JP2003527668A - Clock with a link to the Internet - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Summary Clock with programmable alarm and internal subsystem with modem connection to the Internet. A programming content selection WEB site is provided, allowing for numerous programming and content selection options. The WEB watch (8) comprises a microprocessor (74), a memory (78), a radio tuner, a sound amplifier subsystem, a volume control (38), a power source button (34), a software It includes firmware including a modem, an LCD (54), a speaker (70), and a plurality of softkey buttons located proximate to the LCD. The device periodically and automatically connects to the Internet for the purpose of receiving new programming and content, and the programming and content are stored in the memory of the WEB-enabled watch. During the operating interval, the web-enabled watch (8) activates and provides graphics and audible items to the user based on selections made at the programming and content web site. The user can also send a response corresponding to a specific content item to the WEB-enabled server on the WEB-enabled watch by pressing the corresponding softkey button.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a type of clock that can be used both for providing a wide range of contents from the Internet and for alerting a user at a set time, that is, a time information display device. is there. More specifically, this device is a programmable alarm and clock that is connected to the Internet to receive programming for the mechanism of the alarm clock function as well as the content provided to the user. Hereinafter, the invention will be described with reference to a WEB-enabled watch, or if its automatic activation is used to wake up the user or otherwise alert or remind the user.
It is called an alarm clock 8 with an EB function. A WEB-enabled watch delivers to the user the content of choice in contextually relevant situations.

Definitions A PC (Personal Computer) is defined as a general purpose computer commonly used by individuals for various computing tasks, but with respect to the invention disclosed herein, the World Wide Web. Most notably used to establish a connection to and browse information there. WEB, W
The old Wide Web, or the Internet, is used interchangeably herein and is defined as the sum of all connected devices. The connection is T
Via a standardized digital communication protocol such as CP-IP (Transmission Control Protocol-Internet Protocol). The information transfer protocol used by a particular device depends on the type of device connected. Currently, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) is used to display pages of textual content on a PC.

A local net is used without distinction from a LAN (Local Area Network), and is defined as a communication network including two or more devices. Generally, the term "local" means that the devices are located in close physical proximity. In the invention disclosed herein, a local net is a functional connection between, for example, some computers and other devices such as printers or fax machines for control purposes or for programming or sharing data. May be a home network. The LAN can be connected by a wired medium or a wireless medium and an associated communication protocol. A device connected via the LAN can finally access the Internet when one device on the LAN is connected to the Internet. Therefore, data can be sent to another device via a device having an internet connection.

Browsing is a function often performed by a user who has a browsing device, which is a PC with browsing software, and WEB pages using standard formats such as Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) or XML. Defined as interactive browsing of the above text, still images, and other types of media. To browse to the next page or next content item during browsing, the user must actively make a request in the form of a mouse click or a typed string. It is important to note that browsing requires active real-time judgment and user attention, as an alternative method of interaction is presented as part of the invention disclosed herein. Browsing can be done on various devices.

Related to browsing is the browser, defined as a software application that enables navigation to a particular WEB site address, browsing to a WEB page, and selection of links. Navigation to a particular WEB site address connects to the relevant WEB page, so that HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is followed by a particular Universal Resource L.
Based on the input of the ocator (URL). The browser can view the WEB page in a browser-compatible format such as HTML or XML that supports the ability to assign links to other URLs to elements such as text or images within the WEB page. Browsing software typically runs on a PC, but is also available to function on lower power dedicated browsing computers.

A modem (modulator-demodulator) is a device that allows a computer to send data to another computer over a standard analog telephone line.
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line), which is also a transmission technology that uses existing copper telephone lines, provides much faster data transfer rates than conventional analog modems. Modem, cable modem, DSL
Are all well-known techniques and will not be described in detail herein.

Internet Service Provider (ISP) is defined as a business that provides end users with connectivity to the Internet. For example, many IS
P has a dialing number that is answered by a large bank of modems maintained by the ISP at one or more locations. The ISP's modem bridges between the end user's PC modem and the high speed connection to the Internet. Many ISPs also provide broadband access for home computer users and businesses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The proliferation of telecommunications infrastructure has enabled the availability of Internet connections everywhere. A significant percentage of US households have PCs, including modems, that provide users with access to the Internet through dial-up connections to ISPs. Recently, broadband Internet connection such as cable modem and DSL has become popular, and the market share is increasing especially in the home market. The popularity and spread of high-speed digital communication media into the home offers the opportunity to bring greater functionality to a variety of devices and is driving the creation of an entirely new class of connectivity products. At the same time, the phenomenon of the World Wide Web has made the amount of information available in digital form enormous. Information available on the web includes text, still images, audio files, streaming
It is spread across many different media, including audio and video. There is a large amount of new information on the web for multimedia formats, still image combinations, audio, and full motion video.

Another technology that is promoting access from anywhere to the Internet is home networking (LAN) technology. Users connect multiple PCs at home, or use printers, fax machines, or broadband
There is a need to connect one or more PCs to peripheral devices such as gateways. Currently, three competing technology media for home networking, wireless (
Radio frequency systems, AC power line systems, and telephone line systems exist. An AC power line system consists of data signals superimposed on 60 cycles of AC in a household electrical wiring system. Telephone line systems likewise contain data signals superimposed at different frequencies on the home telephone line. Each of these technologies has advantages and disadvantages, and all three technologies coexist in the market. For example, Intel Corporation of Santa Clara, California.
under the brand name AnyPoint ™, ation sells products that use all three of these media in various ways. The speed of these technologies is
Slightly different, data transfer rates are made faster with each technology. For example, In
tel's AnyPoint ™ wireless system is actually manufactured by Proxim of Sunnyvale, Calif. Proxim
Wireless technology is based on an industry standard for wireless networking technology called HomeRF ™. HomeRF ™ is an Institute of Electrical (IEEE) that uses the 2.4 GHz portion of the radio spectrum.
al Electronic Engineers, Inc. ) Standard 802.1
Based on 1. HomeRF can currently achieve data rates of around 1.6 Mbps (1 million bits per second).

New products have been introduced that take advantage of the availability of ubiquitous Internet connections, allowing users to access a vast repository of information on the WEB. Many of these new products attempt to provide the ability to browse for scenarios other than PC usage. California, Pa
A new class of devices was born when Lo Alto's WebTV introduced a product called a set-top box. Set-top boxes are usually
A device that connects to the Internet via a dial-up modem and allows users to browse the Internet using their television as a visual output device. Also, set-top boxes typically include a keyboard or pointing device that allows a user to interact with an on-screen or online interface. Set-top boxes bring more functionality to the television.

