CN101548531A - Configurable personal audiovisual device for use in networked application-sharing system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention discloses a method for facilitating sharing of widget programs among a plurality of personal electronic devices. The method includes establishing a database of the widget programs capable of being executed by the plurality of personal electronic devices. The method further includes receiving, over a communication network, a widget forwarding request from at least one of the plurality of personal electronic devices. An instance of a selected one of the widget programs is then transmitted, in response to the widget forwarding request, to another of the plurality of personal electronic devices.

Description

The configurable personal audiovisual device that in networked application-sharing system, uses

The cross reference of related application

According to 35U.S.C. § 119 (e), the application requires the U.S. Provisional Application the 60/805th that is entitled as CONFIGURABLEPERSONAL AUDIOVISUAL DEVICE FOR USE IN NETWORKEDAPPLICATION SHARING SYSTEM (configurable personal audiovisual device that uses) in networked application-sharing system of common pending trial, No. 830, common pending trial be entitled as the SYSTEMAND METHOD FOR TRANSFERRING ELECTRONIC CONTENT TONETWORKED PERSONAL AUDIOVISUAL DEVICES U.S. Provisional Application the 60/823rd of (being used for the system and method for transfer of electronic content) to networked personal audiovisual device, No. 491, the U.S. Provisional Application the 60/823rd that is entitled as NETWORKED PERSONAL AUDIOVISUAL DEVICE HAVINGFLEXIBLE HOUSING (networked personal audiovisual device) of common pending trial with flexible outer cover, No. 493, the U.S. Provisional Application the 60/823rd that is entitled as SYSTEM AND METHOD FORAUTOMATICALLY UPDATING THE SOFTWARE OF A NETWORKEDPERSONAL AUDIOVISUAL DEVICE (being used for upgrading automatically the system and method for the software of networked personal audiovisual device) of common pending trial, No. 496, the U.S. Provisional Application the 60/945th that is entitled as REGISTRATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PERSONALIZEDPORTABLE DEVICES (Accreditation System and the method that are used for personalized portable set) of common pending trial, No. 900, and common pending trial be entitled as SYSTEM AND METHODSFOR LOCATION, MOTION, the AND CONTACT DETECTION AND TRACKINGIN A NETWORKED AUDIOVISUAL DEVICE (position that is used for networked audio-visual equipment, the system and method for motion and contact detection and tracking) U.S. Provisional Application the 60/869th, No. 297 priority, more than each application all quote and be incorporated into this by integral body.

Background of invention

As everyone knows, (the competition result between) the service supplier for example, cable, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), satellite, it is more and more universal in the consumer that the broadband the Internet connectedness is just becoming as using various different technologies.In many families, personal computer (PC) constitutes the main users of the bandwidth that these broadband connections provide.In order to promote the internet connection between the PC in given family to share, various " wired " and " wireless " family expenses networking technology have been used.

Because it is unpractiaca at whole shelter the Ethernet cable being installed everywhere, so just universal day by day in the consumer based on the Wireless Networking technology of RF.Although current based on the system of 802.11b or " Wi-Fi " Wireless Networking standard may be the most universal, introduced the bandwidth that increase is provided 802.11 standards each version and the more method of high bandwidth has been proposed.

The bandwidth of the increase that can obtain has at home increased the use to many different services, such as the transmission based on the internet of digital audio, video and graphical content.Yet because the many services in these services are by can promoting by the desk-top or notebook PC of communication on broadband the Internet connects, so the user is forced to remain close to their computer separately so that use these services.Although developed other strategy of the ability of the broadband the Internet connectedness of utilizing in the family now, but many in these methods relate to, and establishment is powerful relatively, expensive, centralized communication " center (hub) " (for example, PC with enhanced media ability, perhaps multipurpose cable set-top box).Regrettably, this is general or require to buy expensive hardware device, perhaps requires the subscription plan of expansion, and constrains in and enjoy the amusement of supporting the internet or the scope of other service outside near centralized central apparatus.

Therefore, at home or other local availability that increases wireless bandwidth created with a kind of flexibly, consumer close friend's mode utilizes the chance of this bandwidth economically.

Summary of the invention

In general, one aspect of the present invention relates to a kind of method that is used to promote the widget procedure sharing between a plurality of personal electronic equipments.This method comprises the database of the widget program that foundation can be carried out by these a plurality of personal electronic equipments.This method also comprises receiving from the widget one of at least of these a plurality of personal electronic equipments by communication network transmits request.Transmit request in response to this widget subsequently, selected that example in the widget program is sent in these a plurality of personal electronic equipments another.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a kind of method of operating personal electronic equipments.This method is included in the stream that this personal electronic equipments place receives first example of a plurality of widget programs, and these first examples is stored in the memory of this personal electronic equipments temporarily.For using in the future, perhaps after carrying out, from memory, delete in each be cached in memory in first example of these a plurality of widget programs by the processor of this electronic equipment.This method also is included in the stream that this personal electronic equipments place receives second example of these a plurality of widget programs.

The invention still further relates to the method for in comprising the system of a plurality of personal electronic equipments, carrying out personalized communication.This method comprises the personalized widget program that comprises personal messages of creating.This personalization widget program is stored in the database of widget program, and each widget program can be by any one execution of these a plurality of personal electronic equipments.This method also comprises by communication network and receives the request that should personalization widget program be forwarded to one of these a plurality of personal electronic equipments.Subsequently in response to this request, the example of this personalization widget program is sent to the one of described of these a plurality of personal electronic equipments.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a kind of system that comprises a plurality of personal electronic equipments.This system also comprises service supplier's device of communicating by letter by a plurality of personal electronic equipments of at least one communication network and this.This service supplier's device comprises the database of the widget program that can be carried out by these a plurality of personal electronic equipments.Be coupled to this database and response responds to any one example that sends these widget programs by this at least one communication network and with their execution or with user or keeper's instruction of any one relevant condition in these a plurality of personal electronic equipments server communication.

The accompanying drawing summary

For understanding the essence of feature of the present invention better, should carry out reference to following detailed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in these accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is the block diagram that the networked assembly of one group of exemplary embodiment that comprises system of the present invention is shown.

Fig. 2 illustrates CHUMBY ^TMThe exemplary distribution of equipment in the residence with a plurality of rooms or other building.

Fig. 3 provides CHUMBY of the present invention ^TMThe block representation of the primary clustering of an embodiment of equipment.

Fig. 4 is illustrated in CHUMBY ^TMThe equipment exemplary user interface that the screen by CHUMBYTM equipment produces in control panel pattern following operating period.

Fig. 5 A-5E provides the exemplary CHUMBY that disposes the toughness shell ^TMThe various stereograms of equipment.

Fig. 6 A-6D provide CHUMBY ^TMSolid, side-looking and the vertical view of the various partially transparents of an embodiment of equipment.

Fig. 6 E-6G describes CHUMBY ^TMCertain some assemblies arrangement in the shell of this equipment in the core electron equipment that is comprised in the shell of equipment and other assembly and these assemblies.

Fig. 7 provides and can be used for promoting CHUMBY ^TMThe server component of service supplier's operation and the block representation of other foundation structure.

The exemplary object-oriented database mode database illustraton of model that Fig. 8 provides system database to use.

Fig. 9 represents by the service supplier to CHUMBY ^TMEquipment provides the signal flow graph of a kind of mode of configuration.

Figure 10 represents by the service supplier to CHUMBY ^TMEquipment provides the signal flow graph of a kind of mode of profile.

Figure 11 describes passing through the wherein CHUMBY of instantiation widget ^TMThe signal flow graph of the processing of the change that carry out the parameter of this widget example at the interface of equipment.

Figure 12 illustrates the signal flow graph of illustrated example widget example down operation, and wherein the service supplier is requested the CHUMBY of request that the value of widget special parameters is pushed to ^TMEquipment.

Figure 13 is that diagram is CHUMBY from the service supplier ^TMThe widget of equipment obtains the signal flow graph of the process of content.

Figure 14 describes CHUMBY ^TMThe flow chart of equipment performed exemplary sequences of operations when initially powering on.

Figure 15 illustrates to be used to calibrate CHUMBY ^TMThe flow chart of the example routine of the touch-screen of equipment.

Figure 16 A-16D provides the CHUMBY that is calibrating according to the routine of Figure 15 ^TMOne group screen curtain sectional drawing of the user interface of equipment.

Figure 17 is illustrated in CHUMBY ^TMWhen initially powering on, equipment selects the flow chart of the performed operation in wireless base station.

Figure 18 is the flow chart of exemplary account establishment and registration process.

Figure 19 is illustrated between user and the service supplier about with specific CHUMBY ^TMEquipment carries out the related exemplary mutual flow chart based on web with user's account.

Figure 20 is about forbidding the CHUMBY that before has been associated with user account between user and service supplier ^TMThe exemplary mutual flow chart of equipment based on web.

Figure 21 is about to CHUMBY between user and service supplier ^TMThe exemplary mutual flow chart of equipment " making mirror image " based on web.

Figure 22 is about adding, remove and dispose relevant user's CHUMBY between equipment user and service supplier ^TMThe widget profile of equipment exemplary based on web or based on CHUMBY ^TMThe mutual top-level flow figure of equipment.

Figure 23 is illustrated between equipment user and the service supplier about the CHUMBY to the user ^TMThe exemplary based on web or based on CHUMBY of widget added in the current configuration of equipment ^TMThe mutual flow chart of equipment.

Figure 24 is that be illustrated in also may be at user's CHUMBY about removing from channel between equipment user and the service supplier ^TMMovable widget is exemplary based on web or based on CHUMBY on the equipment ^TMThe mutual flow chart of equipment.

Figure 25 describes configure dedicated in current and given CHUMBY ^TMThe flow chart of one group of related exemplary operation during the parameter of one or more widgets that equipment is associated.

Figure 26 A-26E is the screenshot capture that is promoted the exemplary user interface of some process of being described by Figure 22-25 by web browser being used to of presenting.

Figure 27 is diagram is downloaded the code of widget from the service supplier the signal flow graph of process.

Figure 28 provides and has wherein identified CHUMBY ^TMThe core electron unit of equipment and the CHUMBY of pliable sheath ^TMThe replacement diagram of equipment.

Figure 29 is illustrated in exemplary CHUMBY ^TMThe various assemblies of the pliable sheath inside of equipment.

Figure 30-31 is provided for defining exemplary CHUMBY ^TMThe example of the plane mode of the external structure of the pliable sheath of equipment.

Figure 32-33 illustrates and is applicable to calibration CHUMBY ^TMThe CHUMBY of the process of the one or more bend sensors in the equipment ^TMThe exemplary user interface screen of equipment.

Figure 34 is at CHUMBY ^TMBe configured to resolve the procedure graph of the service of handling from the email message of mobile device and the text/image of extracting related content in service supplier's the foundation structure.

Figure 35 illustrates CHUMBY ^TMThe procedure graph that the replacement of the image processing service of equipment realizes.

Figure 36 A-36H provides the more detailed form of the exemplary OODB Object Oriented Data Base pattern that can be used by system database to represent.

Figure 37 is about adding, remove and dispose relevant user's CHUMBY between equipment user and service supplier ^TMThe exemplary mutual top-level flow figure of the widget profile of equipment based on web.

Figure 38 is illustrated between equipment user and the service supplier about the CHUMBY to the user ^TMThe exemplary mutual flow chart based on web of widget is added in the current configuration of equipment.

Figure 39 A-39H is the screenshot capture that is promoted the exemplary user interface of some process that Figure 25 and 37-38 describe by web browser being used to of presenting.

Figure 40 A-40B is by CHUMBY ^TMThe screenshot capture of the exemplary user interface of device rendered some process that is used to promote that Figure 41 describes.

Figure 41 is illustrated between equipment user and the service supplier about the CHUMBY from the user ^TMThe current channel of equipment removes the exemplary based on CHUMBY of widget ^TMThe mutual flow chart of equipment.

The detailed description of the embodiment of the invention

General survey

The present invention relates generally to by carrying out the one group of system that personal audiovisual device is formed that communicates by letter based on the internet with the service supplier.Can predict, personal audiovisual device is with trade mark CHUMBY ^TMOn market, distribute, and also can be described as " CHUMBY in this article ^TMEquipment ".With service supplier's communication period, each CHUMBY ^TMEquipment periodic ground receives one group of application program, i.e. " widget ", its from the service supplier or in this locality after personal computer (for example connecting by USB) receives by CHUMBY ^TMEquipment is sequentially carried out.Because each CHUMBY ^TMEquipment is normally supported the internet, so they also can be via CHUMBY ^TMThe service supplier remotely disposes by the web browser of being carried out by remote terminal (for example PC or wireless phone) or is personalized.For example, such personalization can comprise that appointment offers given CHUMBY ^TMWidget set and their execution sequence and the priority of equipment.

As describing hereinafter, a feature of the embodiment of the invention is, via CHUMBY ^TMThe interface that the service supplier provides disposes CHUMBY ^TMThe CHUMBY that the user of equipment can dispose the icon " drag and drop " of the various widgets of expression to expression ^TMOn the rectangle or other parts in the interface of the screen of equipment.Perhaps, user's other diagrammatic representation that can select the text of widget and/or diagrammatic representation and selector button or user interface (UI) control with widget " interpolation " to the CHUMBY that is disposing ^TMEquipment.With these modes, CHUMBY ^TMThe screen of equipment " layout " can come Remote configuration by the equipment owner.Although each CHUMBY ^TMEquipment preferably can dispose in this way, but in certain embodiments, each CHUMBY ^TMEquipment also can " load " group and be provided in to CHUMBY ^TMService supplier's registration is afterwards by CHUMBY ^TMThe default window widget (for example " alarm clock " widget) that equipment is carried out.In case CHUMBY ^TMEquipment is configured (promptly having the configuration of " acquiescence " or user's appointment), and it just can be carried out this in the situation that does not have user intervention and dispose defined widget.Perhaps, the user can be by selecting " maintenance " on given widget at instantiation system interface on the equipment and selection " maintenance (stay) " UI control clearly.If the user has selected a widget to come " maintenance " clearly, then can be by stopping via system interface and should " maintenance " order continuing the order of widget is carried out.If the user with by one of a plurality of replacement input methods, such as via touch-screen or accelerometer, the widget that presents user interface controls to the user is mutual, then the widget of current active will continue to carry out on equipment, until stopping the user with this widget till certain time-out time section expires after mutual.

CHUMBY ^TMThe configuration of equipment also can be specified change or be interrupted the incident or the condition of the execution sequence of widget, and allows to give some widget the relevant the highest available priority of carrying out.For example, can authorize such priority, be stopped in the planned time starting so that guarantee its alarm can not carry out because of to another widget the time to " alarm clock " widget.In one embodiment, CHUMBY ^TMThe form of " timeline " has been adopted at the web interface that the service supplier provides, and it allows with intuitive manner control and given CHUMBY ^TMThe execution sequence of the widget that equipment is associated.In an exemplary realization, the order that this timeline definition comes the broadcast window widget with constant mode repeating sequences; That is, timeline is represented given CHUMBY ^TMThe complete widget set of device plays and relative order and the duration that they are carried out.Yet some widget (for example " alarm clock " widget) can usually be appointed as in preset time by the suitable configuration unit that this class widget suitably is set and start.

More than one " content is relevant " widget is not arranged in operation although consider in the exemplary embodiment at any given time, but the system configuration widget can be used for the content correlation window widget concurrent running such with each, so that for example control the relative priority level of such content correlation window widget execution and the system's setting such as loudness, brightness, navigation or the like.

In one embodiment, CHUMBY ^TMEquipment can carry out radio communication such as Wireless Networking standards such as 802.11b or 802.11g standards according to what accepted separately.Therefore, at home or comprise in other environment of one or more WAP (wireless access point) a plurality of CHUMBY ^TMEquipment can be distributed in the whole overlay area of these access points.Perhaps, on convenient or necessary meaning, CHUMBY ^TMEquipment can use wired connection as the backup of wireless connections or substitute.

In these features of the present invention, each CHUMBY most importantly ^TMThe ability that device rendered interface changes according to the character of the current widget of just being carried out by this equipment.For example, " clockwork radio " widget can be used for the scheduled time generation Voice ﹠ Video image consistent with conventional alarm clock in the morning.In the exemplary embodiment, the clockwork radio widget will allow choice criteria " to wake " stroke up or select some different audio programs.In the later time in one day, equipment interface can be exclusively used in the circulation of some standard information screens and select, and upgrades, divines by astrology or the like such as headline row, local weather, sports score, stock market.

According to another aspect of the present invention, CHUMBY ^TMThe user of equipment can be randomly by signing in to by CHUMBY ^TM" CHUMBY is participated in other user in the website of service supplier master place (for example www.chumby.com) ^TMNetwork ".(hereinafter be also referred to as " CHUMBY in this website ^TMThe website "), the user can be to CHUMBY ^TMUser's CHUMBY is enabled in network registry and visit ^TMThe service of the basic capacity of equipment.For example, basic capacity can comprise, to/from other CHUMBY ^TMThe chance of user's transmission/receive window widget and other content, be used for that the improved personalization to the general information feature of equipment, more detailed warning are provided with ability and to the preferable selection and the configuration of audio capability.

To CHUMBY ^TMNetwork registry, this might require the subscription charge of payment period property, and it allows the member of this network to visit various widgets.What consider is that some such widget will be by operation CHUMBY ^TMThe entity of network is developed, and other widget will be developed by developer independently.In addition, " CHUMBY ^TMNetwork " the member can also with other member's CHUMBY ^TMDevices communicating is as long as authorized by other member the permission of such communication.For example, such communicating requirement is in response to CHUMBY ^TMA member of network (" sending the member ") sends to CHUMBY ^TMService supplier's request is from CHUMBY ^TMThe service supplier is sent to CHUMBY with widget and corresponding data ^TMAnother member of network (" receiving the member ").For example, sending the member can be after receiving from the permission that receives the member, request CHUMBY ^TMThe service supplier is sent to " photo reader " widget and receives the member.In addition, the transmission member can specify in photo reader widget and send the member and upload to CHUMBY ^TMSet up link between service supplier's the photo.In this way, receiving the member can be except providing the CHUMBY that makes them under the situation that need not other work the mandate to sending the member ^TMEquipment automatically receives basically and shows and sends the photo sequence that the member provides.Equally, when at whilst on tour, send the CHUMBY that the member can be sent to " waking up " message of personalization the reception member of agreement ^TMEquipment.At last, send the member and widget can be sent to a group of received member who is included on " partner list " that sends the member, this partner list can from be proposed those members that are included in this tabulation receive suitable permission after foundation.

