that is engaged in viewing incoming media or listening to music stored locally on the media player  100  should be able to automatically establish a wireless connection with a target device and transmit the same media for listening/viewing pleasure on the target device with minimal effort. Similarly, a user should also be able to establish wireless connectivity with minimal effort with other devices in order to play multi-player games. The RFID discovery method previously described allows two electronic devices that have integrated RFID components and a common wireless interface to do just that. 
     For the purpose of reviewing the method outlined in  FIG. 8A , assume that the media player  100  is playing digital music stored on the device. The operator of the media player  100  wants to transmit the media content that is playing on the device to a stereo that has an RFID “hot spot” and an integrated RFID tag-reader module  113  for wireless setup. The stereo is Bluetooth-enabled and allows connectivity to compatible Bluetooth devices such as the media player  100  for exchanging media content. For illustrative purposes, both the media player  100  and stereo are Bluetooth-enabled. For purposes of this invention, the devices could communicate via any other known wireless protocol. 
     Following block  502  in  FIG. 8A , the operator of media player  100  presses the RFID activation button  118  on the media player  100 . As previously outlined, this activates the RFID reader functionality and makes the RFID tag functionality inoperable in the RFID Tag-Reader Module  113  (block  503 ). The media player&#39;s RFID antenna  114  begins transmitting interrogation signals. Per block  504 , the operator brings the media player&#39;s “hot spot”  221  in range of the stereo&#39;s RFID “hot spot”. In block  505 , the stereo&#39;s RFID tag transmits its RFID transmission information  450  to the media player&#39;s RFID antenna  114  in response to a received interrogation signal. In an alternate embodiment, the media player  100  first transmits its RFID transmission information  450  to the stereo&#39;s RFID tag as part of the interrogation signal, and receives back the stereo&#39;s RFID transmission information  450 . In both embodiments, the receiving device uses the received RFID transmission information  450  to process the opposite device&#39;s communication, media processing, and other capabilities. 
     In block  506 , RFID Tag-Reader Module  113  in the media player  100  returns to its normal state, with the tag functionality switched and the reader functionality inoperable. In block  507 , wireless connectivity between media player  100  and the stereo is established. At block  510 , media player  100  begins wirelessly transmitting the media that is currently playing on media player  100 , from its current position, to the stereo along with information about the media (e.g. song name, artist, album, etc). The stereo can display the received media information on its LCD if one is available. Media player  100  transmits the media to the stereo in a supported format as ascertained during step  505 . In accordance with the invention, if the format of the media that was playing on media player  100  is not supported by the stereo, as ascertained in step  505 , the media player  100  can automatically convert the media into a format that is supported by the stereo. The conversion process of media from one format to another, and the transmission of the converted media can occur dynamically as the media continues to play on media player  100 . 
     While connected, media player  100  can transmit the user&#39;s playlists or song selections exactly as they play on the media player  100  to the stereo. This allows the user to listen to them via the stereo just as he would have directly from the media player  100 . In accordance with the invention, while connected—the user can use the controls of the media player  100  to control the media playing experience on the target device. For example, the “stop”, “pause”, “play”, “rewind”, “fast forward”, and other buttons on the media player  100  can be used to control the audio attributes on the stereo in the current example. For other target devices, various other controls may be operated via media player  100 . 
     Per block  512 , the user may terminate the wireless session between the stereo and the media player  100  by using the software/hardware controls available on either device to perform the operation. Upon termination of the wireless session, per block  513 , the user will be prompted on the media player  100  to state whether he wants to save the device profile for the stereo. The user would only see this prompt if the stereo specified a permission in its profile settings  457  allowing the user to create a profile for the device. Per block  514 , the user can decide affirmatively to save the profile of the stereo to which he was previously connected. If the user doesn&#39;t want to save the device profile, it is discarded as shown in block  515  per the user&#39;s action. Device profiles allow users to connect to the same device in the future either automatically (when in range of the device&#39;s RF signal), or manually by selecting the profile from a list (and when within range of the device&#39;s RF signal). 
       FIG. 8B  is a flow diagram of a wireless transmission method using RFID setup, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Like  FIG. 8A , the method outlined in  FIG. 8B  also begins at decision point  501 , where it is determined if media is being received from an external source (target device), whether media stored on the device is being played/viewed, or whether a resident game or other application is operating on the device therein. In contrast to  FIG. 8A , this example assumes there is no incoming media, no locally stored media being played/viewed, and no game or other application operating therein. 
     In the method outlined in  FIG. 8B , the user desires the ability to wirelessly connect the media player  100  with a target device in its vicinity, in order to transmit certain media assets to the target device. The process of connecting the media player  100  to the target device in steps  502 - 507  were discussed earlier, and are the same in this example. Upon establishing wireless connectivity with the target device, the media player  100  prompts the user to select the content source from which he wants to select a media asset to transmit to the target device. For example, the user may be presented with three options from which to select from in step  540 . The first option is “live content” (real-time capture)  541 . The options within the “live content” option  541  are dependent on the capabilities of the respective media player  100 . For example, some media players  100  may come equipped with a built-in camera for capturing digital pictures. Other media players  100  may have functionality to capture video and audio. 