Another example of a non-PC device that seeks to utilize online access to information is the iPhone produced by infoGear of Redwood City, Calif. iPhone is an integrated phone-browser system. The iPhone includes a medium-sized display device and an internal modem to allow users to access the WEB and especially e-mail on the telephone device. In addition, iPhone is an interactive form of World Wide We
It is a standalone browser that provides general access to all content on b.

The vast majority of devices that provide connections and access to content on the Internet provide browsing functionality. However, there are other devices in the home or workplace that do not fully support interactive browsing but can provide substantial functionality to simply present, display, or play information content to the user.

One type of product, typically an information device that presents or reproduces information or content, is a clock, an alarm clock, and a clock radio. There are various products within the watch and alarm clock product categories. Watches with built-in radio receivers, known as watch radios, are very common. Clock radio usually allows the user to set a wake-up sound as an alarm sound or a radio program in the AM band or FM band. Of course, clock radio is limited to the selection of existing broadcast media with respect to the content that can be provided to the user. The broadcast model is such that many users listen to the same information. There are also alarm clocks with a built-in compact disc player that allow the user to further customize the audio alarm content. San, California
So provided by The Shaper Image of Leandro
The CD / Alarm Clock with und Sounder (TM) is a built-in Sound Generation Machine (Sound) that provides soothing sounds such as running water, waterfalls, and rain.
Includes the Soother ™) as well as compact disc (CD) players. The soothing sound cannot be changed because it is stored in the semiconductor memory of the device. The display on this device also shows the day of the week, date, room temperature, and time slot. Also, a clock or alarm clock with a built-in media playback device, such as a CD player, is limited because the user must load a new CD into the device if the user wants to hear different or new content. Has been. Only the contents existing in the CD format can be reproduced.

Attempts exist to add customized content functionality to watches and alarm clocks. US Patent No. 57086 issued to Gormley
No. 27 shows an electronic device that stores an audio message input by a user on a digital chip. An chronological code is given to each message, and the message is automatically played at a specific date and time. This device provides some customized content that is played to the user as an alert or reminder. However, the reproduced content is limited to the content that can be recorded by the user. This requires a considerable amount of work for the user to create new alarm content.

Also, US Pat. No. 4,070,697 and Lyn issued to Miller et al.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,365,494 issued to CH also allows a user to record and store custom content such as verbal alert messages and link this stored bit of content to a particular alarm trigger time. Disclosed is a system having a basic function that enables the above. At a particular time, each prerecorded content is played as an alarm or reminder. These systems require a great deal of effort by the user to create new content that will be played as an alert.

US Pat. No. 5,621,458 issued to Mann et al. Discloses a docking and control device for a portable electronic entertainment device. One function of this device is that it can be used to trigger the operation of various home appliances, such as video camcorder units. In this example, the user
Assumed to have pre-recorded content on video camcorders,
The content is played. The device may also use a built-in generic message stored in memory or a custom message added by the user as the content to be played when the alarm date or time occurs. In addition, the device can drive a computer video monitor or television as a video output device. Again, this device requires the user to create some or all of the original content that may be played.

US Pat. No. 4,712,923 issued to Martin displays time, date, day of the week, month and year, and is pre-programmed for holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, appointments, and other messages. An electronic calendar that displays information and information programmed by a user. One interesting feature is the ability to repeatedly provide randomly selected representations of programmed messages, such as advertisements or safety slogans, at different times to enhance the user's memory of such messages. Again, adding a new message to the device requires a considerable programming effort by the user.

What is needed is a product that simply and automatically presents customized information to a user at a given time in certain circumstances. The product must include the ability to set user-specific preferences regarding the content provided based on the diverse and abundant amount and type of information available on the Internet.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is a watch with a WEB function, that is, an electronic watch and display device with alarm functionality and Internet connection. A watch with a WEB function includes a housing having an internal electronic circuit including a networking function, a display device, a speaker, and
It includes a power supply and controls, including snooze buttons, typically found on an alarm clock. The WEB function watch also includes a radio tuner. The WEB function watch connects to the Internet every day, and the WEB function watch setup WE
Receive custom or preferred content from the Internet based on the selections made by the user at Site B.

Content that is automatically received and played for a user includes various content types such as news, weather, and traffic information, favorite content (content specific to a user's area of interest), and User's personal information manager (P
IM) database can be configured with entries for the user's daily schedule synchronized.

Further, the function of the watch with the WEB function can be designated or changed or modified on the watch setup WEB site. For example, it is possible to specify automatic snooze activation, or fade-in of the volume of alarm audio content on the WEB site, and then during the daily connection interval or a different form of regular connection interval. Parameters will be downloaded.

An important function executed by the WEB function clock is a user's daily schedule,
Or, part of the user's daily schedule could be audio or visual provided to the user as part of the wake-up alarm process. The user can control this function via the control software, as described above. Therefore, there is a software program that takes the schedule data extracted from the user's existing scheduling software and moves that data to a WEB enabled watch. This transfer is performed every day at the time set by the user. For example, a WEB enabled watch would dial a service provider at a set time when the line is not in use when using an internal modem to connect to the Internet. This is likely to occur at a time after the user has fallen asleep, so any rescheduling that occurs late on a given day will be in time for the next morning to show the user. It is transferred to the watch with the WEB function.

Content responsive tagging functionality is provided by the WEB enabled watch. The purpose of the response tagging function is to allow the user to select a content item for some further processing at a later point in time. For example, WEB
While listening to content provided or played by a featured watch,
The user may be interested in knowing more about the particular item offered, such as a song, an advertisement, or news or a favorite item. There are several softkeys labeled by the display that correspond to the various content items that are being played or have been played. The user selects the softkey corresponding to the content item of interest. The system sends this selection back to the WEB-enabled clock server and provides more information to the user by aggregating the tags on a special WEB site or sending an email to the user.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments First, a description of the apparatus and functional components of the system will be given, and then its operation. As shown in FIG. 1, the WEB function watch 8 includes a housing similar to the housing of a conventional alarm watch. That is, the size is such that it fits conveniently on the nightstand. There is an upper housing 10 and a bottom housing 14 secured together using threaded components, which are not shown as such designs are well known in the field of consumer electronics design. The top housing 10 and bottom housing 14 are manufactured using injection molded plastic. FIG. 3 is an exploded view showing the timepiece 8 with the WEB function. There is a printed circuit board 22 which electrically connects and mechanically supports the microprocessor 74, which controls the functions of the WEB-enabled timepiece 8, the numerous system memories 78, and other electronic components. . FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the internal functional components that make up the timepiece 8 with the WEB function. Also included within the electronics is a timer subsystem that keeps track of the correct time and date. Also, W
The EB function clock 8 also includes an output means, that is, a method by which a user receives information from the WEB function clock 8. 1, 2, and 3 show a full-color liquid crystal display (LCD 54) graphics module for visual output and an amplifier and speaker 70 for audio output. The watch with WEB function 8
It includes an input means, i.e. a set of controls normally found on a clock or clock radio, for the user to control basic functions. The input means includes a power button 34
, Snooze button 18, Volume control 38, Radio tuning button, AM / F
An M-band toggle and means for setting the current and alarm times are included. There are numerous interface systems, such as mode switches, which are commonly used to set the current time, alarm time, and date on clocks and alarm clocks, and for simplicity these buttons and Its function is not described here. Referring to FIG. 4, the microprocessor 74 and the memory 78 interactively respond to button actuations, the Internet 110.
Connect to, download and store programming and content, upload user response, W specified by new user
Receiving and executing clock 8 programming with EB function, playing a downloaded content program, playing a content program streamed directly from the Internet 110, and a graphic L.
In order to control the functions of the clock with WEB function 8 including controlling the CD 54 and the sound output subsystem, the instructions from the firmware constituting the real-time operating system (RTOS) are executed. The firmware is stored in a flash memory chip, which is a type of non-volatile memory chip, so that the firmware instructions are still maintained when the power is turned off. Further, FIG. 1 shows a soft key 58a vertically arranged in a row along the right end near the LCD 54.
Also shown is a series of buttons called ~ e. The soft keys 58a-e are electrically connected to and monitored by the microprocessor 74 for active operation of the WEB function watch 8.

