US20200196360A1

US20200196360A1 - Systems and methods of controlling media content in a multi-room environment using a wireless communication device

Info

Publication number: US20200196360A1
Application number: US16/798,058
Authority: US
Inventors: Bret Hruby; Michael Zhao
Original assignee: Vtv Technologies Inc
Current assignee: Vtv Technologies Inc
Priority date: 2016-12-06
Filing date: 2020-02-21
Publication date: 2020-06-18
Also published as: WO2018104873A2; US20180160455A1; US10575342B2; WO2018104873A3

Abstract

This disclosure relates to systems and methods for controlling media content with a wireless device in a wireless communication network via a media content streaming device communicatively coupled to an access point in a multi-room environment. Users associated with client computing platforms may obtain authentication to the wireless communication network via the access point. Upon gaining access to wireless communication network, users may be able to access the Internet using their client computing platforms. Users may be able to effectuate a wireless data communication session between their client computing platforms and media content streaming devices. Users may be able to control the media content streamed by the media content streaming device onto a media content display device. The access point may be connected to the media content streaming device via a dongle-type connector. Associations between media content streaming devices and client computing platforms may be maintained.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/371,160 filed on Dec. 6, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for controlling media content with a wireless device in a wireless and/or wired communication network via a media content streaming device communicatively coupled to a media content streaming gateway.

BACKGROUND

It is been known that users are increasingly using wireless mobile devices such as smart phones, tablets, and the like that provide Internet connectivity. In using these devices, users are consuming media from various sources on the Internet and on their wireless mobile devices. With the growth of media streaming cast devices like Chromecast™ and Apple TV™ users can stream data from their wireless mobile devices or the Internet.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one or more embodiments, various features and functionality can be provided to enable or otherwise facilitate media content transmission in a multi-user environment.
Embodiments of the disclosure are directed to systems and methods for a media content transmission system. In one embodiment, a media content transmission system may include a housing encompassing a streaming device configured to communicatively couple a display device, and a connecting device comprising a first interface configured to communicatively couple the streaming device, and a second interface configured to communicatively couple an access point. A media content transmission system may also include a plurality of mobile devices operated by a plurality of users, each mobile device configured to transmit media content from the mobile device onto the display device via the streaming device during a wireless data communication session. The wireless communication session between an individual mobile device and the access point may be established by authenticating a user associated with the individual mobile device during an authentication process by assigning the individual mobile device to the access point. The assigned individual mobile device may transmit media content via the streaming device communicatively coupled to the assigned access point via the connecting device. The first interface of the connecting device may include a microUSB connector and the second interface of the connecting device comprises an Ethernet connector.
In some embodiments, the individual mobile device may be configured to access a global internet using the assigned access point.
In some embodiments, the assigned access point may be communicatively coupled to a network server via a wired connection.
In some embodiments, the individual mobile device may be configured to communicate with the streaming device over one or more communication protocols including at least one of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, near field communication, and RFID communication protocols.
In embodiments, the streaming device may be configured to be communicatively coupled to the display device via a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI).
In some embodiments, the media content transmitted by the individual communication device via the streaming device onto the display device may be received from the global internet.
In some embodiments, an individual user may control the media content received from the global internet and transmitted by the individual mobile device via the streaming device onto the display device via a graphical user interface of a media content application on the individual media device.
In another embodiment, a connecting device for transmitting media content is disclosed. The device may include a first interface configured to communicatively couple a streaming device, the streaming device communicatively coupled to a display device. The device may also include a second interface configured to communicatively couple an access point. A mobile device of a plurality of mobile devices operated by a plurality of users may be configured to transmit content from the mobile device onto the display device via the streaming device during an authenticated wireless data communication session between the mobile device and the access point. The authenticated wireless communication session may be established by associating the mobile device with the connecting device by assigning the mobile device to the access point. The mobile device may transmit media content via the streaming device communicatively coupled to the access point assigned to the mobile device via the connecting device.
In some embodiments, the first interface of the device for transmitting media content may include a microUSB connector and the second interface of the device for transmitting media content may include an Ethernet connector.
In some embodiments, the mobile device may be configured to access a global internet using the assigned access point.
In some embodiments, the assigned access point may be communicatively coupled to a network server via a wired connection.
In some embodiments, the device for transmitting media content and the streaming device may be enclosed in a housing.
In yet another embodiment, a method for transmitting media content in a multi-user environment is disclosed. The method may include establishing a wireless communication session between an individual mobile device of a plurality of mobile devices operated by a plurality of users and an access point by authenticating a user associated with the individual mobile device during an authentication process by assigning the individual mobile device to the access point. The method may also include transmitting media content from the individual mobile device via a streaming device onto a display device during the wireless data communication session. The streaming device may be configured to communicatively couple the display device. The streaming device may be configured to communicatively couple the assigned access point via a connecting device.
In some embodiments, the communicative coupling of the assigned access point by the streaming device via the connecting device may include communicatively coupling a first interface of the communication device to the streaming device and communicatively coupling a second interface of the connecting device to the assigned access point. The first interface of the connecting device may include a microUSB connector and the second interface of the connecting device may include an Ethernet connector
In some embodiments, the individual mobile device may be configured to communicate with the streaming device over one or more communication protocols comprising at least one of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, near field communication, and RFID communication protocols.
In some embodiments, the transmitting media content from the individual mobile device via the streaming device onto the display device may include communicatively coupling the streaming device to the display device via a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI).
In some embodiments, the authentication process is disclosed. The authentication process may include receiving user information comprising an identification input. The authentication process may also include comparing the identification input with an authentication parameter. The access point may be assigned to the individual mobile device upon determining the identification input matches the authentication parameter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a system for controlling media content with a client computing device in a wireless communication network via a media content streaming device communicatively coupled to a media content streaming gateway, according to an implementation of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic of a media content streaming gateway with a communicatively coupled media content streaming device an example system configured to generate a diet and exercise program, according to an implementation of the disclosure.