     As such, selecting the “live content”  541  option will further prompt the user to select the specific type of “live content” he wants to capture and transmit to a target device. Selecting “images”, for example, would allow the user to take pictures and have them instantaneously stored locally while also being transmitted to a target device in its vicinity for viewing. Similarly, selecting “video” would activate the video camera functionality in the media player  100  and allow the user to capture a live video feed that is stored locally and transmitted to the target device. Similarly, selecting “audio” would activate the audio capture functionality in the media player  100  allowing the user to record and transmit audio to a target device. 
     Another content source is “stored content”  542 . This content source encompasses all media resident in the media player&#39;s storage unit  112 . “Stored content”  542  may include video, music/audio, pictures, presentations, animation, Internet-content, and other media types. As above, these media files may be transmitted to one or more target devices as discussed herein. 
     The next content source is “Internet content”  543 . This content source encompasses a number of Internet media sources for movies, music, radio, news and other content. Selecting any one of these Internet categories/channels may provide additional sub-categories which help users find the genre or type of content that they may be searching for. A media guide may be available to help users find the content they are looking for on the Internet. The “Internet content” option could, for example, allow a user to browse movie trailers on his wireless media player  100 , select a movie for download, pay for the movie, and use the media player  100  to re-transmit the selected movie to a television in the vicinity using the methods described herein. The user can in turn use the media player&#39;s controls to adjust the viewing experience on the television. For example, while watching the movie on his television, the user can pause, rewind, or fast-forward the movie using controls in the media player  100 . 
     The next content source is “broadcast TV”  544 . This content source encompasses content received via broadcast frequency bands such as UHF and VHF and other over-the-air sources. A transceiver and tuner in the media player  100  allows the unit to receive local television channels and other content from local devices in the vicinity via these frequency bands. Content from these sources can be further transmitted by the media player  100  to other devices in accordance with the invention. One possible example includes receipt by media player  100  of a satellite based content stream such as “XM” or “Sirius” satellite radio or other providers. The media manager application operating on media player  100  allows the user to browse different channels. 
     The next content source is “broadcast radio”  545 . This content source encompasses content received via broadcast frequency bands such as AM and FM. A transceiver and tuner in the media player  100  allows the unit to receive radio channels and content from local devices in the vicinity via these frequency bands. Content from these sources can be further transmitted by the media player  100  to other devices in accordance with the invention. The media manager application operating on media player  100  allows the user to scan and seek different radio channels. 
     In one embodiment of the invention, only content sources capable of being processed by a selected target device are displayed to the user by the media player  100  in the graphical user interface. Thus, when the user selects the desired target device, media player  100  can use the profile associated with that target device to determine allowable media types. Further, within a particular content source category, only media assets that can be processed by the target device are displayed on the media player  100  to the user. 
     Upon selecting content from any of the content source options, media player  100  begins wirelessly transmitting the media asset that was selected to the target device along with information about the media asset if available (e.g., file name, song name, artist, album, source, copyright, etc). The target device can display the media information on its display screen if one is available. The media player  100  transmits the media asset to the target device in a supported format as ascertained in step  505 . As previously mentioned, the media player  100  can convert the media asset into a format that is supported by the target device if necessary and if the applicable conversion utilities are present. Steps  512 - 515  that deal with terminating a wireless connection and establishing a profile for the target device on the media player  100  are the same as described earlier during discussion of methods illustrated in  FIG. 8A . 
       FIG. 9  is a flow diagram of a wireless transmission method  560  via the Internet, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The examples illustrated in  FIG. 8A  and  FIG. 8B  described how two devices that are in within local RF proximity to one another can exchange communication, media processing capabilities, and other parameters via RFID, establish a wireless connection, and exchange media content between one another, either automatically (as outlined in  FIG. 8A ) or manually (as outlined in  FIG. 8B ). 
     The example illustrated in  FIG. 9  may be implemented by a media player  100  that has an integrated network receiver  105  that can connect to a cellular network, such as a Global System Mobile (GSM) network, and further gain access to the Internet. The example  560  depicts how media assets can be selected and targeted for transmission to another Internet-connected media processing device via a wide area network, comprising, for example, a cellular network and the Internet. Alternatively, the media player  100  can use its short range transceiver  108  to connect to a local wireless access point to gain access to the Internet for the same purposes. 
     Example  560  requires the use of the media manager application on the media player  100 . The example  560  begins at decision point  561  where the user is prompted on the media player  100  to select a media source from which specific content will be selected for transmission to another Internet-connected device. The user is presented with options which include, “incoming media”  562 , “live-content” (real-time capture)  541 , “stored content”  542 , “Internet content”  543 , “broadcast TV”  544 , and “broadcast radio”  545 . 