FIG. 2 is an RJ-for plugging the WEB function watch 8 into the wall telephone connection.
11 shows a watch 8 with a WEB function including an 11 jack 62. The jack 62 acts as a port for communicating with the Internet. The required telephone cords and AC power cords are not shown, as those elements are well known and it is obvious to any person in the field of electronic product design that they are included.

Connection / Network Functionality The WEB enabled watch 8 initiates and maintains a connection to the Internet via the internal software modem and jack 68. That is, the microprocessor 74 can create the bits that would otherwise be done by a dedicated modem chip and manage the transfer. Emulation of modems by microprocessor 74 is well known in the field of electronic design and will not be described in detail herein. The RTOS included as part of the firmware also includes network communication software components, which in this embodiment are TCP-IP software. The microprocessor 74 and the memory 78 execute instructions from the network communication software to transfer information between the WEB function clock 8 and the server arranged in the user's ISP via the telephone line. FIG. 5 shows a plurality of WEB function watches 8 or WEB function alarm watches 8 plugged into a home telephone line system.

Operation-Online Programming and Control Next, the setup, programming and control of the WEB function watch 8 will be described. Some functions, such as current time setting and alarm setting, can be performed in the controls located on the WEB function watch 8. Means for controlling watches or alarm clocks in this manner are well known and will not be described in detail here. However, the means for the user to program, control, and select a range of content to be transmitted to the WEB-enabled clock 8 is a programming and content selection WEB site accessed via the PC 106 connected to the Internet 110. Through. In general, the user of the wake-up alarm clock 8 selects preferred content from among a number of options offered on the programming and content selection WEB site, and the content defined by the user's preference selection is automatically made every day. Is downloaded to the clock with WEB function 8.

The connection of PC 106 to the Internet 110, such as telephone lines, cable modems, and modems using DSL is well known among computer users and is not described in detail here for the sake of brevity. FIG. 8 shows the PC 106,
It is a block diagram which shows each of four elements of the system containing the clock server 102 with a WEB function, the clock 8 with a WEB function, and the internet 110, and has shown the function.

A programming / content selection WEB site and a programming / content selection software application functionally connected to the WEB
It exists in the clock server 102 with the WEB function arranged in the B host service.
The WEB host service is a fee-based Internet 11 via high speed connection.
Although this is a business that uses a server connected to 0, it will not be described in detail here.
FIG. 6 lists the steps involved in the initial setup of the WEB-enabled watch 8 or the WEB-enabled alarm clock 8. Programming and content selection W
The EB site is an HTML format interface that allows users to interact to make selections for WEB enabled clock 8 functions and content. Programming and content selection software application is a clock server with WEB function 1
It is a software application resident in 02, and has other functions,
Process the selection made by the user. 9-13 illustrate a WE including conventional computer interface elements and WEB page interface elements such as dialog box pull-down menu 84, submit-reset button 86, check box 88, and browse button 90.
Page B is shown. The linear element with rounded corners in FIGS. 9-13 shows the graphical user interface button 92 selected by the user with the mouse pointer. All of these elements are familiar to anyone with some experience with WEB browsing, or technicians in the field of computer interface design and WEB interface design, and these items, or XML, or California, Mountain View Sun
Other common formatting applications or WEB software applications, such as the Java programming language provided by Microsystems, are not described in detail herein.

Next, using the PC 106 having a connection to the Internet 110, FIG.
, Step 1, a user of the WEB function watch 8 accesses a programming / content selection WEB site arranged on the WEB function watch server 102 on the Internet 110. Due to the architecture of the Internet 110, it is implied that the WEB function-equipped clock server 102 is located remotely from the PC 106. Figure 9 shows programming and content selection WE
It is a figure which shows the setup page on B site. Text fields are provided for the user to enter information such as name, address, email address, and so on.

Referring again to FIG. 6, step 2, and FIG. 9, a watch 8 with an initial WEB function is provided.
During setup, a request at the programming and content selection WEB site requires that the user enter the serial number contained on the back of the WEB-enabled watch 8 before proceeding to other processing. This allows the programming and content selection software application to identify each unique WEB-enabled watch 8 for the purpose of organizing and matching user-selected programming and content. After that, the steps in FIG.
The user is the same, except that step 2 need not be performed when using a PC because 106 maintains a cached record of user identification information associated with the programming and content selection WEB site. In addition, the user
Want to use dialing for my current ISP, or WE
You are asked if the ISP of the B-function watch 8 should be used. When the user has finished entering the information, the "submit" button is selected.

Next, referring to FIG. 6 and step 3, programming and content selection WE
At Site B, the user makes a selection from options regarding the sequence of events and activation times, selects from among the content domains, and / or the audio provided during the operation interval of the WEB-enabled clock 8. Select content or visual content. In the case of the alarm clock 8 with WEB function, the alarm alarm function and the contents constitute an alarm routine, and the operation interval of the alarm clock 8 with WEB function starts when the user selects to be awakened. For many users, this time is in the morning. FIG. 10 shows a WE for programming and selecting content for the alarm clock 8 with WEB function.
It is a figure which shows B page. FIG. 10 shows the selections for the current wakeup routine and the custom wakeup routine. The user is asked to select between "current" and "custom" wake up content.
The user is also asked if the scheduled content from the Digital Personal Information Manager (PIM) software should be synchronized with the WEB-enabled alarm clock 8. If the PIM software is to be synchronized, the user is asked to select which version of PIM software to use. In this case, a pull-down menu is included that allows the user to choose from among several popular PIM software applications.
In FIG. 10, Palm Desktop PIM software is selected. Pa
lm Desktop Software, Mountain, CA
Provided by Palm Palm Computing of View. In addition, the user schedules an event related to the WEB function-equipped clock 8, and thus can specify the number of future days in which he / she desires to allow access during that time. This feature provides that the user may not be connected to the Internet 110 each day, but may want to be reminded to schedule an event each day. After the selection is made, the "submit" button 86 is activated by the user.

