CN112995701B - Method and apparatus for cross-layer optimization in multimedia communication with different user terminals - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention discloses a method and a device for cross-layer optimization in multimedia communication with different user terminals. A method for bi-directionally converting and routing content to different devices comprising: receiving first multimedia content originating from a first device located outside the home location and destined for a second device located at the home location; converting the first multimedia content so that it can be played by the second device and routing the converted first multimedia content to the second device; receiving second multimedia content originating from a third device located at the home location and destined for a fourth device located outside the home location; and converting the second multimedia content so that it can be played by the fourth device, and routing the converted second multimedia content to the fourth device. Various optimizations for the delivery of multimedia content on different channels are provided to multiple user terminals simultaneously.

Description

Method and apparatus for cross-layer optimization in multimedia communication with different user terminals

Reference to related applications

The application is a divisional application of an invention patent application 1 with the application number of 201910440533.4, the application is a divisional application of an invention patent application 2 with the application number of 201810005772.2, the invention patent application 2 is a divisional application of an invention patent application 3 with the application number of 201410175959.9, the invention patent application 3 is a divisional application of an invention patent application 4 with the application number of 200810008996.5, the application dates of the invention patent application 1, the invention patent application 2, the invention patent application 3 and the invention patent application 4 are all 2.2.2008, and the invention names are all 'methods and devices for cross-layer optimization in multimedia communication with different user terminals'.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to providing multimedia content, and more particularly to providing multimedia content to and from a variety of different devices.

Background

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application is a U.S. Ser. No. 11/501,747, filed on 8/10.2006, entitled "System and Method for providing localized Internet Content with Secure Action Requests and Item Condition Alerts", claiming priority from U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/787,510, filed on 3/31.2006, and claiming rights from U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/707,561, filed on 8/12.2005, entitled "A NonStructure of Cellular System for Internet Access". The entire contents of these applications are incorporated herein by reference.

This application is also a continuation-in-the-U.S. Ser. No. 11/165,341 entitled "Methods, systems, and Apparatus for Displaying the Multimedia Information from Wireless Communications Networks" filed on 24.6.2005, which claims priority from U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/588,358 entitled "A Method and System for Displaying the Multimedia Information from Wireless Communications or Portable IT" filed on 16.7.2004. The entire contents of these applications are incorporated herein by reference.

This application is also a continuation-in-U.S. patent application with Ser. No. 11/540,637, filed on.10/2/2006, entitled "A Method and System for Improving Client Server Transmission Channel with Wireless Location and Authentication Technology via electronic Radiation," claiming priority from U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/722,444, filed on.10/3/2005, 60/787,510, filed on.31/2006, and 60/832,962, filed on.25/7/2006. The entire contents of these applications are incorporated herein by reference.

Description of the Related Art

With the push of next generation wireless technology, cellular networks are able to provide users with access to information from the internet, such as video-on-demand, video conferencing, databases, and the like. The use of cellular phones is therefore no longer limited to voice transmission.

However, there are still some problems with delivering internet content over cellular phones. For example, even in the case of advanced cellular systems providing high bandwidth connections, there is still a bottleneck between the internet and the Cellular Network (CN), as well as the delay caused by the internet itself. This situation hinders the ability of cellular phone users to fully exploit the capabilities of advanced CNs. This bottleneck prevents the use of cellular phones for internet access, since smooth and efficient data flow is important to the user.

Generating payment requests is another area of demand. While more and more individuals have become accustomed to purchasing goods and services online, there is still no sophisticated and consistent mechanism for securely generating requests for such payments.

Yet another area of need relates to alarms. Locations, including homes, offices, and other environments, often include computing devices and at least some form of network connection. Despite such connectivity, there are certain situations where appropriate alarms are not yet available. For example, billions of children wear diapers, and about one-fourth of them may be affected by wet diapers at any given time because caregivers (e.g., parents, babysitters, etc.) are not informed of the diaper status of the child in real time.

Accordingly, there is also a need for such a system and corresponding devices and processes that eliminate the drawbacks of existing networks for delivering internet content through the use of CNs. There is also a need for a system and corresponding techniques for generating payment requests. There is also a need for a system and corresponding techniques for delivering alerts to individuals, such as caregivers attending to a child wearing a diaper.

The execution platforms and functions of handheld mobile terminals, such as cellular phones and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), are rapidly developing. We are sure that most of the functions provided by a personal computer (e.g. desktop or notebook) will eventually be implemented by a handheld mobile terminal, which will enable the user to transmit and use multimedia information at any time and at any place.

For example, one of the most promising benefits of next generation and more advanced wireless communication systems (i.e., 3G, 4G, etc.) is the ability to support high-rate multimedia data services in addition to conventional voice services. In conventional cellular systems, mobile terminals communicate wirelessly with base stations. Multimedia information, including but not limited to television signals, 3D images, network games, and videophones, etc., is transmitted by various service providers and received for display on the screen of the mobile terminal. The end result of such a system is that rich multimedia information can be presented with a small screen such as a cellular phone (or the like). In these and similar systems, the mobile terminal is configured to display multimedia information (including high definition graphics and high quality real-time audio/video information) from a high data rate wireless communication network as a multimedia terminal. However, the limited size (e.g., 2*3 inches) and functionality of the mobile terminal screen may make it inconvenient, and sometimes even impossible, for a user to enjoy such high-rate streaming applications. The consequence of this deficiency is likely a shrinkage in the size of the potential market for hand-held mobile terminals. Indeed, it is even pointed out that the development of high data rate systems such as 3G systems may not be meaningful at all because of the limitations of small screens.

Some mobile units are capable of providing remote control functionality to an external display system. However, these mobile units do not solve the above-mentioned problem of small screens. That is, they also do not enable visual content and other multimedia information suitable for playing on a large external display to be similarly effective on a mobile terminal display. For example, an application interface for adding program guide information to a mobile terminal may be made a remote control for a television. This is useful for allowing local viewing of the program guide while displaying the current program on a large screen, but does not solve the small screen problem described above. Another problem is the variety of different devices that the user must use in communication, as well as the variety of different carriers used to enjoy the content that the user now owns. Typically, users no longer watch only television. Alternatively, users may enjoy content using their home computers, televisions, MP3 s, PDAs, cell phones, or various hybrid devices. Furthermore, the content is obtained from a variety of sources, not just broadcast television as in the past. While it is desirable to have more options, some consumers may find it overwhelmed by trying to manage everything.

What is needed is a solution to the problem: the user's enjoyment of the various devices and the corresponding content that the user may enjoy is reduced due to the complexity of trying to manage content and interfacing with the various different devices that are not necessarily compatible.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for multimedia communication with different user terminals to enable simultaneous, dynamic and efficient delivery of multimedia information to multiple user terminals.

According to one aspect, there is provided instructing a television display from a mobile terminal, such as a cellular telephone. This may require receiving video content originating from the mobile terminal over a cellular communication channel, confirming that the video content has the television as a display destination, configuring the video content for display on the television, and instructing the television to display the video content on a predetermined tunable channel upon confirming that the received video content originates from the mobile terminal and having the television as a display destination. In addition, the communication between the mobile terminal and the television may be bi-directional.

According to another aspect, a method of converting and routing content to devices employing different communication protocols is provided. This may include: the method includes receiving multimedia content from outside the home location and destined for a destination device located at the home location, determining a communication protocol, a signal format, and an address for the destination device, converting first multimedia content for rendering by the destination device according to the determined signal format, and routing the converted multimedia content to the destination device using the determined address and communication protocol. According to one embodiment of the invention, multiple user terminals may be served simultaneously.

According to another aspect, bi-directionally converting content and routing it to different devices is provided. This can be achieved: the method includes receiving first multimedia content originating from a first device located outside the home location and destined for a second device located outside the home location, transforming the first multimedia content for reproduction by the second device and routing the transformed first multimedia content to the second device, receiving second multimedia content originating from a third device located inside the home location and destined for a fourth device located outside the home location, and transforming the second multimedia content for reproduction by the fourth device and routing the transformed second multimedia content to the fourth device. The third device may also be the second device and the fourth device may also be the first device.

According to another aspect, a method of remotely receiving and fulfilling multimedia content requests to a plurality of content sources is provided. This can satisfy: receiving a request for access to first and second multimedia content, wherein the request is received via cellular communication upon a request by a user using a mobile terminal, identifying a first source corresponding to the first multimedia content and a second source corresponding to the second multimedia content, wherein the first and second sources implement different communication protocols, initiating communication with the first and second sources using the different communication protocols to satisfy the request for access to the first and second multimedia content, respectively, receiving the first and second multimedia content from the first and second sources; and converting the first multimedia content and the second multimedia content for rendering by the destination device and routing the converted multimedia content to the destination device. According to another aspect, a method for optimizing delivery of content collectively requested by a plurality of users located at a particular location is provided. This can satisfy: the method includes monitoring network content requested by users corresponding to a particular location, receiving a request for content from a given user located at the particular location, wherein the content is typically served from a location other than the particular location, determining that the content is locally applicable (wherein the content is also requested by and converted for other users located at the particular location), and serving the content to the given user located at the particular location and to the other users simultaneously using a server logically proximate to the user at the particular location, instead of serving the content to the given user and to the other users from the locations other than the particular location, respectively.

The present invention can be implemented in various forms, including business processes, computer implemented methods, computer program products, computer systems and networks, user interfaces, application program interfaces, and the like.

Drawings

These and other detailed and specific features of the present invention will be more fully disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system for optimizing delivery of Internet content to a user. FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a process for determining locally applicable content for optimized content delivery. Fig. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a system for facilitating the secure receipt and fulfillment of action requests, such as billing deliveries.

Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an action request process. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a system for providing item status updates. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a system for receiving and delivering status updates for a plurality of items. Fig. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a process for providing a diaper condition update.

FIG. 8 is a block and event diagram illustrating the provision of locally applicable Internet content related to a status update to a user, as well as the secure receipt and fulfillment of an action request related to the status update.

Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a system in which mobile terminal signal conversion may reside.

Fig. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a signal conversion module of a mobile terminal. Fig. 11 is a block diagram illustrating another example of a signal conversion module of a mobile terminal. Fig. 12 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a process involving mobile terminal signal conversion.

Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a system in which mobile terminal signal conversion may reside.

Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a system in which mobile terminal signal conversion may reside.