In an exemplary embodiment, allow CHUMBY ^TMThe member of network via any web browser by specify one group of " present (premium) " widget program or content circulate (perhaps with certain other user-defined order) play or be shown in their CHUMBY separately ^TMDispose their CHUMBY separately on the equipment fully ^TMEquipment.For example, such present widget and content can comprise IP Camera sectional drawing, RSS reader, filtered news report, personalized stock performance data, short animation or film, as the blog (podcast) or the audio file of the audio-source that is arranged in different time triggers in one day quarter-bell or reminiscences.

Following will further discuss, CHUMBY ^TMAn exemplary realization of equipment is made up of the toughness shell of rigidity " core " structure that is attached to the supporting display screen and the electronic building brick of equipment.The toughness shell is containing CHUMBY usually ^TMAll electronic building bricks of equipment, and preferably be filled with suitable material or otherwise be configured to enable to allow user's " extruding " or distortion.And core texture is designed to remove and be coupled to the different shells from shell.One group " pressing sensing device " surrounded by the toughness shell, so that allow to detect this class extruding or similar action that the user carries out.In this way, except more traditional text or other communication pattern, also, the user passes through CHUMBY for providing by the display screen promotion ^TMThe chance that the physical deformation of equipment conveys a message.For example, in an example system, the user can be by the CHUMBY with a kind of ad hoc fashion extruding user ^TMThe shell of equipment is initiated the transmission to " embracing " of another user.The signal of telecommunication that is generated in response to this extruding by sensor array will suitably be explained and user's CHUMBY ^TMEquipment will be via CHUMBY ^TMThe service supplier will " embrace " the recipient user that message is sent to expection.At this, recipient's CHUMBY ^TMEquipment can be for example registered by the display of lighting indicator light or sending a message to equipment and is embraced receiving of message.Obviously, CHUMBY ^TMEquipment is not limited to the realization in the toughness shell; All features that are associated with such toughness shell can use outer rigid housing to come emulation in conjunction with replacing transducer (for example pressure-sensitive or visual simulation transducer).

System component

Fig. 1 is the block diagram that a group network assembly of an exemplary embodiment forming system 100 of the present invention is shown.As shown in the figure, system 100 comprises one or more CHUMBY ^TMPersonal audiovisual device 102, they are communicated by letter with central service supplier 106 with internet 116 via one or more access network 110.As the skilled artisan will appreciate, access network 110 expression internet 116 and CHUMBY ^TMVarious go-between routes between the personal audiovisual device 102 and other element.For example, such neutral element can comprise gateway or other server apparatus, and other network infrastructure that is provided by Internet service provider (ISP).Following discussion, CHUMBY ^TMPersonal audiovisual device 102 is carried out from mass-memory unit, personal computer or other computing equipment acquisition application program (" widget ") from central service supplier 106 or ground, this locality.In this regard, service supplier 106 generally comprises the widget storage vault and has the right to visit can be sent to given CHUMBY when its authorized user or other user who has authorized suitable permission ask ^TMOther content of equipment 102.

Refer again to Fig. 1, system 100 also comprises and is provided to a plurality of subscriber computers 120 of communicating by letter with service supplier 116 via access network (not shown) and internet 116.Each subscriber computer 120 is carried out the web browser 122 of the webpage that can show that service supplier 106 produces, by this web browser 122, and the configurable one or more CHUMBY of user ^TMPersonal audiovisual device 102.As mentioned above, this configuration can comprise, for example, appointment will send to a group window widget of particular device 102 and execution sequence thereof, the adjustment audio frequency relevant with this execution or the CHUMBY of vision parameter, definition and leading subscriber ^TMNetwork (comprises and for example defines other the relevant CHUMBY that is communicated with by permission equipment 102 ^TM" partner list " that the user forms) and the layout or the others of the user interface that presents of the screen of definition by equipment 102.For this reason, given ern browser 122 can present a rectangular arrangement window when communicating by letter with service supplier 106, and it shows the current widget that is configured in " channel " of name " broadcast ".Icon representation by " drag and drop " widget or content file in such allocation window, the corresponding CHUMBY of user's personalizable ^TMBehavior that equipment 102 presents and user interface.Perhaps, the user can select the text of widget and/or diagrammatic representation and selector button or user interface controls other diagrammatic representation with this widget " interpolation " to the CHUMBY that is being configured ^TMEquipment.And the user can be via web browser 122 access service provider 106 so that be sent to other user for they CHUMBY separately with widget or out of Memory ^TMEquipment 102 is carried out or is shown.In one embodiment, service supplier 106 is maintained in CHUMBY ^TMThe record of the permission that is awarded among the user of equipment, so that determine which user is authorized to provide widget, message or out of Memory via service supplier 106 to given user, vice versa.Such permission can be authorized or cancel via the suitable page that the web browser 122 of communicating by letter with service supplier 106 presents by given user.

In this exemplary embodiment, can utilize allocation window according to one or more CHUMBY ^TMThese equipment 102 of the permission configuration that the user authorized of equipment 102.In addition, given CHUMBY ^TMThe user of equipment 102 can select to make the interface of equipment 102 become necessity permission that obedience authorizes miscellaneous equipment 102 the interface " mirror image " or otherwise duplicate this interface.Equally, one or more CHUMBY ^TMEquipment 102 can be configured to " virtual " CHUMBY via the allocation window definition ^TMThe interface manufacture mirror image (or vice versa) of equipment.

Given CHUMBY ^TMThe different user of equipment 102 can be given different roles or privilege when configuration device 102.For example, can filter or monitor the supervision privilege that the user authorizes and be sent to CHUMBY ^TMThe widget of equipment 102 or the mandate of content.For example, this will allow head of a family's management and/or monitor the one or more CHUMBY that used by its children ^TMEquipment 102 is carried out and window displayed widget and content.And the keeper of system 100 generally has with respect to the CHUMBY in the system 100 ^TMThe user of equipment 102 promotes other privilege of level.And, if specific widget carry out need be with the function that communicate by letter by the website of third party's control so that accessed content, then the developer of widget can create a layering user model and comes the such visit of control (and might blackout window widget function).

Forward attentiveness to Fig. 2 now, it shows CHUMBY ^TMEquipment 102 is in residence 200 or have a exemplary distribution in other building in a plurality of rooms 204.In the embodiment of Fig. 2, each CHUMBY ^TMEquipment 102 all has been equipped with wireless transceiver (for example Wi-Fi transceiver) so that communicate by letter with one or more access points 210.Each access point is by means of 110 interconnection of for example local area network (LAN) and access network, thus can be between the equipment in service supplier 106 and the residence 200 foundation communicating by letter based on the internet.

Turn to Fig. 3 now, CHUMBY of the present invention is provided ^TMThe block representation of the primary clustering of an embodiment of equipment.As shown in the figure, this equipment comprise CPU (CPU) 302, memory, audio interface 312, wireless communication interface 314 and the sensor interface 370 of (for example SDRAM) 306 that comprise volatibility and nonvolatile memory 310 (for example flash memory).In an exemplary realization, CPU 302 comprises the microprocessor (for example, based on ARM nuclear) that is configured to move linux kernel and has the subsidiary ability that is used for graph rendering.This equipment can comprise or can not comprise the battery backup unit that it is used for preserving real time information when outage, and can be as main power source when the user wishes not have the line operation.Battery can be chargeable, also can not be.Make operating system know power supply state and active arrangement CHUMBY ^TMEquipment and the widget that moving make it and do not have line and operate consistent so that save power supply or revise user interface.

This equipment can comprise or can not comprise the security module (not shown).If comprise, then security module is used to store secret and calculates identifying algorithm in the mode that other untrusted code of core security routine and operation on CPU 302 is isolated fully.The client-server communications agreement can use or can not use secret storage and authentication capability to allow communication capacity authenticated and that encrypt, for example is used for financial transaction or the like.Security module is come initialization in such a way: do not exist the secret that comprises in the module that the acquiescence of the identity of user's hardware is shone upon.In addition, secret is revocable, and can have the routine that is used for generating based on the main secret that never is associated with specific user's profile new secret.Strategy and the limited ability of cancelling identity information (not comprising court's network analysis) are participated in this decision that allows to be used for privacy, thereby also allow anonymous.Anonymous trust network can be expanded to allow diversified anonymous deal with various client-server agreement, includes but not limited to cash and content business.

As shown in the figure, comprise widget 350 or the software of other application program of receiving from service supplier 106 is stored in the memory 310 and is loaded into SDRAM 306 or nonvolatile memory 310 is carried out for CPU 302.In one embodiment, widget is downloaded to CHUMBY with the form of " Adobe Flash " file (being also referred to as " Flash film ") from service supplier 106 ^TMEquipment.As is known to persons skilled in the art, the Flash film has " .swf " file extension usually and can be play by the Flash player of AdobeSystem exploitation and distribution.Therefore, memory 310 also comprises Flash player 360 and the copy of the operating system 364 carried out by CPU 302.In other embodiments, widget can be according to other form exploitation and by playing with the player of these other format compatibles.

In this exemplary embodiment, widget is not that " for good and all " is stored in CHUMBY ^TMIn the memory of equipment 310.On the contrary, widget is carried out by CPU and subsequently or be dropped or be cached in the temporary storage for use in the future.This makes widget to come out to support to be each CHUMBY from service supplier 106 " propelling movement " when needed ^TMThe widget of equipment appointment is carried out sequence.That is, service supplier 106 can operate with to each CHUMBY ^TMEquipment provides widget " stream ", and wherein the widget in each such stream is cached at suitable CHUMBY temporarily ^TMIn the memory of equipment, till they are carried out.This makes the founder of service supplier 106 and/or each widget program can keep the content of each widget program and the control to a certain degree of behavior, because each such program is not permanent (thereby being convenient to revise) of downloading usually, but on the contrary provisionally high-speed cache get up and certain scheduled time in the past after or reach memory and delete after using threshold value.

CHUMBY ^TMEquipment comprises that also lcd controller 322 can be integrated among the CPU 302, also can be not integrated by the LCD 320 of LCD (LCD) controller 322 controls.Display 320 visually presents and is stored in CHUMBY ^TMThe icon representation of the widget program in the equipment and in conjunction with CPU302 to the execution of such widget and the image that generates.In an exemplary realization, touch-screen 330 covers on the LCD 320 and in response to touch screen controller 334.In one embodiment, the user can impel CHUMBY such as transducers such as pressing sensing device (not shown among Fig. 3), touch-screen 330 or other sensor devices by touching ^TMEquipment enters " control panel pattern ".In an exemplary embodiment, widget and system control panel can to the user present different " user interface " promptly " UI " element so that the user can be mutual with widget/system control panel.These UI elements can include but not limited to button, scroll bar, drop-down combo box and menu.When user's touch screen with one of these UI elements when mutual, touch screen controller 334 notice CPU 302 touch-screens have been touched and have converted this position to the UI control based on the configuration of current shown widget 350 or system control panel screen (not shown among Fig. 3) by CPU 302 at ad-hoc location and activated incident.In replacing realization, LCD 320 and touch-screen 330 can comprise the integrated equipment by integrated manipulator control.

Turn to Fig. 4, LCD 320 is shown at CHUMBY ^TMThe equipment exemplary user interface 400 that operating period generates in the control panel pattern.As shown in the figure, interface 400 definition mute button 404, channel button 406, night button 408, music button 410, button 412, clock button 414, delete button 418, grade button 424 be set, send button 422, hold button 424, right arrow button 428, left arrow button 426 and hiding control panel mode button 416.CHUMBY is switched in selection to mute button 404 ^TMThe mute state of equipment.To another control panel screen of selection instantiation of channel button 406, it makes the user can check the CHUMBY that they are all ^TMThe content of " channel " and/or selection will be at CHUMBY ^TMNew " channel " that loads and move on the equipment." channel " is via the page and the CHUMBY that are presented on the web browser 122 by the user ^TMThe widget that in the grouping of name, disposes alternately set between the service supplier, such widget set generally in sequentially repeated mode at CHUMBY ^TMMove on the equipment.

To button 408 selection at night with CHUMBY ^TMEquipment is inserted " night mode ", the clock of screen deepening and demonstration low-light level in this pattern.To another control panel screen of selection instantiation of music button 410, it makes the user can be with mutual such as various continuous music source such as MP3 player, memory device and music service for example and control them.Such source can reside in local network or on the internet.To another control panel screen of selection instantiation that button 412 is set, it makes the user can dispose various CHUMBY ^TMEquipment is provided with, such as for example wireless network setting, speaker volume and touch screen calibration.To another control panel screen of selection instantiation of clock button 414, it makes the user can dispose CHUMBY ^TMThe time of equipment, date and alarm.To the current window displayed widget that selection deletion from current " channel " of delete button 418 will be deleted, the band user confirms.To another control panel screen of selection instantiation of grade button 420, it makes the user that the grade of fixed proportion can be provided for current window displayed widget.To sending another control panel screen of selection instantiation of button icon 422, it shows CHUMBY ^TMExpectation is to its send window widget or otherwise other user's of communication personalization tabulation among the user.The selection of hold button 424 is switched " maintenance " state of current selected widget.When selecting " maintenance " state of widget, this widget is at CHUMBY ^TMGo up continuously on the equipment and play.Selection to right arrow button 426 or left arrow button 428 makes CHUMBY ^TMLast one or next window widget in the equipment difference indicated channel.The user can be from any web browser 122 visits by the webpage of service supplier's 106 generations and the widget of appointment " collection ".Perhaps, the user can push his or her CHUMBY ^TMOn the equipment 102 visual, based on the button of touch-screen the current window widget is appointed as new " collection " widget.When the user selects his or her CHUMBY subsequently ^TMDuring the heart icon on the equipment (not shown among Fig. 4), the icon representation of this collection widget (for example clock window widget) replaces heart icon and makes the user can activate (that is CPU 302 is carried out) program command corresponding to this collection widget immediately.Perhaps, the selection to heart icon (or other predefine icon) causes CHUMBY ^TMEquipment become according to " collection " or other profile dispose but not carry out the collection widget.Certainly, some profile can be designated as and only comprise the single window widget, such as for example " alarm clock " or " photo reader " widget.

Refer again to Fig. 4, the selection of right arrow button 426 with the widget order (" channel ") of user definition (or acquiescence) widget that advances, is perhaps only skipped to the next one in the realization of selecting to want the window displayed widget randomly.Equally, the selection of left arrow button 428 is caused the previous widget of widget order (" channel ") " rollback to " with user definition (or acquiescence). Selector button 426 and 428 o'clock, in display box 430, show corresponding to the icon representation or the virtual image of current active widget.If wish to turn back to the widget of current active, then select hiding control panel mode button 416 and control panel mode interface 400 to change to a screen, check current being configured to by this screen user at CHUMBY ^TMThe sequence of the widget of carrying out on the equipment.

In certain embodiments, can provide physical button element (not shown) near lcd screen 320 places to allow the menu by presenting or the like that navigates by lcd screen 320.In one implementation, this button element is a fork-shaped, so that two dimensional navigation, and can comprise the less dedicated button (for example center of pitching) that is associated with certain window widget (for example clock window widget).Press this dedicated window widget and will interrupt the operation of all other widgets.

Supporting CHUMBY ^TMIn the realization of the two dimensional navigation of the user interface of equipment, can be provided in the widget timeline that is disposed forward and the ability of navigation backward to the user.Equally, the user can navigation up or down in the storehouse of correlation window widget.This function depends on the realization of the notion of widget classification, that is, widget is associated in the logic classification that can sequentially show (will show if be configured to).An example of classification is " news ".For example, the widget that is included in this classification can comprise local news widget, sports news widget, entertainment news widget, Business Wire widget or the like.For each classification, there is the widget of an acquiescence, it is that the user is at CHUMBY ^TMOn the website CHUMBY that is selected as by the user ^TMEach classification appointment that equipment shows.

If more than a widget, then these widgets are conceptive " piling up " in the selection classification, wherein Mo Ren widget is:

Top at storehouse; And

At CHUMBY ^TMWindow displayed widget during widget that the equipment Automatic Cycle is passed through to be disposed.

If show the widget of given classification (for example " news ") and in this classification, have other widget that also is configured to show, then in this exemplary embodiment, these other widgets " pile up " under shown widget.In this case, the user can be to user's CHUMBY ^TMEquipment is taked certain predefine action (for example, might select the control on the touch-screen or visit certain by activating the function that the pressing sensing device comes instantiation via control panel) so that the next window widget in such other " storehouse " is shown.As specified by the user, CHUMBY ^TMEquipment can be disposed like this, make the further predefine action take same type will make in piling up above or below widget be shown.At CHUMBY ^TMWhen equipment is circulated to next window widget classification, last widget that shows in the storehouse of applicable category will be the shown widget of classification (for example news) for withdrawing from just now in next circulation.

Following form diagram provides the concept layout of the example window widget storehouse in the various classifications:

Classification:	Finance	Move	News	Weather	Amusement	Physical culture
							Acquiescence and window displayed widget	Stock-| V	Image-| v ^ | text	Local-| v ^ | physical culture | v ^ | amusement | v ^ | commerce | v ^ | the world | v ^	Local-| v	Music-service X | v ^ | Video service Z | v ^ | local music servers	Surfing-report | v ^ | fantasy football | v ^ | National Association for Stock Car Auto-Racing

The CNN channel

Representation of concept when providing in the widget storehouse that the user navigate to news, amusement and physical culture below:

Classification:	Finance	Move	News	Weather	Amusement	Physical culture
							Acquiescence and window displayed widget	Stock-| V	Image-| v ^ | text	Local-| v ^ | physical culture | v ^ | amusement | v ^ | commerce | v ^ | the world | v	Local-| v	Music service X | v ^ | Video service Z | v ^ | local music-server	The surfing report | v ^ | illusion-football | v ^ | National Association for Stock Car Auto-Racing

^ | the CNN channel

CHUMBY ^TMDevice structure

Fig. 5-6 and 28-29 provide according to an exemplary CHUMBY of the present invention ^TMThe various views of equipment.CHUMBY ^TMThe embodiment of equipment generally will comprise one or more assembly parts of the electronic building brick that is integrated in the flexible housings.Each such assembly parts can comprise or can not comprise outside visible assembly.