Thus, the key functions performed by the WEB-enabled clock 8 are scheduled for some or all of the user's daily schedule, or for that day, which is provided to the user visually and / or audio as part of a wake-up routine. It is an audible alarm signal to the user that there is a present item. Using the schedule synchronization software application, extract the schedule data from the user's existing schedule database in PIM and move the data to the WEB-enabled clock 8 server, where:
During the communication interval, the data can be transmitted to the alarm clock 8 with the WEB function. The schedule synchronization software application is an applet, that is, a program that is temporarily acquired from the WEB function clock 8 server, but is executed by the PC 106. Each time the PC 106 is connected to the Internet 110, before each Internet 110 session is terminated, the schedule synchronization software parses the PIM schedule content for data corresponding to the specified number of future days, and The data is uploaded to the clock server 102 with WEB function. In this server, the data is stored in memory in a database associated with the corresponding owner of the WEB-enabled alarm clock 8. The programming and content selection software application reformats the schedule data into a format that can be downloaded and provided on the WEB function clock LCD 54. The download process will now be described in more detail.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a WEB page accessed when the user selects the “current wakeup routine”. The "current" routine is for first time users or users who want to quickly set up the WEB-enabled watch 8. In this case, the user can make a choice of favorite radio stations, music styles, or general preferences such as favorite morning TV shows. These choices are
It is displayed in a pull-down menu that offers a range of preference options. The user can also enter the wake-up time, whether the time is AM or PM.
Can be specified.

FIG. 12 shows a WEB page that is accessed when the user selects “Custom Wakeup Routine”, which provides more advanced customization and control of events and content. Again, the user
You can enter your preferred wake-up time. Five time slots are shown, but as the user scrolls down the page, additional time slots are presented. The total number of available time slots depends on the selected content and WE
It depends on the size of the memory 78 in the B function watch 8. A programming and content selection software application handles the user's selections and calculates the number of time slots presented to the user. In the text field labeled "Slot 1 Time Length", the user inserts the desired time duration and length for the selected content for this time slot. Note that the length of time is the desired length. The actual length of time for a content item can vary.
The user then has three options for selecting content for this timeslot: "Browse WEB", "Browse 8 Web Enabled Clock Sites", "Play Audio File". "audio·
The Play File option has a browse button associated with it. This browse button launches a dialog box that allows the user to navigate to an audio file stored on the user's computer, such as an MP3 format audio file. User browses to specific MP3
If an audio file is selected, this file will eventually be uploaded to the WEB enabled watch server 102 and downloaded or streamed to the WEB enabled watch 8 depending on the speed of the Internet 110 connection.

If “Browse WEB for this slot” is selected, a second browser window is launched and the user presents the content in a format that can be used by the WEB-enabled clock 8. You will be navigated to a web site where you can. An example of such a link is a link to an audio file on a topic of particular interest to the user.

When “Browse Web Watch 8 Site with Web Function” is selected, the page shown in FIG. 13 representing the content selection specified or preselected as the content of the Web Watch 8 is shown. For example, in FIG. 13, the block A is “C
NN. com. ”, block B contains a linked logo for“ MSNBC
Is a logo link to "CNNfn" and block C is a logo link to "CNNfn". Therefore, the user can select "CNN" for the news item.
． "com" or "CNNfn" for economic news items
Can be selected. In practice, this page will include even more links to a wide variety of sources of content. In fact, the content links in this area make up many WEB pages. These content links are provided by the companies that operate programming and content selection WEB sites, and therefore these content links are designed to be format compatible with the WEB-enabled clock 8. Web-Enabled Clock 8 Some amount of content available to the user is manually selected and formatted for the WEB-enabled clock 8. Other content items are automatically located by the Internet 110 search engine, a software application that is a component of the programming and content selection software application. The search engine searches the Internet 110 for content based on the parameters of the requirements of the WEB-enabled clock 8 and based on the user content preferences entered at the programming and content selection WEB site.

Another option available on this page is to be able to send a message to the owner of another WEB-enabled watch 8. When this selection is made, the next page asking for the name of the owner of the WEB-enabled watch 8 is displayed, providing a text field in which a message can be written. This message is then sent to the other W
Included as text content sent during the next scheduled operation interval for the owner of the EB-enabled watch 8.

Referring now to FIG. 12, time slots represent the temporal organization of content provided by the WEB enabled watch 8. That is, the content selected in the time slot 1 is reproduced first. You can see how a custom wake-up routine can be created that triggers the playback of many different kinds of audio and graphic content from these WEB pages. At the bottom of the WEB page shown in FIG. 12, there is a "submit" button that activates after the user has finished adding content within the time slot in the wakeup routine.

After the user has completed the initial setup at the programming and content selection WEB site, an initial hardware setup procedure is required. The WEB function watch 8 is plugged into an AC power supply and also connected to a telephone line. The reset button 66 is pressed and held for a few seconds to initiate a sequence of events that causes the WEB-enabled clock 8 to automatically dial a specially set number starting with 800, each WEB The function clock 8 reaches the known ISP, and the WEB
Allows to receive initial programming instructions from the user's database at the programming and content selection WEB site on the functional clock server 102.

Automatic Operation FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing a daily regular event, which is used as an alarm clock by this regular event, and is hereinafter referred to as an alarm clock 8 with a WEB function.
The functional clock 8 is connected to the WEB functional clock server 102 to receive programming and content to be provided to the user. There are two scenes where the WEB-enabled alarm clock 8 connects to the Internet 110, and these scenes usually occur daily or as defined by the user. The first scene, the communication interval, is intended to download programming and contents from the WEB function-equipped clock server 102 to the WEB function-equipped alarm clock 8. This scene usually occurs during the night. The second scene is during the motion interval, that is, WE
The B-enabled alarm clock 8 is in one or more time periods when it is programmed to provide content to the user. This scene usually occurs in the morning, but the operation interval can be programmed to occur at any time on the alarm clock 8 with the WEB function and on the programming / content selection WEB site. It should be noted that the WEB-enabled alarm clock 8 can perform its functions during the operating interval without having a live connection to the Internet 110.