Fig. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mobile terminal signal conversion application.

Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating a control system for multimedia communication of different user terminals. Fig. 17 is a flow chart illustrating an example of indicating television display content using signals received from a remote location over a cellular communications network. Fig. 18 is a flow chart illustrating an example of converting and routing multimedia content to different terminals. Fig. 19 is a flow chart illustrating an example of bi-directional operations involving the transfer and routing of multimedia content into and out of a home. Fig. 20 is a flow chart illustrating an example of receiving and effectuating completion of a multimedia content request corresponding to a different source.

Detailed Description

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous details are set forth, such as flowcharts and system configurations, in order to provide an understanding of one or more embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that these specific details are not required in order to practice the present invention.

According to one aspect of the invention, a cellular user associated with determining a location requests and accesses internet content. The provision of internet content is customized according to location and is provided in a series of locally customized networks. A given local network includes a server configured to include content appropriate for its location. The delivery of content is accomplished through a local base station, from a particular local network configured as such to the user's cell phone. For example, when a cellular user is detected to be proximate to a hollywood area, information regarding hollywood may be accessed through one or more cellular network base stations of the hollywood area. These base stations deliver internet content related to the region, such as websites related to movies and movie stars. The internet content is stored in a server that is conveniently accessible by the base stations covering the area to provide faster and more efficient transmission to cellular users in the service area. By optimizing the location of internet content for wireless network users, the present invention enables optimal data flow for cellular users to access a wide variety of rich information and data from the internet.

Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system 100 configured to provide internet content delivery in accordance with the present invention. The basic elements of system 100 are User Equipment (UE) 110, radio Access Network (RAN) 120, core Cellular Network (CCN) 130, external Network (EN) 140, and Local Customized Network (LCN) 150.

UE 110 is a cellular telephone configured to communicate with one or more base stations of RAN 120. While the UE 110 is preferably a cellular telephone, it should be understood that the various devices may be equipped with the same communication functionality. Other examples of UEs 110 include Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), set top boxes, kiosks, or any personal computing device configured with wireless communication capabilities.

The RAN 120 and CCN 130 preferably implement conventional elements of a cellular network and are further described below. The RAN 120 includes base station and Radio Network Controller (RNC) elements. The base station provides resource management and provides an interface for converting data flows between the UE 110 and the RNC. The RNC controls the radio resources of the base station to which it is connected and also manages the connection to the UE 110.

CCN 130 is connected to EN 140. The most important examples of EN 140 can be divided into two categories: a Circuit Switched (CS) 142 network and a Packet Switched (PS) 144 network. The CS 142 network provides circuit switched connections for circuit switched services, such as telephone communications and ISDN. The PS 144 network provides connectivity for packet data services. The internet is a very important and well-known application of PS networks.

CCN 130 contains MSC/VLR, GMSC, HLR, SGSN and GGSN elements. The HLR (home location register) is a database that stores information such as subscriber service profiles. The service profile includes information including allowed services, roaming areas, forwarding numbers, etc. The HLR stores the UE 110 location to facilitate routing calls and other information to UE 110.

The MSC/VLR (mobile services switching center and visitor location register) provides switching operations and databases, respectively, to the UE located at the current location for conducting circuit-switched (CS) services. The VLR stores the subscriber's traffic profile, as well as more accurate information about the UE's location, within the serving system. The CS connection passes through a GMSC (gateway MSC), which is a switch located at the connection point to the external CS network.

SGSN (serving GPRS (general packet radio service) support node) functionality is similar to that of an MSC/VLR, but is often used for Packet Switched (PS) services. The PS connection passes through a GGSN (gateway GPRS support node).

LCN 150 includes one or more computing devices configured to include memory, processing capabilities, and interfaces to provide the functionality described herein. LCN 150 includes a local server configured to provide customized internet content. The LCN 150 is also configured to include a content access monitoring module that monitors internet access and determines content applicable to the designated location of the LCN 150.

The LCN 150 thus performs monitoring and caching related to locally applicable content. With respect to the monitoring function, monitoring includes local access that determines which content is accessed by users located at the location. In terms of caching functionality, the LCN 150 maintains a cache of locally applicable internet content, including refreshing to add new content and removing stale content determined by information derived from the monitoring functionality.

One technique for determining whether content is locally applicable is to measure access frequency. If many users at the location decide to access a particular internet content, the particular internet content is determined to be locally applicable and included in the cache during the next update.

In addition to monitoring and caching locally applicable content, the LCN 150 is configured to be logically proximate to the base station(s) of the cellular network located at a particular location. In one example, logical proximity is achieved by having the LCN 150 physically proximate to one or more base stations of interest (e.g., base stations in the same geographic area). For example, the LCN 150 may be located within a metropolitan area or an area covering a certain zip number(s) of a metropolitan area. Alternatively, the logical proximity may be implemented without physical proximity. This may be accomplished, for example, by providing dedicated resources including high bandwidth connections between the LCN 150 and local users. In this example, the LCN 150 is configured to deliver locally applicable content more efficiently and quickly without physical proximity due to dedicated resources. According to another aspect, to further increase efficiency, locally applicable content for a given LCN is organized in a hierarchy. The content of the first layer is considered to be the content with the highest local applicability. Additional layers are also provided according to the first layer, with successive layers progressively covering a larger geographical area (i.e., progressively covering a larger number of base stations). According to one aspect, the layering involves communication with neighboring LCNs covering an increased area to determine local content applicable to additional levels. Thus, for example, a first tier corresponds to locally applicable content at a first level of granularity (e.g., as monitored/determined for only LCNs or small local LCN groups), a second tier corresponds to locally applicable content at a second level of granularity (e.g., a logical "sum" or intersection of content that is frequently accessed over a larger area as determined by monitoring access to several LCNs in a defined larger area), and so on.

The operation of the system for updating the LCN will therefore be described with simultaneous reference to the flowcharts of fig. 1 and 2. The process begins by monitoring 202 internet content accessed by a user at a current location. This is accomplished by a gateway monitoring the connection between CCN 140 and PS 144 networks to track the internet content accessed by the cellular user. It should be noted that the monitored content may have two beneficial uses. One is to regulate the delivery of locally applicable content, which may be determined by the frequency of access at a given location. Another is to allow the provider of the content (e.g., a merchant or other business entity) to receive an indication of: those contents are locally applicable. This allows the provider of the content to assist or further participate in determining what is locally applicable. For example, a merchant provided with an indication of the local suitability of certain content may wish to make available advertisements, coupons, etc. to that range of users.

Along with the monitoring 202, a determination(s) 204 is made of the base station(s) requesting the internet content. This may be performed by checking the VLR and HLR for the base station through which the internet content request is sent. It should be noted that base station discovery is only one way in which the physical location may be determined. Other examples include, but are not limited to, using GPS, zip code, telephone number, and IP address information to make the determination.

A next step includes determining 206 locally applicable content based on the monitoring 202 and determining 204 of the base station(s). The determination of local suitability is performed by determining the access frequency. Alternatively, local applicability may be determined by comparing the location of the requesting user (base station) with locations identified as being associated with the requested content.

Then, for the current (e.g., first) tier, the content is loaded 208 in the server that is logically close to the user at the given location. This may be done by arranging the current (e.g. first) tier server(s) loaded with internet content and/or other information/data to enable optimal and faster data transfer for cellular users accessing data stored in said servers through the base station. For example, the servers can be logically located near a base station through which cellular users access data stored in one or more servers.

The process is repeated through multiple layers as desired. If it is determined 210 that additional layers are to be updated, then steps 202-208 are performed to load 212 the next (e.g., second) tier server(s) with locally applicable content. As described, as the layers increase, this preferably requires a wider geographic area. The process continues until it is determined 210: no more layers need to be determined and loaded. The number of layers in a given system will vary depending on the application and according to requirements. Layering often involves a tradeoff between maximizing locally available content and the processing resources required to generate and manage layers for increasingly wide areas.

The content stored in one or more base stations may be refreshed 214 according to any desired schedule or trigger. For refresh operations, the process described above repeats, starting again with the first layer. Stale content or content otherwise determined to no longer be locally applicable may be removed and, of course, new content may be added during the refresh cycle. Additional servers may be added vertically and/or horizontally as desired. Vertical refers to the possibility of adding servers at a given physical location to cover the first, second, third, etc. tier. Horizontal refers to adding different sets of servers corresponding to different locations (i.e., one set for a first tier, a second set for a second tier, etc.).

A regular schedule or a certain number of activities can be used to trigger a refresh of the hierarchy. The internet content in the LCN 150 server is modified according to discovery content that should be updated from requests for internet content sent from the base station. The internet content stored in the server is refreshed at an appropriate time, such as when the server is not overwhelmed by users accessing the content. The server is thus loaded with information for broadcasting and/or multicasting and/or any data to be accessed by the cellular users to achieve optimal transmission to the users in the service area. Locally applicable content may be sent and delivered to the user on demand. Examples of communication paths for sending locally applicable internet content include a relatively direct path through the RAN 120, a path through the CCN 130 and then through the RAN 120, or others. Various techniques may be used to implement locally applicable content cached by the LCN 150 in conjunction with a UE 110 (or other device) user's request for internet content. In one example, a request for internet content by UE 110 causes an initial examination of content in the locally applicable content, followed by conventional internet access if the content proves to be missing from the currently cached locally applicable content. In addition, according to the hierarchical approach described above, a first attempt may be made to satisfy a request from a first tier, followed by a second tier, and so on. The number of layers searched in response to a particular request may vary as desired. When the number of layers specified to be searched for the current request runs out, conventional internet access is used to retrieve content relevant to the request.

Various cache management and network optimization techniques may be used to manage locally applicable content. For example, full Association (FA), direct Mapping (DM), and group association (SA) mechanisms are examples of technologies that can be used to determine where specific content can be stored on a server. In addition, techniques for ensuring block validity and for managing cache hits and misses can also be used. Random, LRU (least recently used) and FIFO (first in first out) chunk replacement schemes are those that can be used to manage chunks in cache.

According to another aspect, the present invention facilitates a system solution for mobile payment (or the delivery of other information and the receipt of information such as alerts). Preferably, this aspect of the invention implements cellular networks, wireless Personal Area Networks (WPANs) and wireless identification technologies. Various technologies may be used for these components, including but not limited to 3G technologies for cellular networks; zigbee, bluetooth, or UWB technology for WPANs; and RFID (e.g., NFC) for wireless identification technology.

