Abstract:
The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for temporary storage and playback of proprietary and non-proprietary media content and other works temporarily recorded on a re-writeable, non-volatile solid-state memory device. One embodiment of the invention relates to media such as motion pictures and other audio/video programs or works. The invention involves a manner of utilizing re-writeable, non-volatile, solid-state storage media (such as Flash memory), including but not limited to a USB-memory key or similar device, to transfer proprietary and non-proprietary content such as the above referenced motion picture and other audio/video programs or works, from a distribution source such as a video rental facility, to the re-writeable, non-volatile, solid-state storage media, and then to a user&#39;s viewing location (home, office, or other remote location), and allowing viewing of said content through a set-top box or other specifically designed playback device for a limited period of time, at the expiration of which time the re-writeable storage device automatically and permanently erases the recorded content leaving the storage device ready to receive and again temporarily store and playback new content. Because of the increasingly large capacity of non-volatile memory to store content, the content provider/rental facility can allow for storage of any number of motion picture and other audio/video programs, and said provider/rental facility can set varying expirations for each of the stored motion picture and other audio/video programs.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The invention relates to a method and apparatus for storage and playback of video, audio, multimedia and other data recorded on re-writeable, non-volatile, solid-state storage media.  
         [0003]     2. Background Art  
         [0004]     In the current environment, when you wish to view a movie that has been released on DVD or Video Cassette, the movie is rented for some period of time from a rental location (Blockbuster™, Hollywood Video™, or similar) at the end of said period of time the DVD or Video Cassette must be returned to the rental location. Alternative rental modalities (MovieBeam™, NetFlix™, or similar) offer either significantly less selection, or the need to receive and return the DVD or Video Cassette back to the rental location via a postal/mail service. The perennial problem for consumers of video rental services is the need to return the DVD or Video Cassette after the prescribed viewing period or incur fines or other penalties, or the fact that alternative rental modalities have significantly lower selections, and do not offer the “browsing” capability offered by a “brick and mortar” rental facility. Some services have attempted to remove the need to return the DVD media by creating “degrading” DVD media which become unreadable and thus unusable after a certain time period. This absolves the user of the need to return the DVD media itself, but adds considerably to the cost of goods for the rental facility, and creates significant waste if these degradable DVD&#39;s are utilized to any great degree. Despite the need to return the DVD or Video Cassette, and the possible late fees or other fees associated with renting programs from “brick and mortar” rental facilities, consumers are still attracted to these sites because of the vast selection and the ability to browse not only categories and titles, but the actual packaging of the movies. Brick and mortar facilities have attempted to mitigate the negatives associated with their services by creating “no late fee” policies, but these are still tied to the need to return the DVD or Video Cassette at some point.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for playback of programs and other works recorded on re-writeable, non-volatile, solid-state storage media. One embodiment of the invention relates to re-writeable, non-volatile, solid-state storage media used to distribute motion pictures and other audio/video data, programs or works. The data stored on said storage media is stored with pre-determined playback criteria, which determines the allowed number of playback sessions, or the time-period where the recorded data remains useable. After the allowed number of playback sessions have been used, or the pre-determined time-period has elapsed, the data set to which the playback criteria is assigned is permanently erased, and the storage media is prepared to receive new data sets during the next visit to the rental facility or internet rental site.  
         [0006]     For example, a “key-drive” form-factor utilizing re-writeable, non-volatile, solid-state storage media, and a corresponding “set-top-box” playback device would be provided to the consumer at the rental facility. At some future point, it is envisioned that the interface for the storage device would be integrated into the actual television set or other viewing device. This “key-drive” would then be loaded with the consumer&#39;s choice of programs, and the playback criteria set to the number of viewings or the time-period for viewing the consumer desires for each program. The consumer returns home and is able to view the programs according to the pre-determined playback criteria, after which the media erases itself and is ready to load new programs from the rental facility at the consumer&#39;s convenience.  
         [0007]     In one embodiment of the invention, the consumer would choose several movies, and could assign the same playback criteria to all of the movies, or could assign each movie a separate set of playback criteria. After setting these playback criteria and paying the rental fees the consumer can leave with the “key-drive”. After arriving at their home or other viewing location, the consumer places the “key-drive” into the interface of the “set-top-box” and can then view each program as desired according to the playback criteria.  