Next, referring to FIG. 14 and step 1, the WEB function-equipped alarm clock 8 is activated, and the user's ISP is automatically dialed to establish a connection with the WEB function-equipped clock server 102. In FIG. 14, step 2, the alarm clock 8 with the WEB function is the Internet 110 or the clock server 10 with the WEB function.
2 receives any new programming instructions and content selections from 2 and writes this data to memory 78. After the download session ends, the connection to the Internet 110 is terminated and the WEB-enabled alarm clock LCD 54 displays a default image and / or time and date.

FIG. 14, step 3, shows in this case approximately 15 minutes before a scheduled activity interval, such as playing a wake-up routine, and the wake-up alarm clock 8 makes a telephone line call to the user ISP. A real-time connection to the Internet 110 can be reestablished via. Whether a real-time connection to the Internet 110 is established depends on the type of content requested by the user. This is because some content is only useful if it is as new as possible. An example of this type of content is the trading value of a stock. FIG. 14, step 4 shows the operation interval, which is the time when the wake-up alarm clock 8 activates, presents, and plays content to the user based on the programming and selection made on the programming and content selection web site. There is.

In FIG. 14, step 5, when the operation interval of the wakeup routine is completed, the WEB function alarm clock 8 returns to the inactive state, and the internal timer causes the WEB function alarm clock 8 for the next communication interval. Shows only the graphic image and / or the time specified by the programming until it is activated.
It should be noted that the WEB function watch can also be programmed to always show an image or play a sound.

As described above, there are some functions capable of programming and providing the clock with WEB function 8 based on the user's selection on the programming / content selection WEB site. These features display text that describes the scheduled event for the day, and provide an audible alarm if there is a scheduled event faster than a specified time.
The WEB-enabled alarm clock 8 is tuned to the radio station of the user's choice for a specified length of time, and news items of the category preferentially selected by the user are provided to the user by audio. included. FIG. 15 shows the LCD 54 on which the user's schedule content is presented.

The snooze button provides an input to pause the playback of content from memory 78 for a specified period of time, or deactivates the radio audio output from WEB-enabled alarm clock 8. The snooze period, which is the length of time the audio output is deactivated, is an example of a programming parameter that can be set at the programming and content selection WEB site.

Referring to FIG. 12 again, the function related to another operation that can be controlled by the programming and content selection WEB site is that the audio output of the WEB-enabled alarm clock 8 is started at the maximum volume during the wakeup routine. Instead, it is possible to do a slow increase, that is, a fade-in programming. The audio fade-in feature allows the wake-up audio content to be less discomforting than the full-start audio. 12
Shows how each audio time zone can be set to fade in the content selected there.

Similarly, the brightness of the LCD 54 on the WEB function watch 8 can be controlled as a product performance parameter. The backlight of LCD 54 can be programmed to gradually increase in brightness over a user-specified period. Also in this case, this makes the process of waking up more comfortable for the user with less discomfort.

Next, the response tagging function will be described. Referring now to FIG. 1, softkey 5
Reference numerals 8a to 8e are buttons arranged close to the LCD 54 arranged in the vertical direction. During the operation interval, when various content items are presented in audio and visual,
Each soft key 58a-e can be labeled on the LCD 54,
Each label has a reference to a particular content item. For example, in FIG.
At, the softkeys 58 are labeled as shown during the time ad A is being played, and for some period thereafter. If the user actuates the softkey 58c while the label corresponding to advertisement A is being applied, the WEB
The functional clock RTOS includes the ability to store this selection in digital form and match this selection with the description of the content. During the next communication interval, the WEB function watch 8 uploads the response tag information to the programming / content selection WEB site. The response tag information can be presented to the user in several ways. An email may be automatically generated that includes one or more links to information corresponding to the response tag information. The response tag information can also be aggregated into one or more specially created WEB pages containing multiple links to the tagged content.

Another use of softkeys and response tagging functionality is to provide interactivity with live radio broadcast content. The radio tuner subsystem of the WEB-enabled watch 8 can be selected as an audio source and tuned to a particular radio station. The radio tuner can be a conventional analog radio tuner for AM and FM broadcasts. Alternatively, the tuner can be a digital broadcast tuner. If the user specifies that the WEB enabled clock 8 will play the local radio station for some, or even all, of the wake-up routine, the microprocessor 74 causes the tuner circuit to receive a signal, The signal can be amplified and made audible to the user. The details of the microprocessor 74 that controls the radio tuner are conventional and will be apparent to designers familiar with the design of products including radio.

If the user has specified that the RF tuner tunes the WEB-enabled clock 8 to a particular station as part of the wakeup routine, then the radio station (typically the name of the particular station, such as FM 98.5) is The RF frequency designation of (used) is stored as data in the WEB function clock memory 78, and / or the WEB function clock server 10 is used.
2 will be stored in memory. Thus, the RTOS can also establish a link to the WEB site of that particular radio station, and also a link or other content that can be displayed on the LCD 54 on the WEB-enabled clock 8. For example, if the user specifies that the WEB enabled clock 8 should be tuned to a particular local music station broadcasting at 98.5 MHz on the FM tuning scale, after any schedule alarm has been asserted. , WEB function-equipped clock 8 can also present links corresponding to the respective soft keys with respect to the content broadcast from the 98.5 station. Therefore, the clock with WEB function 8 and programming / content selection software
The application can act as a DNS (Domain Name Server) for broadcast radio stations. In addition, this system is the Internet 1
It is also possible to work for radio content that is digitally streamed on 10. In this case, the timepiece 8 with the WEB function is
It is necessary to have a real-time connection to the internet 110.

Referring now to FIG. 1, if a 98.5 radio station broadcasts song A, song B, then advertisements A and B, the user activates songs A and B. , And there may be text links next to each softkey 58a-e that may receive additional information regarding advertisements A and B. The WEB-enabled clock server 102 includes a database list of radio stations within a given area, the broadcast signal frequencies of the radio stations, and the URLs and IP addresses of the radio stations. When the user selects a station, the programming and content selection software application matches this station to the appropriate URL and connects the WEB-enabled clock 8 to the station's URL. In this scenario, the radio station makes this information available at the server and allows this information to be transferred to each WEB-enabled clock 8 via the WEB-enabled clock server 102.

For example, if the user is listening to a particular song as part of a wakeup routine,
The title and author of the song can be displayed aligned with one of the softkey buttons. If the user wants to get more information about this song or artist, he simply presses the corresponding softkey 58. Clock with WEB function 8
Records this event and forwards this event back to the WEB-enabled clock server 102, which sends an email to the user's email address containing a link related to that artist or record company. . Subsequent delivery of information to the user based on the user activating the labeled softkey 58 can take many different forms, of which email delivery is only one. For example, a new channel button for an artist's WEB site or a record company's WEB site can be automatically added to the user's channel bar on the user's PC 106.