Fig. 3 illustrates an example of a system 300 implementing this aspect of the invention. System 300 includes a user device (e.g., cell phone, PDA, etc.) 310 and a wireless HUB320, which is connected to a server 330 via a network 340 (e.g., the internet). Wireless HUB (HUB) 320 may be located in a public or private location. For a common location, the WHUB320 is preferably placed in a kiosk. The kiosk may be located on the street, or at an airport, shopping mall, or any location that is conveniently perceived and may include user traffic. For private locations, the WHUB320 is preferably configured for use in a location such as a residence or hotel room. In these environments, the WHUB320 may be provided in a smaller device, such as part of a Set Top Box (STB).

Handset 310 is equipped with a tag that provides a unique identifier that can be wirelessly communicated to WHUB 320. A preferred tag is a Near Field Communication (NFC) tag 312.NFC provides short-range wireless connectivity, which enables communication between devices using magnetic field induction. It has a short distance of a few centimeters, which is considered advantageous for the application of this aspect of the invention. While NFC is preferred, RFID or other alternatives may also be provided. The handset 310 also includes a WPAN transceiver 314, the WPAN transceiver 314 allowing additional communication channels between the handset and the WHUB 320.

Similarly, wireless WHUB320 is equipped with NFC reader 322, WPAN transceiver 324, and network adapter 326.NFC technology provides secure and automatic authentication and data exchange between NFC tags and NFC readers. According to this aspect of the invention, the NFC is uniquely associated with other information that allows appropriate actions (payment, alarm, etc.) to occur. For example, where the system is used to provide mobile payments, the RFID tag is associated with a user's bank account. Further, once the device is authenticated by the unique identifier, a second secure communication channel with more capabilities is established between the handset 310 and the WHUB 320. This allows action requests and related communications to be reliably communicated between the two devices. Thus, once the NFC-based authentication is complete, a secure wireless connection between the handset 310 and the WHUB320 is established. This communication enables a WPAN transceiver having a higher data rate and a longer operating range than NFC. The secure communication allows the exchange of additional information related to the action to be sent between the handset 310 and the WHUB320, such as price and credit card information for the purchase request and the corresponding payment scheme. Secure communication can be achieved through hardware (e.g., a dedicated hardware chipset) and software (e.g., a data encryption algorithm).

The WHUB320 is also capable of exchanging data with other WPAN devices 350. This may be beneficial for WHUB320 to communicate with these devices 350 to exchange information related to the action. For example, the WHUB320 may collect water consumption information from a water meter equipped with the WPAN device 350 functionality. This data may be stored locally by the WHUB320 or may be transmitted to an appropriate server 330 via a network connection 340. The collection of data by WHUB320 does not necessarily need to occur simultaneously with the user request. For example, the obtaining and transmitting of water consumption information may occur periodically, separate from the user request to make the corresponding payment.

It should also be noted that WHUB320 may be selectively configured with wireless communication capabilities, such as those provided in cellular telephones. WHUB320 may thus be configured to work with a system for delivering locally applicable internet content as described above in connection with fig. 1 and 2.

FIG. 4 further illustrates and provides an example of a payment process 400 in accordance with this aspect of the invention. Process 400 begins with a verification 402 process that provides resolution and identification of a handset via an NFC tag over a wireless WHUB. Communication over a separate secure communication channel (e.g., WPAN) is then established. The WPAN function is used to communicate between the handset and the WHUB so that content related to the requested action can be securely exchanged. In this example, the requested action is a purchase request 404.

It should be noted that the action may or may not follow verification 402. For example, a cellular telephone may be configured to include browsing capabilities that allow the interface of the cellular telephone to be used to view items prior to issuing a purchase request.

Various purchase types may be implemented using the purchase request. Examples may include tangible items that are shipped individually to a certain address, content that can be downloaded immediately (possibly) to a cell phone, services, etc.

Internet content may be accessed by a cell phone co-action request. One example of providing content to a cellular telephone may be locally applicable internet content as described above in connection with fig. 1-2. Also, the cellular telephone may access the internet content through a channel other than through a WHUB.

It is also noted that the purchase request is merely one form of action that may be performed. Actions include, but are not limited to, billing delivery, populating an account with funds, online shopping transactions, and the like.

The process of authentication may be based on the tag ID and the password. The tag ID and password are sent 406 to the authentication server, which then returns a notification 408 for confirmation of the authentication. Preferably, the verification indicates whether the individual is who he or she claims to be, but challenges the individual's access rights. The authentication server may reside inside or outside the WHUB.

Additional information associated with the requested action may also be required, as desired. For example, an external server may require account identification information or a password for accessing an online account. In these cases, the external server sends a request to the WHUB to request the information. The WHUB may store such information and respond to such requests. Alternatively, the WHUB may further exchange information with the user (via the handset) to obtain additional information requested by an external server.

Along with the purchase request 404, a payment request 410 is issued between the WHUB and an external server over a network connection. The payment request 410 allows the user to complete the transaction associated with the purchase request 404. To achieve satisfactory completion of the payment request, the server communicates with the payment gateway, followed by a resolution 412 indicating whether the payment request was successful or unsuccessful.

When a successful payment request is indicated, the WHUB receives 414 a receipt or confirmation number from the external server relating to the requested action and passes 416 and/or related information to the handset to confirm completion of the action. This may be a receipt, a confirmation number, a coupon code, etc.

According to yet another aspect, the present invention provides wireless management of task related alerts. One such task is diaper management, which will be described in detail below.

This aspect of the invention provides for task management based on wireless delivery of alerts to overcome the problem of estimating when anything needs to be done. These alert-based tasks include, but are not limited to, diaper management. For example, home security monitoring may also be provided.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a diaper management system 500 in accordance with this invention. Diaper management system 500 includes a diaper condition sensing module 510 and a central receiver/controller (CRC) 520.CRC 520 operates on a conventional processing platform and is configured to wirelessly communicate with diaper condition sensing module 510. CRC 520 also includes a network interface. The wireless and/or network interface enables the transmission of appropriate alerts to the caregiver.

The diaper condition sensing module 510 includes a sensor 512 and a transmitter 514. The sensor 512 is configured to monitor one or more of the following conditions, the results of which indicate whether the diaper is wet or not:

1. weight of diaper-urine or feces makes a diaper heavier than a dry, clean diaper;

2. electrical conductance of urine;

3. chemical properties of urine-volatile gases including volatile acids or ammonia, pH, amylase, ketone bodies and/or urobilinogen can all be detected and analyzed to determine the presence or absence of urine;

4. feces: solid waste; bilirubin in the feces, or coprolectin; specific food-disintegrating substances include starch, fat, plant fiber, muscle fiber and the like; and/or

5. Any other elements, features, characteristics and reflections that are not desired on the baby diaper. Sensor 512 causes transmitter 514 to establish a wireless communication channel between itself and CRC 520. The transmitter 514 sends a signal to inform the CRC 520 of: the diaper is wet. The wireless communication channel preferably uses wireless technology such as UWB, bluetooth, RFID, spread spectrum communication, or other conventional wireless communication technology.

Each sensor 512 preferably has a unique ID. Multiple access mechanisms, such as TDMA, CDMA, FDMA or other conventional methods, may also be applied to allow a central receiver to communicate with multiple sensors located at the same source. In view of the competing requirements of operating range, data rate and cost, it is believed that Zigbee/Bluetooth may be beneficial for many applications.

After the CRC 520 receives the signal, the receiver triggers an audible, light, text, and/or other indication of the status of the diaper. These indications may be variously displayed, broadcast, reflected, etc. by a speaker, telephone, pager, alarm, computer, etc. to inform the caregiver(s) so that they can improve the condition. The diaper condition sensing module 510 may be provided in different ways. One example is to attach to a diaper using a probe that measures against a desired standard as described above and shown in fig. 5.

Another example provides a diaper condition sensing module 510 within a diaper. In this example, the sensor 512 also includes an interface (probe) for measuring the desired criteria within the confines of the diaper. The transmitter 514 may use various communication techniques as described above. For an RFID embodiment, the function may be provided by transitioning the loop of the RFID tag from open to closed loop when a diaper condition (e.g., wet) is detected by the sensor, which automatically causes the ID tag to be sensed by the tag reader of the CRC.

Further, in this example the diaper condition sensing module 510 may be placed inside a diaper and may be reused. The diaper may be configured with a pouch or the like to allow placement of the diaper condition sensing module 510. In another option, the diaper condition sensing module 510 is manufactured and sold as an integral part of each diaper so that the caregiver does not have to be concerned with the placement of the module 510 each time a diaper is changed.

In addition to assisting caregivers in the diaper aspect of individual children, diaper management systems may be configured to manage diapers for a group of children, such as a preschool or day care facility where many children may wear diapers. An example of such a system 600 is shown in fig. 6. CRC 620 is configured to distinguish between children who need a new diaper and children who do not need a new diaper and send messages to the appropriate caregiver, respectively. To accomplish this, CRC 620 is provided with a database that associates a unique identifier corresponding to each diaper condition sensing module 610a-g with at least one contact. Alternative communication paths (voice, email, etc.), multiple contacts (caredriver #1, caredriver # 2), and various other information may be associated with a given diaper condition sensing module 610a-i in the database.

In addition to providing status alerts regarding diaper conditions, CRC 620 also determines the location of the diaper by using wireless location techniques, including but not limited to angle of arrival, time of arrival, and received signal strength indication. This also achieves: information is provided to the designated caregiver regarding the location of the child whose diaper is soiled.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a process 700 for sending a caregiver alert based on diaper condition according to the present invention. The process 700 begins with the DCSM sensor monitoring 702 the diaper condition. The DCSM sensor detects an updated diaper condition when the diaper condition changes, such as when it is wet. When this occurs, the DCSM transmitter sends 704 a diaper status update to the CRC. The CRC is received 706 with the update and a corresponding indication. Many conditions may be updated, so the DCSM and CRC are configured to pass these conditions. Once provided with updates, the CRC proceeds to estimate the location of the (e.g., wet) diaper. The DCSM sends an ID corresponding to the update, which identifies the diaper/child. The CRC queries its database and thus matches 708 the corresponding ID with the update to tailor the caregiver alert(s). As such, these alerts are then sent 710 to the caregiver(s).