FIG. 3A illustrates an exemplary media content streaming gateway with a communicatively coupled media content streaming device, according to an implementation of the disclosure.

FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary dongle-type connector used to communicatively couple a media content streaming device within a media content streaming gateway, according to an implementation of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary user interface used controlling media content in a wireless communication network, according to an implementation of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary user interface used for monitoring and controlling media content streaming device, according to an implementation of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a method of for controlling media content with a client computing platform in a wireless communication network via a media content streaming device communicatively coupled within a media content streaming gateway, according to an implementation of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a multi-room media content control system 100, in accordance with one or more implementations. As is illustrated in FIG. 1, system 100 may include one or more of one or more servers 102, one or more client computing devices 104, one or more media content streaming gateways 122, one or more media content streaming devices 124, one or more media content display devices 126, and/or other components.
Server(s) 102 may be configured to communicate with one or more client computing device(s) 104 according to a client/server architecture. The users of system 100 may access system 100 via client computing devices(s) 104 associated with the users. Server(s) 102 may include one or more physical processors 124, and/or other components. The one or more physical processors 124 may be configured by machine-readable instructions 105. Executing the machine-readable instructions 105 may cause server(s) 102 to facilitate generating augmented reality experiences. Machine-readable instructions 105 may include one or more computer program components. The computer program components may include one or more of access component 106, streaming component 108, control component 110, maintenance component 112, and/or other components.
In some implementations, client computing device(s) 104 may include one or more of a smartphone, a tablet, a mobile device, and/or other devices. A given client computing device(s) 104 may include one or more of one or more processors configured by machine-readable instructions, and/or other components. Machine-readable instructions of a client computing device may include computer program components. The computer program components may be configured to enable a user associated with the given client computing device(s) 104 to interface with system 100, access point and/or external resources 120, and/or provide other functionality attributed herein to client computing device(s) 104 and/or server(s) 102.
In some implementations, server(s) 102, client computing device(s) 104, and/or external resources 120 may be operatively linked via one or more electronic communication links. For example, such electronic communication links may be established, at least in part, via network 103 such as the Internet and/or other networks. In some implementations, server(s) 102, client computing device(s) 104, and/or external resources 120 may be operatively linked via some other communication media.
Network 103 may be configured as a wireless communication network, such as a wireless wide-area network (WWAN) or IEEE 802.11-based wireless local area network (WLAN), and/or other communication network. Network 103 may be configured as an open network to allow users associated with client devices(s) 104 to temporarily access wireless communication network.
Network 103 may be configured using wired and/or wireless technologies, including cellular networks, Ethernet, and/or other technologies. Network 103 may be configured using communication protocols including IEEE 802.11, RF, IrDA (infrared), Bluetooth, ZigBee (and other variants of the IEEE 802.15 protocol), IEEE 802.11 (any variation), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX or any other variation), IEEE 802.20, GSM, CDMA, TDMA, GPRS, EDGE, LTE, UMTS, and/or other communication systems.
One or more access point may be configured to provide access to network 103 to client computing devices 104, media content streaming gateway 122, and/or other devices. Access points may be configured to allow wireless, wired, and/or other type of connection with devices. For example, the access point may be configured as a Wi-Fi router configured to provide wireless and/or wired access to network 103. Authentication processes may be implemented to ensure secure and credentialed access onto network 103.
One or more media content streaming gateway 122 may be configured to be integrated with media content streaming device 124 within the same unit. Media content streaming gateway 122 with integrated media content streaming device 124 may be configured to communicatively couple to one or more access points to effectuate data communication between media content streaming gateway 122, media content streaming device 124, and/or other components. Media content streaming gateway 122 may be configured to couple to the access point using wireless, wired, and/or other type of connection.
Media content streaming gateway 122 may be configured to provide authenticated users associated with client computing devices 104 within network 103 with an ability to effectuate wireless communication with an individual media streaming device, such as media streaming device 124, housed within media content streaming gateway 122.
Referring to FIG. 2, a schematic illustrates media content streaming gateway 200 configured to provide authenticated users within a wireless and/or wired network access to media content streaming device 201. Media content streaming gateway 200 may be configured to communicatively couple media content streaming device 201 via 217 connector of dongle-type device 215. Media content streaming gateway 200 may be configured to communicatively couple to access point 205 via 219 connector of dongle-type device.
Dongle-type device 215 may be configured to include micro USB controller 217 and Ethernet controller 219. Micro USB interface 217 may be configured to communicatively couple media content streaming device 201. Ethernet controller 219 may be configured to communicatively couple to access point 205.
Dongle-type device 215 may include a AX8877x USB chipset to 10/100 Fast Ethernet/HomePNA/HomePlug controller and/or other controller. The AX8877x dongle-type device may have embedded 28 KB SRAM for packet buffering, a USB interface to communicate with USB host controller, compliant with USB specification V1.0, V1.1 and V2.0. AX8877x dongle-type device may implements 10/100 Mbps Ethernet LAN function based on IEEE802.3, IEEE 802.3u, HomePNA standard, and/or other standards. The AX8877x dongle-type device may integrate an on-chip 10/100 Mbps Ethernet PHY. The AX8877x dongle-type device may be configured to directly receive Ethernet data may be received via Ethernet controller 219 from wireless and/or wired communication network via access point 205.
Media content streaming gateway 122 may be configured to communicate with the WAN via WAN connector 230. Media content streaming gateway 122 may be configured to communicate with the LAN via LAN connector 232.