     “Incoming media”  562  refers to media which is being received by the media player  100  in real-time from an external source (e.g., from an electronic device in close proximity via short range RF, another device via the Internet, etc). “Incoming media”  562  may include, as example, audio, video, and image communication. “Live content”  541  refers to data captured in real-time using the media player&#39;s internal media capture capability (e.g., integrated camera, audio recording apparatus, etc). Upon selecting a specific “live content” option, the appropriate internal media capture functionality in the media player  100  is activated. This allows media to be captured, stored on the device, and simultaneously transmitted to one or more target devices. Having the “live content” media stored on the media player  100  may be a user-defined option in the media manager application. 
     “Stored content”  542  includes media assets that reside in the media player&#39;s hard drive  112 . “Internet content”  543  includes media content (e.g., video/movies, audio/music, images, etc.) that can be selected for download from an Internet connected server or storage device to the media player  100  and re-transmitted to a target device. “Broadcast TV”  544  encompasses content received via broadcast frequency bands such as UHF and VHF. Similarly, “Broadcast Radio”  545  encompasses content received via broadcast frequency bands such as AM and FM. “Local Area Network (LAN) Content”  546  includes media content stored in recognized devices that are within short-range RF proximity of the media player  100 ; the media player  100  may “auto-detect” devices in its proximity as described herein, and have access to all/some media content stored in these devices. The media player  100  is able to access the storage apparatus of a target device, obtain a complete list of files available for access, and also obtain information about each respective file such as media type (e.g., video, audio, image, etc.), media title, artist/producer, date, etc. In accordance with the invention, the media player  100  can in turn organize the target device&#39;s media library into categories (similar to those found in  FIG. 18 ) that can be visually presented to the user to help locate specific files on the target device. In accordance with the invention, the media player  100  also allows an operator to specify if he wants to provide open access to some/all media assets stored in the media player  100  for specific connecting devices or any connecting device. The operator can also specify the access method of specific media assets stored in the media player  100 ; for example, media assets can be enabled for download, “view only access”, or “listen only access.” “View only” and “listen only” access prevent connecting devices from copying the media asset, but allows them to still view or listen to the media asset. 
     Upon selecting specific media assets from the media source categories in step  570  the user is prompted (in step  573 ) to select the addresses of one or more remote recipients to which the media assets should be transmitted. The user may be presented on screen with a contact list or “buddy list” from which to select one or more recipients of the media assets. In a preferred embodiment, the contact list or “buddy list” profiles contain unique addresses for target devices which can be resolved via the Internet, for routing over the global network. Possible Internet address schemes include E.164 phone numbers and Uniform Resource Identifiers (URIs). As previously mentioned, the media player  100  itself may have one or more of these address types mapped to it for resolution via the Internet. 
     E.164 is the name of the international telephone numbering plan administered by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), which specifies the format, structure, and administrative hierarchy of telephone numbers. “E.164” refers to the ITU document that describes the structure of telephone numbers. A fully qualified E.164 number is designated by a country code, an area or city code, and a phone number. For example, a fully qualified, E.164 number for the phone number 555-1234 in Washington, D.C. (area code 202) in the United States (country code 1) would be +1-202-555-1234. 
     In one embodiment, media player  100  transmits a fully qualified E.164 number and connection request to a media gateway within its respective mobile operator&#39;s core network. The media gateway uses the Electronic Numbering (ENUM) protocol to resolve the fully qualified E.164 telephone number for the target media processing device to a fully qualified domain name address corresponding to the target device using a DNS-based architecture. ENUM (E.164 Number Mapping, RFC 3761) is a system that uses DNS (Domain Name Service, RFC 1034) in order to translate certain telephone numbers, like ‘+12025551234’, into URIs (Uniform Resource Identifiers, RFC 2396) like ‘sip:user@sipcarrier.com’. These URIs are contained within NAPTR (Naming Authority Pointer) Resource Records sent to the media gateway in response to the DNS query. ENUM exists primarily to facilitate the interconnection of systems that rely on telephone numbers with those that use URIs to route transactions. 
     The service record may specify that the target user prefers to receive calls addressed to a specific user (bob) at a server address (sip.sampleserver.com). The service field specifies, for example, that the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is to be used, in conjunction with the E.164 to URI (E2U) resolution service. 
     The media gateway then picks the sip+E2U service and performs the associated regular expression transform using the original E.164 number and the regular expression. This produces the sip: URI. The media gateway then uses the DNS a second time to translate the domain part of the URI (e.g, sip.sampleserver.com), into an IP address using a DNS A record. 