Alternatively, if the radio broadcast is digital, information about what is being broadcast can be sent along with the audio content. For example, if a song is being broadcast, the title and author of the song can be included in the signal. W
The EB function watch 8 is capable of extracting this information from the RF signal and presenting this information to the user on the WEB function watch LCD 54. Again, if the user wants more information about this broadcast content, he activates the corresponding softkey 58 with the corresponding label, and then, as described above, the information in the form of an email or some other delivery medium. Can receive.

Another function programmed into the alarm clock 8 with WEB function is that if the communication interval is attempted and the connection to the Internet 110 fails, or if the operation interval is attempted and the connection to the Internet 110 fails. It is a function to alarm. In this case, the user will be alarmed that the provided content may not be the latest available information. For example, if a communication interval is attempted and a connection to the Internet 110 is not possible, the latest data from the user's PIM schedule will not be sent to the WEB-enabled clock 8. The user should be made aware of this situation. Alarms consist of text messages and / or audible or audible alarms.

Next, other functions and peripheral systems, and sources of other possible contents regarding the alarm clock 8 with WEB function will be described.

When a user maintains a digital schedule on a PDA that has a wireless connection to the Internet 110 or on another mobile computing device with wireless communication capabilities, such as a cellular phone with a built-in scheduling application: Any changes to the user's schedule are automatically propagated to the user's account database at the programming and content selection WEB site. The software application that controls the wireless device includes the ability to send the schedule change to the user's account at the WEB enabled clock server 102 immediately after the schedule change occurs. Therefore, the user's wake-up routine always has the latest schedule information.

A user of the WEB function watch 8 can select from a wide variety of audio contents currently available on the Internet 110. further,
More and more audible content, such as music and spoken books, is becoming available on the Internet 110. MP3 is an example of a digital audio format created to enable efficient transfer of music and other audio content over the Internet 110. News in various categories, such as breaking news, economic news, sports event scores and other sports news, can be viewed as separate audio files or audio and video files.
Available as files or streaming data on the Internet 110. The wake-up routine for the WEB-enabled watch 8 may include playing an MP3 file, or any of these other audio files or audio sources.

While the above description contains many specifics, these specifics should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but provide some illustrations of presently preferred embodiments of the invention. I'm just doing it.

Further Features and Alternative Embodiments In the case of a built-in radio, the user can tune or program the radio via controls on a WEB-enabled watch, or a software application on the Internet. It is possible to control the radio via and the instructions are downloaded.

Another mode of bringing interactivity to the radio is to allow immediate transmission and return of user responses to the radio station that evokes the response. For example, a radio station may make an offer that requires an immediate response via broadcast waves. In this case, some users are listening to this broadcast on a WEB-enabled alarm clock using the WEB-enabled alarm clock connected to the Internet via a real-time connection. Each WEB function alarm clock decodes the broadcast frequency based on the look-up table in the WEB function clock server to find the domain name. Thus, when the user activates any of the softkeys, the W
An EB-enabled alarm clock sends a response back over the Internet to the WEB site of the currently tuned radio station. In this way, the radio station can carry out real-time interactive promotion with the end user.

If the WEB-enabled clock 8 is a system that receives programming and content from the Internet, it is possible to establish a system that allows the user to change programming parameters by calling a number starting with 800. Is. For example, if the user wants to change the wake-up time while traveling,
The user is maintained by a company that operates a WEB-enabled clock server 800
Call numbers starting with. The numbers starting with 800 operate via a voice recognition system where the caller is prompted by an automated voice menu system.

The programming and content selection WEB site can also allow for the creation of even more customized wake-up routines. For example, a user may be provided with a wake-up routine development kit that allows the user to stitch together sections of varying lengths in an audio file. For example, a user may wish to listen to a certain music selection of 10 to 20 seconds and then listen to a portion of a comedy show. The user can stitch these audio segments together. In addition, programming and content selection WEB sites and programming and content selection software applications may allow users to share this custom designed wake-up routine with other users. For example,
There may be a "buddy list" that allows users of WEB-enabled watches to send wake-up routines to other users.

The text and voice functions of the WEB function watch can be implemented as follows. As described above, the user of the clock with the WEB function can use Palm Deskto
Schedules such as scheduling aspects of p-software must be maintained in digital form. Every day, in this example, the user's scheduling software has a data field that allows the user to enter text that describes the scheduled event for that day. The schedule synchronization application searches the user's Palm Desktop for related scheduled events and populates the user's schedule associated with each block of time for this time frame (eg, 9 am to 9:30 am). Transfers the displayed text to the clock server with WEB function. This text is stored in a secure file associated with the user's WEB enabled watch online account and serial number. Then these text files are Lucen
processed by a text and voice software application such as the text and voice software produced by t or the software of Softvoice. Text and voice software is known in the art of software interface design, and this type of software application has been available for several years. Text and voice software is provided for each of the user's schedule entries. Create an audio file such as a wav file. These audio files are also stored within the secure section of the WEB-enabled clock server associated with the user's account. During the morning wake-up routine, each audio file associated with the scheduled event or events of the day is streamed or downloaded to the WEB enabled watch and the audio file is converted to sound. Thus, the user can hear an audible representation of his schedule for the day. The user can choose when to have a cutoff time for reading the events of the day. For example, a user may only want to know about events scheduled in the morning or events scheduled before a certain time.

The schedule and event alarm function of the WEB-enabled watch does not use text and voice software technology, but instead conveys to the user a pre-recorded voice that the user has a scheduled item at a certain time. It is also possible to implement as described above. This pre-recorded voice prompts the user to look at the WEB-enabled clock display for a detailed description of the scheduled event. Using this system, a wide variety of real human voices can be provided to the user and incorporated into the program as scheduled alarm voices. It is also possible to provide the user with the opportunity to incorporate his or her voice into the program as a schedule alarm or as a wake-up alarm. It is also possible to provide a recognizable celebrity voice as a schedule or wake-up alarm. FIG. 15 shows what a display would look like in this system, along with an audible output. There may also be other types of graphics alarms associated with this audible alarm, such as blinking highlighted events or blinking LCD backlight. The alarm function of these graphics can be selected by the user as he programs the wake-up routine. There may also be other types of graphic effects, such as animations, that can be used to get the user's attention. The audio alarm used to signal the user that there is a scheduled event need not be audible, but can be a tone, a piece of music, or any other sound. Further, FIG. 15 shows how the display of the clock with WEB function is configured to show the schedule information together with the label next to the soft key.