Electrical power flow 237 may provide power to media content streaming device 201. Power regulator 220 may be configured to control power-on capability of media content streaming device 201.
Media content streaming device 201 contained within media content streaming gateway 200 may be configured to communicatively couple to a media content display device via connector 210. Connector 210 may be an HDMI connector and/or other connector.
Antenna 240 may be configured within media content streaming gateway 200. The circuitry carried by media content streaming gateway 200 may include a wireless transceiver coupled to antenna 240, antenna 240, and/or other components. Antenna 240 and/or other components may be configured to operate within specific frequency bands. Antenna 240 may be configured as a dual-band frequency antenna. Antenna 240 may be configured to operate in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands.
Referring back to FIG. 1, media content streaming gateway 122 may be configured to a power input for receiving power from an external source, such as external power supply, a local area network radio interface, a display interface, a user interface including at least one of a power switch, a printed circuit board, a non-transitory memory configured to store instructions, a processor coupled with memory, and/or other components. The circuitry of media content streaming gateway 122 may include a processor, a memory, a wireless transceiver, an antenna, a power source, and/or other components.
For example, FIG. 3A illustrates an exemplary media content streaming gateway 322. Media content streaming gateway may be enclosed in a housing 350. Media content streaming gateway 322 may include media content streaming device 324, dongle-type device 331 connecting media content streaming device 324, Ethernet connector 360, HDMI connector 325, a power input, local area network radio interface(s) 354, a power switch, non-transitory memory and processor 358, and/or other components. Within housing 350 of media content streaming gateway 322, media content streaming device 324 may be communicatively coupled via a dongle-type device 331 to one or more components within media content streaming gateway 322. As illustrated in FIG. 3B, dongle-type device 331 may include micro USB connector 333, micro USB connector 335, and/or other connectors.
Referring back to FIG. 1, in some implementations, some components of media content streaming gateway 122 may provide paths by which electrical power flows to media content streaming device 124 eliminating the need for media content streaming device 124 to have its own on-board power source.
In some implementations, a user interface of media content streaming gateway 122 may include a power-on capability. This capability may be a switch, button, or other method of powering on and off media content streaming gateway 122. In some embodiments, this capability may be configured to be accessed via network 103 for remote control of power-on capabilities.
In some implementations, multiple media content streaming gateways and/or media content streaming devices may be configured within a multi-room environment. A multi-room environment may be a hotel, a hospital, a cruise ship, an educational institution, a business, and/or other environments. Multiple media content streaming devices may be configured within multiple locations within a multi-room environment. Individual locations or rooms within a multi-room environment may include hotel rooms in a hotel, cruise ship cabins on a cruise ship, classrooms in an educational institution, offices within a business establishment, and/or other locations.
In some implementations, media content streaming gateway 122 may be configured to act as an access point and provide access to network 103 to client computing devices 104.
In some implementations, individual media content streaming gateways 122 may be configured to provide services to more than one room or location within a multi-room environment. Alternatively, multiple media content streaming gateways may be servicing a single location. In some implementations, individual media content streaming gateways 122 may have multiple radios, each available to serve a different guest or communication need.
Media content streaming device 124 may be configured to stream media content within network 103. Media content streaming device 124 may be configured to effectuate the streamed media content onto media content display device 126. One or more media content streaming device 124 may be configured to communicatively couple with media content display device 126. In some implementations, media content streaming device 124 may be directly connected to media content display device 126 via an HDMI, a Universal Serial Bus (USB), and/or other connections. In some implementations, media content streaming devices 124 may be connected to media content display device 126 via a cable interface (e.g., Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) cable interface), and/or other interface. Media content streaming device 124 may be communicatively coupled to media content streaming gateway 122. In some implementations, media content display device 124 may be configured to be housed outside of media content streaming gateway 122.
Streamed media content may include media content contained on authenticated client computing platform 104, a media content provider available over the Internet, and/or other media content. Streamed media content may be accessed with authenticated client computing platforms 104. In some implementations, streamed media content may be accessed with a streaming application installed on client computing devices 104.
In some implementations, one or more media content streaming device 124 may be configured to be controlled by a network administrator via network 103. The administrative control upon media content streaming device 124 may be effectuated via a wireless network connection, a wired Ethernet connection, and/or by other connection.
Media content display device 126 may be configured to display audio and visual media content transmitted by media content streaming device 124 and/or other devices. Media content display device 126 may commonly be referred to as an audio/visual device (e.g., a television). One or more media content display device 126 may be configured to include at least one of an HDMI connector, a USB connector, a tuner, auxiliary interface, a processor that controls audio and visual signal, and/or other components.
Media content display device 126 may be configured to receive media content from client computing platforms 104 via media content streaming device 124 connected to media content display devices 126 via a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), a Universal Serial Bus (USB) and/or other connections.
In some implementations, client computing platforms 104 may be configured to control the media content displayed on media content display device 126.
Referring back to FIG. 1, external resources 120 may include sources of information, hosts and/or providers of virtual environments outside of system 100, external entities participating with system 100, and/or other resources. In some implementations, some or all of the functionality attributed herein to external resources 120 may be provided by resources included in system 100.