     The media gateway then opens up a session with UDP port  5060  on the target SIP server to complete the call setup, requesting a media session with the user (bob) on this server. If the E.164 number was associated with a wireless device, the request may in turn be forwarded to the target device via a radio access network. Upon connecting with the target device, a secure, peer-to-peer communication session is established between the media player  100  and the target device. 
     In a preferred embodiment, media player  100  has a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) framework operating on the device to facilitate communication using the protocol. The use of SIP for transmitting media to one or more target media players connected to the Internet is preferred as mobile operators are moving towards a SIP-based architecture for multimedia services. It is envisioned that the use of SIP for communication between two media player devices could leverage the same SIP registrar, proxy, presence servers, and other related infrastructure used to deliver real-time converged services within a mobile operator&#39;s network. The media player&#39;s SIP application framework allows media player  100 , in conjunction with SIP infrastructure at the mobile operator, to simultaneously transmit content from media player  100  to multiple devices over the Internet. 
     Capabilities discovery is an important feature of SIP systems. Similar to the capabilities exchange via RFID described above, SIP offers the ability for devices to exchange media processing and other capabilities information using the protocol. 
     While the use of SIP for such purposes is preferred, alternative application protocols may be used in lieu of SIP while still remaining within the scope of the present invention. 
     In step  575 , after peer-to-peer connectivity is established between media player  100  and the target device, the selected media assets are transmitted to the target device from the media player  100 . Media player  100  may simultaneously transmit media content to multiple target devices. In accordance with the invention, the user operating media player  100  may use the media player&#39;s control functionality, including buttons (e.g., pause, rewind, fast forward, etc.) for managing the user experience of the media asset on the target device. In accordance with the invention, the operator of the target device(s) may be permitted to use similar controls contained in the target device in order to manipulate media transmission from the media player  100 . In accordance with the invention, information about the control functionality permitted for use on the target device is transmitted by the media player  100  to the target device before the actual transmission of the media asset. This information could specify among other things, what controls to enable on the target device and what specific buttons could be used to activate certain control functions. In another embodiment, the media player  100  may transmit a GUI-based control panel for display on the target device, which can in turn be used by the operator of the target device to control the viewing/listening experience of the media asset being received from the media player  100 . 
     Upon successfully transmitting media assets to the target device, the operator of the media player  100  or the target device may terminate the peer-to-peer connection (step  577 ). 
     Similar to the methods described above, the media player  100  is capable of receiving media assets from other Internet connected devices. 
       FIG. 10  is a functional diagram of a media player  100 A wirelessly capturing a video feed from an external video recording device  712 , and transmitting the same video content via a cellular network  720  and the Internet  730  to another media player  100 B, which further transmits the content to a television  751 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
     In  FIG. 10 , connectivity between the video camera  712  and the wireless media player  100 A is initially established using the RFID setup process as previously discussed. The video camera in  FIG. 10  has an integrated RFID tag-reader module and a wireless interface for communication with other devices. 
     The video camera  712  is recording a city landscape  711  and simultaneously transmitting the video feed to the wireless media player  100 A in User A&#39;s domain  710 . Using the media manager application operating on the media player  100 A, User A specifies that he would like the video feed to be transmitted to User B&#39;s wireless device  100 B. User A selects User B&#39;s name from a contact list or “buddy list” stored on the media player  100 A. Mapped to User B&#39;s name could be an E.164 number, URI, SIP address, or other Internet-routable address which corresponds to User B&#39;s wireless media player  100 B. All of these address types can be resolved via the Internet to target the delivery of the live video feed to User B&#39;s media player  100 B. 
     User A&#39;s media player  100 A is connected to Mobile Operator A&#39;s network  720  via RF signal to the radio access network  721 . Resolution of the address schemes mentioned above and connectivity with the target device may employ the use of Mobile Operator A&#39;s core network  722  which may include among other components, DNS servers and SIP registrar, proxy, and presence servers, and other related communications infrastructure connected to the Internet  730 . Mobile Operator A&#39;s DNS systems may be configured to resolve the E.164 number, URI, or SIP address to an Internet Protocol (IP) address for communication via the Internet  730  or a private network. The IP address is further used to establish a SIP peer-to-peer session over the Internet between media player  100 A and  100 B as earlier described. 
     In this case, User B&#39;s media player  100 B resolves to Mobile Operator B&#39;s network  740 . A SIP invite is sent over the Internet from mobile operator A&#39;s core network  722  to mobile operator B&#39;s core network  741 . The request is further transmitted through operator B&#39;s radio access network  742  to the wireless media player  100 B. Wireless media player  100 B is notified of the connection attempt (and possibly details of the media set for transmission) from media player  100 A. Assuming the connection attempt is accepted by user B, a SIP peer-to-peer connection is established between the two devices. Media player  100 A begins transmitting the video content to media player  100 B. Both devices use buffering and flow control technology to regulate the transmission and reception of media. 