In the case where there are multiple children/diapers being monitored, the CRC provided alert may be passed to a PC having a display screen with a map of one or more rooms and an estimated location of the wet diaper. Other CRC-provided alerts may simply inform one or more secondary caregivers about the diaper status, without informing the location, so that one or more secondary caregivers may be informed of the status. The CRC may also poll the DCSM after a given period of time to ensure that the diaper condition has been updated. The CRC may be configured using configuration settings that allow the caregiver to specify when and how they should be updated. For example, if a caregiver is a caregiver caring for a child, when a parent of the child goes out, the parent may configure the CRC to not send an alert to the diaper when it is initially detected to be wet until a certain period of time has elapsed. In contrast, a nanny alert may be provided immediately. If a certain period of time has elapsed and the diaper is still wet, the CRC can therefore notify the parent of the diaper condition so that the parent will recognize that the diaper has not been changed. FIG. 8 is a block and event diagram illustrating an example of a system 800 implementing aspects of the present invention as described above. System 800 includes UE 802, WHUB804, authorization server 806, base station(s) 808, LCN server(s), 810, and DCSM 812, each providing functionality as described above for components having the same name.

Local merchant server(s) 814 are also shown. As described in connection with the provision of locally applicable internet content, the merchant is informed of the local applicability of the content, e.g., as determined by the frequency of access of users at a particular location corresponding to a given base station(s). WHUB804, in addition to being configured to facilitate the secure receipt and execution of actions (purchase request and corresponding payment request), includes a CRC function that allows for a response to diaper condition updates provided by DCSM 712 (diapers are just one example of an article that may be provided with updates).

With the system 800 configured as such, delivery of locally applicable internet content may be provided along with diaper updates. Likewise, the local merchant (and corresponding server) 814 selling diapers can provide coupons or other incentives to the user along with the "diaper wet" determination made by the DCSM. Further, in addition to alerting the caregiver of the ability to do so, the WHUB804 can maintain a database of family needs and inventory. For example, the WHUB804 may monitor the number of diapers detected in use. When the number of used diapers approaches the known number previously purchased, an additional alert may be provided to the user to make them aware that they need diapers and they can get a discount if they purchase brand x based on the information provided by the local merchant. The process for providing this functionality may be as follows. The local merchant's information is cached 852 in the relevant LCN server(s) based on historical activity related to access of locally applicable internet content, and any desired participation of the merchant with the system 800. The wet diaper is detected 854 by the DCSM 812 and this information is communicated to the WHUB 804. The WHUB804, which manages the diaper inventory at the home, determines that the diaper inventory is low, and therefore sends 856 a purchase alert via the base station 808 to request information related to the current demand. In response to this, the LCN server(s) 810 determine that the local merchant information is relevant to the current demand, and therefore retrieve 858 and send 860 the cached local merchant information to the WHUB 804.

Along with the above information exchange, alerts for both diaper condition and low diaper inventory may be provided and retained for viewing by the user. This may be provided through the WHUB804 when the user is ready to make a purchase. The purchase request may be completed by interfacing directly with the WHUB804 or by using the UE 802 in the manner described above. The latter option is shown. There, the UE 802 sends 862 its tag ID and purchase request to the WHUB 804. Of course, this may be done after some browsing activity prior to the purchase request in order to view possible purchase choices. Authentication may be performed based on the tag ID and password as described above. The tag ID and password are sent 864 to the authentication server, which returns a notification 868 confirming the authentication.

Once authorized, the payment is sent 868 to the local merchant server 814 to complete the transaction, and receipts, confirmations, and other information relating to the transaction may be fed back to the WHUB 804. For a real product such as a diaper, the WHUB will already provide (or the local merchant already has) the shipping address. Additionally, if the local merchant is a provider of several items (e.g., a supermarket), the items may be accumulated before the purchase is completed and/or the shipment is made and/or the product is made available to the user. The WHUB is preferably configured using a shopping list that allows an organization to periodically accumulate purchases to provide this functionality.

Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a system 900 with moving emphasis signal conversion.

Through the conversion of the mobile terminal signal, the high-speed data stream multimedia information in the wireless communication environment can be displayed by the display device. This functionality can enable us to truly realize and enjoy the entertainment and benefits that multimedia brings us.

For example, multimedia information can be provided to wireless mobile terminals by using so-called next generation cellular technologies (3G and 4G). This technique can be used to transmit multimedia information (e.g., rich images, real-time audio and video). But because of the relatively small screen and insufficient quality of the headset, high quality multimedia information that would otherwise provide sufficient clarity and satisfaction with next generation communication technologies is not adequately reproduced by the mobile terminal in many applications. According to the embodiment of the invention, the purposes can be realized by using an alternative multimedia display terminal, including but not limited to a display, a television, a projector or an LCD display, through the conversion of the signals received by the mobile terminal. These display devices typically have video and audio rendering capabilities that are significantly better than mobile terminals. Also, they use a power supply source separate from the mobile terminal.

Referring again to the system 900 illustrated in fig. 9, multimedia information may be provided by any number of service providers (reference numbers 902 a-b) and may be transmitted over the network 904 to the base station 906 and, after correlation, to the cellular telephone 908. System 900 is only an example and it should be appreciated that any conventional and yet to be developed technology capable of transmitting voice and/or data to a mobile terminal may be suitable for use with the present invention. These wireless communication systems include, but are not limited to, cellular communication systems and wireless local area networks.

Also, while a typical external display system 914 is illustrated, it can take many variations and different forms. It may be digital or analog. Examples of digital systems include HDTV, LCD and plasma display devices. Analog systems include television sets (NTSC, PAL, SECAM implementation standards) and analog computer displays (SVGA, VGA). External display system 914 may not be limited by the size of the display screen as mobile terminal 908, or may preferably be independently powered.

In the depicted embodiment, the mobile terminal signal conversion unit (MTSCM) 912 is provided as a separate device 910, external to the mobile terminal 908.

The utility of the MTSCM 912 is explained in greater detail with reference to the existing comments of fig. 9 and the flow chart 12.

The MTSCM 912 processes the signal so that it can be rendered by an external device. The multimedia signal is transmitted to the cellular telephone 908 over a wireless communication network as previously described (step 402). The multimedia signals may include visual information that is rendered via a display screen of mobile terminal 908. For ease of explanation, processing of video signals is described herein, it being understood that the present invention may convert any multimedia information or some portion thereof.

The cellular telephone 908 is connected to the MTSCM 910. It may be a cable connection that connects the cellular telephone 908 to the MTSCM 912 device 910. Through this connection, the MTSCM 912 receives a video signal from the cellular telephone 908 (step 1204). Such received video signals may be processed appropriately to accommodate the cellular telephone 908 screen display. The cable connection described above is one example of connecting the cellular telephone 908 to the MTSCM 912. Another example of a wired connection is to connect the two by means of a socket instead of a cable. A wireless connection may also be a connection, although it is less feasible than a wired connection because it does not accommodate the potential need for high data stream transmission. The wireless connection may be implemented by existing communication technologies including, but not limited to, a bluetooth connection.

The MTSCM 912 processes the video signal to provide a converted video signal having a display format and/or signal strength suitable for a display terminal 914 that is replaceable with the cellular telephone 908 (step 1206). The display format and/or signal strength of such display terminal 914 may be different than that of cellular telephone 908, but they may also have the same format embodiment. However, even if the formats are the same, the signal conversion of the display terminal (reference numeral 914 in the figure) needs to be adjusted to achieve the strength of driving the display terminal and reduce the throughput as much as possible. This signal conversion is further illustrated in the description of fig. 11 below. Referring again to fig. 9 and 13, after signal conversion, the MTSCM 912 provides the converted visual signal to the external display terminal 914 to accommodate display of this visual information by the screen of the display terminal 914 (step 1208). This may be accomplished by the connection of the MTSCM 912 device 910 and the external display terminal 914 shown in the figure.

Here, mobile terminals include typical handheld mobile devices, including cellular telephones and personal digital assistants. While these devices include an execution platform capable of performing input and display functions, they are distinguished from desktop and desktop personal computers that are not designed for portability.

Fig. 10 is a block diagram illustrating the modules of the MTSCM 1000 in accordance with the present invention, where the MTSCM 1000 may be provided in software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof.

When provided in software, the MTSCM 1000 operates in an execution platform environment. That is, the MTSCM 1000 includes instructions stored in memory for execution by a processor. Any conventional or yet to be developed execution platform may be used. The well-known concepts of processors, memories and associated devices, such as power supply devices, will not be explained in greater detail herein. Additionally, fig. 10 depicts the units of the MTSCM 1000 progressive decomposition. It should be appreciated that the utility and functionality of the disaggregated elements of the MTSCM 1000 of this figure may vary and may be named more, less, or differently.

In addition, although the elements are shown in a common area, they may be physically implemented by different components of a system that includes a mobile terminal, a display device, and an intermediary device that houses the MTSCM and connects the mobile terminal and the display device. It can be further said that the overall functionality of the MTSCM can be separated, with the overall functionality being implemented separately or independently by portions of the mobile terminal, a separate intermediary device and/or the display device.

The MTSCM 1000 may also be provided in the form of a chip, and may be disposed in a mobile terminal, or may be disposed in a display terminal as a separate dedicated signal conversion device, for providing the above-mentioned signal conversion function of the mobile terminal.

The MTSCM 1000 includes a mobile terminal interface unit 1002, a signal conversion unit 1004, and an external device interface 1006.

The mobile terminal interface unit 1002 can directly receive multimedia information from a mobile terminal or a wireless communication network. A conventional physical interface provides a connection between the MTSCM 1000 and the mobile terminal to allow signals to flow to the MTSCM 1000. The mobile terminal interface unit 1002 recognizes and stores multimedia information, which is then processed by the remaining units. Buffering and similar operations may be used to perform the storage and signal processing described below.

The signal conversion unit 1004 communicates with the mobile terminal interface unit 1002, thereby accessing and processing the received multimedia information. The signal conversion unit 1004 recognizes the format of the multimedia signal and processes it into a converted signal. The converted signal may have a format and signal power strength different from those used by the mobile terminal and may be adapted to one or more external devices connected to the MTSCM 1000. Various types of external devices that may be coupled to the MTSCM 1000 are described below in connection with fig. 11.