Access component 106 may be configured to control user access to network 103 and/or other communication networks. Network 103 may be used to access the Internet and/or other components. Access component 106 may be configured to control user requests to access network 103. Requests to access network 103 may be made by users via client computing platforms 104 associated with the users, and/or other devices. Access component 106 may be configured to connect client computing devices 104 to the Internet through a wireless, wired and/or other connection to network 103.
Access component 106 may be configured to receive authenticating information from users associated with client computing platforms 104. Access component 106 may be configured to authenticate users attempting to access network 103 by comparing authenticating information and/or other parameters received by users with information stored within system 100. Access component 106 may be configured to allow access to the Internet to users that have been successfully authenticated.
Access component 106 may be configured to control access to media content streaming gateway 122, media content streaming device 124, and/or other devise. Access component 106 may be configured to control access to media content streaming gateway 122, media content streaming device 124 by authenticating users associated with client communication platforms 104 that have been authenticated to network 103 and/or other communication networks. Access component 106 may be configured to receive authenticating information from users associated with client computing platforms 104. Access component 106 may be configured to authenticate users attempting to access media content streaming gateway 122, media content streaming device 124, and/or other devices by comparing authenticating information and/or other parameters received by users with information stored within system 100. Access component 106 may be configured to allow access to media content streaming gateway 122, media content streaming device 124, and/or other devices to users that have been successfully authenticated.
In some implementations, access component 106 may be configured to require that users enter authentication information and/or other parameters to authenticate and establish a wireless connection to media content streaming gateway 122 via client computing platforms 104. In some implementations, access component 106 may be configured to require that users enter authentication information and/or other parameters to a web browser of the client computing platform 104. Authentication information may include password, user name, and/or other authenticating information. Other parameters may include user name, user location, payment information, and/or other information.
By way of non-limiting illustration, guests in a multi-room hotel may wish to access hotel's wireless network using their wireless devices. Guests attempting to access a wireless communication network in their hotel room within the hotel may have to establish a wireless network connection with one or more access points. Upon establishing the connection, guests may be asked to provide authenticating information to obtain access to the Internet, a media content streaming gateway, a media content streaming device, and/or other services and/or components. Guests may receive a user name, a password, and/or other authenticating information upon check-in at a hotel front desk. Guests may configure their client computing devices with the authenticating information provided by the hotel. Upon entering their room, a guest may use a browser on their client computing platform to connect to and access a wireless network of the hotel, whereupon the guest could enter their name and room number for further authentication. Upon authentication, guests may be able to access the Internet. Guests may be able to access media content streaming gateway 122, media content streaming device 124, and/or other devices.
Streaming component 108 may be configured to effectuate a wireless and/or wired data transmission via media content streaming device 124, and/or other transmissions. Streaming component 108 may be configured to transmit audio visual signals (media content) corresponding to specified HDMI signals and process the media content for transmission to media content display device 124. Streaming component 108 may be configured to effectuate transmission of media content from authenticated client computing platform 104 wirelessly connected and/or wired to media content streaming device 124 via network 103. Streaming component 108 may be configured to effectuate transmission of media content from the Internet over network 103.
Streaming component 108 may be configured to effectuate media content transmission via media content streaming device 124 coupled to media content streaming gateway 122, as described elsewhere in this disclosure. The coupling of the media streaming device 124 to media content streaming gateway 122 which in turn is communicatively coupled to network 103 via Ethernet connector may be configured to control access to media content streaming device 124 to users associated with client computing platform 104 that have been authenticated onto network 103 by access component 106, and/or other components.
Streaming component 108 may be configured to manage and/or control media content streaming gateways, media content streaming devices, and/or other devices. Streaming component 108 may be configured to maintain associations between individual media content streaming gateways and locations within a multi-room environment. One or more media content streaming gateway may be associated with one or more locations. Associations between media content streaming gateway and location may be one or more of one-to-one, many-to-one, one-to-many, many-to-many, and/or other associations. Streaming component 108 may be configured to control access between authenticated users at a specific location within network 103 and media content streaming gateway 122 associated with the location user has authenticated into.
By way of non-limiting illustration, a guest in a hotel may be provided with authentication information upon check-in. Upon entering a designated room, the guest may access hotel's wireless network by providing authentication information and/or other authentication parameters (e.g., guest name, guest room number, and/or other information). A media content streaming gateway communicatively coupled to a hotel's wireless and/or wired network via a WAN connector may be associated with a certain room number. By authenticating onto hotel's wireless and/or wired network, the guest may be able to connect to media content streaming device coupled to a media content streaming gateway associated with guest's room. Authentication information and/or parameters provided by the guest matched the authentication parameters stored within media content streaming gateway. Thus, only users that provide necessary authentication information and/or parameters may be able to establish a wireless and/or wired connection to a mobile content streaming device, for example, for streaming media content purposes. While other guests may be able to authenticate onto hotel's wireless and/or wired network using their wireless communication devices they may not be able to access specific mobile content streaming gateways and mobile content streaming devices coupled to mobile content streaming gateways for lack of additional authentication parameters, such as guest name, guest room, and/or other authentication parameters.