     As User B watches the video feed from User A&#39;s media player  100 A on his media player  100 B, he may decide that he wants to watch the video feed on his television for an enhanced viewing experience and surround sound. The scenario  700  represented in  FIG. 10  assumes that the television  751  in User B&#39;s domain  750  has an integrated RFID module and a RF interface for communication with other devices. 
     User B, can simply press the RFID activation button  118  on the media player  100 B and bring the media player “hot spot” in proximity to the RFID “hot spot” on the television. Wireless connectivity between the devices using any number of supported wireless protocols is automatically established, and the media content is automatically transmitted per the steps described in  FIG. 8A . 
     In one embodiment, the television  751  is not able to process packetized streaming video content, but is able to handle a video broadcast signal using its antenna receiver. As such, User B&#39;s media terminal  100 B automatically recognizes the television&#39;s media processing capabilities using the information captured during the RFID information exchange. In accordance with the invention, the media manager application operating on media player  100 B is able to dynamically convert the incoming packetized streaming content to a broadcast signal (e.g., UHF, VHF) that the television can process using its own receiver and in turn display. 
     In accordance with the invention, the media player  100 B in  FIG. 10  has an integrated short-range broadcast antenna and transceiver that supports UHF, VHF, FM, and AM broadcast and reception. The media player  100  also supports the High Definition Television (HDTV), National Television Standards Committee (NTSC), Systeme Electronique pour Couleur avec Memoire (SECAM), and Phase Alternating Line (PAL) standards used in different parts of the world. In accordance with the invention, the media player  100  may also have the ability to dynamically convert broadcast signals (e.g., UHF, VHF, FM, or AM) that it receives into a digital format that can be streamed or otherwise transferred to one or more devices over a packet network, such as an Internet Protocol (IP) network using the steps described above. In accordance with the invention, the media manager application  120  operating on the media player  100  also has the ability to receive a broadcast signal (e.g., UHF, VHF, FM, or AM) and convert the content to a digital format that can be recorded and stored in the media player&#39;s hard drive  112 . 
     Returning to  FIG. 10 , the television  751  in one embodiment automatically displays the broadcast content from the media player  100 B, as the RFID exchange may have triggered the television to automatically change channels to one used specifically for receiving broadcast signals from devices in the proximity. 
     To prevent the broadcast from being picked up by other devices in the vicinity, the media player  100 B, can scramble the content before broadcasting it. In one embodiment, the media player  100 B transmits a decryption key for descrambling the broadcast signal in the RFID transmission message  450  during the initial RFID exchange between the devices. The cryptographic techniques and methods for securing video and audio signals is widely known and documented. Commonly used algorithms supported by the media player  100  and used for encrypting digital content include Digital Video Broadcasting—Common Scrambling Algorithm (DVB-CSA), Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), and Triple DES (Data Encryption Standard). The television  751  may have the capability to store a “device profile” for the media player  100 B to facilitate future communication sessions; the “device profile” may contain the decryption key that was initially received from the media player  100 B during the RFID exchange. 
       FIG. 11  is a functional diagram of a media player with an integrated video camera  100 A, filming a city scene  811 , and transmitting video/audio content via a cellular network  820  and the Internet  730  to two separate media player devices  100 B &amp;  100 C connected to different mobile operator networks  840  &amp;  860 , in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
     In contrast to  FIG. 10 , user A as represented in  FIG. 11  selects two recipients to which he wants the content streamed. This illustration demonstrates that the media player  100 A is capable of streaming media content over a wide area network, comprising for example a cellular network and the Internet, to multiple devices that are also Internet-enabled. Content distribution to multiple devices via the Internet may be accomplished using the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and related infrastructure within mobile operator A&#39;s core network  822 . 
     In  FIG. 11 , user B is shown to have established wireless connectivity with two devices via an RFID exchange per the steps illustrated in  FIG. 8A  above. The user B domain  850  is shown as such in order to exemplify that an incoming video feed can be separated so as to present the image portion of the feed on a television  851 , and the audio portion via a stereo  852  with surround sound. The ability to separate the audio and image components of incoming or stored video is provided by the media player  100 B. The process of separation is completely automated if connectivity is established with more than one target electronic device using the RFID connector system and methods illustrated in  FIG. 8A  above. 
     User C in  FIG. 11  is shown simply to be watching the incoming video feed on his wireless media player&#39;s  100 C integrated display screen  102 . 
     As described up until now, the media player  100  has the ability to receive media content from a wide array of devices either in local proximity or over a wide area network. The media player  100  also has a built-in transceiver for transmitting/receiving content via broadcast frequency bands such as UHF, VHF, AM, and FM. In accordance with the invention, the media player  100  may have the ability to receive, for example, television and radio content over these broadcast frequency bands and convert the content to a digital format that can be stored in the media player&#39;s hard drive  112  and later accessed by the user via the media manager application operating on media player  100 . According to one embodiment of the invention, the media manager application enables the media player  100  to function as a digital video recorder (DVR). The digital video recording functionality can be enabled at the user&#39;s option. When enabled, the media player  100  digitally encodes all incoming broadcast signals being viewed by the user, and a saves them to the media player&#39;s hard drive, allowing the user to pause, play, rewind, watch video in slow motion, and perform other operations with live programming similar to digital video recording devices such as TiVo or ReplayTV. 