Generally speaking, the electronic equipment of each assembly parts is assembled on the printed circuit board (PCB), thereby forms printed circuit board (PCB) assembly parts (PCBA).PCBA is integrated into by being generally such as plastics (ABS) or metal (steel or aluminium) etc. in the hard subframe that rigid material makes.Integrated being called of subframe and PCBA " electronic equipment subassembly ".

CHUMBY ^TMThe embodiment of equipment can comprise one or more electronic equipment subassemblies; Exemplary embodiment described herein is used three such subassemblies.Such subassembly is included in CHUMBY ^TMIn the core electron unit of equipment, and comprise heating electronic equipment assembly, LCD and microphone.Another such electronic equipment subassembly comprises WiFi lifter (riser), and it comprises the WiFi communication module.Be included in CHUMBY ^TMThe 3rd electronic equipment subassembly in the exemplary embodiment of equipment comprises " subcard subassembly ".Subcard comprises a plurality of aerial lugs (for example USB connector) and one group of audio converter.In this exemplary embodiment, join " pressing sensing " that the mechanical switch promotion on the subcard subassembly describes below to.Accelerometer also can be included in the subcard subassembly.

The general segmentation of these three subassemblies provides some benefits.Have more cost-benefit hot path by heat generating component being limited in core electron unit and the WiFi lifter, can designing.By connector and large-scale transducer are limited in the subcard, can be supply chain the logistics advantage is provided.This can increase CHUMBY ^TMThe ability that reconfigures fast that the one-level of equipment is new customizes for the end user.By meeting device bridge joint subassembly, CHUMBY with the flexible U that connects ^TMEquipment keeps soft and pliable and tough sensation.

Now attentiveness is turned to Fig. 5, it provides the exemplary CHUMBY that disposes toughness shell 502 ^TMThe various stereograms of equipment, toughness shell 502 comprise the rubber-type framework 504 that combines textile material 508.Shell 502 is around the inner packing material (not shown in Figure 5) of core electron unit 512, the instrument board 514 that is used for the subcard subassembly and plush.Framework 504, fabric 508 and packing material are for operation CHUMBY ^TMThe user of equipment gives soft and the toughness sensation jointly.

In one embodiment, framework 504 is by Santoprene ^TMOr Texin forms, and this is the softness of a kind of TPE of being similar to (thermoplastic elastomer (TPE)), the material of pliable and tough, rubber like that sense of touch is arranged.In another embodiment, framework 504 is made of the unusual PVC of soft (polyvinyl chloride).Definite frame components is promptly made article and with adhesive article is pegged the consideration of side with the ability of improvement product tolerance generally with balance pliability, sensation, outward appearance and manufacturing characteristic.Framework 504 provides structure and shape and allows core electron unit 512 to be replaced and to insert for shell 502.Framework 504 is generally made with the structure of evening up relatively and is being assembled CHUMBY subsequently ^TMManual warpage or crooked and be sewn onto fabric or other flexible material during the shell 502 of equipment.In another embodiment, CHUMBY ^TMFramework, fabric or its combination are made of molded EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) foamed plastics.Molding process shows slight different sensation but higher fidelity to the relevant art work of CAD generally is provided.

Figure 28 provides CHUMBY ^TMThe replacement diagram of equipment has wherein identified core electron unit 512 and pliable sheath 502.Existing wireless or other consumer-elcetronics devices formation that is installed to simply in the rigidity plastics encapsulation that can not accept Any user modification or customization with common electronic equipment with equipment contrasts, in an exemplary embodiment, and CHUMBY ^TMThe pliable sheath of equipment can use the outer fabric material such as using in soft commodity or woolen toy manufacturing of any amount to make.For example, such material can comprise leather, glove suede, neoprene, rubber, vinyl material or the like.The inside of pliable sheath can comprise the packing material of any amount, such as polymer filler (Poly-Fil), polyester pearl material, gel, foam, bead material or the like, there is no different with pillow, stuffed animal or woolen toy.Such inside is filled and is made CHUMBY ^TMEquipment can be " squeezed. ".And inner like this filling makes equipment kept its shape afterwards so that trigger inner pressing sensing device 650 by user's " extruding " or " pushing ".(in other embodiments, applicable electric field/capacitance sensor replaces the pressing sensing device with the hand that detects the user location/distance to transducer; That is, since user's hand along with the user pushes CHUMBY ^TMThe pliable sheath of equipment and shift near transducer, transducer " extruding " incident of can indicating takes place).

Forward Figure 29 now to, pliable sheath inside in the exemplary embodiment of this equipment, include the subcard circuit, it comprises external power switch, external power supply connector, external headphones connector, one or more external USB connector, inner left and right sides loud speaker connector, inner 9V reserve battery connector 2904, inner pressing sensing device connector and Internal cable assembly parts or " Chumbilical ^TM" connector 2910.In one implementation, Chumbilical ^TMConnector 2910 is used for all signals by the reception/processing of subcard subassembly are connected to CHUMBY ^TMThe quilt of equipment presses to the core electron unit 512 in the soft framework.Be positioned at a pair of loud speaker 630 of also having of pliable sheath inside (be used for the left and right sides audio frequency output) (Fig. 6 F), and pressing sensing device 650 (Fig. 6 G) and these elements are attached to the required various cables of subcard subassembly 640.In this preferred embodiment, loud speaker be fixed on constitute by plastics or other analog material, be positioned at CHUMBY ^TMOn the stiffener plate at the back side of equipment, occupy same space with headset connector, USB port, mains switch and power connector.

It is CHUMBY with splitting into the subcard that many ancillary equipment are connected with feature that circuit is divided into core board with big complexity and cost ^TMThe significant design feature of the exemplary embodiment of equipment.So isolation design allows to adapt to quickly the variation of market and product, because the least stable assembly of system often is " being triggered at any moment ".The isolation in this way of core and ancillary equipment also provides a key benefit, and promptly peripheral device cards can customize with lower cost, and this helps around CHUMBY ^TMThe annex of equipment and the ecosystem of self-defined shell can increase.

With reference to figure 30-31, use the example of the plane mode that in soft commodity and clothes manufacturing, uses usually to define exemplary CHUMBY now ^TMThe pliable sheath 3002 of equipment or " bag " (" CHUMBY ^TMThe bag ") external structure.Art/the design element of any amount can be added into CHUMBY ^TMThe outer fabric material of bag is to increase size and visual signature.CHUMBY ^TMThe use of the textile type of equipment encapsulation provides by original manufacturer and end user (for example craftsman, fan etc.) and has made the unlimited possibility of product casing, and believes that this has represented the novel method aspect consumption electronic product and/or design of wireless devices.Textile label for clothing, patch or other fabric/garments relative article can be sewn or be attached to CHUMBY ^TMThe outer enclosure of equipment is marked such as note of the ancient Chinese to pass on product or company information.

Figure 31 provides CHUMBY ^TMThe pliable sheath 3002 of equipment or the example plane mode of " bag " draw 3100, and it illustrates each fabric panel shape, sews up details and design element.

Fig. 6 A-6D provide CHUMBY ^TMSolid, side-looking and the vertical view of the various partially transparents of an embodiment of equipment.Fig. 6 E-6F describes to be included in CHUMBY ^TMCore electron unit in the shell of equipment and other assembly, and Fig. 6 G illustrates certain some arrangement in the enclosure in these elements.

For example, core electron unit 512 will comprise the main circuit board of having assembled a plurality of electronic building bricks on it usually.Main circuit board will be integrated into usually subsequently by in the hard subframe that constitutes such as for example rigid material such as duroplasts or metal, produce the electronic equipment subassembly thus.Core electron unit 512 generally also comprises the RF shielding of LCD display, touch-screen, ambient light sensor, microphone, USB WiFi Dao Er chip (dongle) 610, backup battery 620 and any amount.This nucleus module is designed to can be by CHUMBY ^TMThe user of equipment removes from framework.It generally passes through Chumbilical ^TMConnector 2910 is connected to CHUMBY ^TMIn the shell.

WiFi Dao Er chip 610 is connected to the WiFi lifter (not shown) of core electron unit and promotes the wireless networking of WiFi.

Backup battery 620 for example can use standard 9V alkaline battery to realize, and to be used for when mains power failure be CHUMBY ^TMEquipment provides reserve/additional power supply.In one embodiment, backup battery 620 is installed in the RF shielding that is positioned at core electron unit 512 back sides and purpose is to be changed by the user.In another embodiment, battery 620 is comprised in CHUMBY ^TMIn the flexible housings of equipment and can come access to serve via the Velcro in the exterior material (velcro) closed hole for the user.

In this exemplary embodiment, subcard 640 provides the connector that can use for the user, comprises power supply input, earphone output and is used for annex in the future and/or is convenient to the external USB type connector of device upgrade.Subcard subassembly 640 is sandwiched on the fabric between the subcard subassembly back instrument panel assembly 514 anterior and that be made of the rigidity ABS plastic.The subcard subassembly is via Chumbilical ^TM2910 are connected to core electron equipment 512.

In this exemplary embodiment, CHUMBY ^TMEquipment comprises that a pair of inner loud speaker of installing 630 is to provide stereo.In one embodiment, loud speaker 630 uses the little side's bag that is sewn on inside, unit to remain on the appropriate location.These pouches have little binding yarn separately loud speaker 630 are remained on CHUMBY ^TMIn the relative fixed position of device interior.In another embodiment, loud speaker remains in the instrument board mechanograph of back.Two loud speakers 630 are connected to subcard subassembly 640.

Following discussion, pressing sensing device 650 can be realized so that to CHUMBY with various distinct methods ^TMThe sensing of " extruding " of equipment.Pressing sensing device 650 generally is connected to subcard subassembly 640 and comprises pliable and tough resistive element In a particular embodiment, and it changes resistance based on the angle of transducer warpage.Perhaps, pressing sensing device 650 can be made up of typical snap switch, and its control lever is projected into CHUMBY ^TMAmong the fuselage of equipment, and by around packing material buffering so that whole sensation of softness to be provided.Therefore, pressing sensing device 650 can detect CHUMBY ^TMThe physics of the flexible housings of equipment " extruding ".Signal from pressing sensing device 650 processed (for example by core electron EM equipment module 512 or special electronic circuit) and will impel usually and carry out the action that defines, the characteristic of the widget of current active is depended in this action.Pressing sensing device 650 is connected to subcard subassembly 640.Pressing sensing device 650 will be attached to CHUMBY usually ^TMThe inside and the direction of bag are parallel to CHUMBY ^TMThe vertical access direction of equipment.In other embodiments, can use one or more displacement transducers to realize identical functions.

Pressing sensing device 650 can be with various multi-form realization to finish CHUMBY ^TM" pressing sensing " in the equipment:

Mechanical pick-up device: as mentioned above, can install such as mechanical switchs such as " snap-action " switches, its actuation control bar is curled, and makes it can not fasten any inner fabric seam.The soft filling is wrapped between control lever and the bag surface so that propagate extruding force towards periphery, thereby increases the effective active area of snap switch.The soft filling also can be wrapped between control lever and the switch so that extra recuperability is provided, and makes switch can not become and is bonded on certain position.

Power or crooked sensitive sensor: can adhere to or be sewn onto in the fabric such as bands (strip) such as resistance bend sensors or by the power transducer that the electrode of resistance material, liner and insertion constitutes.The resistance of these transducers of deformation adjustment of fabric, this is crooked signal by the electronic equipment reprocessing in the bag subsequently.

Field sensor: can use the capacitive field transducer, it produces the field sensing that extends to bag edge.When bag is extruded, the distortion of finger and existence will change the dielectric property of bag interior air.The change of this dielectric property can use multiple technologies to detect, and includes but not limited to the frequency displacement of resonant tank.

Acceleration transducer: the accelerometer in the bag can be used for how moving the feature that detects deformational event based on transducer in bag.Need one group of advanced signal sign primitive, they can adopt the form of Kalman filter, matched filter and/or hidden Markov estimator.

CHUMBY ^TMThe manufacturing of equipment

As mentioned below, developed many production process innovations and solved and CHUMBY ^TMA plurality of problems that the manufacturing of the exemplary embodiment of equipment is relevant.For example, guaranteeing that flexible housings keeps having challenge aspect each electronic equipment subassembly; That is, guarantee that such subassembly remains on CHUMBY ^TMAppropriate location in the flexible housings of equipment, and do not drop out.Particularly, wish that usually the core electron unit only needs a small amount of effort of end user side to get final product access.Can use several different methods to guarantee firm cooperation between core electron unit and the soft framework:

At first, in mode described below plastic flange is attached to the opening that flexible housings limits.This flange preferably is constructed the little opening of size that has than core electron equipment subassembly.This species diversity on diameter or the scale dependent prevents that core from dropping out from plastic flange at an easy rate.

Secondly, flexible housings can comprise one group of counterfort in inside, and they are pushed down core electron equipment subassembly and can not entered by pushing easily to keep shell.Counterfort can adopt structural foam or be attached to the form of the rigid mechanical sheet of shell.

The 3rd, flange can have one group of friction lock fixed point, thereby it can be engaged in the core electron equipment subassembly by cooperating with the friction lock fixed point.

The 4th, flange and core electron equipment subassembly can use various adhesives glued together.Using fragility dry adhesive (such as cyanoacrylate) to allow to break under the situation of minimum decoration influence seals.

In addition, the flange of flexible housings can use such as scripts such as TPE and just provide the softness of friction but half sticking plastics are made.

About the instrument board of subcard subassembly and cooperating of flexible housings, wish that generally subassembly is installed in suitable position and can't see any gap, so that produce " seamless " outward appearance about the remainder of flexible housings.Many methods can be used for guaranteeing a kind of so seamless cooperation:

At first, the flexible plastics flange of over-molded (overmolded) (such as the TPE mixture) can be applicable to the plastic edge of instrument board of subcard subassembly so that bending.

Secondly, before installing, can be to subcard instrument board coating viscosity or semisolid adhesive (such as VHB) so that minimum gaps.

The 3rd, can use the element of clamp-shaped to catch instrument panel assembly so that be suitable for the alignment of assembly.

The 4th, can in the fabric of flexible housings, make one group of screw hole, they align with the screw peg that matches in the subcard instrument board, so that the aligning of fabric and maintenance.

The 5th, the friction fit wheel rim of being made up of the outer plate of sheet in clamping can be used for strengthening the subsides clothes degree of the seam between flexible housings and the subcard instrument board.

At CHUMBY ^TMIn the exemplary embodiment of equipment, can in manufacture process, use several different methods to reduce CHUMBY ^TMAmass at the grand of flexible housings inside during the operation of equipment.Because CHUMBY in certain embodiments ^TMThe air that equipment is absorbed between can the fiber because of the mixture that is similar to the polymer filler has increased its shape and elasticity, so packing material and flexible housings play the effect of the heat guard around the various electronic equipment subassemblies together.The strategy that reduces this potential athermic effect is described below.

A kind of heat radiation strategy relates to Heat Conduction Material fills CHUMBY ^TMThe flexible housings of equipment.These materials can be dispersed in the soft packing material that inserts between electronic equipment subassembly and the flexible housings whole or in part.For example, such Heat Conduction Material can be made of the hollow pill of aluminium or bead or the plastics with relative good heat conductive characteristic.Another embodiment uses the thermally conductive gel material heat to be transmitted to the surface of flexible housings from core electron equipment subassembly.Perhaps, available heat pipe conducts heat to the metal plate that is adhered to the flexible housings surface.Such method can advantageously be utilized the large surface area of flexible housings and use relatively thin textile material so that the minimum overall heat retention.

Heat radiation can also promote by " pile up " various electronic equipment subassemblies and other assembly with a kind of like this mode, promptly exist each heat generating component in the slave unit to arrive towards CHUMBY ^TMThe path of low thermal resistance of one of solid construction of device external (for example subcard instrument board or LCD display).In this embodiment, such solid construction is effectively as heat sink.Each path of low thermal resistance can be by finishing at heating electronic equipment subassembly and towards inserting hot mixt (for example filling the form of liner with soft, as to be similar to gel gap) between the solid construction of outside.For example, in one embodiment, LCD display remains on the appropriate location in the aluminium radiator plate, and with the hot mixt plug between radiator and LCD.In addition, the PCB of core electron equipment subassembly can comprise heat through-hole and copper coin strengthens heat flow.

When the WiFi module directly is installed to the PCB of core electron EM equipment module, can uses between WiFi module and this PCB and finally pass gap that the Confucius of LCD display around arriving place soft similar gels and fill and increase heat conduction.In another embodiment, the WiFi module is placed on the WiFi lifter so that can generate improved antenna pattern.In this embodiment, the WiFi module is positioned such that any metal connector placed or the suitable path of low thermal resistance of device on setting up by PCB between the PCB of this module and core electron EM equipment module.

The flexible material of each sheet softness is assembled to CHUMBY ^TMProduce many problems in the flexible housings of equipment.An illustrative methods relates at first sews up each sheet flexible material inside and outside, and what then resulting aggregation " conversion " is become finally to be similar to bag is configured to cooperation (for example stitching) to pliable and tough framework 504.Many difficulties that may run into are described below and to the possible solution of these difficulties in the manufacture process of the type.

Pliable and tough framework and sewing machine are bonding-in one approach, the back that the jet lubrication agent can be coated in pliable and tough framework 504 is bonding with the bottom of sewing machine that is used for flexible housings is attached to framework 504 to prevent flexible housings.Like this bonding also can reduce by the back that covers framework 504 with a smooth paper.Can improve the machine that is to use column type (post-style) or anvil type (anvil-style) sewing machine but not platform is arranged in conjunction with above-mentioned any or all of another production process of using.