The external device interface 1006 communicates with the signal conversion unit 1004, thereby acquiring a converted signal. The external device interface 1006 may also connect to an external device (e.g., a display device). The external device interface 1006 may provide the converted signal to the external device or may drive the external device. Alternatively, the external device interface 1006 may only provide the converted signal to the external device, and the external device is provided with a device in which the internal driving unit can drive the signal reproduction (e.g., display).

Fig. 11 is a block diagram illustrating another example of MTSCM 1100. MTSCM 1100 includes more detail regarding signal conversion and describes examples of different types of external display devices that are each provided with a converted signal by MTSCM 1100. These descriptions and the corresponding explanations are presented by way of example. Although a large number of connections have been described, the invention may in practice comprise all of these connections, or only one or a few of them; but also includes connections not listed here but also related to this document.

MTSCM 1100 includes an interface/buffer unit 1102 similar to the mobile terminal interface units described above. To accommodate the user's requirements for multimedia signal output (e.g., to provide real-time audio/video with sufficient buffering and processing rates), the remaining components are used to configure the buffering and receiving functions to accommodate the signal transmission needs. There are many variations of the mobile terminal video compression format, but the most common is currently MPEG-1 or MPEG-2. Buffering and throughput rates may also be implemented according to the designer's mind. While 1300Mb or higher buffers can be implemented, it is currently recognized that 1000Mb is a suitable buffering specification. In addition, a throughput rate of about 10Gb/s is suitable for current systems, but can be increased as needed or as required by the technical requirements involved. Video compression translation

The encoder 1104a is configured to receive a multimedia signal. Multimedia information is often compressed to meet the demand for increased signal transmission rates. One of the MPEG standards (e.g., MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4) is an example of a system that provides this compression. The video compression decoder 1104a is configured to include appropriate compression and decompression (CODEC) units to decompress the received multimedia signals. For example, when the compression scheme employs MPEG, the video compression decoder 1104a employs an MPEG CODEC to process such multimedia signals.

As an alternative to providing video codec 1104a in MTSCM 1100, the above functionality may also be provided in a cellular phone or other mobile terminal. However, a difficulty with this approach is the high bandwidth required to transfer the decompressed information between the cellular telephone and MTSCM 1100, and correspondingly, the MTSCM 1100 requires greater buffering capabilities.

The video compression decoder 1104a outputs the decompressed digital multimedia signal to a digital/analog video encoder (DAVE) 1104b and/or a digital/digital video encoder DDVE1104c. The digital/analog video encoder DAVE1104b provides a signal to an analog display terminal 1120; the digital/digital video encoder DDVE1104c provides signals to a digital external display terminal 1122. The digital/analog video encoder DAVE1104b and the digital/digital video encoder DDVE1104c receive the decompressed multimedia signals, respectively, and convert them into the format and signal power strength required by the receiving terminal with which they are interfaced. Examples of formats used by analog display terminal 1120 include S-video, RGBHV, RGBS, and EIA770 as listed. 3. Similarly, the digital/digital video encoder DDVE1104c provides output using standards such as DVI, DVI-D, HDMI, and IEEE1394. The information provided by the digital/analog video encoder DAVE1104b and the digital/digital video encoder DDVE1104c, respectively, is output to the terminal via the interfaces 306 a-b. Digital/analog video encoder DAVE) 1104b may in practice be implemented as a correspondingly arranged video card. Such a video card may be configured to perform the functions described above, including but not limited to Diamond Steel S60, ASUS V9400-X, or RADION 7000.

Finally, these signals are displayed on the external display terminal according to the particular display type desired. For example, the video data stream may be a digital RGB signal representing the intensity of red, green, and blue light at different locations. This signal is converted to an analog signal by a D/a converter. This converted analog signal conforms to the voltage and format required by the standard, such as the input to a cathode ray tube CRT monitor. This standardized video signal can drive a set of electron guns that produce a controlled stream of electrons to display red, green, and blue light, respectively, on the CRT screen. This is merely an example and the invention is not limited to a particular external display technology (e.g., CRT). As described above, in one embodiment, the MTSCM may be completely separate from the mobile terminal and the external display terminal, and each may have connections to other facilities to complete the overall system configuration including the three pieces of hardware (mobile terminal, conversion box, external display terminal). This configuration provides great flexibility in allowing any standard mobile terminal and/or display terminal to be coordinated to the maximum extent with the MTSCM without limiting the mobile terminal and external display terminal manufacturers. A possible disadvantage of this configuration is that the system requires additional hardware.

Instead of this three component system, the MTSCM may be located in either the mobile terminal or the display terminal. Fig. 13 illustrates an embodiment of a system 1300 that enables conversion of MTSCM mobile terminal signals in a mobile terminal 1308. The elements and functions of the service provider 1302a, b network 1304 and the base station transmitting multimedia signals to the mobile terminal 1308 are the same as the analogous elements of fig. 1 and will not be described in detail here. Likewise, external display terminal 1314 may take any of a variety of forms described above.

The MTSCM 1312 provides the same functionality as described above. However, the MTSCM 1312 is an integral part of the mobile terminal 1308 and is not disposed in another device. Additionally, a potential benefit of this system 1300 is that any standard device can be used as the external display terminal 1314 without limiting the display device manufacturer. In addition, only a simple wired or wireless interface is required to connect the external display device to the mobile terminal 1308. This means, for example, that the user does not need to carry a bulky conversion unit in addition to the cellular phone.

A potential drawback of this system 1300 is that the execution platform of the mobile terminal 1308 may be designed to accommodate legacy functionality only, and thus adding MTSCM functionality to an existing execution platform may be challenging for some systems. In addition, the MTSCM will heavily consume the limited energy provided by the battery of the mobile terminal (reference numeral 1308 in the figure). Embodiments that connect to the external display terminal 1314 via a cable and provide power to the mobile terminal 1308 are very practical. Likewise, some modifications to the mobile terminal 1308 may be required because its existing power providing port may not be sufficient for this function.

Figure 14 is a system diagram illustrating another example of a system 1400 having a MTSCM 1412 disposed in an external display terminal 1414. As in fig. 13, the components and utilities of the service providers 1402a, b network 1404 and the base station 1406 transmitting multimedia information to the mobile terminal 1408 are the same as the analog units in fig. 9; and will not be described in detail herein.

Here, the mobile terminal 1408 only needs to be directly connected with the external display terminal 1414. However, instead of providing the function of the MTSCM 1412 to the mobile terminal 1408, the function is provided as a part of the display terminal 1414. This system 1400 solves the problem of the power and execution platform involved in placing the MTSCM 1414 in a mobile terminal; moreover, any mobile terminal 1408, apart from providing a transmission interface, may be connected to any external MTSCM equipped display device without modification. A potential disadvantage of this arrangement is that additional components are added to the standard external display terminal, with a corresponding increase in cost.

Fig. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a mobile terminal signal conversion application 1500 according to the present invention. By way of example, these applications 1500 may provide the reader with an understanding of some possible scenarios in which embodiments of the present invention may be applied. The present invention is not limited to only these applications listed; nor is all possible applications limited to the described embodiments.

The infrastructure providing wireless communication signals and corresponding multimedia signals includes the service providers 1502a, b, the network 1504, the base station 1506, and the mobile terminal 1508 described above. The MTSCM1510 may be in the mobile terminal 1508 or in the display terminal 1512, or may be separate therefrom. Examples of applications 1514 that require larger screens and higher level audio include video conferencing, HDTV, gaming, GPS, and video on demand. In addition, embodiments of the present invention provide full multimedia capability enjoyment of the venue 1516, which may include motor vehicles, airplanes, hotels, and vacation spots, among others. The invention thus provides, for example, use in motor vehicles, airplanes and any vehicle, allowing passengers to browse the internet, watch television, play games, participate in video conferences or make video calls, and to apply the full functionality and utility of all kinds of software. Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating a control system for multimedia communication between different user terminals.

According to one aspect of the present embodiment, a conversion server, which is variously located in a network environment, provides a routing function and a connection function, and provides functions bidirectionally. Thus, this aspect provides for the transmission and reception of content and converts such content in both directions depending on the connected devices and the respective protocols used by such devices.

According to another aspect of the present embodiment, cellular television functionality is provided. Here, the television also includes cellular communication features and the above-described switching functionality in form and functionality. Preferably, one or more "channels" corresponding to cellular applications are provided in the cellular television, so that the user can access and view content received in this manner in a manner similar to that used to access conventional television channels.

According to yet another aspect, one or more embodiments of the present invention provide efficient integration for internet, wireless network, cable, DSL, satellite and TV communications to enable communication between potentially different user terminals. User terminals include home and office appliances (e.g. TV, computer) and wireless terminals (e.g. mobile phone, PDA). In a system configured according to the present aspect, a Management Center (MC) receives, selects, converts, compresses, decompresses, and routes data to user terminals. Various examples are shown and will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art once they have taught according to the teachings of the aspects. By way of example, signals such as those from fire or theft sensors are transmitted to the user's cell phone and/or 911 center through the MC system. Some processing functions may be performed by the MC system in conjunction with the user terminal and other MC systems. In further examples, a user's telephone call (wireless or wired) is routed to a telephone, mobile terminal, computer, and/or TV designated by the user.

MC system functionality includes receiving, converting, and transmitting content in both directions. It also includes facilities for mapping and routing content to the various connected devices and a data store for storing content for use by local or remote devices.

The receiving, converting and transmitting of multimedia content can be performed in both directions using the MC system. This may include, for example, receiving and transmitting signals from cellular networks, the internet, the PSTN, other management centers, and receiving and transmitting signals from user terminals including televisions, monitors, diaper monitors, cameras, fire alarms, theft sensors, and the like.

With respect to conversion, the MC system includes a converter module with routines for selecting, extracting, compressing, decompressing, adjusting data and converting data formats and/or power levers and/or data packet sizes/formats.

The MC system also includes a mapping table and a routing module. The mapping table is further described below. Which matches a phone number, cable port, DSL port, IP address, etc. The routing module is used for routing data to a destination through a specified channel. The routing module allows for routing of received data inbound from various sources including, but not limited to, cable, broadcast television, and the internet. It also allows routing to various interfaces established on the receiving terminal including, but not limited to, RS232, USB2.0, and video cable ports. The routing module receives relevant information about the route from looking at the results of the same route in the mapping table and implements the route accordingly.