     The media manager application  120  operating on the media player  100  also allows the user to record specific television and radio segments at specific times. The digital video recording functionality part of the media manager is also designed to work with Internet TV implementations. The digital video recording functionality allows the media player  100  to record multiple pieces of incoming media simultaneously. The digital video recording functionality automatically records incoming media transmissions of video, audio, images, presentations, animation, Internet content, and other media types received from other external devices. The automatic recording of incoming content from other devices allows a user to immediately begin viewing or listening to the received content without being prompted up front on whether he would like to store the content on the media player&#39;s hard drive. This alleviates the possibility of missing, for example, part of a live event being transmitted to the media player  100 . 
     The user may decide after the transmission is complete or at some point in the future on whether to retain the content that is presently stored in the media player&#39;s hard drive  112 . If the user decides to retain the content, he will need to mark it as a file he wants moved to the permanent storage area of the media player&#39;s hard drive  112  before an expiration date. Otherwise, content that is stored on the hard drive via the digital video recording functionality will automatically be purged from the hard drive&#39;s temporary storage area after a set time interval (e.g., 1 month). DVR content that remains in the temporary storage area of the hard drive  112  is automatically purged on a “first in, first out” basis based on a set expiration interval or some other basis as desired by a user or pre-configured in media player  100 . 
     The media manager application operating on the media player  100 , supports standards based and proprietary Digital Rights Management (DRM) technologies. As such, the media manager may control certain copyrighted media assets and restrict its usage in certain ways. For example, the media manager, may prevent certain content that is received on the media player  100  from being stored on the device (even temporarily with the use of the DVR functionality). Similarly, the media manager may prevent certain content that was received, but permitted to be stored, from being re-transmitted to other users. Other types of restrictions on the usage of media assets could be enforced by the media manager application operating on media player  100 . Further, the media manager may permit the operator of the media player  100  to impose his own DRM restrictions and rules on content he generates and transmits to other devices via the media player. 
       FIGS. 12-20  are illustrations of exemplary user interface screens depicting various aspects of media player  100  functionality. 
       FIG. 12  is an illustration of an exemplary user interface screen  600  depicting “device profile” categories, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The screen  600  depicts several device categories in which profiles of wireless devices which previously exchanged communication settings, media processing capabilities, and other parameters via RFID exist. 
     Device profiles may exist for devices that can generally be classified as either media processing units or peripherals. Media processing units include, for example, MP3 players, digital video players, PDAs, televisions, digital cameras, medical monitoring devices, printers, and copiers that are capable of receiving and processing media assets (e.g., video, audio, images, animation, presentations, text, etc.) transmitted from the media player  100 . In some cases, these media processing units are able to themselves wirelessly transmit media assets to electronic devices such as the media player  100 . Peripheral devices on the other hand, are devices that allow the media player  100  to extend certain of its capabilities as a way to improve, for example, data input, visual display, audio output, and other such functions. 
     Examples of wireless peripherals include, keyboard, mouse, joy stick, display, automobile computer system, and telephone (that gives the media player speaker phone capability when interfaced). When peripherals are attached to the media player  100  via the RFID discovery method described herein, the peripheral takes over one or more functions of the media player (e.g., audio output, data input, etc.). One example of a peripheral capable of taking over multiple functions from the media player  100  is an automobile computer system. An automobile computer system, may as example, extend the media player&#39;s user interface to the car&#39;s display, the media player&#39;s audio output to the car&#39;s built-in speakers, and the media player&#39;s control functionality to built-in controls in the car. 
       603  is one example of a device category. The television category listing in  603  includes an icon that visually represents the category and a category name (e.g., Television). At the top left of the screen is a cellular network signal indicator  601 , and at the top right is a battery-life indicator  602  for the media player  100 . The list of “device profile” categories in  FIG. 12  is not meant to be exhaustive. There could be additional categories added to the list. 
     Category labels could also be standardized amongst device manufacturers as part of a strategy to create a universally accepted RFID transmission format  450  as previously discussed. 
       FIG. 13  is an illustration of an exemplary user interface screen  610  depicting a specific device profile category in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. This screen  610  shows the “television” category with two example device profile entries  611  and  612 . Both device profile entries show an icon to represent the device, the device type (e.g., TV), manufacturer name (e.g., XYZ Elect.), device model (e.g., Plasma TV- 123 ), and a description of the device which may have been set by the user in the device (e.g., Family Room). Device profile  612  differs from  611  in that an auto-detection setting  613  is represented; this setting is currently turned “on” as illustrated. The setting indicates that the user has specified that he wants the media player  100  to automatically detect and establish a connection with the TV in  612  whenever it is within signal range. This particular example assumes that the television in  612  has, for example, a transceiver (e.g., Ultra Wideband) for high-bandwidth communication with other devices (such as the media player  100 ). 