Alternative Embodiment-Modal Softkeys and Preprogrammed Softkeys Another use for softkey systems is based on the softkeys being modal. That is, each button can have many different functions and labels, depending on the mode of the device and the programming of the softkeys. In this case, the use of this system is such that the user can set up the respective functions of the softkeys of the online application that he uses to create and program the wake-up routine, for example. Each user
It is possible to have a unique functional setup of softkeys. The user can specify each of the softkey buttons, much like the current radio station buttons in a car stereo, to activate certain types of content to be played. When the watch with the WEB function is operating its wake-up routine, the display is
Contains a label for each of the softkeys. FIG. 16 shows an example of how a softkey label can be set up by a user. For example, when the user wakes up with the initial output of a WEB-enabled watch, the user reaches out and presses one of the softkeys depending on what content he wants to hear or see. You can

The WEB-enabled watch can also display information related to or related to the audio output played during the wakeup routine. For example, if the user selects a selection of music to be played, information about the band or graphics of the band may be displayed. For example, if the user selects certain stock prices to be communicated, those stock prices may also be displayed on the LCD. The LCD may also include advertising graphics.

In this way, a wide variety of items can be displayed so that the user can receive more information at a later point in time. For example, WEB
One of the functions provided on the WEB site for wake-up routines for functional watches is "
It is possible to receive “words of today's vocabulary”. If the user requests this service, each morning a new word will be read by the user as part of the wake-up routine. An offer to have the user send the word and definition via email is one of the button labels. If the user selects this button,
An email containing the words and definitions is automatically generated and sent to the user.

Alternative Embodiment-Connecting Through a PC Another embodiment for a WEB-enabled watch is a system where the WEB-enabled watch includes a wireless connection to a local PC, such as the system shown in FIG. The means for implementing this system is to connect a WEB enabled watch to a PC or home server 99 via a wireless connection such as the Bluetooth communication protocol. Bluetooth is a set of hardware (such as integrated circuits)
And a firmware for a wireless LAN communication system, S, Illinois
Manufactured by a number of large telecommunications component manufacturers such as Motorola in Hamberg. Another LAN manufacturer means is to use a system that uses home AC wiring to link devices together. An example of this is AnyPoint, manufactured by Intel of Santa Clara, CA.
t system. Also, the system is more expensive than Bluetooth,
It can also be implemented using HomeRF, another wireless system that reaches faster and longer distances. HomeRF wireless technology is based in Su, Calif.
Provided by Proxim of nnyvale.

The PC or home server is allowed to enter a “suspend” or “sleep” mode, or any type of low power consumption mode, but left on (operational state). M in Redmond, Washington
Windows provided by Microsoft Corporation
(Registered trademark) 98, the hard disk stops rotating and the monitor turns off.
The computer is still on, that is, the microprocessor 74 is running and supports a mode in which it can execute instructions. Windo
ws98 enables the scheduling of tasks at the present time. For example,
It is possible that a WEB-enabled Clock Manager software application installed on a PC creates a set of software instructions, "Scheduled Tasks", that are activated at times prior to the wake-up time. This "scheduled task" causes the PC to exit any power saving mode (hard drive boot, etc.) and dial the WEB enabled clock server. After connecting to the clock server with WEB function, the PC
Communication between the WEB function watch server and the WEB function watch by communicating to the server via an online connection and by communicating with the WEB function watch via a wireless communication link or an AC wiring communication link. Handles all of.

The home PC is a static image, a text file such as a file containing PIM scheduled content, an MP3 file, a full motion video file (such as a file in MPEG format), animation, and a programming and content selection software application. Receive and store all of the text and audio audio files created by. During the wake-up routine, the PC streams the audio content to the WEB-enabled watch,
It also sends any other files, such as graphics files, to the WEB-enabled clock. In this embodiment, most of the computing work is done by the PC, so the WEB-enabled watch needs to have very little internal memory 78.

Text-to-speech conversion software can also be present on the personal user's PC, in which case the conversion will take place and the audio file will be WE.
It can be streamed to a watch with a B function. The user uses the programming and content selection WEB site as a place to go to find suggested content, organized for use with a WEB enabled watch. The site also offers all of the custom content services such as message exchanges between watch users with WEB capabilities.

The PC can also lead Internet content from sources on the Internet, such as programming and content selection WEB sites or other sources, through the PC and through the wireless hub to the WEB enabled watch. Alternatively,
The system is capable of functioning with the content provided to the user via the WEB enabled clock as a combination of content streamed in real time and content cached on the PC.

Another system design for one or more WEB enabled watches is that each WEB
It is to include the LAN technology, for example, the above-mentioned wireless LAN transceiver in the functional timepiece. The wireless hub, which provides data to each of the WEB enabled watches, is directly connected to a home broadband gateway, which is a cable or DSL modem with a built-in router. This type of home gateway product has become well known. In this case, the content for the WEB enabled watch is either stored on the WEB enabled watch or streamed to the WEB enabled watch, or some combination of streaming and caching. This type of Internet connection and LAN system represents an "always-on" system in which the connection to the Internet is live, always present, and ready to transmit data. There is no "dialing" to bring a functional connection.

As another alternative to this embodiment, the programming interface for the WEB enabled watch could reside entirely on the local PC. In this system, the user does not need to establish a connection to the Internet to program the WEB-enabled watch, instead the user is cached with the programming and content selection software application and PC that resides on the PC. It is possible to make programming and content selections based on this information, which will be transferred directly between the PC and the WEB-enabled watch through one of the LAN systems described above.

Alternative Embodiment-Wireless Wide Area Network (WAN) Network Functional WEB Capable Watch includes a Wireless Wide Area Network (WAN) transceiver that connects the WEB Capable Clock directly to the Internet. Is also possible. A wireless transceiver capable of providing this functionality is provided by Matrixcom of Mountain View, CA. The Metricom products are called Ricochet wireless modems and offer a data rate of 128 Kbps. The transceiver circuitry and components can be incorporated into a watch housing with WEB functionality along with an external antenna. This wireless link is close to broadband speed and is "always on"
Is.

The wireless function may be a cellular type communication configuration in which a connection to the Internet is made via a connection between a WEB-enabled watch with an internal cellular telephone wireless chipset and a cell outside the home. Cellular communication chipsets are available from Nokia in Finland and Motorol from Schaumberg, Illinois.
a, commercially available, and very common in cellular phones. The use of this type of communication arrangement is well known in the field of cellular telephone design, and this knowledge is easily applied to watches with WEB capabilities.