Finally, the MC system comprises a data storage, e.g. a hard disk. This allows the MC system to store content to facilitate faster and more efficient data reception and transmission to the user terminal. The MC system may also conveniently retain converted (e.g., compressed, encoded, encrypted, decompressed) content for subsequent further access. The converted content may be provided internally or transmitted externally from the MC system.

It should also be noted that the MC system also includes software and/or hardware for filtering and processing viruses, such as those involving cellular networks and corresponding cellular communications. For example, the MC system may periodically or continuously check for virus signatures while content is being transmitted and received by the MC system. The virus screen process can therefore be applied to multimedia contents and their conversion, and in the same place (domain of the MC system). This is useful because virus shielding can be applied to the multimedia content before and/or after the multimedia content is converted. Processing may include blocking or quarantining detected viruses, deleting virus data or files, and communicating the possible presence of an attack to other MC systems or external systems.

When a communication is inbound to the MC system, it may include a data packet identifying the destination device. This may be in the form of a unique device identifier associated with each device managed by the MC system. The mapping table is queried for the presence of the unique identifier. Once this is successfully performed, corresponding information about the communication process may be automatically collected from the mapping table.

Additionally, or alternatively, the MC system (and/or the CHS) can obtain formatting, addressing, and other information by referencing portions of received data packets according to a predefined protocol. For example, the information in the received data packet may indicate a format for transmission (e.g., a TCP packet in the internet) and a format for reception (e.g., a data packet defined by WCDMA in 3G), and a destination address corresponding to the converted data format. Overhead information in the received data packet can inform the MC/CHS about the next transmission protocol and matching format. That is, the data packets received by the MC/CHS include some specified extra data in addition to the desired content data. This information informs the MC/CHS of the inbound data format transport protocol, and also the outbound data format and transport protocol corresponding to that data format.

For example, if the data packet contains the identifier DI1, it is determined that the communication is intended to reach a main television (main television) in the home. In a similar example, all communications to a given device may be required to be in the same format and the same address. For example, the conventional video output may be directly connected through a cable (e.g., through a coaxial cable, component cable, HDMI cable) between the video output from the MC system and the video input of the main television. With respect to this example, the MC system includes a conventional output for connection to a television.

There are also network-based connections, such as a connection to a personal computer (e.g., a home LAN router) or directly to a television equipped with a network interface card and associated functionality. In these examples, the address information (and corresponding entry in the mapping table) may include a network address of the particular device. The MC system is equipped with its own network interface card and corresponding output to engage in these communications. These and other communications may be made (e.g., by using a cellular phone number or direct local wireless communication to a cellular phone), again as indicated by the mapping table.

There may also be situations where a number of different procedures and corresponding conversions and addressing need to be applied for a given device. For example, a television set may be connected to both the network connection and the video output of the MC system. As another example, note that a cellular telephone may have alternate communication capabilities. In these environments, the mapping table may also include a number of different entries for specifying addresses, signal formats, and the like.

Thus, the information in the mapping table may also be associated with some processing category (category) code for a given device. For example, a processing category code #1 for a television set may indicate that inbound communications should be addressed, converted (if applicable), and routed to the television via video output. This may only supply regular television signals to the television. On the other hand, the processing category code #2 for the television set may indicate that inbound communications should be addressed, translated, and routed through the network connection. In addition, some specific content requires additional or different processing (e.g., conversion, decryption, etc.) than other content. The additional processing category code (like the device identifier) may be a number included in the data packet. The data packets may also be provided differently to the MC system. In one embodiment, the data packet may be contained in a header region of packet data sent by the source to the MC system. In addition, sometimes the data packets may themselves contain information for converting and/or addressing the appropriate device. For example, instead of looking up the same in the mapping table, the data packet itself may contain the network address of the destination device. As another example, all or part of the critical information for decrypting the content may also be provided in the data packet. As yet another example, the data packet may contain a flag to track an indication of whether the virus masking process has completed successfully.

Devices intended to work with MC systems may be equipped with software and/or hardware that allows them to insert and convey appropriate information in communication with the MC system. For example, a cellular phone may be equipped with software for providing appropriately configured data packets in an initial communication with the MC system, the initial communication being directed to a destination device.

MC systems process data differently depending on the respective device and destination for the data. For example, data received from a cellular network is selected and then converted for display on home or office appliances having different types of display screens. Similarly, some content can be more appropriately displayed through the mobile phone display. In addition, some data is also compressed and reorganized at the MC system so that they have a specific data packet size and format for matching the requirements of the associated transport network. For example, signals transmitted from wet diapers, fire and/or theft sensors may be transmitted to the user's phone or 911 center. This information may be compressed prior to transmission over the wireless network, which allows for increased efficiency when using a wireless communication channel. In addition, security and encryption protocols (e.g., SSL) and error prevention protocols and coding schemes (e.g., huffman, solomon, or Turbo LDPC coding) may be applied to ensure that the transmitted information remains secure and error-free.

As an example, this aspect of the invention may be applied to a domestic appliance. Household appliances (e.g., televisions, PCs, telephone handsets, printers, PALM, cameras, headsets, game controllers, refrigerators, etc.) may also be operated via a Central HUB System (CHS). Such a HUB system has been described in detail above. The CHS system communicates with the MC system and/or the Internet and/or other networks. The CHS can also be built into a cable modem, television set-top box, or other device. Signals from, for example, wet diapers, fire alarms, and/or theft sensors can also be transmitted from the CHS. Finally, note that the CHS can perform the functions described for the MC system.

The commonly applied wireless connections centralized by the wireless access points are based on WLAN technology, which is an IP-oriented technology. Because IP addresses may be exhausted over time, each consumer electronic device configured with an IP address (e.g., headset, game controller, etc.) is expensive and does not serve well to the needs of the user. In this regard, one or more embodiments of the present invention provide two aspects. First, an intelligent management system surrounded by traditional connectivity devices (e.g., television set-top boxes, cable modems, DSL modems, etc.) combines, manages, and optimizes the functionality of consumer electronics. non-IP based wireless connections are also provided between these consumer electronic devices.

As shown in fig. 16, the CHS communicates over ADSL or cable internet and with cellular base stations over wireless connections. The consumer electronic device communicates with the CHS through a wireless channel (e.g., bluetooth, UWB, NFC) or a wireline connection. The CHS is the center of the wireless communication system.

A telephone handset (e.g., a cellular telephone) can receive internet data by communicating with the CHS and/or MS, rather than with a cellular base station. The communication channel is more reliable, more economical and provides improved bandwidth than conventional connections between base stations and cellular telephones.

There may be a corresponding connection between the CHS and the cellular network. This may use communication implementation conventional wireless communication protocols to implement a conventional wireless connection between the CHS and the cellular base station. Another possibility is to connect the CHS to a leased line or a wireless line of the core cellular network. The CHS preferably includes WiFi router functionality and the ability to route addresses between IP and cellular telephone numbers. The location of a particular user can also be reported to the cellular network, thus allowing information destined for a particular user to be directed to the CHS (e.g., calls, content, etc. customized by a particular user via a cellular telephone). It may also include any necessary conversion functions. In addition to reporting the user's location to the cellular network, the MC system (or CHS) may also report roaming information to other MC systems (or CHS). This allows subsequent communication between users without involving the cellular network. That is, a first user may be located in an area covered by a first MC system and a second user may be located in an area covered by a second MC system. When this situation remains, the communication between the first and second users via their mobile terminals may involve a wireless connection from the MC system (and a connection between the MC systems, which is for example an IP connection). In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, information transmitted to the cellular phone can be delivered to the TV for better display. In addition, communication and corresponding conditions between the CHS and the oven with sensors can be triggered differently, for example by detecting the temperature of the boiling water or food in the oven. A signal for calling the attention of anyone who is cooking food or boiling water is transmitted to a TV, an auditory system, a cellular phone, a computer, a beeper (beeper), a mobile terminal, a PDA, or the like.

Another example of an application of the present invention is where the wireless transceiver can be installed in a child's diaper. When the diaper is wet, communication between the diaper and the CHS is triggered. The corresponding signal is delivered to a TV, cellular, daycare center, etc. Internet content is one source of data that is transmitted to user terminals through MC systems. As shown in fig. 16, one aspect of the present invention is the architectural location of the MC system and/or the content server.

As described in more detail above, the cache of locally applicable content caches certain internet content determined to be locally applicable based on monitoring of internet content accessed by users from certain locations. The content may be content that has also been converted as described herein. The specific internet content is preferably cached in a local content store located at the local management center. Alternatively, the particular internet content is cached at a content server that is logically located proximate to two or more management centers that share the internet content. The logical proximity is performed differently, e.g. by physical proximity or by providing dedicated bandwidth and resources. Requests for internet content at a particular location can be served from a cache memory containing the requested content to optimize delivery.

Additionally, a cache of locally applicable internet content may be maintained on a hierarchical basis such that a first layer of the local application corresponds to internet content requested by users in a first geographic area in which a particular location exists and at least one succeeding (subscribing) layer of the local application corresponds to internet content requested by users in at least one succeeding geographic area that surrounds and is larger than the first geographic area.

A merchant or other business entity may also provide some form of access to information related to locally applicable internet content based on which a commercial incentive (e.g., a coupon or advertisement) is delivered to a user.

Logical proximity based on physical proximity or provision of resources and dedicated bandwidth may also be applied to the location of the content server and/or MC system. The MC system and/or content server are placed according to local traffic requirements, dedicated bandwidth and other resources, geographic and demographic forms, costs, etc. The MC system can also be constructed and placed in layers as described in the hierarchical structure of the content servers. The relative positioning of the MC system and the content server is determined based on business requirements, resources, costs, and monetary incentives. Importantly, the management center and the internet content server are configured for efficient transmission of data and to avoid bottleneck problems.

Note that the present invention is not limited to internet content. The MC system and content server may store content from various sources.

Various data transfer protocols may be used to transfer multimedia content to the MC system, including from cellular networks (e.g., 3G), the internet, service providers, and from other MC systems.