Because of due to fabric and the scleroscopic mismatch of plastics unjustified-when sewing machine was supplied with contact-making surface between the fabric of framework 504 and flexible housings, fabric often stretched to such an extent that more much faster than plastic frame 504.This can compensate by the amount of the fabric material for making clothes being twisted in advance the twist angle coupling of being introduced with the sewing machine supply.

Because of the fabric and the unjustified of framework 504 of the unjustified flexible housings due to the operator error can be because of realizing CHUMBY ^TMRelated mixture is crooked and take place in the exemplary embodiment of equipment, thereby makes visual alignment very difficult.Such mismatch can reduce with the guide as the sewing machine operator by notch, label and point being incorporated in plastic frame 504 and the plane mode.

The fabric wrinkle-in case between the textile material of framework 504 and flexible housings, produce seam, fabric tend to because of near the extruding of fabric stitching wrinkling at the seam place.This can compensate by before stitching fabric being glued to framework 504.Gummed is not only as fabric being remained on the stand of appropriate location but also preventing that fabric from being lifted from the surface of framework 504.

Edge trimming-can expect that if the fabric edge of flexible housings is coarse, the minor error when sewing up so tends to more obvious or arouses attention.This outward appearance damage can make it to seem that perfection solves by the edge of handling fabric.Employed particular procedure depends on employed textile material type.For example, in using the exemplary embodiment of leather, can paint the edge as the textile material of flexible housings.When using the braiding composite, can at first heat-treat (perhaps using naked light) perhaps with the metal die that heated to the edge as textile material.Particularly, when using the composite fabric to be used for flexible housings, the metal die that heat is used in the embossed pattern of generation thawing around the die mould zone that is used to cut off fabric.The embossed pattern that melts will be used for fiber is bonded together and create the edge of perfect outward appearance.For natural fabric, can paint the edge, crimping or use suture zone.

Matched-in the exemplary embodiment, the plastics or other material that form framework 504 are suppressed with high-precision mold; On the contrary, the textile material that is used for flexible housings is the product of inaccuracy production process.The mismatch of the height between the two can produce disagreeable vision artificiality.When using leather as textile material, these artificialities can improve so that controlled its height before being sewn onto framework 504 by the skiving leather.In addition, the plastics or other material that are used for framework 504 are normally molded, make them exceed the fabrication tolerance of expection than the height of the leather through repairing.This has reduced any faulty visual impact, particularly in " heading on " evaluation equipment.

The initial process that the multi-disc flexible material is incorporated into flexible housings before being attached to framework 504 also produces many problems.An example process relevant with the flexible housings that is made of leather is described below.

At first, with four leather panel-mounted flexible housings, each panel forms a side of flexible housings.When connecting these seams, overturn, glue together and beat out leather, so that reduce profile and the wrinkle that when the front is watched, stitches.

The thickness of leather at least in any seam zone by skiving, so that reduce wrinkle in the seam zone.

The back of flexible housings is attached in the final stage of this process, and subsequently with the about upset of equipment.

In another embodiment, for the leather seam provides unnecessary length, and material is stitched back itself to produce triple stitchings.

In other embodiments, can use blind stitch to discharge the bent limit stress on every side of flexible housings.Yet the use of blind stitch may influence the aesthetic feeling of equipment unfriendly.Therefore, In yet another embodiment, use to have the modified plane mode that enough tolerances are handled any stress that forms on so bent limit on every side.

Owing to be stored in the stress in pliable and tough framework 504 and the outer fabric shell, CHUMBY ^TMThe exemplary embodiment of equipment can form permanent asymmetric skew in shape.Can use following technology and limit these stress influence.

At first, can reduce with aforesaid way at sewing machine and by the friction effect on the contact-making surface between the seam material.

Secondly, can assemble CHUMBY ^TMAfter the equipment framework 504 is carried out hot melt.Carry out hot melt at the anchor clamps place that forms, make that it is pressed into predetermined shape with equipment when hot melt solidifies.

Stiff fabric can be laminated to the back side of employed soft fabric in this process.Although from CHUMBY ^TMThe outside of equipment be cannot see, but the natural shape of stiff permission fabric (as being embodied by plane mode) is arranged the power in the seam that is built between framework 504 and the fabric.

Comprise the shortcoming that can influence production process output such as natural fabrics such as leathers.In the die mould cutting stage, the pattern that more coarse leather sheet can be used for bottom and backsheet cuts, and increases the whole utilization rate of leather hide simultaneously so that reduce the visual impact of these leather sheets.

The manufacturing capacity aspect that the material of framework 504 is chosen in flexible housings is played the part of and is focused on big role.Soft framework 504 preferably comprises material pliable and tough but that stretch not too easily.Its general enough softness is passed with the permission sewing needle but is not broken.An embodiment uses the plastics of TPU type to come implementation framework 504.The plastics of the type have flexible housings can come attached advantage with glue, but has any problem when penetrating its surface than hard and sewing needle relatively.Another embodiment uses the TPE plastic, and it is pliable and tough, be difficult for stretching, and can be at an easy rate by needle penetration.Yet, be difficult to be adhered to the surface of TPE.Another embodiment uses the PVC/PU plastic, and it is pliable and tough, allows use glue, and enough softnesses allow pin easily penetrate.

In another embodiment, the fabric both of framework 504 and flexible housings is used eva foam, perhaps only be used for framework.EVA can pour into a mould and allow and adjust by the mould of required size.This process can advantageously produce integrated framework and pliable sheath and need not sew up, and can realize accurate geometry exactly.Yet, simultaneously to CHUMBY ^TMThe framework of equipment and shell use eva foam to cause equipment to show to be different from the stiff sensation of other realization.

Now attentiveness is turned to the CHUMBY shown in Figure 32-33 ^TMThe exemplary user interface screen of equipment is described the calibration process of one or more bend sensor 650 in the equipment with reference to these accompanying drawings.As user's " extruding " CHUMBY ^TMThe back of equipment and when making suitable pressing sensing device 650 be moved beyond the threshold value tolerance, the control panel function is activated and shows appropriate users interface (Figure 32).From " setting " screen 3220 of visiting via the control panel 3210 of Figure 32, the user can visit " extruding " calibration function 3300 (Figure 33) subsequently and recalibrate bend sensor.

Although each CHUMBY in certain embodiments ^TMThe purpose pliable and tough or the toughness shell of equipment comes down to forever and not to change, but so in other embodiments shell can comprise and is designed to interchangeable " skin " that can easily shirk and change according to user's judgement.In such realization, CHUMBY ^TMEquipment can be configured to according to the various profiles of specific " skin " that depends on the current low-level hardware " core " that is attached to equipment and operates.Particularly, one or more transducers can be deployed in CHUMBY ^TMBe set to as CHUMBY so that read on the core of equipment ^TMThe electronic identifier that the various skins of the shell of equipment are embedded in.Each identifier is made up of lasting (non-volatile) memory module that comprises unique identification information, and is configured at CHUMBY physically ^TMThe skin of equipment becomes when being attached to device core the respective sensor on the device core is carried out electricity or radio contact.The information that reads from the identifier of this embedding can be used for the identity of the skin on the current parcel device core is notified to CHUMBY ^TMThe control system of equipment.For example, some such skin comprises the characteristic or the feature of hint various application (for example " clock radio " or " boom box ") or expection operating environment (for example " automobile ", " kitchen " " workshop ").In another embodiment, identifier can write in the non-volatile memories that is incorporated into " skin ".When such " skin " when cooperating, between non-volatile memories and " core ", connect in the mode that can directly therefrom read identifier with core.

In case new skin is attached or otherwise be fixed to CHUMBY ^TMThe core of equipment and read information, CHUMBY from the identifier that embeds ^TMEquipment just can be sent to service supplier 106 with the message of its current skin of indication (for example " skin #1 ").In response, service supplier 106 can be with indicating CHUMBY ^TMEquipment uses the message of certain profiles (for example " profile #3 ") to reply.What can expect is, the user can select to define the profile of each skin that is used for them or only use the default profile that can obtain from service supplier 106 via the web browser 122 of communicating by letter with service supplier 106.For example, each profile definable: (i) widget that will carry out, (ii) to be used to carry out the configuration of these widgets, and (iii) used pattern and subject information (color scheme, control decoration, font, background or the like) via LCD display 320 presentation information the time.

CHUMBY ^TMThe service supplier

With reference now to Fig. 7,, provides to can be used for promoting CHUMBY ^TMThe server component of service supplier 106 operation and the block representation of other foundation structure.The expression that it being understood that Fig. 7 is functional in essence, and single or a plurality of computer is designed to finish one or more than the software of a function that describes below applicable to execution.For example, the function that is provided by load balancer 704 can be provided by single load balance equipment or a plurality of load balance equipment.Equally, each server of representing in Fig. 7 can use the individual server computer or use the group who is made up of the major and minor of the configure interconnected of being familiar with those skilled in the art and backup server computer to realize.

As shown in Figure 7, one or more web servers 710 are used for definition by CHUMBY ^TMService supplier 106 is to web interface that user or other interested parties present.System database 712 can comprise CHUMBY ^TMUser account information, CHUMBY ^TMDevice configuration information, CHUMBY ^TMWidget configuration and example information, marketing texts, published information and with the CHUMBY that provides by web server 710 ^TMServe relevant contact details or the like.Also can comprise the information relevant with registration and Level 1 support.

User account server 714 maintenance customer's account data and provide authentication service for other server shown in Figure 7 in system database 712.

One or more widget servers 718 are used for to CHUMBY ^TMEquipment 102 provides widget.Each widget server 718 generally has enough abilities and encrypts and sign widget as required.In addition, each server 718 will be configured to " storage and forwarding " sends to another user from a user widget.

Service supplier 106 also can use a plurality of content server 724 to CHUMBY ^TMEquipment 102 provides information (for example, news, weather, stock market information).In an exemplary embodiment, all the elements server is with the work of " drawing " operator scheme; That is CHUMBY, ^TM Equipment 102 on a certain periodic basis to the content server 724 poll news data that are suitable for.The timetable and the frequency that preferably comprise follow-up poll from each response of content server 724.For example, be configured to provide the content server 724 of stock market information can change poll frequency to reflect whether the stock market reopens after a cessation of business.In other is realized, can be CHUMBY ^TMEquipment 102 provides the ability that changes poll frequency based on for example environmental condition (for example ambient room brightness) or other factors.The content that one or more content servers 724 can be used for providing the particular type that the user uploads is own or other CHUMBY for it ^TM Equipment 102 uses and is stored in the system database 712.

CHUMBY ^TMService supplier 106 safeguards that generally small loading balancing network time protocol (NTP) server 730 comes to be CHUMBY ^TMEquipment 102 provides the time.Each such server 730 will be configured to obtain from " master " ntp server their time, and " master " ntp server from the upstream outside public ntp server obtain the time.If main ntp server 730 is not worked, then secondary ntp server 730 will be synchronous with some upstream server at random.If Servers-all 730 is all unavailable, then CHUMBY ^TMEquipment 102 will be obtained temporal information from public ntp server at random, its time be imported by the user be adjusted.In one embodiment, each CHUMBY ^TMEquipment 102 when being connected to the internet and after with the interval request time of shake, but be no more than once in one day.

Forward Fig. 8 now to, the database model figure of the exemplary object-oriented database pattern 800 of system database 712 uses is provided.As directed, pattern 800 comprises following table: partner, classification, CHUMBY ^TMEquipment, parameter, profile, skin, user, widget example, widget, grade, registration, activation, film, template, thumbnail.Each rectangular object among Fig. 8 is that the entity object of the following is represented: the table in the database 712, and wherein major key is represented with abbreviation " PK "; The ownership that is illustrated by the broken lines, this dotted line rise from the entity that is had and in the entity end that has, and to be listed as key by the asterisk in the object that has; And the solid line that concerns between the presentation-entity.Consider that for a person skilled in the art discussion herein is to understand very easily although be included in information type in these a plurality of tables, be provided at user's registration and with the simplification example of widget each performed step during " profile " so that further illustrate the structure of database schema 800.

In one embodiment, user's registration and account creation process are to submit CHUMBY by the user to by web browser 122 ^TMID is so that identify specific CHUMBY ^TMEquipment 102 is initiated.The action of creating user account causes the structure of default profile and one or more widget examples, they each be assigned to the current CHUMBY that is registering automatically ^TM Equipment 102 is (as by its CHUMBY ^TMWhat ID identified).When the user when user's profile is added widget, based on the information in the classification table to the user present may classification tabulation.The user selects a classification subsequently from the classification table, and presents the widget tabulation that belongs to selected classification to the user.After the user selects a widget, the young examples of components of tectonic window and information is input in the suitable field (for example, profile_id (profile ID), widget_id (widget ID), index (index)).Present the user interface that is used to edit the widget special parameters that is associated with selected widget to the user by web browser 122 subsequently.In response to the selection of user to parameter, new record more suitably in parameter list.

Figure 36 A-36H provides the more fully form of the exemplary object-oriented database pattern that can be used by system database 712 to represent.

System operation

The client-server communications agreement

Generally speaking, what can expect is that embodiments of the invention will be so that CHUMBY ^TMEquipment 102 conducts are with respect to being present in CHUMBY ^TMThe client computer of the various servers in the service supplier 106 comes the mode of work to realize.In these embodiments, CHUMBY ^TMEquipment 102 does not participate in direct communication each other, but can be via communicating by letter with independent clients-relationship server that service supplier 106 sets up.In this way, under content owner and potential recipient's permission, service supplier 106 can make things convenient for CHUMBY ^TMThe communication of various dissimilar executable file (for example widget or other computer program, audio clips, weak point " Flash " film or the like) between the equipment 102.The user can specify member's in " partner list " that will be sent to another user or user or the like widget or other content.This appointment can be via web browser 122 of communicating by letter with service supplier 106 or direct CHUMBY by the user ^TMCarry out at the interface of equipment 102.

In one embodiment, executable file can be by CHUMBY ^TMThe user of equipment 102 or other third party creates and be loaded in the system database 712 after the approval of operate services supplier 106 entity.In case widget or other executable file have been created and have been stored in the system database 712, just enable to be awarded by all that the CHUMBY of essential permission ^TMThe user of equipment 102 uses.Be used among the user and between authorize permission various schemes be possible.For example, a kind of permission of the type requires to give CHUMBY to user Y by user Y ^TMThe Any user X of the permission of equipment send window widget can select user X that any widget of rights of using has been arranged and such widget " transmission " be given the CHUMBY of user Y ^TMEquipment.Can to when another user asks from service supplier 106 to CHUMBY ^TMThe widget of equipment or the property transmitted of other file are provided with other restriction.For example, can to the user provide with some widget only " locking " at user's CHUMBY ^TMAbility on the equipment, perhaps CHUMBY ^TMEquipment can reach " expiring " state and can not receive any other widget again with himself being advertised as.

Although widget and other executable file can be at service supplier 106 and CHUMBY ^TMWith the transmission of multiple different-format, but so in one embodiment transmission will take place with Flash film form when not signature or unencryption (that is, as the .swf file) between the equipment 102.In this case, be used for being included in CHUMBY from the process that service supplier 106 downloads widget ^TMEquipment 102 places receive " newly " widget and have been ready to the notice downloaded.Because each CHUMBY in this exemplary embodiment ^TMEquipment 102 is with " drawing " pattern action, thus each equipment 102 periodically whether poll services supplier and inquiry have any configuration change can be for loading.In the situation that has new widget can supply to download, CHUMBY ^TMEquipment 102 will use standard HTTP (perhaps HTTPS) agreement to download suitable widget file usually.

Now attentiveness is turned to Fig. 9-13, they are expression CHUMBY ^TMEquipment 102 and CHUMBY ^TMA series of signal flow graph of the client-server communications agreement of setting up between the service supplier 106.As mentioned above, each CHUMBY ^TMEquipment 102 conducts are with respect to CHUMBY ^TMService supplier 106 client works.In one embodiment, at each CHUMBY ^TMEquipment and CHUMBY ^TMThe basic agreement of setting up between service supplier 106 the respective server entity can use utilize HTTP transmission performance state transitions (Representational State Transfer) (REST) architecture be characterized by XML.Generally speaking, CHUMBY ^TMEquipment 102 sends periodicity HTTP GET or POST request and service supplier's 106 usefulness XML pieces and responds.CHUMBY ^TMEquipment 102 will use HTTP GET to simple relatively request, and to using POST with the more complicated request of XML encapsulation.Each data element comes unique identification by GUID (GUID).In one embodiment, will there be the cryptographic key exchange of certain form and will uses these keys to encrypt transaction.In addition, compressible XML is so that CHUMBY ^TMEquipment 102 and CHUMBY ^TMTransmission between the service supplier 106.

Each CHUMBY ^TMEquipment 102 has unique GUID.In certain embodiments, timing code will be represented with the ISO-8061 form.

Request CHUMBY ^TMConfiguration

With reference to figure 9, signal flow graph 900 illustrates by service supplier 106 to CHUMBY ^TMEquipment 102 provides " CHUMBY ^TMThe configuration " a kind of mode.In one embodiment, each CHUMBY ^TMEquipment 102 will be by CHUMBY according to specifying ^TMThe configuration of the profile that equipment 102 loads is under various conditions operated.The user passes through at CHUMBY ^TMThe web interface at place, website is CHUMBY ^TMEquipment 102 is specified profile.Profile comprises and is used for CHUMBY ^TMSome operating parameters of equipment 102.