Control component 110 may be configured to effectuate control of media content displayed on media content display device 126 that has been transmitted via media content streaming device 124. Control component 110 may be configured to allow users associated with authenticated client computing platforms 104 to interact with media content displayed on media content display device 126. Control component 110 may be configured to allow user to select media content using client computing device 104.
Control component 110 may be configured to effectuate control of media content displayed on media content display device 126 that has been transmitted via media content streaming device 124 originating from client computing platform. Users may interact with media content streaming device 124 originating from client computing platform by selecting a particular media content (e.g., a movie, a video, a photo album), by effectuating additional input to the selected media content (e.g., flipping through pictures of the photo album), and/or other controls.
Control component 110 may be configured to effectuate control of media content displayed on media content display device 126 that has been transmitted via media content streaming device 124 originating from media content provider available over the Internet. Users may interact with media content streaming device 124 originating from the Internet by selecting a particular media content (e.g., a movie, a video, a video game), by effectuating additional input to the selected media content (e.g., interacting with characters within the video game), and/or other controls.
In some implementations, control component 110 may be configured to effectuate control of media content displayed on media content display device 126 that has been transmitted via media content streaming device 124 by facilitating interaction between users and the media content. For example, control component 110 may be configured to include a user interface configured to receive user input from the user. The received user input may indicate a selectable image, a selectable command, a textual information, a textual command, a voice command, and/or other information that facilitates entry or selection of media control information by the user. By way of non-limiting example, user input may be received through a client application on the wireless communication device. An input device may include a key entry device, a touch entry device, an imaging device, a sound device, and/or other input devices.
By way of illustration and non-limiting example, FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary user interface 400 that may be used to control media content displayed on a media content display device. User interface 400 may include user interface fields that allow a user to provide user input that is received by control component 110 and/or other components of system 100. The user interface fields may include a textual command field 401, selection fields 402, 403, 404, 405, action field 406, volume level adjustment fields 407, 408, channel adjustment fields 409, 410, menu field 412, guide field 413, Netflix field 415, and/or other user interface fields.
Textual command field 401 may allow the a user to enter textual, voice, and/or other information when controlling media content. For example, a user may select field 401 and speak “room service” to bring a hotel's room service menu. Selection fields 402, 403, 404, and 405 may correspond to allowing a user to select specific media content during review, browsing and/or while performing other functions. For example, a user may be interested in selecting a particular movie from a movie list and may use selection field 402 to go up to the particular movie within the movie list. Volume level adjustment fields 407 and 408 may correspond to allowing a user to increase or decrease a volume of an audio output of the media content display device. For example, volume level adjustment field 407 may correspond to allowing user to increase the volume. Channel adjustment fields 409 and 410 may correspond to a channel adjustment within a channel guide, a channel menu, and/or other menu. Menu field 412 may correspond to allowing a user to view a menu associated with media content. For example, the menu may include hotel services, games, cable TV, streaming content, and/or other information. Guide field 413 may correspond to allowing a user to view a channel guide associated with media content representing cable TV and/or other information. Netflix field 415 may correspond to allowing a user to view a media content associated with Netflix provider. A user may confirm the selection and/or effectuate media content control command in accordance with user-provided input through fields 401-415 through action field 406.
Referring back to FIG. 1, in some implementations, control component 110 may be configured to effectuate control of media content displayed on media content display device 126 that has been transmitted via media content streaming device 124 by the network administrator. Control component 110 may be configured to allow users associated with authenticated client computing platforms 104 to interact with media content displayed on media content display device 126. For example, a hotel guest may use their wireless communication device to interact with media content presented by the hotel. Hotel media content may include room service options, in-room dining services, restaurant reservation services, check-out services, payment services, reservation services, and/or other hotel services. Guest may be able to interact with information related to services from the available hotel services by selecting a specific service, ordering room servicer, entering payment information, providing check-out information, extending reservations, sending a notification to hotel administration and/or other interactions.
Maintenance component 112 may be configured to manage and/or control media content streaming devices, access points, and/or other devices. Maintenance component 112 may be configured to maintain authentication information and/or parameters used to authenticate users associated with client computing platforms 104 to connect to media content streaming gateway 122, media content streaming device 124, and/or other device. Maintenance component 112 may be configured to access media content streaming gateway 122 by virtue of media content streaming gateway 122 being communicatively coupled to an access point and connected to network 103. Maintenance component 112 may be configured to access media content streaming gateway 122 using WAN, LAN, and/or other type of connection.
Maintenance component 112 may be configured to manage associations between authenticated users within network 103 and media content streaming devices 124. Maintenance component 112 may be configured to automatically update and/or reset authentication information and/or parameters used to access media content streaming gateway 122 associated with a specific location in a multi-room environment based on occurrence of certain events and/or other triggers.