         [0008]     In one embodiment of the invention, the consumer may choose to utilize an “online” service wherein the consumer would download programs from the internet and load them through their computer onto the “key-drive”. The “online” service would provide the same functionality of setting playback criteria, and paying for the rental, but would also offer the option to pay for and modify already set playback criteria for any of the programs already loaded onto the “key-drive”. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES  
       [0009]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a video viewing component system that can be used with an embodiment of the invention.  
         [0010]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of a computer system that can be used with an embodiment of the invention.  
         [0011]      FIG. 3  is a graphical representation of a re-writeable, non-volatile, solid-state storage medium on which media content data files are recorded in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.  
         [0012]      FIG. 4  is a flow chart of a method that may be used to store media content as data files onto re-writeable, non-volatile, solid-state storage medium of  FIG. 3  for playback in an embodiment of the invention.  
         [0013]      FIG. 5  is a flow chart of a method that may be used to playback the media content stored as data files on storage medium of  FIG. 3 .  
         [0014]      FIG. 6  is a flow chart of a method that may be used to modify playback criteria for media content stored as data files on storage medium of  FIG. 3 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0015]     A method and apparatus for storage and playback of programs recorded on re-writeable, non-volatile, solid-state storage media is described. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail in order not to obscure the invention.  
         [0016]     The invention can be implemented using any type of re-writeable, non-volatile, solid-state storage media. Examples include, without limitation, flash memory, nano-film based memory, memory sticks of various types, RAM cards, and other specific and non-specific re-writeable, non-volatile, solid-state storage media.  
         [0017]     One embodiment uses a memory stick (or Flash Drive) as the re-writeable, non-volatile, solid-state storage media. In this embodiment, the re-writeable, non-volatile, solid-state storage media contains one or more program files, such as motion pictures, musical performances, and a plurality of secondary programs, such as movie trailers and product advertisements. The invention is, however, equally applicable to other types of primary and secondary programs, including musical recordings, computer software (including computer games, simulations and virtual environments), video recordings, multi-media programs, etc.  
         [0018]      FIG. 1  shows an example of apparatus that may be used to playback media content stored as data files recorded on a re-writeable, non-volatile, solid-state storage media in one embodiment of the invention. The apparatus of  FIG. 1  includes a re-writeable, non-volatile, solid-state storage media (such as a memory stick, “Flash Drive”, or other) component  100  which is inserted into a playback device  140 , which is in-turn connected to a receiver and/or video monitor  120  and, in this embodiment of the invention, a sound system  110  is connected. The playback device  140  is as described in  29  below, and provides a video signal output and any corresponding sound output, or simply a sound output in the case of audio only recordings, and subsequently displaying it on video monitor  120 . Monitor  120  is any kind of display monitor that can display the video signal received from playback device  140 . Monitor  120  may, for example, comprise a cathode ray tube monitor, a projection monitor, a gas plasma monitor, an LCD monitor, etc. Sound system  110  is any kind of sound amplifier and speaker system capable of reproducing an audio signal output by playback device component  140 . Sound system  110  may, for example, comprise a stereo amplifier and speaker system, and may include features such as, for example, Dolby™ surround sound compatibility. Monitor  120  and sound system  110  may comprise separate components or may be integrated into one or more combined units. Control of playback device  140  may be controlled via a remote control device  130  specific to playback device  140 , or a remote control device  130  compatible with any or all of the components  110 ,  120 , and/or other components not mentioned, but capable of being controlled via such remote control device  130 .  
         [0019]      FIG. 2  shows a computer system that may be used to playback media content stored as data files recorded on a re-writeable, non-volatile, solid-state storage media in one embodiment of the invention. The computer system shown in  FIG. 2  includes a CPU unit  150  that includes a central processor, main memory, peripheral interfaces, input-output devices, power supply, and associated circuitry and devices; a display device  170  which may be a cathode ray tube display, LCD display, gas-plasma display, or any other computer display; a keyboard input device  190 , and/or a secondary input device  180  which may include a mouse, digitizer, or other input device; and a playback device  140  for retrieving data stored on a re-writeable, non-volatile, solid-state storage media  100 . The computer system may or may not include non-volatile storage, which may include magnetic, optical, or other mass storage devices, and a printer  195 . The computer system may also include a network interface  185 , which may include a modem, allowing the computer system to communicate with other systems over a communications network such as the Internet. Any of a variety of other configurations of computer systems may also be used.  