As shown in Figure 9, the request to configuration is at CHUMBY ^TMThe CHUMBY of equipment 102 in the system database of being safeguarded by service supplier 106 712 ^TM(stage 902) of initiating when configuration object sends the HTTP GET request of the GUID comprise the configuration of being asked.The example of this request is provided below:

http://server.chumby.com/xml/chumbies/CB6A8A20-DFB8-11DA-98FA-00306555C864

Service supplier 106 receives request (stage 904), and the configuration (stage 908) that retrieval is asked from system database 712.If the configuration of being asked exists, then the service supplier responds with the configuration based on XML; If no, then service supplier 106 responds (stage 912) with the error message based on XML.Provide the exemplary response that generates by service supplier 106 below based on XML:

<？xml?version＝″1.0″encoding＝″UTF-8″？>

<chumby?id＝″CB6A8A20-DFB8-11DA-98FA-00306555C864″>

<name>Bathroom</name>

<profile?href＝″/xml/profiles/00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001″name＝″Default″

id＝″00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001″/>

<user?username＝″Frank″href＝″/xml/users/00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001″

id＝″00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001″/>

</chumby>

In case CHUMBY ^TMEquipment 102 receives response, and then this response is just handled (stage 916) by master controller.Receive mistake if replace, then should mistake also handle (stage 920) by master controller.

The request profile

With reference to Figure 10, signal flow graph 1000 illustrates by service supplier 106 to CHUMBY ^TMEquipment 102 provides a kind of mode of " profile ".In one embodiment, each CHUMBY ^TMEquipment 102 is operated according to profile, and profile has been specified will be by CHUMBY ^TMThe widget set that equipment 102 is carried out under various conditions.This makes that the user can be based on user CHUMBY ^TMThe position of equipment 102 or current C HUMBY ^TMThe skin (or shell) at equipment 10 places specify in the available window widget set will be in the special time scope instantiation and certain subclass of using.For example, the user is desirable to provide local weather and transport information in the time of may staying at home, but like at whilst on tour can be from CHUMBY ^TMEquipment 102 obtains Flight Information.

As shown in figure 10, to the request of profile at CHUMBY ^TMInitiation (stage 1002) when the profile object of equipment 102 in the system database 712 that service supplier 106 safeguards sends the HTTPGET request of the GUID that comprises the profile of being asked.The example of this request is provided below:

http://server.chumby.com/xml/profiles/00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001

Service supplier 106 receives request (stage 1004), and the profile (stage 1008) that retrieval is asked from system database 712.If the profile of being asked exists, then the service provision commercialization responds based on the profile of XML; If no, then service supplier 106 responds (stage 1012) with the error message based on XML.Provide the exemplary response that generates by service supplier 106 below based on XML:

<？xml?version＝″1.0″encoding＝″UTF-8″？>

<profile?id＝″00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001″>

<name>Default</name>

<description>Default?profile?for?your?Chumby</description>

<user?username＝″chumby″href＝″/xml/users/00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001″

id＝″00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001″/>

<skin?href＝″/xml/skins/00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001″name＝″Standard″

id＝″00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001″/>

<access?access＝″private″id＝″EC667B90-EC41-11DA-8774-00306555C864″/>

<widget_instances>

<widget?instance?href＝″/xml/widgetinstances/B2BE8552-E7F2-11DA-B4BD-00306555C864″

id＝″B2BE8552-E7F2-11DA-B4BD-00306555C864″/>

<widget?instance?href＝″/xml/widgetinstances/033BFBC2-E794-11DA-B4BD-00306555C864″

id＝″033BFBC2-E794-11DA-B4BD-00306555C864″/>

<widget?instance?href＝″/xml/widgetinstances/94177E18-E777-11DA-B4BD-00306555C864″

id＝″94177E18-E777-11DA-B4BD-00306555C864″/>

<widget?instance?href＝″/xml/widgetinstances/9AA50336-E777-11DA-B4BD-00306555C864″

id＝″9AA50336-E777-11DA-B4BD-00306555C864″/>

<widget?instance?href＝″/xml/widgetinstances/9E4647F2-E777-11DA-B4BD-00306555C864″

id＝″9E4647F2-E777-11DA-B4BD-00306555C864″/>

<widget?instance?href＝″/xml/widgetinstances/7AC67832-E77D-11?DA-B4BD-00306555C864″

id＝″7AC67832-E77D-11DA-B4BD-00306555C864″/>

<widget?instance?href＝″/xml/widgetinstances/B4C35F06-E777-11DA-B4BD-00306555C864″

id＝″B4C35F06-E777-11DA-B4BD-00306555C864″/>

<widget?instance?href＝″/xml/widgetinstances/5D81823A-E77D-11DA-B4BD-00306555C864″

id＝″5D81823A-E77D-11DA-B4BD-00306555C864″/>

</widget_instances>

<buddies_of>

<buddy?profile＝″A9BF0AC6-07DB-11DC-A700-0017F2D98B02″name＝″fredgarvin″

profilename＝″Default″id＝″9790F788-07DB-11DC-A700-0017F2D98B02″/>

</buddies_of>

</profile>

In case CHUMBY ^TMEquipment 102 receives this response, and then this response is just handled (stage 916) by master controller.Receive mistake if replace, then should mistake also handle (stage 920) by master controller.

Each profile has title, description, skin and " widget example " tabulation.To periodically refetch profile so that reflection change that the owner made, for example, add and remove the widget example.Profile also can comprise " ... partner (buddies_of) " node, it comprise about the owner who indicates profile be that the information of the user of " partner " and profile is so that the transmission of widget example.

CHUMBY ^TMEquipment 102 is handled each widget example successively, obtains the setting and the widget itself of each widget, and to show this widget by being provided with of this widget example encapsulation.

Can use the process that is similar to reference to figure 9 descriptions to change profile.Provide the example based on the request of XML of change profile that the HTTP POST of the GUID that comprises the profile that will revise and CHUMBYTM equipment 102 generates below:

http://server.chumby.com/xml/profiles/00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001

<？xml?version＝″1.0″encoding＝″UTF-8″？>

<profile?id＝″00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001″>

<name>Default</name>

<description>Default?profile?for?your?Chumby</description>

<user?username＝″chumby″href＝″/xml/users/00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001″

id＝″00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001″/>

<skin?href＝″/xml/skins/00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001″name＝″Standard″

id＝″00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001″/>

<access?access＝″private″id＝″EC667B90-EC41-11DA-8774-00306555C864″/>

<widget_instances>

<widget_instance?href＝″/xml/widgetinstances/B2BE8552-E7F2-11DA-B4BD-00306555C864″

id＝″B2BE8552-E7F2-11DA-B4BD-00306555C864″/>

<widget_instance?href＝″/xml/widgetinstances/033BFBC2-E794-11DA-B4BD-00306555C864″

id＝″033BFBC2-E794-11DA-B4BD-00306555C864″/>

<widget_instance?href＝″/xml/widgetinstances/94177E18-E777-11DA-B4BD-00306555C864″

id＝″94177E18-E777-11DA-B4BD-00306555C864″/>

<widget_instance?href＝″/xml/widgetinstances/9AA50336-E777-11DA-B4BD-00306555C864″

id＝″9AA50336-E777-11DA-B4BD-00306555C864″/>

<widget_instance?href＝″/xml/widgetinstances/9E4647F2-E777-11DA-B4BD-00306555C864″

id＝″9E4647F2-E777-11DA-B4BD-00306555C864″/>

<widget_instance?href＝″/xml/widgetinstances/7AC67832-E77D-11DA-B4BD-00306555C864″

id＝″7AC67832-E77D-11DA-B4BD-00306555C864″/>

<widget_instance?href＝″/xml/widgetinstances/B4C35F06-E777-11DA-B4BD-00306555C864″

id＝″B4C35F06-E777-11DA-B4BD-00306555C864″/>

<widget_instance?href＝″/xml/widgetinstances/10A66395-8500-215E-81F0-003256F98257″

id＝″10A66395-8500-215E-81F0-003256F98257″/>

</widget_instances>

</profile>

Can be by service supplier's 106 following providing corresponding to exemplary response based on XML this request, that comprise profile through upgrading:

<？xml?version＝″1.0″encoding＝″UTF-8″？>

<profile?id＝″00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001″>

<name>Default</name>

<description>Default?profile?for?your?Chumby</description>

<user?username＝″chumby″href＝″/xml/users/00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001″

id＝″00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001″/>

<skin?href＝″/xml/skins/00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001″name＝″Standard″

id＝″00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001″/>

<access?access＝″private″id＝″EC667B90-EC41-11DA-8774-00306555C864″/>

<widget_instances>

<widget_instance?href＝″/xml/widgetinstances/B2BE8552-E7F2-11DA-B4BD-00306555C864″

id＝″B2BE8552-E7F2-11DA-B4BD-00306555C864″/>

<widget_instance?href＝″/xml/widgetinstances/033BFBC2-E794-11DA-B4BD-00306555C864″

id＝″033BFBC2-E794-11DA-B4BD-00306555C864″/>

<widget_instance?href＝″/xml/widgetinstances/94177E18-E777-11DA-B4BD-00306555C864″

id＝″94177E18-E777-11DA-B4BD-00306555C864″/>

<widget_instance?href＝″/xml/widgetinstances/9AA50336-E777-11DA-B4BD-00306555C864″

id＝″9AA50336-E777-11DA-B4BD-00306555C864″/>

<widget_instance?href＝″/xml/widgetinstances/9E4647F2-E777-11DA-B4BD-00306555C864″

id＝″9E4647F2-E777-11DA-B4BD-00306555C864″/>

<widget_instance?href＝″/xml/widgetinstances/7AC67832-E77D-11DA-B4BD-00306555C864″

id＝″7AC67832-E77D-11DA-B4BD-00306555C864″/>

<widget_instance?href＝″/xml/widgetinstances/B4C35F06-E777-11DA-B4BD-00306555C864″

id＝″B4C35F06-E777-11DA-B4BD-00306555C864″/>

<widget_instance?href＝″/xml/widgetinstances/10A66395-8500-215E-81F0-003256F98257″

id＝″10A66395-8500-215E-81F0-003256F98257″/>

</widget_instances>

</profile>

The widget example is uploaded/is downloaded

Turn to Figure 11-12 now, the widget of expression shown in it example information is from CHUMBY ^TMEquipment 102 is to the signal flow graph of service supplier 106 and rightabout communication.In one embodiment, the parameter sets that is associated with the widget example is determined by CHUMBY ^TMWhen carrying out, revises equipment 102 user's specific mode of the behavior of widget.That is, by CHUMBY ^TM" customization " that the parameter that is used for given widget that equipment 102 is obtained from service supplier 106 constitutes the user is provided with, rather than dynamic content.For example, in the situation of " stock ticker " widget, the parameter that is suitable for can comprise stock name and the code name in user's briefcase, but do not define or be relevant to stock present price (this will provide by service supplier 106 another serve provide).

Figure 11 describes passing through the CHUMBY of instantiation widget therein ^TMThe signal flow graph of the processing of the change that carry out the parameter of this widget example at the interface of equipment 102.The example of parameter change can be included in and change interested position in the situation of " weather " widget, perhaps adds/remove the stock ticker code name in the situation of " stock market " widget.In this exemplary embodiment, the user needn't be provided with or revise all parameters of given widget, and in a single day service supplier 106 receives and will effectively parameter change data " expansion " be the population parameter record.For example, postcode enough home position uniquely in the situation of weather widget, and during service supplier's 106 processing parameters change request, the city that is associated, state etc. can be offered suitable record.

As directed, it is at CHUMBY that the widget example changes operation ^TM(stage 1102) of initiating when the widget instance objects of equipment 102 in the system database 712 that service supplier 106 safeguards sends HTTP POST and XML request." uploading (UPLOAD) " operational notification service 106 of the type, the parameter of certain window widget example has been upgraded by the user who is suitable for.As shown in the figure, receive (stage 1104) by the service supplier through updated parameters, and by in the respective window widget instance objects in the trial writing system database 712 (stage 1106).If should get nowhere (stage 1112) by trial property write operation, then service supplier's 106 usefulness will be by the CHUMBY of request ^TMThe error message that equipment 102 is handled responds (stage 1120).If write operation success, the widget example (stage 1116) that retrieving novel upgrades from system database 712 then, and send to suitable CHUMBY ^TMEquipment 102 (stage 1120).

In case receive, the widget example is by CHUMBY ^TMEquipment 102 is handled (stage 1124).Generally speaking, the processing that is included in the parameter in the widget example is depended on the characteristic of certain window widget.In some cases, these parameters are enough to make the widget can display message, and other widget can use these parameters to obtain content from another service simultaneously.As the former example, consideration can be after the parameter that receives the indication time zone " clock " widget of display message.As a comparison, " stock widget " can have stock symbol as parameter and use this code name to obtain quotation information.

With reference now to Figure 12,, illustrate the signal flow graph of example window widget example down operation shown in it, in this operation, service provisioning request merchant 106 is pushed to widget special parameters value the CHUMBY of request ^TMEquipment 102.Request to parameter downloads is at CHUMBY ^TMWhen comprising the HTTP GET of GUID of the widget example of being asked, the parameter object transmission of equipment 102 in the system database 712 that service supplier 106 safeguards initiate.Be provided at the example of this request in the situation of " weather " widget below:

http://server.chumby.com/xml/widgetinstances/5D81823A-E77D-11DA-B4BD-00306555C864

Service supplier 106 receives request (stage 1204), and the parameter (stage 1208) that retrieval is asked from system database 712.If the parameter of being asked exists, then service supplier 106 responds (stage 1212) with the widget example message based on XML.Use the example of weather widget, it uses postcode to identify the position that will retrieve weather, and this message can comprise:

<？xml?version＝″1.0″encoding＝″UTF-8″？>

<widget_instance?id＝″5D81823A-E77D-11DA-B4BD-00306555C864″>

<widget?href＝″/xml/widgets/BF4CE814-DFB8-11DA-9C82-00306555C864″

id＝″BF4CE814-DFB8-11DA-9C82-00306555C864″/>

<profile?href＝″/xml/profiles/00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001″

id＝″00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001″/>

<access?access＝″private″/>

<mode?time＝″10″mode＝″timeout″/>

<received?buddy＝″9790F788-07DB-11DC-A700-0017F2D98B02″forward＝″true″

accepted＝″false″/>

<widget_parameters>

<widget_parameter?id＝″BF4CE814-DFB8-11DA-9C82-00306643C864″>

<name>ZipCode</name>

<value>92037</name>

</widget_parameter>

</widget_parameters>

</widget_instance>

CHUMBY ^TMEquipment 102 uses the GUID in " widget (widget) " label to obtain the relevant information of wanting the window displayed widget.In case widget starts, it is right then to transmit name/value (name/value) in " widget_parameters (widget parameter) " section, so that the behavior of custom window widget.How long the indication of " mode (pattern) " label wants the broadcast window widget.The indication of value in the mode attribute " default (acquiescence) " value regularly will be described by widget and specify, the duration that property value " timeout (overtime) " will use appointment in " time (time) " attribute (unit second), it stops by the UI element commands clearly up to the user with the display window widget and be worth " cooperative (cooperation) ", and perhaps its not hope of widget indication itself continues operation." received (receiving) " node exist indication window widget example by partner " transmission ".Whether the value indication window widget example of " accepted (accepting) " attribute is not received the person is accepted, and this can finish by web interface or the UI by equipment." forward (forwarding) " attribute indicates this widget example whether can be continued to send to another user.

If the parameter of being asked does not exist, then attempt retrieval default window widget example (stage 1224) from system database 712.If there be (stage 1228) in this widget example, then service supplier 106 responds with the parameter message based on XML, and this message is by CHUMBY ^TMEquipment 102 is handled (stage 1220) when receiving.If this default window widget example does not exist, then to CHUMBY ^TMEquipment 102 returns error message (stage 1232).

Download widget

With reference now to Figure 27,, provides to illustrate the code of downloading widgets (for example .swf file) from service supplier 106 at CHUMBY ^TMCarry out on the equipment 102 the signal flow graph 2700 of process.This process is at CHUMBY ^TM(stage 1302) of initiating when the certain window widget description object of equipment 102 in the system database 712 that service supplier 106 safeguards sends the HTTPGET request of the GUID that comprises the widget of being asked.The example of this request is provided below:

http://server.chumby.com/xml/widgets/BF4CE814-DFB8-11DA-9C82-00306555C864

Service supplier 106 receives request (stage 2704), and attempts retrieving the widget of being asked from other data source that system database 712 or service supplier 106 can use and describe (stage 2708).If the widget of being asked is described and can be retrieved, then service supplier 106 responds with the widget describing message based on XML; If not, then service supplier 106 responds (stage 2712) with the error message based on XML.Provide the exemplary response that generates by service supplier 106 below based on XML:

<？xml?version＝″1.0″encoding＝″UTF-8″？>

<widget?id＝″BF4CE814-DFB8-11DA-9C82-00306555C864″>

<name>Time?Zones</name>

<description>A?time?zone?selector</description>

<version>1.0</version>

<protection?protection＝″none″/>

<mode?time＝″15″mode＝″default″/>

<access?sendable＝″true″deleteable＝″true″access＝″public″virtualable＝″true″/>

<user?username＝″chumby″href＝″/xml/users/00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001″

id＝″00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001″/>

<category?href＝″/xml/categories/00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001″name＝″Chumby″

id＝″00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001″/>

<thumbnail?contenttype＝″image/jpeg″

href＝″/xml/thumbnails/BF4CE814-DFB8-11DA-9C82-00306555C864″/>

<template?contenttype＝″text/xml″

href＝″/xml/templates/BF4CE814-DFB8-11DA-9C82-00306555C864″/>

<movie?contenttype＝″application/x-shockwave-flash″

href＝″/xml/movies/BF4CE814-DFB8-11DA-9C82-00306555C864″/>

<rating?count＝″0″rating＝″0.0″/>

</widget>

In case the widget of being asked is described by CHUMBYTM equipment 102 and received, then CHUMBYTM equipment 102 just uses the URL of " movie (film) " of quoting the widget of being asked to download this film (for example .swf) from service supplier 106.The certain movie object of CHUMBYTM equipment 102 in the system database 712 that service supplier 106 safeguards sends the HTTP GET request (stage 1320) of the GUID that comprises the film of asking.The example of this request is provided below:

http://server.chumby.com/xml/movies/BF4CE814-DFB8-11DA-9C82-00306555C864

Service supplier 106 receives request (stage 2724), and attempts retrieving the film (stage 2728) of being asked from other data source that system database 712 or service supplier 106 can use.If the film of being asked can be retrieved, then service supplier 106 responds with the .swf file of realizing this film; If not, then service supplier 106 responds (stage 2732) with the error message based on XML.In case the film of being asked is by CHUMBY ^TMEquipment 102 receives, and then it is just loaded by master controller and is supplied to carry out (stage 2736) subsequently by queuing.Receive mistake if replace, then correspondingly handle this mistake (stage 2740).