By way of non-limiting illustration, a guest in a hotel may be issued a user name and password for accessing hotel's wireless network. This user name and password issued by the hotel at check-in may also be configured by maintenance component 112 as the same authenticating parameters for accessing media content streaming gateway 122 associated with guest's room. Once user checks-out of the hotel, maintenance component 112 may be configured to remove the authentication parameters associated with that users from accessing media content streaming gateway 122.
Maintenance component 112 may be configured to monitor power usage and/or other information associated with media content streaming gateway 122. media content streaming device 124, and/or other devices. Maintain component 112 may be configured to obtain input from a power regulator within media content streaming gateway 122 and/or other component and evaluate media content streaming device 124 power usage. The power usage evaluation may include a determination whether a power disruption exists within media content streaming gateway 122, media content streaming device 122, and/or other devices. Maintenance component 112 may be configured to communicate power status and/or other information associated with media content streaming gateway 122, media content streaming device 124, and/or other devices. Maintenance component 112 may be configured to transmit and display a status notification. The power status notification may be displayed on an administrative user interface associated with client computing platform 104 and/or other devise.
Maintenance component 112 may be configured to monitor wireless and/or wired communications within network 103. Maintenance component 112 may be configured to determine whether disruption within wireless and/or wired communications within network 103 may have occurred. Maintenance component 112 may be configured to communicate network status and/or other information. Maintenance component 112 may be configured to transmit and display a network status notification. The network status notification may be displayed on an administrative user interface associated with client computing platform 104 and/or other devise.
In some implementations, the maintenance component 112 may be configured to effectuate monitoring and/or control of media content streaming devices, access points, and/or other devices by facilitating interaction between network administrators and the devices. For example, maintenance component 112 may be configured to include a user interface configured to display status information to and receive input from the network administrator. The displayed status information may include power usage information, authentication information, network information, and/or other information. The received network administer input may indicate a selectable image, a selectable command, a textual information, a textual command, a voice command, and/or other information that facilitates entry or selection of device control information by the network administrator. Device control information may include power usage information, authentication information, network information, and/or other information. By way of non-limiting example, network administrator input may be received through a client application on the wireless and/or wired communication device. An input device may include a key entry device, a touch entry device, an imaging device, a sound device, and/or other input devices.
By way of illustration and non-limiting example, FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary user interface 500 that may be used to control and monitor media content streaming devices, access points, and/or other devices by facilitating interaction between network administrators and the devices. User interface 500 may include user interface display fields that allow a network administrator to view status information effectuated by maintenance component 112 and/or other components of system 100.
User interface 500 may include user interface fields that allow a network administrator to provide input that is received by maintenance component 112 and/or other components of system 100. The user interface fields may include a display field 501, textual command field 502, authentication field 503, reset field 505, and/or other user interface fields.
Display field 501 may allow the network administrator to view status information including power usage information, authentication information, network information. For example, the network administrator may receive notification displayed in display field 501 in an event of a certain media content streaming device being powered off. Textual command field 502 may allow the a network administrator to enter textual, voice, and/or other information when controlling and maintaining media content streaming devices, access points, and/or other devices. For example, a network administrator may select field 502 and speak “provide status” to receive status information on certain device within the network. Authentication field 503 may be configured to allow a network administrator to modify authentication information for accessing media content streaming devices, associate media content with locations in a multi-room environment, and/or other functions. For example, a network administrator may select field 503 to reset a password associated with a certain media content streaming devices in response to a hotel guest checking out of the hotel. Reset field 505 may be configured to allow a network administrator to re-power certain media content streaming device and/or other functions. For example, a network administrator may select field 505 to re-power a media content streaming device in response to a notification that that media content streaming device has been powered off.
In some implementations, maintenance component 112 may be configured to collect, store, analyze and/or perform other functions with a data communicated by users associated with client computing platform 104 to media content streaming device 124. The data may include media content selected from client computing platform 104, media content selected from the Internet, user instructions, and/or other information.
In some implementations, server(s) 102, client computing device(s) 104, and/or external resources 120 may be operatively linked via one or more electronic communication links. For example, such electronic communication links may be established, at least in part, via a network 103 such as the Internet and/or other networks. It will be appreciated that this is not intended to be limiting, and that the scope of this disclosure includes implementations in which server(s) 102, client computing device(s) 104, and/or external resources 120 may be operatively linked via some other communication media.
External resources 120 may include sources of information, hosts and/or providers of virtual environments outside of system 100, external entities participating with system 100, and/or other resources. In some implementations, some or all of the functionality attributed herein to external resources 120 may be provided by resources included in system 100.
Server(s) 102 may include electronic storage 128, one or more processors 124, and/or other components. Server(s) 102 may include communication lines, or ports to enable the exchange of information with a network and/or other computing devices. Illustration of server(s) 102 in FIG. 1 is not intended to be limiting. Servers(s) 102 may include a plurality of hardware, software, and/or firmware components operating together to provide the functionality attributed herein to server(s) 102. For example, server(s) 102 may be implemented by a cloud of computing devices operating together as server(s) 102.