A set of transmitters and/or receivers for connection with external resources is equipped in the MC system. The connection channel for data transmission may include a wireline connection (e.g., DSL, fiber, cable, DSL, leased line, etc.) between the MC system and an external network (e.g., cellular network, internet, service provider network). In addition, a wireless connection (e.g., wiMax, satellite communication (e.g., VSAT system), conventional communication with cellular base stations, point-to-point or point-to-multipoint wireless connection) may provide a connection between the MC system and an external network. MC systems may also connect, communicate, route, and relay content to each other and to each other. The connections between MC systems are made by efficient data transfer, service requirements, cost, bandwidth and other resource availability, and relationship to internet content servers, cellular networks, local service providers, and other MC systems.

Various communications may also be used for the communication channels between the MC system and various local user terminals. On the user terminal side, the user uses a TV, a computer, a DSL modem, a cable modem, a WLAN access point, a mobile terminal and various sensors that communicate with the MC system.

A set of transmitters and/or receivers is equipped for data transmission between the MC system and the user terminal. The communication channels between the MC system and the user terminal include the following: (1) Direct connections using available transmission ports/standards (e.g., USB, RS232, TV cable, ethernet, phone line, etc.); (2) wireless personal area networks, such as UWB, bluetooth, WLAN, etc.; (3) Long range wireless connections, such as WiMax, satellite, such as VSAT, TV broadcast, etc.; (4) A wireline connection such as DSL, cable, ethernet, etc.

Data transmission between the MC system and the user terminal may be unidirectional or bidirectional. The unidirectional data transmission includes data transmitted from the MC system to the user terminal and data transmitted from the user terminal to the MC system. For example, the MC system sends data to the user terminals (e.g., advertisements broadcast to TVs, computers, mobile terminals, etc.). Similarly, the user terminal sends data to the MC system (e.g., a signal sent from a fire alarm to the MC system). The data transmitted between the MC system and the user terminal is preferably bi-directional. In this case, the transmitter and the receiver are equipped on both sides.

Operations for data processing and transmission at the MC system can be shared with multiple user terminals and/or other MC systems. In some cases, some of the functions of the MC system described above can be implemented by the user terminal, and thus the MC system is omitted. One aspect of the present invention is a TV or other display equipped to receive RF signals transmitted from a cellular base station. The cellular television demodulates, and/or compresses/decompresses, data and/or converts the signal to an appropriate format prior to displaying the image/video. The conversion and transmission provided to the television may also be bi-directional. Cellular televisions with cameras/microphones can also record and extract multimedia information that can be sent to other users' terminals over a cellular network or the internet. Cellular television is equipped to extract and/or convert, and/or compress and modulate multimedia information before sending the information to a cellular base station. The cellular television also preferably has a separate channel for displaying multimedia information from the cellular network or other networks other than traditional TV programming. The user can also use the TV remote control to dial a telephone number like a dial pad.

Fig. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a process 1700 for instructing a television to display content using signals received over a cellular communication network from a remote location. In one embodiment, the process is implemented in a television set equipped to wirelessly receive signals from a cellular base station and provide corresponding transitions and instructions to display content on a given channel. To this end, the housing of the television includes conventional cellular telephone technology for at least receiving (and possibly transmitting, if necessary) calls over a connection to a cellular network. As described in detail above with respect to the MTSCM, the television is also equipped with processing capabilities to perform the signal conversion requirements.

In an alternative embodiment, the set-top box is configured to receive wireless signals and to output signals that are appropriately formatted for the television set. In yet another embodiment, the MC system is equipped to receive wireless signals and to perform conversion and routing to the television. In any of these cases, the set-top box or MC system is similarly equipped to provide the mentioned cellular communication capabilities and MTSCM functionality. It is also noted that there are embodiments where functionality is divided among set-top boxes, television sets, MC systems and/or CHS in various ways involving at least two and sometimes all three devices.

The process begins when video content is received 1702 over a cellular communication channel. For example, the communication may be received at the beginning of a cellular telephone user who wishes to send the content. For example, a connection may be established using a conventional cellular telephone call to a designated number corresponding to a television. At this point, the content sent from the remote cellular telephone to the television will be formatted by the cellular network as needed. The MTSCM functionality converts such signals and related formats from the cellular network into a format used by the television (e.g., SD or HD standards).

When it is confirmed that the video content is to be the display destination 1704, the video content is then configured for display 1706 according to the requirements of the television, for example as described with respect to the functionality of the MTSCM. When a private number or known signal routing is provided to the television at a given interface, knowledge 1704 of the destination of the content to the television can be inferred.

Finally, the television is instructed to display the converted content 1708 on a predetermined channel. The predetermined channel may be, for example, an adjustable channel that is otherwise not used for other forms of content. In order to view video content in this manner, the user operates to an appropriate channel using only a channel button or the like, and then the converted content is displayed on the display screen of the television. In an alternative to the set-top box being used to provide the mentioned functionality, the tuning may be provided by controlling the remote of the set-top box. A given channel on the set-top box may correspond to content received in this manner. The output of the set-top box provides the converted content to the television set over a conventional connection (e.g., HDMI, component cable, S-video or other connection).

Turning now to some other aspects of the present invention, FIGS. 18-20 illustrate examples in which an MC system converts and routes content to a particular device.

According to a first aspect, the MC system is configured to convert and route multimedia content to various (e.g., home) devices that require addressing and include not only different communication protocols but also different formats. Fig. 18 is a flow diagram of a process 1800 for transforming and routing multimedia content to different terminals.

The process 1800 begins when multimedia content 1802 is received from a source outside the home location to be directed to a destination device within the home location. The destination device may include different devices having different formats and receiving signals over different communication protocols.

The MC system then determines 1804 the communication protocol, signal format, and address for the destination device. This may be performed by referring to the data packet information, the mapping table information, or a combination thereof as described above.

The inbound multimedia content is then converted for rendering 1806 according to the signal format determined for the device. Finally, the converted multimedia content is routed to the destination device 1808 using the determined address and communication protocol corresponding to the destination device.

According to another aspect, the MC system provides bi-directional conversion, where content can be inbound not only to a variety of different devices, but also communicated to a variety of remote devices. This function may be similarly performed using the various connections available to the MC system and the corresponding information in the mapping table and data packets.

Fig. 19 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of bi-directional operation involving a first device transmitting inbound content to a second device in a home managed by an MC system, and a third device transmitting outbound content to a fourth device outside the home.

The process 1900 is accompanied by receiving first multimedia content 1902 originating from a first device located outside the home location and destined for a second device in the home location. The first multimedia content is then converted for rendering and routed to the second device 1904. Similarly, a second multimedia content is received from a third device located at the home location and destined for a fourth device 1906 outside the home. The second multimedia content is converted for rendering by the fourth device and the converted multimedia content is routed to the fourth device 1908. In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, the MC system allows a user to remotely customize content using a cellular telephone, where the content may come from a variety of different sources. Fig. 20 illustrates a process 2000 for receiving and providing completions of requests for multimedia content corresponding to different sources.

The process 2000 begins by receiving a request 2002 from a cellular telephone user to access first and second multimedia content. Examples of requests may include individual content purchases, previous content selections, selections of content that need not be purchased, and others. For example, a cellular phone may be used to directly contact the MC system. Another way to do this is by using a cellular phone to communicate with the MC system with an intervening communication taking place with the cellular base station. That is, referring to fig. 16,

a cellular phone may be used to communicate with a cellular base station, and the cellular base station then communicates with the MC system using the various communication channel options shown. The first and second multimedia content may of course be customized on separate occasions and may correspond to fully available content from different sources.

The MC system identifies a first source corresponding to the first multimedia content and a second source corresponding to the second multimedia content 2004. These sources may use any number of different communication protocols to perform the delivery of content to the home.

The MC system then initiates communication with the first and second sources using different communication protocols to satisfy the request for access to the first and second multimedia content 2006, respectively. The first and second multimedia content may then be received by the MC system and converted for rendering by the destination device and routed accordingly (2010).

According to the embodiment, various devices and various content sources can be applied. For example, an initial step may involve a user communicating with the MC/CHS using his cellular telephone (e.g., directly or through a plug-in cellular base station). The user may then issue various types of requests to the MC/CHS. For example, the MC/CHS may be instructed to initiate a call to another user's cellular telephone. Alternatively, the user may instruct the MC/CHS to obtain information corresponding to the request, such as a current news story based on previously or currently submitted keywords (e.g., news related to a president's veto of law). The corresponding format or addressing information is then provided to the MC/CHS. For example, the MC/CHS may be indicated that the IP address of the user's PC is the destination address for the requested news, and the cable port address of the user's television may be the destination address for the requested news. Finally, the MC/CHS performs the appropriate conversion and routing accordingly to output the requested content. For example, the MC may communicate with the cellular network to find other users for whom a cellular telephone call is desired, and convert received data packets defined as cellular network into TCP packets, assuming the user's PC IP address is the destination address. The network protocol may then be used to transmit the converted data to the user's PC (e.g., via the internet (TCP/IP) or via a direct network connection). With respect to the provision of news corresponding to a search query, the MC/CHS may use the MC content layer structure to find the best source and route for the requested content. For example, it may look for news at a local internet content server (the local internet content server may be the MC system itself, as the MC system is configured to store content that is provided differently as described herein). The MC system converts the corresponding content into a television format and transmits it to the television, for example, over a direct wired connection or wireless connection (e.g., over UWB between the TV and the CHS).

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for optimizing delivery of content requested by a plurality of users at a particular location. This entails monitoring network content requested by users corresponding to a particular location, receiving a request for content from a given user at the particular location, wherein the content is typically provided from a location other than the particular location, determining that other users at the particular location also request the content, and serving the content to the given user and the other users simultaneously using a server logically proximate to the user at the particular location, instead of serving the content to the given user and other users from locations other than the particular location, respectively. In one embodiment, the foregoing layering method is used to make a determination of whether content is locally applicable. At that location, the requested content may be monitored and a determination made whether the content is commonly requested in the particular location.

Embodiments of the present invention therefore propose and provide multimedia communication between different terminals. Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain embodiments thereof, the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Thus, the following claims are not to be limited in any way by the description of the embodiments contained herein.