Request content

With reference now to Figure 13,, provides to illustrate to be CHUMBY from service supplier 106 ^TMThe widget of equipment 102 obtains the signal flow graph 1300 of the process of content.This process is at CHUMBY ^TM(stage 1302) of initiating when the particular content object of equipment 102 in the system database 712 that service supplier 106 safeguards sends HTTP GET and optional XML request.Such example to requests for content is provided below:

http://content.chumby.com/tides/United％20States/National％20City％2C％20San％20Diego％20Ba

y％2C％20California

Service supplier 106 receives request (stage 1304), and attempts retrieving from other data source that system database 712, inner content service, exterior content service or service supplier 106 can use the content (stage 1308) of being asked.If the content of being asked can be retrieved, then service supplier 106 is with the content-message response based on XML; If not, then service supplier 106 responds (stage 1312) with the error message based on XML.In case the content of being asked is by CHUMBY ^TMEquipment 102 receives, and then equipment 102 just generates corresponding audiovisual output (stage 1316) for its user.Receive mistake if replace, then correspondingly handle this mistake (stage 1320).Provide the exemplary response that generates by service supplier 106 below based on XML:

<tideitems>

<tideitem?timestamp＝″2006-05-31T00:39:11Z″>

<location>

<locationstring?string＝″National?City，San?Diego?Bay，California″/>

<station?id＝″National?City，San?Diego?Bay″/>

<state?name＝″California″/>

<country?name＝″United?States″/>

<coordinates?lat＝″32.6667

°N″，lon＝″117.1167

°W″/>

</location>

<tides>

<tide?dateTime＝′2006-05-31T12:44:00Z′，tidedescription＝″Low?Tide″，tidelevel＝″0.85

meters″/>

<tide?dateTime＝′2006-05-31T02:50:00Z′，tidedescription＝″Sunset″/>

<tide?dateTime＝′2006-05-31T06:30:00Z′，tidedescription＝″Moonset″/>

<tide?dateTime＝′2006-05-31T06:56:00Z′，tidedesc?ription＝″High?Tide″，tidelevel＝″1.80

meters″/>

<tide?dateTime＝′2006-05-31T24:41:00Z′，tidedescription＝″Sunrise″/>

<tide?dateTime＝′2006-05-31T14:46:00Z′，tidedescription＝″Low?Tide″，tidelevel＝″-0.13

meters″/>

<tide?dateTime＝′2006-05-31T16:38:00Z′，tidedescription＝″Moonrise″/>

<tide?dateTime＝′2006-05-31T21:55:00Z′，tidedescription＝″High?Tide″，tidelevel＝″1.14

meters″/>

<tide?dateTime＝′2006-06-01T01:38:00Z′，tidedescription＝″Low?Tide″，tidelevel＝″0.92

meters″/>

<tide?dateTime＝′2006-06-01T02:50:00Z′，tidedescription＝″Sunset″/>

<tide?dateTime＝′2006-06-01T07:06:00Z′，tidedescription＝″Moonset″/>

<tide?dateTime＝′2006-06-01T07:41:00Z′，tidedescription＝″High?Tide″，tidelevel＝″1.64

meters″/>

<tide?dateTime＝′2006-06-01T24:41:00Z′，tidedescription＝″Sunrise″/>

<tide?dateTime＝′2006-06-01T15:37:00Z′，tidedescription＝″Low?Tide″，tidelevel＝″-0.01

meters″/>

<tide?dateTime＝′2006-06-01T17:38:00Z′，tidedescription＝″Moonrise″/>

<tide?dateTime＝′2006-06-01T22:59:00Z′，tidedescription＝″High?Tide″，tidelevel＝″1.18

meters″/>

<tide?dateTime＝′2006-06-02T02:51:00Z′，tidedescription＝″Sunset″/>

<tide?dateTime＝′2006-06-02T02:58:00Z′，tidedescription＝″Low?Tide″，tidelevel＝″0.96

meters″/>

<tide?dateTime＝′2006-06-02T07:37:00Z′，tidedescription＝″Moonset″/>

<tide?dateTime＝′2006-06-02T08:35:00Z′，tidedescription＝″High?Tide″，tidelevel＝″1.47

meters″/>

<tide?dateTime＝′2006-06-02T24:41:00Z′，tidedescription＝″Sunrise″/>

<tide?dateTime＝′2006-06-02T16:28:00Z′，tidedescription＝″Low?Tide″，tidelevel＝″0.09

meters″/>

<tide?dateTime＝′2006-06-02T18:35:00Z′，tidedescription＝″Moonrise″/>

<tide?dateTime＝′2006-06-02T23:51:00Z′，tidedescription＝″High?Tide″，tidelevel＝″1.26

meters″/>

<tide?dateTime＝′2006-06-03T02:51:00Z′，tidedescription＝″Sunset″/>

<tide?dateTime＝′2006-06-03T04:44:00Z′，tidedescription＝″Low?Tide″，tidelevel＝″0.93

meters″/>

<tide?dateTime＝′2006-06-03T08:04:00Z′，tidedescription＝″Moonset″/>

<tide?dateTime＝′2006-06-03T09:46:00Z′，tidedescription＝″High?Tide″，tidelevel＝″1.31

meters″/>

<tide?dateTime＝′2006-06-03T24:41:00Z′，tidedescription＝″Sunrise″/>

<tide?dateTime＝′2006-06-03T17:17:00Z′，tidedescription＝″Low?Tide″，tidelevel＝″0.19

meters″/>

<tide?dateTime＝′2006-06-03T19:31:00Z′，tidedescription＝″Moonrise″/>

<tide?dateTime＝′2006-06-03T23:06:00Z′，tidedescription＝″First?Quarter″/>

<tide?dateTime＝′2006-06-04T12:30:00Z′，tidedescription＝″High?Tide″，tidelevel＝″1.35

meters″/>

</tides>

</tideitem>

</tideitems>

In content is directly from the situation that exterior content service supplier (promptly from except that serving supplier 106) retrieves, will be at CHUMBY by a series of transaction based on web of this content service provider definition (most possibly being based on HTTP and/or XML) ^TMTake place between equipment 102 and the such supplier.

CHUMBY ^TMSecurity protocol

CHUMBY ^TMEquipment 102 can randomly comprise hardware security module, and it is to visit by the character UDI in the operating system of equipment 102 (" OS ") in one implementation.This module can be installed, and also can not install.When this module was not installed, preferably it came the virtualization hardware security module to OS by coming emulation with software.When losing all anti-tamper advantages of hardware module, this feature allows to reduce cost in the protocol interoperability of maintenance and protected system.

CHUMBY ^TMThe hardware security module of equipment 102 can realize with several different methods.As an example, this hardware security module can use monolithic safe processor or cryptographic smart cards module to realize.The homologue bottom line of this module or its emulation can carry out following operation: (1) stores secret number in hardware; (2) ability of calculating public key signature; (3) ability of calculating one-way cipher hash; And (4) generate the ability of credible random number.

During manufacture process, the homologue of hardware security module or its emulation is only to be this module and CHUMBY with one group ^TMSecret number known to the service supplier 106 is come initialized.These secret number can comprise or not comprise PKI and private key.If these numerals comprise PKI and private key, then CHUMBY ^TMIt is right that service supplier 106 and hardware module are all stored total key, and storage is used for this supposition, non-safe identifier number to key.In addition, these numerals preferably be can't help CHUMBY ^TMService supplier 106 with such as the MAC Address of WLAN interface or be stored in any other identification informations such as any other sequence number record explicitly that is used for the customer service purpose in the non-safe storage.

When user or strong authentication transaction of service hope initiation, CHUMBY ^TMEquipment 102 sends the non-safe key of supposition to identifier to service supplier 106.The non-safe key that service supplier 106 searches supposition sends the inquiry of being made up of random number to identifier and to hardware module.Particularly, this inquiry is packetized and send to CHUMBY by the internet ^TMEquipment 102.Equipment 102 is untied this inquiry and it is directly passed to hardware module.Hardware module is added another random number to grouping and with CHUMBY only ^TMThe private key that cipher processor is known sign this numeral to and other Transaction Information (such as the association version number).In addition, " owner's key " can randomly be encrypted as server public key.Once more, this message sends to service supplier 106 by equipment 102 packetizing and by the internet.When receiving, the signature that service supplier 106 uses the public key verifications of equipment to divide into groups, this PKI generates during fabrication and writes down, and by the non-safe key of supposition the hash of identifier is come index.If signature is correct and comprise by the service supplier in the correct random number that the first step of addressing inquires to generates through the grouping of signature, then think CHUMBY ^TMEquipment is believable.Service supplier 106 also deciphers owner's key, and its purpose is discussed in next paragraph.When this closing the transaction, service supplier 106 is authenticated equipment 102, and can to return to can be dynamically to generate or the session key of any amount of static storage for Secure Transaction in the future.Advantageously, this authenticating transactions does not relate to uniquely hardware module is associated with user profile.On the contrary, service supplier 106 only know approval hardware module existence and when finishing authenticating transactions, can believe the integrality that is stored in secret wherein safely.

Owner's key comprises the random number (perhaps one of one group of random number) that generates during fabrication and only be stored in the cipher processor.Owner's key sends to server, uses server public key to encrypt, and can be stored in any other secret (user password, credit card information etc.) on the server as shared secret protection.In case the user determines them no longer to wish to continue this service, perhaps wish to sell or transfer the possession of their CHUMBY ^TMEquipment perhaps wishes to recall any secret of entrusting to server, and then the user can indicate cipher processor to delete this key from memory, thereby the ability of its secret is entrusted in the deciphering of cancellation server.

The user of equipment 102 can withdraw from privacy mode and provide identification information when needing such as some bill service such as credit card and bank.Can randomly can set up the anonymous trade network based on cash, the account is only opened and is managed by the secret that is included in the hardware module therein.

For allowing the conditional of user totem information to recall, the specific embodiment of master authentication agreement should have CHUMBY at one group ^TMOperate on the clean room server of varied connection that service supplier 106 trusts, and subsequently certified session key lateral transport is arrived content server.Thereby the anonymity of master authentication key is in store on paper, although might create again and relationship trading from court's daily record and transaction regularly.Use a plurality of servers and a plurality of be connected together with network route randomized technique can be used for increasing to court's log record (with the Tor network relatively) the anonymization opposing, but should configuration essential anything but for network operation.

CHUMBY ^TMEquipment Alignment, registration and account management

Now attentiveness is turned to Figure 14-21, they are one group and represent CHUMBY ^TMThe flow chart of the calibration of equipment, registration and initial operation and accounts associated management function.

Initially power on

Figure 14 describes CHUMBY ^TMThe flow chart 1400 of the exemplary sequences of operations that equipment 102 is carried out when initially powering on.When the user at first with CHUMBY ^TMWhen equipment 102 is connected to power supply, the touch screen calibration process (stage 1404) that equipment 102 experience are described below with reference to Figure 15-16.Equipment 102 is selected wireless base station (stage 1408) in following mode with reference to figure 17 descriptions subsequently.If identified acting server (stage 1412), then the information configuration relevant with acting server arrived CHUMBY ^TMCommunicate by letter (stage 1416) with the website (and website of content supplier) that makes it to safeguard in the equipment 102 with service supplier 106.At this moment, to CHUMBY ^TMThe user prompt of equipment 102 is provided with the time zone (stage 1420) at equipment 102 places.Can use (stage 1430) if determine ntp server, then based on the information that obtains from this server is set the time (stage 1440) automatically.If not, then make CHUMBY ^TMEquipment 102 is with reference to the time (stage 1444) that manually is provided with.Be provided with CHUMBY ^TMAfter the time of equipment 102, the registration process (stage 1450) that beginning is described below with reference to Figure 18.

In one embodiment, whenever CHUMBY ^TMDevice power or rebulid when communicating by letter CHUMBY with service supplier 106 ^TMEquipment is just from service supplier's 106 download configuration information.Yet, can be at CHUMBY ^TMThe widget and the configuration information of local storage minimum make it can work on when lacking network connectivty on the equipment.For example, but clock window widget permanent storage at CHUMBY ^TMIn the equipment, make its time clock feature can keep work always.CHUMBY ^TMEquipment will comprise that generally enough memory spans preserve the configuration information of all widgets that will be carried out by this equipment being used for of retrieving from service supplier 106, the widget of certain fair amount of as many as.If the user changes CHUMBY by the website that the service supplier safeguards ^TMThe configuration of equipment is then at corresponding CHUMBY ^TMThe inquiry function that realizes on the equipment generally will be used for " pulling " modified configuration information from service supplier 106.Perhaps, can be via corresponding CHUMBY ^TMThe interface of equipment manually begins operation and (for example, " upgrades my CHUMBY now so that obtain this information ^TMEquipment " operation).

Touch screen calibration

Turn to Figure 15 now, wherein show illustration and be used to calibrate CHUMBY ^TMThe flow chart of the example routine of the touch-screen of equipment 102.Figure 16 A-16E provides the CHUMBY that is calibrating according to the routine of Figure 15 ^TMThe screenshot capture of one group of user interface of equipment.As shown in the figure, alignment routine relates to definite upper left set-point (stage 1502).This set-point is determined by generating a target 1602 (Figure 16 A) via lcd screen 320, is pointed out the user to knock this target then.Knock the target 1604 that Figure 16 D describes by the prompting user subsequently and determine set-point, bottom right (stage 1506).After having knocked set-point, bottom right target 1604, the indication user is dragged to ring B 1607 by the ball 1605 that Figure 16 C is described from ring A 1606 and comes test touch screen calibration (stage 1510).In case ball 1605 successfully has been placed among the ring B 1607, the success that displayed map 16D is described notifies 1608 and activation finished button 1609.Finish button 1609 in case pushed, then store result's (stage 1514) of calibration process.Based on the coordinate data that receives from touch-screen 330 during each stage of stage 1502 and 1506, the calibration information that CPU 302 executive programs use during with the subsequent operation that is created on equipment 102.

The wireless base station is selected

Figure 17 is the flow chart of the operation carried out when selecting the wireless base station when being illustrated in equipment 102 and initially powering on.As shown in the figure, one or more access points 210 of Wi-Fi communication interface 314 initial searches of equipment emission beacon signal.If equipment is configured to search for the access point (stage 1706) of not launching beacon signal, then visit the data (stage 1714) that access point is specified in keyboard (stage 1710) and input.Keyboard can comprise the physical keyboard that is connected to equipment 102 as peripheral assembly.Perhaps, can use by lcd screen 320 and generate and by mutual " on the screen " keyboard of touch-screen 330.In case imported the data of specifying access point, the scanning (stage 1715) that beginning is follow-up is to attempt to find the access point of not launching beacon signal.In case have been found that one or more wireless network, give from tabulation, to select one option (stage 1717) to the user.When having selected wireless network, CPU 302 executive programs include but not limited to certification mode, encryption type, channel/frequency or the like to determine the each side (stage 1718) of selected wireless network.If do not detect suitable network, then give the selection of manual fan-in network configuration feature (for example SSID, certification mode or the like) to the user.If the user selects manual fan-in network characteristic, display keyboard (stage 1710) and point out user's fan-in network characteristic (stage 1731) then.If the network requirement of selected or appointment authentication (for example WPA, WPA2 etc.) and/or otherwise encrypt (for example WEP, AES, TKIP etc.), then display keyboard (stage 1710) and import the chance (stage 1720) that is suitable for key to the user.Import the user under the situation of wep encryption key, will determine cipher key size according to the key length of user's input automatically.Present the selection (stage 1732) that automatic or manual IP distributes to the user subsequently.If the user selects manual IP to distribute, then display keyboard (stage 1710) and prompting user import IP relevant configuration data (stage 1733), as IP address, netmask, gateway, name server or the like.Selecting and randomly after the configuration of IP distribution method, will require the user to confirm network settings (stage 1735).Attempt to set up subsequently and detect or being connected of the access point of appointment (stage 1740).If set up connection (stage 1750) like this, then with the information stores (stage 1755) in the memory of equipment 102 of relevant connection; Otherwise give to attempt again the option that connects to the user.

Registration

With reference now to Figure 18,, provides the flow chart of exemplary account establishment and registration process 1450.This process starts from equipment and presents its sequence number or other identification information (stage 1802) by its lcd screen 320.The user signs in to the website (for example www.chumby.com) (stage 1804) of service supplier's 106 operations subsequently by web browser 122.In one embodiment, the user can select " establishment new user account " tab or the like (stage 1808) subsequently, and the prompting user imports e-mail address (stage 1810), password (stage 1812) and name (stage 1816).In some implementations, the chance (stage 1820) of its address of input also can be provided to the user, and in other is realized, do not point out the user that the address is provided, till needing this information for certain specific purpose (for example, be provided for the bill information of subscribing or be used for the Shipping Information of product purchase).If select this option, then the user imports its address (stage 1824).In some implementations, can point out the user that other sign and/or demographic information (not shown in this Figure) are provided.At this moment, service supplier 106 sends to the address of input in the stage 1810 and comprises the Email (stage 1830) that " point advances " account activates hyperlink.If the user does not receive this message (stage 1834), then provide and utilize various customer service options so that remedy the chance (stage 1840-1841) of the account creation difficulty that is experiencing to the user.In any case, close an account constructive process (stage 1850), and the CHUMBY that in system database 712, will register subsequently in the mode that describes below ^TMEquipment is associated with particular user account (stage 1854).In case this takes place, then be the CHUMBY of new registration ^TMEquipment is set up configuration and a plurality of widget example (stage 1860) of acquiescence.