Electronic storage 128 may include electronic storage media that electronically stores information. The electronic storage media of electronic storage 128 may include one or both of system storage that is provided integrally (i.e., substantially non-removable) with server(s) 102 and/or removable storage that is removably connectable to server(s) 102 via, for example, a port (e.g., a USB port, a firewire port, etc.) or a drive (e.g., a disk drive, etc.). Electronic storage 128 may include one or more of optically readable storage media (e.g., optical disks, etc.), magnetically readable storage media (e.g., magnetic tape, magnetic hard drive, floppy drive, etc.), electrical charge-based storage media (e.g., EEPROM, RAM, etc.), solid-state storage media (e.g., flash drive, etc.), and/or other electronically readable storage media. The electronic storage 128 may include one or more virtual storage resources (e.g., cloud storage, a virtual private network, and/or other virtual storage resources). Electronic storage 128 may store software algorithms, information determined by processor(s) 124, information received from server(s) 102, information received from client computing device(s) 104, and/or other information that enables server(s) 102 to function as described herein.
Processor(s) 124 may be configured to provide information processing capabilities in server(s) 102. As such, processor(s) 124 may include one or more of a digital processor, an analog processor, a digital circuit designed to process information, an analog circuit designed to process information, a state machine, and/or other mechanisms for electronically processing information. Although processor(s) 124 is shown in FIG. 1 as a single entity, this is for illustrative purposes only. In some implementations, processor(s) 124 may include a plurality of processing units. These processing units may be physically located within the same client computing device, or processor(s) 124 may represent processing functionality of a plurality of devices operating in coordination. The processor(s) 124 may be configured to execute computer readable instruction components 106, 108, 110, 112, and/or other components. The processor(s) 124 may be configured to execute components 106, 108, 110, 112, and/or other components by software; hardware; firmware; some combination of software, hardware, and/or firmware; and/or other mechanisms for configuring processing capabilities on processor(s) 124.
It should be appreciated that although components 106, 108, 110, and 112 are illustrated in FIG. 1 as being co-located within a single processing unit, in implementations in which processor(s) 124 includes multiple processing units, one or more of components 106, 108, 110, and/or 112 may be located remotely from the other components. The description of the functionality provided by the different components 106, 108, 110, and/or 112 described herein is for illustrative purposes, and is not intended to be limiting, as any of components 106, 108, 110, and/or 112 may provide more or less functionality than is described. For example, one or more of components 106, 108, 110, and/or 112 may be eliminated, and some or all of its functionality may be provided by other ones of components 106, 108, 110, and/or 112. As another example, processor(s) 124 may be configured to execute one or more additional components that may perform some or all of the functionality attributed herein to one of components 106, 108, 110, and/or 112.
FIG. 6 illustrates a method 60 for controlling media content with a wireless device in a wireless communication network via a media content streaming device communicatively coupled to a media content streaming gateway, in accordance with one or more implementations. The operations of method 600 presented below are intended to be illustrative. In some implementations, method 600 may be accomplished with one or more additional operations not described, and/or without one or more of the operations discussed. Additionally, the order in which the operations of method 600 are illustrated in FIG. 6 and described below is not intended to be limiting.
In some implementations, method 600 may be implemented in one or more processing devices (e.g., a digital processor, an analog processor, a digital circuit designed to process information, an analog circuit designed to process information, a state machine, and/or other mechanisms for electronically processing information). The one or more processing devices may include one or more devices executing some or all of the operations of method 600 in response to instructions stored electronically on an electronic storage medium. The one or more processing devices may include one or more devices configured through hardware, firmware, and/or software to be specifically designed for execution of one or more of the operations of method 600.
At an operation 602, a user associated with a client computing platform may be authenticated onto a wireless network. At an operation 604, a user associated with a client computing platform connected to a wireless network may be authenticated to obtain access to a media content streaming device. The authentication information and/or authentication parameters may include a user name, a user location and/or other information. In some implementations, operation 602 and operation 604 may be performed by one or more physical processors executing an access component the same or similar to access component 106.
At an operation 606, an authenticated user may effectuate a wireless data transmission via a media content streaming device coupled to a media content Gateway by way of authenticated user's client computing platform. In some implementations, operation 606 may be performed by one or more physical processors executing an streaming component the same or similar to streaming component 108.
At an operation 608, media content transmitted by media content streaming device and displayed on a media content display device may be controlled by an authenticated user via user's client computing platform. In some implementations, operation 408 may be performed by one or more physical processors executing an orientation component the same or similar to control component 110.
At an operation 610, associations between multiple media content streaming gateway and locations in a multi-room environment may be maintained. In some implementations, operation 610 may be performed by one or more physical processors executing a maintenance component the same or similar to maintenance component 112.
Although the system(s) and/or method(s) of this disclosure have been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be the most practical and preferred implementations, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the disclosure is not limited to the disclosed implementations, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present disclosure contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any implementation can be combined with one or more features of any other implementation.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A media content transmission system, the system comprising:

a housing encompassing a streaming device configured to communicatively couple a display device, and a connecting device comprising a first interface configured to communicatively couple the streaming device, and a second interface configured to communicatively couple an access point; and

a plurality of mobile devices operated by a plurality of users, each mobile device configured to transmit media content from the mobile device onto the display device via the streaming device during a wireless data communication session;

wherein the wireless communication session between an individual mobile device and the access point is established by authenticating a user associated with the individual mobile device during an authentication process by assigning the individual mobile device to the access point; and

wherein the assigned individual mobile device transmits media content via the streaming device communicatively coupled to the assigned access point via the connecting device;

wherein the first interface of the connecting device comprises a microUSB connector and the second interface of the connecting device comprises an Ethernet connector.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the individual mobile device is configured to access a global internet using the assigned access point.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the assigned access point is communicatively coupled to a network server via a wired connection.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the individual mobile device is configured to communicate with the streaming device over one or more communication protocols comprising at least one of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, near field communication, and RFID communication protocols.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the streaming device is configured to be communicatively coupled to the display device via a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI).

6. The system of claim 2, wherein the media content transmitted by the individual mobile device via the streaming device onto the display device is received from the global internet.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein an individual user controls the media content received from the global internet and transmitted by the individual mobile device via the streaming device onto the display device via a graphical user interface of a media content application on the individual media device.

8. A connecting device for transmitting media content, the device comprising:

a first interface configured to communicatively couple a streaming device, the streaming device communicatively coupled to a display device; and

a second interface configured to communicatively couple an access point; and

wherein a mobile device of a plurality of mobile devices operated by a plurality of users is configured to transmit content from the mobile device onto the display device via the streaming device during an authenticated wireless data communication session between the mobile device and the access point; and

wherein the authenticated wireless communication session is established by associating the mobile device with the connecting device by assigning the mobile device to the access point; and

wherein the mobile device transmits media content via the streaming device communicatively coupled to the access point assigned to the mobile device via the connecting device.

9. The connecting device of claim 8, wherein the first interface of the device for transmitting media content comprises a microUSB connector and the second interface of the device for transmitting media content comprises an Ethernet connector.

10. The connecting device of claim 8, wherein the mobile device is configured to access a global internet using the assigned access point.

11. The connecting device of claim 8, wherein the assigned access point is communicatively coupled to a network server via a wired connection.

12. The connecting device of claim 8, wherein the device for transmitting media content and the streaming device are enclosed in a housing.

13. A method for transmitting media content in a multi-user environment, the method comprising:

establishing a wireless communication session between an individual mobile device of a plurality of mobile devices operated by a plurality of users and an access point by authenticating a user associated with the individual mobile device during an authentication process by assigning the individual mobile device to the access point; and

transmitting media content from the individual mobile device via a streaming device onto a display device during the wireless data communication session, wherein the streaming device is configured to communicatively couple the display device; and

wherein the streaming device is configured to communicatively couple the assigned access point via a connecting device.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the communicative coupling of the assigned access point by the streaming device via the connecting device comprises communicatively coupling a first interface of the connecting device to the streaming device and communicatively coupling a second interface of the connecting device to the assigned access point; and

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the individual mobile device is configured to communicate with the streaming device over one or more communication protocols comprising at least one of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, near field communication, and RFID communication protocols.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the transmitting media content from the individual mobile device via the streaming device onto the display device comprises communicatively coupling the streaming device to the display device via a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI).

17. The method of claim 13, wherein the authentication process comprises:

receiving user information comprising an identification input; and

comparing the identification input with an authentication parameter;

wherein the access point is assigned to the individual mobile device upon determining the identification input matches the authentication parameter.