         [0020]      FIG. 3  is a graphical representation a re-writeable, non-volatile, solid-state storage medium. The re-writeable, non-volatile, solid-state storage medium shown in  FIG. 3  may comprise a memory stick, “Flash Drive” or any other suitable re-writeable, non-volatile, solid-state storage media.  
         [0021]     In  FIG. 3 , storage medium  100  includes one or more re-writeable, non-volatile, solid-state storage medium (a memory “chip”)  200 , a processor  210  for executing computer processor readable program code embodied and stored on the memory chip  200 , and support chipset and electronics  205  which support the execution of said computer processor readable program code. File system information which contains information about the file system structure used to store data on memory chip  200  may also be stored on memory chip  200  using any number of partitioning technologies, known to those skilled in the art, or may be stored on an alternative memory chip collocated with memory chip  200 , or as part of the support chipset and electronics  205 . File system information area may also contain directory information indicating the identity and storage location of programs stored on memory chip  200 . Playback criteria and user account information may likewise be stored on memory chip  200  or stored on an alternative memory chip collocated with memory chip  200 , or as part of the support chipset and electronics  205 .  
         [0022]      FIG. 4  is a flow chart of a method that may be used to store media content data files on storage medium  100  of  FIG. 1 . In this embodiment, media content is stored as one or more data files on the memory chip  200  and linked to playback criteria set at the time of initial storage on memory chip  200  or on support chips  205 , or to playback criteria modified after the time of initial storage on memory chip  200  or on support chips  205 . Playback criteria may remain stored on memory chip  200 , or on support chips  205  and act as “default” playback criteria in the absence of newer playback criteria, thus retaining the user&#39;s preferential playback criteria through multiple storing and deletion cycles. The method of storing media content data files may be controlled and implemented by the user, a store clerk, or by some other means of either manual or automated processes known to those skilled in the art. In this embodiment, the user may provide the storage medium  100  to the media rental clerk with a selection of desired media programs, and the clerk will load the desired media content data files onto the storage medium  100  and apply playback criteria to each file as per the user&#39;s instructions, or as per default store policy, or may simply default to existing playback criteria previously stored on storage medium  100 .  
         [0023]     According to the method of  FIG. 4 , the storage process begins with a storage library of any number of media content data files stored at  235 , where all video, audio, or other media content data files are stored on a referenced database, or in any of a multitude of data storage systems known to those skilled in the art. Data transfer from the data storage system  235  to the storage medium  100  is initiated by instructions input at input device  240 , which device may be a data-entry terminal, desktop computer, cash register terminal, or any other input device either specifically designed for such function, or modified through attachment, integration, or some other method to function as said input device. Each instruction for a transfer of data from storage system  235  to storage medium  100  is authorized, and payment transacted by reference to the payment account system  250 . Payment account system  250  applies charges as per pre-established pricing structures, which are set by the rental service to each program data set transferred from storage system  235  to storage medium  100  and may consist of any pricing structure conceived and deemed satisfactory by the proprietors of the establishment utilizing the invention as a part of their service, and said payment account system may be an existing account system integrated into this system by an Application Programming Interface (API), or by some other method, or may be an account system designed specifically for this system. After account system correlation, playback criteria is assigned to each media content data file as per the protocol described above in  FIG. 4  and is linked independently to each media content data file selected for transfer to storage medium  100 . Prior to media content data file&#39;s storage on storage medium  100 , media content data is encrypted and prepared for transport by a data encryption system  260 . This encryption system may exist on the rental facility&#39;s computer system, register terminals, on an independent encryption device attached to, or independent of any other system, or any other system known to those skilled in the art to affect the encryption of the data, rendering it unusable outside of the scope of this invention. After encryption at data encryption system  260  the data is recorded to storage medium  100  and is ready for viewing at a remote location via playback device  140 , and a viewing system similar to that described in  FIG. 1 , and/or  FIG. 2 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that myriad playback systems may be utilized that are substantially different that those described in  FIG. 1 , and/or  FIG. 2 , but that are still within the scope of this invention.  