Account association

Figure 19 be between expression user and the service supplier 106 generation about with specific CHUMBY ^TMThe exemplary mutual flow chart that equipment is associated with user account based on web.This process is to sign in to the website (stage 1902) of service supplier's 106 operations and select " activation CHUMBY the user ^TM" link or its equivalent begin when (stage 1904).The user imports CHUMBY ^TMTitle of equipment (for example bedroom, study, Fred, night or the like) (stage 1908) and the as above described ground of No. the 60/945th, 900, the U.S. Provisional Application of the common pending trial of reference subsequently, the user makes carbon copies at CHUMBY ^TMCorresponding " activation CHUMBY on the equipment ^TM" " activate CHUMBY on the screen ^TM" " captcha (automatically distinguishing computer and human turing test) grid " pattern and selection " OK " (stage 1910) of showing on the page.CHUMBY ^TMEquipment subsequently with encoded pattern together with CHUMBY ^TMThe ID of the supposition of equipment (unique sequence number) sends to server and is used for verifying and being associated with user account.Perhaps, the user can be directly with user's CHUMBY ^TMThe ID of the supposition of equipment (unique sequence number) is input in the webpage and " OK " (stage 1910) of selection.Subsequently at user's CHUMBY ^TMCreate related between the suitable account in equipment and the system database 712.

In one embodiment, be configured to can main place and preside over Sub-account for user account.

Forbidding CHUMBY ^TMEquipment

With reference now to Figure 20,, provide the relevant forbidding that takes place between user and the service supplier 106 before to be associated with the CHUMBY of user account ^TMThe exemplary mutual flow chart of equipment based on web.As shown in the figure, the user signs in to account's (stage 2002) and selects " forbidding CHUMBY by web browser 122 ^TMEquipment " tab or equivalent (stage 2004).The user is subsequently based on the sequence number of equipment or describe and select the CHUMBY that will forbid from tabulation ^TMEquipment (stage 2006).Then point out the user to confirm this selection (stage 2010), and if confirm then CHUMBY to being forbidden ^TMDeletion (stage 2014) the catalogue that all references of equipment is safeguarded in system database 712.Whether confirm then to select all to finish this process (stage 2020), at this moment, service supplier 106 is no longer to from disabled CHUMBY ^TMThe request of equipment responds.

To CHUMBY ^TMThe equipment making mirror image

Figure 21 be between expression user and the service supplier 106 generation about to CHUMBY ^TMThe exemplary mutual flow chart of equipment " making mirror image " based on web; That is, make a CHUMBY ^TMEquipment can utilize another CHUMBY ^TMThe widget set and the configuration of equipment.In one embodiment, in case given CHUMBY ^TMEquipment (i.e. " slave unit ") is mirrored to another CHUMBY by making ^TMEquipment (i.e. " main equipment ") then reflects in slave automatically to relevant change of widget that main equipment is made.As shown in figure 21, the user signs in to suitable account's (stage 2102) by web browser 122 and selects " to this CHUMBY ^TMThe equipment making mirror image " tab or equivalent (stage 2104).The user selects to become the CHUMBY of " main equipment " subsequently ^TMEquipment (stage 2108) and further selection will become the CHUMBY of " slave unit " ^TMEquipment (stage 2112).In certain embodiments, main CHUMBY ^TMEquipment needn't be formed in " virtual " CHUMBY that defines in the system database 712 but can replace corresponding to physical equipment ^TMEquipment.In this case, to virtual CHUMBY ^TMThe change that set of the widget of equipment or configuration are made will be by it all from CHUMBY ^TMThe equipment making mirror image.In certain embodiments, from CHUMBY ^TMEquipment needn't be formed in " virtual " CHUMBY that defines in the system database 712 but can replace corresponding to physical equipment ^TMEquipment.

Widget is selected, is removed and dispose

Now attentiveness is turned to Figure 22-25,37 and 38, they be the expression embodiment of the invention contemplated select, remove set of process figure with layoutprocedure based on the widget of web.The screenshot capture of the exemplary user interface that is presented by web browser 122 shown in Figure 26 perhaps is suitable for CHUMBY ^TMThe screen 320 of personal audiovisual device 102, its can be used for promoting in these processes certain some.

The general survey of widget management process

Turn to Figure 22 now, provide between equipment user and the service supplier 106 take place about adding, removing or configuration and user CHUMBY ^TMExemplary mutual top-level flow Figure 22 00 of the widget profile that equipment is relevant based on web.Perhaps, this between equipment user and the service supplier 106 can pass through user CHUMBY alternately ^TMDevice rendered user interface screen replaces web browser 122 to realize.Although the user has CHUMBY ^TMThe impression that the process of equipment by Figure 22 itself disposes, but in this exemplary embodiment, change the CHUMBY that the configuration Current Delegations is given the user into ^TMThe profile of equipment.

As shown in figure 22, the user signs in to user account (stage 2202) that service supplier 106 safeguards and " homepage " or the equivalent (stage 2204) that advances to the user by web browser 122.The user selects " setting " device option card or equivalent (stage 2208) and web browser 122 to present " setting " page (stage 2210) accordingly from this homepage.The user is subsequently based on the sequence number of equipment or describe and select the CHUMBY that will dispose from tabulation ^TMEquipment (stage 2212).Retrieval is used for the current configuration of selected device profile and is loaded into equipment (stage 2216) from system database 712 subsequently.In case this takes place, then the user selects to carry out action, shown in Figure 26 A (stage 2220).For example, such action can comprise interpolation, deletion or editor widget profile.If the user selects to add widget profile (stage 2224), then web browser 122 shows " adding the widget page ", can be suitable for CHUMBY with below with reference to the described mode of Figure 23 the widget profile being added to by this page ^TMThe current configuration of equipment (stage 2228).If the user replaces selection and delete widget profile (stage 2232) from this current configuration, then present " the deletion widget page ", can be by this page according to finish deletion action (stage 2236) below with reference to the described method of Figure 24.Perhaps, the user can select another CHUMBY ^TMDevice profile disposes (stage 2240), perhaps withdraws from and turn back to user's homepage (stage 2244) simply.

Turn to Figure 37 now, the relevant interpolation that takes place between equipment user and the service supplier 106 is provided, removes and configuration and user's CHUMBY ^TMExemplary mutual replacement top-level flow Figure 37 00 of device-dependent widget profile based on web.Although the user has CHUMBY ^TMThe impression that the process of equipment by Figure 37 itself disposes, but in this exemplary embodiment, change the CHUMBY that the configuration Current Delegations is given the user into ^TMThe profile of equipment.

As shown in figure 37, the user signs in to user account (stage 3702) that service supplier 106 safeguards and " my CHUMBY that advances to the user by web browser 122 ^TMThe page " or equivalent, shown in Figure 39 A (stage 3704).My CHUMBY by this ^TMThe page, the user can be randomly selection will be disposed from tabulation etc. CHUMBY ^TMEquipment, shown in Figure 39 B (stage 3706), and web browser 122 is loaded into (stage 3708) in the current page with the widget channel of current configuration.The user subsequently can be randomly selection will be disposed from tabulation etc. CHUMBY ^TMThe widget channel is shown in Figure 39 C (stage 3710).In system database 712, upgrade selected CHUMBY subsequently ^TMThe configuration of the current channel of equipment is loaded into current page (stage 3712) with it and by current selected CHUMBY ^TMEquipment loads (stage 3713).At any time, the user can select " editor's channel " option (stage 3714), presents " editor's channel page " thereafter, and shown in Figure 39 D (stage 3716), wherein the widget configuration with selected channel is loaded into (stage 3718) in this page.In case this takes place, then the user can select the action (stage 3720) that will carry out.For example, such action can comprise change, rename, deletion or create new widget channel; Add widget, remove widget from selected channel, change the playback sequence of the widget in the selected channel or the widget in the configuration selected channel to selected channel.If the user selects to carry out widget action (stage 3724), the then widget example of affected widget and/or the configuration of selected channel in the update system database 712, this realizes all CHUMBY to current " broadcast " selected channel subsequently ^TMThe corresponding renewal (stage 3728) of the local replica of the channel configuration of equipment.If the user selects to carry out channel action (stage 3732), the then configuration of selected channel in the update system database 712, this realizes all CHUMBY to current " broadcast " selected channel subsequently ^TMThe corresponding renewal (stage 3734) of the local replica of the channel configuration of equipment.Perhaps, the user can select another channel to dispose (stage 3740), perhaps navigates to another page (stage 3742,3744).

Add widget

Figure 23 be the indication equipment user with service supplier 106 between the relevant CHUMBY that widget is added to the user that takes place ^TMThe exemplary mutual flow chart 2300 of the current configuration of equipment based on web.Perhaps, this between equipment user and the service supplier 106 alternately can be by user's CHUMBY ^TMDevice rendered user interface screen replaces web browser 122 to realize.In one embodiment, provide the suitable classification that presents by web browser 122 to select the page (for example seeing Figure 26 B) to come the chance of selecting among the various widget classifications of the classification table search of system database 712 (stage 2302) to the user.Selecting widget classification (stage 2304) afterwards, widget that in the user presents selected classification, comprises and suitable CHUMBY ^TMThe current window widget of equipment disposes both (stages 2308).The user selects an action to carry out (stage 2312) subsequently, comprises for example withdrawing from the widget tabulation (stage 2320) that widget adds process (stage 2316) or navigates and present for selected classification.If select back one action (for example seeing Figure 26 C-26D), then the user selects to add to the widget (for example selecting corresponding icon) of current configuration and the example (stage 2324) of the selected widget of service supplier's 106 structures subsequently.At this moment, the user also can select to add more widget (stage 2328) to current configuration.Do not have other widget to add in case the user has indicated, then can enter widget configuration phase (stage 2332) (for example seeing Figure 26 E).The widget when tabulation refusal that presents for selected classification is selected widget if the user navigated during the stage 2320, then can select a new widget classification (stage 2340).

If the process of adding widget to current configuration is withdrawed from user's decision, then the user can carry out one of some actions, includes but not limited to: select another CHUMBY ^TMEquipment disposes; Navigate to CHUMBY ^TMAnother page on the website; From CHUMBY ^TMWebsite is nullified; Perhaps close suitable browser window (stage 2316).If replacing, the user selects to preserve suitable CHUMBY ^TMThe current window widget configuration (stage 2350) of equipment, then the user selects " submission ", " affirmation ", " OK " or similar button so that any change of making can both be recorded in (stage 2354) in the system database 712.After preserving the configuration of current window widget or after selecting to withdraw from this process, can make the user forward the predefined page (stage 2360) to.

Figure 38 be the indication equipment user with service supplier 106 between the relevant exemplary mutual replacement flow chart 3800 that adds widget to the channel configuration that takes place based on web.In one embodiment, provide the chance of in the various widget classifications of from the classification table of system database 712, retrieving, selecting by the suitable classification selective listing on the editor's channel page that is presenting by web browser 122 (stage 3802) to the user.Selecting widget classification (stage 3804) afterwards, the widget that comprises in the user presents selected classification is shown in Figure 39 F (stage 3808).The user selects an action to carry out subsequently, for example comprises, navigates to the widget tabulation (stage 3812) that another page (stage 3832) or navigation present for selected channel.If select back one action (for example seeing Figure 39 G), then the user is by selecting a widget to select to add to the widget of current configuration from " widget " tabulation, this makes selected widget be shown (stage 3820), and select " adding channel to " button (stage 3824) subsequently, this makes the configuration (stage 3828) of current channel in the example of the selected widget of service supplier's 106 structures and the update system database 712.At this moment, the user also can select navigator window widget tabulation (stage 3812) repeatedly, selects widget (stage 3816) and adds more widget (stage 3824) to current configuration.Any moment in this process, the user can select and/or carry out other widget and/or channel operation (stage 3840), can select to include but not limited to: allocation window widget example (for example seeing Figure 39 H), widget are deleted, are changed channel interior widget playback sequence, rename current channel, delete current channel, create new channel and/or select new widget classification (stage 3850).

If the process of adding widget to current configuration is withdrawed from user's decision, then the user can carry out one of some actions, includes but not limited to: select to want another channel to dispose, shown in Figure 39 E; Navigate to CHUMBY ^TMAnother page on the website (stage 3832); From CHUMBY ^TMWebsite is nullified; Perhaps close suitable browser window.

Widget removes

Turn to Figure 24 now, the relevant CHUMBY from the user that takes place between indication equipment user and the service supplier 106 is provided ^TMRemove the exemplary mutual flow chart 2400 of widget in the current configuration of equipment based on web.Perhaps, this between equipment user and the service supplier 106 alternately can be by user's CHUMBY ^TMDevice rendered user interface screen replaces web browser 122 to realize.When presenting " editor's channel page ", shown in Figure 39 D (stage 2402), the user can select the selected widget (stage 2406) of stopping using, deletion (or removing) selected widget (stage 2410) is perhaps selected certain other widget, channel and/or page navigation operation (stage 2414).If select widget to stop using, then point out the user to confirm this selection (stage 2418).In case such affirmation is provided, then on the web browser 122 current pages that presenting, this widget has been labeled as " inertia " (stage 2420).In addition, the widget exemplary configuration (stage 2424) of selected channels and upgrade any CHUMBYTM equipment of current demonstration selected channel in the update system database 712.Equally, select the selected widget of deletion, then can randomly point out the user to confirm this selection (stage 2438) if replace.In case deletion widget or after the affirmation that can randomly require is provided, then from the current page that presents by web browser 122, remove this widget (stage 2440), " deletion " widget example (stage 2424) from the configuration of the channel of system database 712, and upgrade all CHUMBY of current demonstration selected channel ^TMEquipment.Confirm if desired to stop using or delete selected widget, but affirmation (stage 2418 and 2438) is not provided, then end this operation.

With reference now to Figure 41,, provides expression CHUMBY ^TMCHUMBY by the user between the user of equipment and the service supplier 106 ^TMThe relevant CHUMBY that equipment takes place from the user ^TMRemove the exemplary mutual replacement flow chart 4100 of widget in the current configuration of equipment.When a widget is displayed on CHUMBY ^TMIn the time of on the screen 320 of equipment (stage 4102), the user carries out the gesture (stage 4104) of selecting control panel.When presenting control panel, shown in Figure 40 A (stage 4108), it shows the virtual image (stage 4112) of current window widget, the user can randomly use navigation controls to come individually or repeatedly to select new current window widget (stage 4116), loads new current window widget (stage 4120) in this case and shows its virtual image (stage 4112).The user can select deletion (or removing) current widget (stage 4124) by selecting " deletion " subsequently.If select the widget deletion, then point out the user to confirm this selection, shown in Figure 40 B (stage 4128).If the user confirms this deletion (stage 4132), then from CHUMBY ^TMThis widget example of deletion in the channel on the equipment, and from the configuration of the channel of system database 712 " deletion " this widget example (stage 4136).If affirmation is not provided, then end this operation.At this moment, withdraw from deletion and confirm screen (stage 4110) and display control panel.The option (stage 4144) that the user has selection " to hide control panel ", it withdraws from control panel and continues normal widget and play.

The widget configuration

Figure 25 is depicted in configure dedicated in current and given CHUMBY ^TMThe flow chart 2500 of the one group of exemplary operation that relates to during the parameter of one or more widgets of equipment.This process is (stage 2502) that the configuration by the selected widget example of safeguarding in the access system data storehouse begins.Existing configuration based on selected widget subsequently generates suitable user interface, can edit this existing configuration (stage 2504) by this user interface.For example, this can relate to based on existing configuration and sets up dependence between various field (stage 2508).In case generated user interface, then present this user interface so that can make desirable change to the user, shown in Figure 39 H (stage 2512) to this configuration by web browser 122.If the user selects to edit one or more field (2516) that this interface presents, the user interface that then defines the widget configuration correspondingly is changed (stage 2520).If the user selects not edit in these fields any one, then provide the option (stage 2524) of selection " default configuration " to the user.On the meaning of selecting this option, all fields are reset to defaults (stage 2528); Otherwise, provide the option that withdraws from this process or turn back to the stage 2516 (stage 2540) to the user.When withdrawing from this process, be kept at option (stage 2544) in the system database 712 to the configuration version that the user gives to be edited.If select this option, then current widget configuration is saved in database 712 (stage 2550).Present " editor's channel page " to the user subsequently, no matter whether the user selects to preserve widget configuration (stage 2560).

In an exemplary embodiment, service supplier 106 selects respective window widget and parameter list in the fill system database according to user's parameter.In this regard, the widget table can comprise " param_desc_xml (parametric description the XML) " field based on XML, and it comprises the instruction of the record that is associated in can the constructing variable table.For example, for " clock " widget, can indicate the time zone based on the instruction of XML should be an actual parameter, and also can be used for creating the suitable record in the parameter list.

CHUMBY ^TMThe distribution of egreeting between the equipment

CHUMBY ^TMThe user of equipment will have the ability that sends the egreeting card that enriches the Flash animated.In visit predefine website (for example http://greetings.chumby.com) and can be randomly by providing after suitable voucher authenticates, will present " CHUMBY to the user ^TMGreet " catalogue.In one embodiment, to some " CHUMBY ^TMGreet " visit can be dependent on the membership qualification state.Any certified user, no matter registered CHUMBY ^TMHow much quantity of equipment is, all will have to one or more any e-mail addresses, perhaps alternatively to CHUMBY ^TMOne or more users of network registry send CHUMBY ^TMThe permission of greeting.If the visitor of website knows existing CHUMBY ^TMThe overall situation of equipment and time go up unique e-mail address, register this CHUMBY ^TMThe account title of equipment or other identify each CHUMBY ^TMThe means of equipment, then they can specify the existing widget transmission foundation structure of using service supplier 106 directly to be forwarded to the CHUMBY of this equipment ^TMGreet.When at CHUMBY ^TMWhen the equipment place receives, the CHUMBY that is transmitted ^TMGreeting will be added to channel or the profile that the recipient has specified the content that is used for receive window widget or other transmission.In case widget has been transmitted to channel or profile, then the recipient will have and accept or the option of the content that refusal is transmitted.Accept this CHUMBY the user ^TMUnder the situation of greeting, this CHUMBY then ^TMGreeting will be added recipient's widget lantern slide circulation to according to the suitable profile of equipment.In one example, the visitor of website can select certain priority level is assigned to CHUMBY ^TMGreeting makes that it can be by recipient CHUMBY ^TMEquipment shows after the warning function of equipment activates immediately.Perhaps, be assigned to CHUMBY ^TMThe priority definable CHUMBY that greets ^TMThe position of greeting in the circulation of recipient's widget.