Claims (47)

1. A wireless management device for communication initialization of a destination device, comprising:

a wireless network interface configured to communicate over a network communication channel of a wireless network; wherein the wireless network is a wireless local area network;

initial communication configuration software of a destination device, which provides initial communication configuration data required for initial communication in a configuration of communication initialization of the destination device;

wherein the wireless management device is configured to initiate a call with a mobile terminal over the network communication channel;

wherein the initial communication configuration data is transmitted from the cellular telephone and used to initiate an initial communication directed to a destination device;

wherein the destination device is the wireless management device.

2. The wireless management device of claim 1, wherein the initial communication configuration software is configured to be installed on the cellular telephone.

3. The wireless management device of claim 1, wherein the call is a video call.

4. The wireless management device of claim 1, wherein the initial communication configuration data includes information on a network address of the wireless network and information on a device identifier of the wireless management device.

5. The wireless management device according to claim 3, wherein the initial communication configuration data includes information on a network address of the wireless network and information on a device identifier of the wireless management device.

6. The wireless management device of claim 1, wherein the wireless management device is further configured to receive multimedia information from a camera through the wireless network interface.

7. The wireless management device of claim 1, wherein the wireless management device is further configured to the wireless network interface to send multimedia information from a camera.

8. The wireless management device of claim 1, wherein the wireless management device is configured to transmit information related to the updated status of the item to a user cellular telephone; and

wherein the unique identification information of the item is associated with a unique phone identifier of the user's cell phone.

9. The wireless management device of claim 8, wherein the address information for the wireless network is associated with the unique phone identifier.

10. The wireless management device of claim 8, the user cellular telephone receiving internet data via the wireless network.

11. The wireless management device of claim 9, wherein the user cellular telephone receives internet data via the wireless network.

12. The wireless management device according to claim 8, wherein the wireless management device further comprises a wireless signal conversion unit of a decoder;

wherein the wireless management device is configured to receive wireless signals through the wireless network interface;

wherein the wireless signal conversion unit is configured to perform a conversion of the wireless signal to accommodate playback of its corresponding information content, the wireless signal comprising a compressed signal, the conversion comprising decompressing the compressed signal;

wherein the decoder is configured to decompress the compressed signal; and

wherein the information content comprises a video call with the mobile terminal.

13. The wireless management device of claim 1, wherein the wireless management device is a television.

14. The wireless management device of claim 1, wherein the wireless management device is a refrigerator.

15. The wireless management device of claim 1, wherein the wireless management device comprises a decoder; wherein the decoder is configured to decompress a compressed signal, which is a compressed high definition digital video signal, into a decompressed signal; wherein the wireless management device further comprises an encoder configured to encode the decompressed signal into an encoded signal, the encoded signal being an encoded decompressed high definition digital video signal;

wherein the wireless management device further comprises a high definition digital output interface configured to connect a cable to transmit the encoded signal.

16. The wireless management device of claim 13, wherein the call comprises a video call.

17. The wireless management device of claim 15, wherein the call comprises a video call.

18. The wireless management device of claim 7, wherein the call comprises a video call.

19. The wireless management device according to claim 1, wherein the wireless management device further comprises a wireless signal conversion unit of a decoder;

wherein the wireless management device is configured to receive wireless signals through the wireless network interface;

wherein the wireless signal conversion unit is configured to perform a conversion of the wireless signal to accommodate playback of its corresponding information content, the wireless signal comprising a compressed signal, the conversion comprising decompressing the compressed signal;

wherein the decoder is configured to decompress the compressed signal; and

wherein the information content comprises a video call.

20. The wireless management device of claim 1, wherein the wireless management device is further configured to receive and transmit multimedia information from a camera.

21. The wireless management device of claim 1, the wireless management device configured to receive or transmit information related to an update status of an item based on wireless communication regarding the update status; wherein the wireless communication is a short-range wireless communication over a short-range wireless communication channel;

wherein the short-range wireless communication channel comprises a non-IP-based wireless connection.

22. The wireless management device of claim 21, wherein the wireless communication is over a ZIGBEE communication channel.

23. The wireless management device of claim 15, wherein the wireless management device is configured to transmit the encoded signal to a high definition digital television via an HDMI cable.

24. The wireless management device of claim 21, wherein the call comprises a video call.

25. The wireless management device of claim 19, wherein the wireless management device is configured to transmit information related to the updated status of the item to a user cellular telephone; and

wherein the unique identifying information of the item is associated with a unique phone identifier of the user's cellular phone.

26. The wireless management device of claim 25, wherein the wireless management device is further configured to transmit information regarding an update status according to a configuration setting; and

wherein the configuration settings specify when or how to notify a user of the update status.

27. The wireless management device of claim 15, wherein the wireless management device is configured to transmit information related to the updated status of the item to a user cellular telephone; and

wherein the unique identification information of the item is associated with a unique phone identifier of the user's cell phone.

28. The wireless management device of claim 22, wherein the wireless management device is configured to transmit information related to the updated status to a user cellular phone; and

wherein the unique identification information of the item is associated with a unique phone identifier of the user's cell phone.

29. The wireless management device of claim 21, wherein the wireless management device is configured to transmit information related to the updated status to a user cellular phone; and

wherein the unique identifying information of the item is associated with a unique phone identifier of the user's cellular phone.

30. The wireless management device of claim 7, wherein the wireless management device is configured to transmit information related to the updated status of the item to a user cellular telephone; and

wherein the unique identification information of the item is associated with a unique phone identifier of the user's cell phone.

31. The wireless management device of claim 1, wherein the wireless management device is configured to receive or transmit information related to an update status of an item based on wireless communication regarding the update status; wherein the wireless communication comprises a signal; and wherein the signal includes identification information associated with the item.

32. The wireless management device of claim 1, wherein the wireless management device is configured to receive or transmit information related to an update status of an item based on wireless communication regarding the update status; wherein the wireless communication comprises a signal from a wireless sensor regarding the update status; and wherein the signal comprises unique identification information of the sensor.

33. The wireless management device of claim 1, wherein the wireless management device is configured to transmit the update status related information based on wireless communication regarding the update status of an item; wherein the wireless communication comprises a signal; wherein the signal comprises unique identification information of the item.

34. A destination device communication initialized wireless management device, comprising:

a wireless network interface configured to communicate over a network communication channel of a wireless network; wherein the wireless network is a wireless local area network;

initial communication configuration software of a destination device, which provides initial communication configuration data required for initial communication in a configuration of communication initialization of the destination device;

wherein the wireless management device is configured to transmit information related to an update status over the network communication channel based on a signal related to the update status; wherein the updated status relates to status management or security monitoring of the item; wherein the signal is transmitted over a short-range wireless communication channel; wherein the short-range wireless communication channel comprises a non-IP based wireless connection;

wherein the initial communication configuration data is communicated from a cellular telephone and used to initiate an initial communication directed to the destination device; and

wherein the destination device is the wireless management device.

35. A method of destination device communication initialization, comprising:

providing initial communication configuration data required for initial communication of a destination device;

transmitting, by a destination device, relevant information of an update status based on a signal regarding the update status; wherein the information related to the update status is transmitted over a wireless local area network; wherein the updated status relates to status management or security monitoring of the item; wherein the signal is over a non-IP connection;

wherein the initial communication configuration data is communicated from a cellular telephone and used to initiate an initial communication directed to the destination device; and wherein the initial communication configuration data comprises information relating to a network address of the wireless local area network.

36. A method of destination device communication initialization, comprising:

providing initial communication configuration data required for initial communication of a destination device;

initiating a call between the destination device and the mobile terminal; the call is through a wireless local area network;

wherein the initial communication configuration data is transmitted from a cellular telephone and used to initiate an initial communication directed to the destination device; and wherein the initial communication configuration data comprises information relating to a network address of the wireless local area network.

37. A wireless management device, comprising:

at least one wireless signal processing unit comprising a decoder;

a wireless network interface configured to provide communications over a wireless network communication channel of a wireless local area network;

the wireless management device is configured to provide initial communication configuration data required for initial communication in communication initialization; wherein the initial communication configuration data comprises information related to a network address of a wireless local area network;

wherein the initial communication configuration data is used to initiate an initial communication directed to a destination device; wherein the information related to the network address of the wireless local area network matches the unique device identifier of the destination device;

wherein the destination device is the wireless management device;

wherein the wireless management device is configured to receive wireless signals over the wireless local area network;

wherein the at least one wireless signal processing unit is configured to perform conversion of the wireless signals to accommodate corresponding information content playback;

wherein the wireless signal comprises a compressed signal;

wherein the converting comprises decompressing the compressed signal into a decompressed signal; and

wherein the decoder is configured to decompress the compressed signal.

38. The wireless management device of claim 37, wherein the wireless management device is configured to transmit the update status related information through the wireless network interface based on the update status related signal; wherein the updated status relates to status management or security monitoring of the item; wherein the signal is transmitted over a short-range wireless communication channel; and wherein the short-range wireless communication channel is separate from a wireless network communication channel of the wireless local area network.

39. The wireless management device of claim 37, wherein the wireless management device is configured to initiate a call with a mobile terminal over the network communication channel.

40. A method of destination device communication initialization, comprising:

providing initial communication configuration data required for initial communication in destination device communication initialization; wherein the initial communication configuration data comprises information related to a network address of a wireless local area network;

wherein the initial communication configuration data is used to initiate an initial communication directed to the destination device; wherein the information related to the network address of the wireless local area network matches the unique device identifier of the destination device;

receiving a wireless signal through the wireless local area network;

performing conversion of the wireless signal to adapt to playing of information content corresponding to the wireless signal;

wherein the wireless signal comprises a compressed signal; and

wherein the converting comprises decompressing the compressed signal into a decompressed signal.

41. The method of claim 40, further comprising transmitting information related to the update status over the wireless local area network based on the signal related to the update status; wherein the updated status relates to status management or security monitoring of the item; wherein the signal is transmitted over a short-range wireless communication channel; and wherein the short-range wireless communication channel is separate from the wireless local area network.

42. The method of claim 40, further comprising initiating a call with a mobile terminal; and wherein the call is over the wireless local area network.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein the call is a video call.

44. The method of claim 41, further comprising initiating a call with a mobile terminal; and wherein the call is over the wireless local area network.

45. The method of claim 41, wherein the short-range wireless communication channel is a ZIGBEE communication channel.

46. The method of claim 44, wherein the short-range wireless communication channel is a ZIGBEE communication channel.

47. The method of claim 44, wherein the call is a video call.

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