         [0024]      FIG. 5  shows a flow chart of a method that may be used to playback programs stored as data files on storage medium  100  of  FIG. 3 . In this embodiment of the invention, media content such as video programs, audio programs, or other proprietary or non-proprietary media content stored as data files on storage medium  100  are caused to be played back on a media content viewing component system similar to that described in  FIG. 1 , using playback device  140 .  
         [0025]     In this embodiment of the invention, storage medium  100  is placed in the receptacle provided on playback device  140 , which causes playback device  140  to attempt to recognize storage medium  100  as an authorized and compatible device. Upon recognition of storage medium  100  as an authorized and compatible device, computer programmable logic resident on playback device  140  seeks and identifies media content program data files contained on storage medium  100 . If no such files are recognized, playback device  140  sends a video signal to the viewing system as described in  FIG. 1 , and/or  FIG. 2  displaying text indicating no data files found. If files are found, the files are prepared for de-encryption by de-encryption computer programmable logic corresponding to encryption provided by encryption and transport system  260 , also resident in playback device  140 . Computer programmable logic resident on playback device  140  confirms the status of the playback criteria, and, if any data files have expired their playback date or their number of viewing sessions allocated by the playback criteria, said logic triggers the deletion of said files from storage medium  100 . Playback device  140  sends a video signal to the viewing system indicating the selection of data files available for viewing, and provides a graphical user interface displayed on the viewing system for navigation and selection of data files for viewing utilizing the remote control device  130 . Upon selection of a file for viewing, playback device commences playback of the selected file, and offers myriad options for viewing, similar in substance to all viewing options available through other, standard viewing system available today. Such options may include, but are not limited to fast forward, slow play, rewind, fast rewind, stop, pause, menu of selections, etc. Those skilled in the art will recognize that any number of menu control options for viewing may or may not be included in the viewing options for any given embodiment of the invention.  
         [0026]      FIG. 6  shows a flow chart of a method that may be used to modify playback criteria for data-files recorded on storage medium  100  of  FIG. 3 . In this embodiment of the invention, playback criteria linked to media content data files stored on storage medium  100  is modified to allow an extension of the time allocated for viewing, or increase the number of viewing sessions allowed for said media content data files, and payment for said extension of time allocated for viewing or increase in number of viewing sessions is made.  
         [0027]     In this embodiment of the invention, storage medium  100  is inserted into input device  240  as described in  FIG. 4 . In addition to the input device  240  described in  FIG. 4 , those skilled in the art will recognize that a personal computer with internet connectivity could serve as input device  240  provided a computer processor readable program is provided the user to affect the use of said personal computer as an input device. Upon insertion of storage medium  100  into input device  240 , computer processor readable program code initiates a verification of status of all media content files and associated playback criteria stored on storage medium  100 , correlates said status with the user&#39;s account on payment account system  250 , and presents the user with a Graphic User Interface (GUI) which provides a menu of options, including, but not limited to account status, status of media content data files stored on storage medium  100 , and an option to extend the time or number of viewing sessions for any or all of the media content data files stored on storage medium  100 . If the user elects to increase the allocated viewing time, or increase the number of viewing sessions, the system modifies payment account  250  accordingly and debits the user account according to the pre-determined payment structure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that any number of variations exist for modification of both the account status and the media content file status through this embodiment of the invention, including adding and subtracting media content files from storage medium  100 , debiting or crediting the user account, or any number of other modifications.  
         [0028]     Thus, a method and apparatus for time/date and/or session-limited storage and playback of proprietary and non-proprietary media content utilizing re-writeable non-volatile memory. Although the invention has been described with respect to certain example embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments. Further, although the operation of certain embodiments has been described in detail using certain detailed process steps, some of the steps may be omitted, the steps may be performed in different sequences, or other similar steps may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. Other embodiments incorporating the inventive features of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.