Send to and be not tied to physics CHUMBY ^TMThe CHUMBY of the e-mail address of equipment ^TMGreeting will be transmitted as the SMTP email message.For example, this message will be sent from " grcetings@chumby.com " (perhaps user provide e-mail address), and except optional user-defined message, also will comprise to point to main place and comprise CHUMBY ^TMThe URL or the hyperlink of the interim webpage of the Flash film of greeting.Certified user will have the CHUMBY from them ^TMSelect one or more peer users as pre-configured CHUMBY in " partner list " ^TMThe recipient's who greets ability.At CHUMBY ^TMAmong the embodiment who greets, to such as CHUMBY ^TMGreeting waits the visit of some feature can require to subscribe to.In this embodiment, to CHUMBY ^TMThe user that network is subscribed to will have the right to visit " present " CHUMBY ^TMGreet.In one embodiment, CHUMBY ^TMThe user may wish to select " at every turn watching paying " model, in this model, to " present " CHUMBY ^TMThe use of greeting can be used as little transaction (micro-transaction) and charges.In one embodiment, will be to not being tied to physics CHUMBY ^TMThe CHUMBY of equipment ^TMGreeting the recipient presents CHUMBY ^TMGreeting is forwarded to the e-mail address or the physics CHUMBY of replacement ^TMThe option of equipment.

From personal communication devices to CHUMBY ^TMThe content delivery of equipment

In one embodiment, CHUMBY ^TMService supplier's foundation structure will support to receive from mobile communication equipment (for example cell phone) service of the email message that comprises text and/or image.Email will be addressed to given user in " chumby " territory (for example ' user ′ @chumby.com); Perhaps, can be from the special free email domain of the content creating of mobile device to make things convenient for its detection (for example ' user ′ @chumby-mobile.com).

With reference to the procedure graph 3400 of Figure 34, CHUMBY ^TMText/image in service supplier 106 the foundation structure is handled service and is configured to resolve from the email message of mobile device and extracts related content.As shown in the figure, this email message offers CHUMBY by provider service gateway 3412 ^TME-mail gateway 3410.Text/image is handled service makes content available to suitable widget (mobile text or mobile imaging), and can be randomly with this VPN Content cache at CHUMBY ^TMIn the service of service supplier 106 foundation structure.In the embodiment of Figure 34 00, such foundation structure comprises text server 3420 and image server 3430, and they are respectively applied for processing from passing through CHUMBY ^TMText that extracts in the email message that electronics gateway 3410 imports into and image information.If recipient user has the CHUMBY that is configured at them ^TMThe suitable text or the imaging widget that show on the equipment 102, then the text or image will be retrieved and show to (after texts of all previous queuings or image all have been retrieved) when this widget becomes activity.If the current CHUMBY that is not configured to recipient user of this widget ^TMOperation on the equipment 102, then content is stored in the high-speed cache of suitable service keeping, until widget be configured to operation or cache aging utility program with its as the irrelevant contents deletion till.

Figure 35 illustrates CHUMBY ^TMThe process flow diagram 3500 that the replacement of the image processing service of equipment 102 realizes.As shown in the figure, in the realization of Figure 35, the image processing service is not by CHUMBY ^TMService supplier 106 carries out, but is handled by imaging service supplier 3502.Particularly, the email message from mobile device offers imaging service e-mail gateway 3510 by provider service gateway 3512.Service supplier 3502 also operates and makes the picture material extracted at suitable CHUMBY ^TMThe image server 3520 that the suitable images widget of carrying out on the equipment 102 can be used.

Other exemplary mode of operation and environment

" hotel " CHUMBY ^TMEquipment

Although can expect CHUMBY ^TMEquipment uses in private living environment usually, but in some cases can be in such as public or accurate public spaces such as lounge, hotel room or airports arrangement " general " CHUMBY ^TMEquipment.In such circumstances, will allow the user " to login " general or multi-user CHUMBY ^TMEquipment (that is CHUMBY, ^TMEquipment is not associated with the sole user).Logining like this can be by being input to user name/password combination general CHUMBY ^TMRealize in the equipment or by other conventional user ID means (for example, using " RFID " label, USB Flash memory device, SIM card or biometric techniques).In case input, the information of logining is from general CHUMBY ^TMEquipment is sent to CHUMBY ^TMThe service supplier.In response, the service supplier will beam back general CHUMBY corresponding to the user's specific profiles of logining information and relevant configuration information ^TMEquipment.In this way, general CHUMBY ^TMThe interface of equipment can customize according to the setting and the preference of a plurality of different users of this equipment.In case the power supply of this equipment or restart this equipment by turns, then other behavior will return back to " general " CHUMBY ^TMThe state of equipment.

CHUMBY ^TMChannel

In certain embodiments, relevant with various particular interest or activity (for example physical culture, culinary art) profile can be by service supplier 106 or CHUMBY ^TMOther user of equipment develops and safeguards.The profile that each is such or " channel " can be by CHUMBY ^TMThe users interest of equipment is subscribed to.This can be considered to make as mentioned above and is mirrored to " virtual " CHUMBY ^TMThe special case of equipment, but will further relate to " owner " side's its widget of the maintenance set of each channel and the effort of other content update.Channel roughly concentrates on specific theme (for example prescription, football) to a certain extent, perhaps can be (for example, herbal medicine prescription, NFL football) more specifically in essence.

CHUMBY ^TMThe pairing of equipment and wireless phone

Except comprising the Wi-Fi communication capacity, in some implementations, CHUMBY ^TMEquipment also can be equipped with bluetooth ^TMTransceivers etc. are with wireless phone, headphone or other the support bluetooth of promotion with similar equipment ^TMEquipment communicate.In such circumstances, CHUMBY ^TMEquipment can be carried out and be designed to be used in bluetooth ^TMTransceiver is to pass through bluetooth ^TMLink " pulls " information or alternatively to the widget of wireless phone " propelling movement " information from wireless phone.A kind of like this scheme can be used for from supporting bluetooth ^TMThe equipment acquired information or to its transmission information, such as the data (for example music, message) of for example quarter-bell setting, image, video, schedule appointment, voice or other storage.In one embodiment, CHUMBY ^TMEquipment can be used as the dialer or the speaker-phone annex of the support bluetooth of mobile phone.In another embodiment, CHUMBY ^TMEquipment can with support bluetooth ^TMPortable GPS devices communicating and can randomly present map and navigation way to LCD 320.

The networking home entertainment device

In certain embodiments, CHUMBY ^TMEquipment can calling party " home network " and the server infrastructure of the sign particular type that can exist by multicast DNS, UPnP or other means.CHUMBY ^TMEquipment is configured to himself as the client computer of the server that detects subsequently and adds network.Perhaps, CHUMBY ^TMEquipment can be configured to the peer device as the miscellaneous equipment that is connected to home network.In one embodiment, CHUMBY ^TMEquipment can be found and be connected at " home network " and go up operation media server and stream audio and video source.In another embodiment, CHUMBY ^TMEquipment can find and be connected to digital VTR and timetable is provided and alternatively stream transmit the Voice ﹠ Video data be stored on the remote equipment.CHUMBY ^TMSome embodiment of equipment can be equipped with the FM wireless device, and it will allow CHUMBY ^TMDevice plays is from the audio frequency of local FM radio station.

In order to illustrate, more than to describe and use specific term that complete understanding of the present invention is provided.Yet it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that does not need these details to put into practice the present invention.In other example, well-known circuit and equipment illustrate with the block diagram form, so that avoid basic of the present invention unnecessary diverting one's attention.Thereby the above description of specific embodiments of the invention is for illustration and purpose of description and provide.They are not to want limit or the present invention is limited to disclosed precise forms, clearly, are possible according to above-mentioned instruction many modifications and variations.Select and describe these embodiment so that explain principle of the present invention and practical application thereof best, thereby make others skilled in the art can use the present invention and each embodiment best, simultaneously contemplated special-purpose is being adopted various modifications when suitable.Appended claims and equivalence thereof are intended to define scope of the present invention.

Claims (36)

1. system comprises:

A plurality of personal electronic equipments; And

By service supplier's device that at least one communication network is communicated by letter with described a plurality of personal electronic equipments, described service supplier's device comprises:

The database of widget program, described widget program can be carried out by each personal electronic equipments in described a plurality of personal electronic equipments;

Be coupled to the server of described database and described at least one communication network communicatedly, the response of described server is by the instruction of described at least one communication network reception, and described instruction is that the example of each widget program in the described widget program and the condition relevant with the execution of described example are offered each personal electronic equipments in described a plurality of personal electronic equipments.

2. the system as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, each of described a plurality of personal electronic equipments comprises user interface, each described user interface present with the current described widget program of carrying out in one the corresponding to content of example.

3. the system as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, described database comprise with corresponding to the relevant information of each widget program implementation order in each the widget program in described a plurality of personal electronic equipments.

4. the system as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, described instruction is received by described at least one network by described server.

5. the system as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, each instruction in the described instruction also comprise with adjustment and described widget program in the relevant audio frequency or the relevant information of vision parameter of execution of example of each widget program.

6. the system as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, each instruction in the described instruction comprises the information of the outward appearance aspect of the user interface of each personal electronic equipments of correspondence in the described a plurality of personal electronic equipments of definition.

7. the system as claimed in claim 1, it is characterized in that, first user of first personal electronic equipments in described a plurality of personal electronic equipments gives first privilege of the configuration of described first personal electronic equipments in relevant described a plurality of personal electronic equipments, and the keeper of described first personal electronic equipments in described a plurality of personal electronic equipments gives second privilege of the configuration of described first personal electronic equipments in relevant described a plurality of personal electronic equipments.

8. the system as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, each personal electronic equipments in described a plurality of personal electronic equipments comprises the wireless communication receiver that can communicate by letter with the WAP (wireless access point) that is coupled to described at least one network communicatedly separately.

9. the system as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, at least one personal electronic equipments in described a plurality of personal electronic equipments comprises:

Processing unit;

Memory is stored the example of at least one the widget program in the described widget program therein;

User interface, the example of described at least one the widget program of described user interface in described widget program present the information of described at least one the widget program special use in the described widget program when being carried out by described processor.

10. system as claimed in claim 9 is characterized in that described user interface comprises display screen, and described at least one personal electronic equipments in described a plurality of personal electronic equipments also comprises pliable sheath.

11. the system as claimed in claim 1, it is characterized in that, at least one personal electronic equipments in described a plurality of personal electronic equipments comprises user interface, by described user interface, the user can select to offer in the described widget program described at least one electronic equipment in described a plurality of personal electronic equipments for each widget program of carrying out.

12. the system as claimed in claim 1, it is characterized in that, in response to the request that the computing equipment of the operation of the user by at least one personal electronic equipments of described at least one communication network from described a plurality of personal electronic equipments receives, described server offers another personal electronic equipments in described a plurality of personal electronic equipments with the example of the selected widget program in the described widget program.

13. the system as claimed in claim 1, it is characterized in that one of described condition defines the relative execution sequence of the example of each widget program in the described widget program that offers each personal electronic equipments in described a plurality of personal electronic equipments.

14. the system as claimed in claim 1, it is characterized in that one of described condition defines the one or more absolute time of implementation of the example of each widget program in the described widget program that offers each personal electronic equipments in described a plurality of personal electronic equipments.

15. a convenience disposes the method for a plurality of personal electronic equipments by at least one communication network, described method comprises:

Set up the database of widget program, described widget program can be carried out by each personal electronic equipments in described a plurality of personal electronic equipments;

Receive user or keeper's instruction by described at least one communication network, described user or keeper's Instruction Selection offer each widget program in the described widget program of each personal electronic equipments in described a plurality of personal electronic equipments and specify with described widget program in the relevant condition of each widget program implementation; And

In response to described instruction, the example of each widget program in the described widget program is sent to each personal electronic equipments in described a plurality of personal electronic equipments by described at least one communication network.

16. method as claimed in claim 15 is characterized in that, one of described condition defines the relative execution sequence of the example of each widget program in one the described widget program that offers in described a plurality of personal electronic equipments.

17. method as claimed in claim 15, it is characterized in that one of described condition defines the one or more absolute time of implementation of the example of each widget program in one the described widget program that offers in described a plurality of personal electronic equipments.

18. method as claimed in claim 15 is characterized in that, also comprises:

The other user that audio frequency that the execution of the example of each widget program in reception and adjustment and the described widget program is relevant or vision parameter are relevant or keeper's instruction; And

Described other user or keeper's instruction are sent to each personal electronic equipments in described a plurality of personal electronic equipments.

19. method as claimed in claim 15 is characterized in that, also comprises:

Receiving other user or the keeper relevant with the definition of outward appearance aspect of user interface of corresponding each personal electronic equipments in described a plurality of personal electronic equipments instructs; And

Described other user or keeper's instruction are sent to corresponding each personal electronic equipments in described a plurality of personal electronic equipments.

20. method as claimed in claim 15 is characterized in that, also comprises:

Receive the widget of computing equipment of user's operation of at least one personal electronic equipments in free described a plurality of personal electronic equipments to transmit request by described at least one communication network; And

Transmit request in response to described widget, the example of the selected widget program in the described widget program is sent to another person's electronic equipment in described a plurality of personal electronic equipments.

21. method as claimed in claim 15 is characterized in that, also comprises:

By described at least one communication network, receive from the widget of at least one personal electronic equipments in described a plurality of personal electronic equipments and transmit request; And

Transmit request in response to described widget, the example of the selected widget program in the described widget program is sent to another person's electronic equipment in described a plurality of personal electronic equipments.

22. a network-based services supplier device is used for conveniently disposing a plurality of personal electronic equipments by at least one communication network, described service supplier's device comprises:

The database of widget program, described widget program can be carried out by each personal electronic equipments in described a plurality of personal electronic equipments;

Be coupled to the server of described database and described at least one communication network communicatedly, wherein, described server response user or keeper's instruction, described user or keeper's instruction are by described at least one communication network the example of each widget program in the described widget program and the condition relevant with the execution of described example to be sent to each personal electronic equipments in described a plurality of personal electronic equipments.

23. as service supplier's device as described in the claim 22, it is characterized in that some definition of certain in the described condition offer in described a plurality of personal electronic equipments the relative execution sequence of the example of each widget program in the described widget program of corresponding each personal electronic equipments.

24. service supplier's device as claimed in claim 22, it is characterized in that some definition of certain in the described condition offer in described a plurality of personal electronic equipments the one or more absolute time of implementation of the example of each widget program in the described widget program of corresponding each personal electronic equipments.

25. service supplier's device as claimed in claim 22 is characterized in that, described instruction is received by described at least one network by described server.

26. service supplier's device as claimed in claim 22, it is characterized in that, each instruction in the described instruction also comprise with adjustment and described widget program in the relevant audio frequency or the relevant information of vision parameter of execution of example of each widget program.

27. one kind is used for the convenient method of sharing the widget program between a plurality of personal electronic equipments, described method comprises:

Set up the database of described widget program, described widget program can be carried out by each personal electronic equipments in described a plurality of personal electronic equipments;

Transmit request by the communication network reception from the widget of at least one personal electronic equipments in described a plurality of personal electronic equipments; And

Transmit request in response to described widget, the example of the selected widget program in the described widget program is sent to another person's electronic equipment in described a plurality of personal electronic equipments.

28. method as claimed in claim 27, it is characterized in that, also be included in before each each widget program carried out in the described widget program of described a plurality of personal electronic equipments, the example of each widget program in the described widget program is sent to described a plurality of personal electronic equipments.

29. a method of operating personal electronic equipments, described method comprises:

Receive the stream of first example of a plurality of widget programs at described personal electronic equipments place;

Store up first example of described a plurality of widget programs at the store memory of described personal electronic equipments, use the processor of described personal electronic equipments to carry out in first example of described a plurality of widget programs each temporarily; And

Receive the stream of second example of described a plurality of widget programs at described personal electronic equipments place.

30. method as claimed in claim 29 is characterized in that, also comprises:

Store up second example of described a plurality of widget programs at the store memory of described personal electronic equipments temporarily.

31. the method for the personalized communication in comprising the system of a plurality of personal electronic equipments comprises:

Establishment comprises the personalized widget program of personal messages;

In the database of widget program, each described widget program can be carried out by each personal electronic equipments in described a plurality of personal electronic equipments with described personalized widget procedure stores;

Receive the request that described personalized widget program is forwarded to the electronic equipment of people one by one in described a plurality of personal electronic equipments by communication network;

In response to described request, the example of described personalized widget program is sent to the described electronic equipment of people one by one in described a plurality of personal electronic equipments.

32. method as claimed in claim 31 is characterized in that, the request of the described personalized widget program of described forwarding is that another personal electronic equipments at least one personal electronic equipments from described a plurality of personal electronic equipments receives.

33. one kind by communication network with the widget program distribution to the method for at least one personal electronic equipments, described method comprises:

In database, described widget program can be carried out by described at least one personal electronic equipments with described widget procedure stores;

Set up a plurality of profiles, each in the described profile is relevant with specific theme, and the one or more widget programs in the wherein said widget program are associated with in described a plurality of profiles each;

First profile in described a plurality of profiles is associated with described at least one personal electronic equipments; And

One or more widget programs in the described widget program that will be associated with described first profile in described a plurality of profiles by described communication network send to described at least one personal electronic equipments.

34. method as claimed in claim 33 is characterized in that, also comprises other widget procedure stores in described database and revise in the described widget program which and be associated with each profile in described a plurality of profiles.

35. method as claimed in claim 33 is characterized in that, also comprise by described communication network receive from described at least one personal electronic equipments, subscribe to request corresponding to one group of channel of the set of described a plurality of profiles.

36. method as claimed in claim 35 is characterized in that, also comprises in response to the set of described request with described a plurality of profiles being associated with described at least one personal electronic equipments.

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