     When the auto-detect setting is turned “on”, the RF signal indicator is represented in  613 . It may be recalled from before, that the auto-detect and connect functionality may not be available for all electronic devices, and is specified in the RFID transmission information  450  in accordance with the invention. The auto-detect and connect functionality is especially useful for mobile users, as their media player  100  can be set to automatically discover and connect with specific devices when in proximity. 
     One practical example of how the functionality can be used is described now in accordance with the invention. A user may have a wireless media player  100  in his pocket on which he has his favorite music playlists stored. Rather than listening to the music via a wireless headphone unit  152 , the user prefers listening to his music via a stereo system in his home that has surround sound capability. As such, when the user turns on his media player  100  upon waking up in the morning and selects the music he wants to hear, and the media player  100  automatically detects and connects with the stereo system for which a “device profile” exists on the player  100 . The player  100  automatically begins transmitting the playing music to the stereo system so the user can enjoy his music via the surround sound capability of the stereo system. Continuing with the example, the same user may be ready to leave his home for work. Upon turning off the power to the stereo, the wireless connection between the stereo and media player  100  is terminated. 
     The wireless connection may also be dropped by simply exiting the house and leaving the RF coverage area of the stereo (if the stereo&#39;s power was left turned on). Either way, the music playing on the media player  100  is automatically paused when the devices lose RF connectivity. Upon getting in his automobile and starting the ignition, the automobile computer turns on its wireless interface. Similarly, the media player  100 , auto-detects and connects to the automobile&#39;s onboard computer system; begins playing the music that was paused; and transmits the music to the automobile&#39;s onboard computer system which includes a media processing unit. This example assumes that a device profile for the automobile computer is first stored in the media player  100  in accordance with the invention. 
     Continuing with the example further, the user may arrive at his workplace with his media player  100 . Upon turning off the car in the parking lot, the wireless connection between the automobile&#39;s onboard computer and the media player  100  automatically terminates. This causes the music playing on the media player  100  to be automatically paused. The user then walks into the building and to his office. As the user arrives in his personal office, the media player  100  auto-detects and connects to a small desktop stereo, for which a profile was previously saved in the terminal  100  in accordance with the invention. The media player  100  automatically begins playing and transmitting the media to the desktop stereo in the user&#39;s office. This example illustrates just one application for how the auto-detect and connect functionality can be applied and used with RFID device profile information stored in the media player  100 . 
       FIG. 14  is an illustration of an exemplary user interface screen  620  depicting messaging that indicates that the media player  100  is wirelessly connecting to a target device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The screen  620  may appear on the media player  100  when an RFID exchange is initiated and the devices attempt to wirelessly connect, or when a device profile is selected in order to establish a manual connection. 
       FIG. 15  is an illustration of an exemplary user interface screen  625  depicting the various options for Media Sources  626  that can be selected in order to locate specific media assets for transmission to a target device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The media source options represented in the illustration and discussed previously include, “Live Content”  627 , “Stored Content”  628 , “Internet Content”  629 , “Broadcast TV”  630 , “Broadcast Radio”  631 , and LAN Content  632 . Each of these media source options is represented with an icon that represents the content type, and an appropriate label as illustrated in  627 ,  628 ,  629 ,  630 ,  631 , and  632 . Elements of  628  appear in bold and are highlighted in order to illustrate the user interface treatment for a menu option that the navigation cursor has landed on. 
     The screen  625  also shows at the bottom  635 , all devices that are currently connected to the media player  100 . In this illustration, the Connected Devices section indicates that there is a TV connected to the media player  100 .  635  shows an icon of the connected device, the device type (e.g., TV), the manufacturer of the device (e.g., XYZ Elec.), a description (e.g., Family Room), and a signal indicator showing the strength of the RF signal between the devices. 
       FIG. 16  is an illustration of an exemplary user interface screen  640  depicting “Live Content” options  641  for delivery to a target device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The “Live Content” options represented on the screen include “Image”  642 , “Video”  643 , and “Audio”  644 . Each of these media options is represented with an icon that represents the content type, and an appropriate label as shown in  642 ,  643 , and  644 . As previously mentioned, the existence of these options is dependent on the respective media player&#39;s media capture capabilities. Selecting any one of these options has the effect of activating the appropriate media capture functionality in the media player  100 . 