The programming interface can also reside on a PDA or a custom programming device that can be connected to a watch with WEB capabilities. WEB
This connection to the functional watch can be made via any number of the means already mentioned, such as a modem or a wired or wireless network connection. Alternatively, it is possible to program a watch with a WEB function, for example by using a PDA. A program is run on the PDA that allows the user to set up a WEB enabled watch to have the desired functionality. The PDA then uploads this setup data to the WEB enabled watch via a wireless port such as an RF port or an infrared communication transceiver.

The WEB enabled watch may also include slots for adding additional memory for the purpose of allowing the WEB enabled watch to download and store additional content and programming. Compact flash is a well-known technique that utilizes the flash memory of a small, removable flash memory card. Using this feature, users can upgrade their WEB-enabled watches if they need additional content capabilities, such as the ability to download and play more MP3 format songs. Is possible.

As shown in FIG. 4, the watch with the WEB function has an audio signal output jack 96
Can be incorporated to allow the user to connect an external set of speakers if a higher fidelity sound is desired. Audio electrical standards for this type of external speaker connection are well known in the art of radio design or sound reproduction device design.

The display device included in the WEB function watch is a full-color graphics LC.
It need not be D. The display device can be a simple digital segmented display device for the purpose of reducing the cost of the device, although the display device has limited value as an advertising medium.

[Brief description of drawings]

[Figure 1]   It is an isometric front view showing a WEB function watch.

[Fig. 2]   It is an isometric rear view showing a watch with a WEB function.

[Figure 3]   It is an isometric exploded view showing a watch with a WEB function.

[Figure 4]   It is a block diagram which shows the internal structural element of the timepiece with a WEB function.

[Figure 5]   It is a figure which shows the watch telephone with a WEB function linked to the internet.

[Figure 6]   4 is a flow chart showing initial online setup of a watch with a WEB function.

[Figure 7]   6 is a flowchart showing an initial setup in a device with a WEB function.

[Figure 8]   It is a block diagram which shows the timepiece system component with a WEB function which has a function.

FIG. 9 shows a WEB page showing the initial user setup on a programming and content selection WEB site.

FIG. 10 is a WEB page showing a user setup interface for selecting a custom content selection or a predetermined content selection on a programming and content selection WEB site.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a WEB page showing a predetermined wake-up routine interface.

FIG. 12 illustrates a WEB page showing a customer wakeup routine interface.

[Fig. 13]   It is a figure which shows the WEB page which shows the proposal of a custom wake-up content.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a general operation of the timepiece with the WEB function in the reproduction mode.

FIG. 15 is a front view of a WEB function watch showing schedule information and labeled soft keys.

FIG. 16: W with softkey programmed as current content selection button
It is an isometric view which shows the timepiece with EB function.

FIG. 17 illustrates a system that uses a central home server to provide content to each of several WEB enabled watches.

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (81) Designated countries EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, I T, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE), OA (BF, BJ , CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, K E, LS, MW, MZ, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG , ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AE, AG, AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, BZ, C A, CH, CN, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM , DZ, EE, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, K E, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS , LT, LU, LV, MA, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, MZ, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, R U, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM , TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, UZ, VN, YU, ZA, ZW [Continued summary] This allows you to specify a specific content in a watch with WEB function. Send a response corresponding to the content item to the WEB-compatible server It can be returned.

Claims (25)

[Claims] 1. A device for providing preselected information from a WEB site via the Internet, comprising: a visual display device, a speaker, a port for connecting the speaker to the Internet, and a WEB via the port. A device for activating the download of preselected information from a site and activating the provision of the preselected information on at least one of the visual display device and the speaker. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the timer device determines when the act of providing the preselected information should be acted upon in response to the time related information downloaded from the WEB site. 3. Content of preselected information provided by the device
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising input means for tagging an item, uploading information corresponding to the tagged content item to a WEB site via the port. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a tuner for receiving a radio broadcast and playing the radio broadcast through a speaker. 5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a memory that stores the preselected information downloaded in response to the timer device for later provision. 6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a speech synthesizer for audio broadcasting the text portion of the preselected information over a speaker. 7. A system for providing preselected information over the Internet, comprising: a visual display device, a speaker, and a display device including a first port connecting to a local network; A server device including a second port for connecting a server device to the display device via a network; a third port for connecting the server device to the Internet; and a WEB site via the third port. A timer device for activating the download of preselected information from the server device to the display device and activating the transmission of the downloaded preselected information to the display device for providing on the display device. system. 8. The input device for tagging a content item of preselected information provided by a display device, the server device further comprising: the tagged content item via the third port. Information corresponding to
The device according to claim 7, which is uploaded to the B site. 9. The device of claim 7, wherein the display device further comprises a tuner for receiving the radio broadcast and for playing the radio broadcast at a speaker. 10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the timer device determines when transmission of the preselected information to the display device should occur in response to the time related information downloaded from the WEB site. 11. The device of claim 7, wherein the timer device determines when provision of the preselected information by the display device should occur in response to the time-related information downloaded from the WEB site. 12. The display device further comprises a plurality of display devices each including a visual display device, a speaker, and a port for connection to a server device via a local network, the plurality of display devices being provided on the display device. 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the timer device activates the transmission of the downloaded preselected information to the display device. 13. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising memory means for storing the preselected information downloaded in response to the timer device for later provision. 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the memory means is included within the server device. 15. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the timer device is included in the server device. 16. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising a speech synthesizer for audio broadcasting the text portion of the preselected information over a speaker. 17. A step of selecting information at a WEB site connected to the Internet, a step of selecting a first time value, a step of connecting to the WEB site, and selecting the selected information via the Internet. A method of providing preselected information via the Internet, comprising: downloading, and using a display device to provide the downloaded selected information at a time corresponding to the first time value. 18. Tagging the downloaded content item of selected information provided in the providing step, and transmitting the information corresponding to the tagged content item to a WEB site via the Internet. 18. The device of claim 17, further comprising: 19. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising the step of selecting a second time value, wherein the connecting and downloading steps occur at a time corresponding to the second time value. 20. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising storing the downloaded selected information, wherein the providing step occurs after the downloading step is complete. 21. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the connecting and downloading steps are performed by a server device connected to the display device via a local network and to a WEB site via the Internet. 22. The device of claim 21, further comprising transmitting the downloaded selected information from the server device to the display device. 23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the steps of downloading, transmitting and providing are performed simultaneously. 24. The transmitting step further comprises transmitting the downloaded selected information from the server device to the plurality of display devices, and the providing step comprises the downloaded selection using the plurality of display devices. 23. The device of claim 22, further comprising providing the information provided. 25. The step of selecting a first time value further comprises selecting a plurality of first time values, and the step of providing a plurality of times at times corresponding to the plurality of first time values. 23. The apparatus of claim 22, further comprising providing the downloaded selected information using a display device of.