       FIG. 17  is an illustration of an exemplary user interface screen  650  depicting “Internet Content” options  651  from which media assets can be selected for delivery to a target device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The “Internet Content” options represented on the screen include “Movies”  652 , “Music”  653 , “Radio”  654 , “News”  655 , and a “Media Guide”  656 . These options provide further access to lists of web sites or content repositories on the Internet. Selecting the “Music”  653  option may, for example, provide the user with a list of sites from which he can download digital music (e.g., Apple iTunes™). The user may have his login settings for certain music download sites stored in the Media manager application  120  operating on the media player  100  so as to allow the media player  100  to automatically login to a selected site. The user may also have a credit card profile or other payment information stored on the media player  100  or with the respective music web site operator, in order to allow automatic payment of music that is selected for download. Each of the “Internet Content” options  651  is represented with an icon that indicates the type of content that can be accessed, and an appropriate label as shown in  652 ,  653 ,  654 ,  655 , and  656   
       FIG. 18  is an illustration of an exemplary user interface screen  660  depicting “Stored Content” options  661  from which media assets can be selected for delivery to a target device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The “Stored Content” options  661  represent categories of media files that reside in the media player&#39;s hard drive  112 . The “Stored Content” options  661  include “Video”  662 , “Music/Audio”  663 , “Pictures”  664 , “Presentations”  665 , and “Other”  666 . There may be additional sub-categories under any of these options that allow the user to easily locate specific media content. Content for example may be organized according to genre, theme, artist, and other identifying characteristics. A search engine incorporated in the media manager application  120  allows the user to search for specific content based on various search terms such as type of content, file names, dates, genre, artist, etc. 
       FIG. 19  is an illustration of an exemplary user interface screen  670  depicting “Video Files”  671  that can be selected for transmission to a target device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  671  shows a list of video files resident in the media player&#39;s storage unit  112 . The files may be organized according to any number of organization schemes to allow the user to locate specific media files more easily.  672  is an example of a media file that is selected for viewing.  672  shows the user an icon representing that this entry is a video file, the name of the video (Paris Trip), and the date the video was made ( 07 / 05 / 05 ). Other information could also be presented as screen space permits. 
     The user can select this file  672  from the list and use the left menu selection button  185  on the media player  100  to preview the video before transmitting it to a target device in accordance with the invention. The preview of the video is displayed in a window  673  on the right side of the display screen  102 . If the user decides to transmit the same file  672  to a target device in accordance with the invention, he may simply press the right menu selection button  186  on the media player  100 . If the media player  100  is connected to the target device, pressing the right menu selection button  186 , will initiate transmission to the target device. In another embodiment, if the user desires to transmit the selected media asset  672  to a target device via the Internet as described earlier, pressing the transmit button, will then prompt the user to specify the target recipient&#39;s address. As such, a directory or “buddy list” of users stored in the media player  100  may be presented for the user to select from. 
       FIG. 20  a front-side perspective view  680  of a media player  100  with an exemplary user interface screen depicting a video playing  681  while being transmitted to a target device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The video that is being transmitted to the target device is shown in  681 .  682  provides information on the media asset being transmitted. Included in  682  is an icon to represent the type of media being transmitted (e.g., video, audio/music, etc), the name of the file, the date it was made, and the time remaining in the transmission. Also included in  682  is a sliding bar which visually indicates the amount of time which has elapsed in the media transmission and the relative time remaining. At the bottom of the screen is a list of all devices wirelessly connected to the media player (as previously discussed). In this illustration, it is shown that the “Paris Trip” video is being transmitted to the TV in the family room. The signal strength of RF connectivity with the TV is also represented at the bottom of the screen. Finally, the front-size perspective view of the media player  100  shows the keypad interface  195  used to control media assets and also interact with the operating system and software operating on the media player  100 . 
     It will be readily understood by one of skill in the art that various physical and functional alternatives are possible for the implementation of media player  100  of the present invention. As one example, media player  100  may comprise a device similar to an Apple iPod specifically customized to perform some or all of the functions of media player  100  as discussed above. For example, an iPod could be customized to include RFID functionality for receiving from and/or exchanging information with one or more target devices as discussed herein. In this regard, the existing media storage and playback capabilities of the iPod can be combined with the RFID functionality and other teachings of the present invention to obtain the benefits and features outlined and discussed herein. 
     While this invention has been described in terms of several preferred embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, which fall within the scope of this invention. For example, although the invention has been described in terms of a wireless media player  100 , it should be appreciated that certain features of the invention may also be applied to other types of electronic devices (e.g., cameras, music players, video players, PDAs, cellular phones, game players, portable storage devices, headphones, televisions, DVR/PVRs, VCRs, satellite receivers, DVD players, stereos, radios, automobile computer systems, printers, copiers, fax machines, mouse, joy sticks, keyboards, displays, projectors, medical monitoring devices, home appliances, phones, personal computers, notebook computers, routers, switches, remote controls, and the like). It is therefore intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     The foregoing disclosure of the preferred embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many variations and modifications of the embodiments described herein will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the above disclosure. The scope of the invention is to be defined only by the claims, and by their equivalents.