Classifications

• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
  • H04N21/20—Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
  • H04N21/21—Server components or server architectures
  • H04N21/214—Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel, hospital
  • H04N21/2146—Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel, hospital located in mass transportation means, e.g. aircraft, train or bus
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
  • G10H—ELECTROPHONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; INSTRUMENTS IN WHICH THE TONES ARE GENERATED BY ELECTROMECHANICAL MEANS OR ELECTRONIC GENERATORS, OR IN WHICH THE TONES ARE SYNTHESISED FROM A DATA STORE
  • G10H1/00—Details of electrophonic musical instruments
  • G10H1/36—Accompaniment arrangements
  • G10H1/361—Recording/reproducing of accompaniment for use with an external source, e.g. karaoke systems
  • G10H1/365—Recording/reproducing of accompaniment for use with an external source, e.g. karaoke systems the accompaniment information being stored on a host computer and transmitted to a reproducing terminal by means of a network, e.g. public telephone lines
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
  • H04N21/20—Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
  • H04N21/21—Server components or server architectures
  • H04N21/214—Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel, hospital
  • H04N21/2143—Specialised server platform, e.g. server located in an airplane, hotel, hospital located in a single building, e.g. hotel, hospital or museum
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
  • H04N21/20—Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
  • H04N21/21—Server components or server architectures
  • H04N21/222—Secondary servers, e.g. proxy server, cable television Head-end
  • H04N21/2225—Local VOD servers
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
  • H04N21/20—Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
  • H04N21/25—Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication, learning user preferences for recommending movies
  • H04N21/254—Management at additional data server, e.g. shopping server, rights management server
  • H04N21/2543—Billing, e.g. for subscription services
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
  • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
  • H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
  • H04N21/426—Internal components of the client ; Characteristics thereof
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
  • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
  • H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
  • H04N21/443—OS processes, e.g. booting an STB, implementing a Java virtual machine in an STB or power management in an STB
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
  • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
  • H04N21/45—Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies, resolving scheduling conflicts
  • H04N21/462—Content or additional data management, e.g. creating a master electronic program guide from data received from the Internet and a Head-end, controlling the complexity of a video stream by scaling the resolution or bit-rate based on the client capabilities
  • H04N21/4622—Retrieving content or additional data from different sources, e.g. from a broadcast channel and the Internet
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
  • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
  • H04N21/47—End-user applications
  • H04N21/472—End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification, for manipulating displayed content
  • H04N21/47202—End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification, for manipulating displayed content for requesting content on demand, e.g. video on demand
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
  • H04N21/60—Network structure or processes for video distribution between server and client or between remote clients; Control signalling between clients, server and network components; Transmission of management data between server and client, e.g. sending from server to client commands for recording incoming content stream; Communication details between server and client 
  • H04N21/65—Transmission of management data between client and server
  • H04N21/658—Transmission by the client directed to the server
  • H04N21/6587—Control parameters, e.g. trick play commands, viewpoint selection
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
  • H04N21/80—Generation or processing of content or additional data by content creator independently of the distribution process; Content per se
  • H04N21/81—Monomedia components thereof
  • H04N21/8106—Monomedia components thereof involving special audio data, e.g. different tracks for different languages
  • H04N21/8113—Monomedia components thereof involving special audio data, e.g. different tracks for different languages comprising music, e.g. song in MP3 format
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N7/00—Television systems
  • H04N7/16—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
  • H04N7/173—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal
  • H04N7/17309—Transmission or handling of upstream communications
  • H04N7/17336—Handling of requests in head-ends
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
  • G10H—ELECTROPHONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; INSTRUMENTS IN WHICH THE TONES ARE GENERATED BY ELECTROMECHANICAL MEANS OR ELECTRONIC GENERATORS, OR IN WHICH THE TONES ARE SYNTHESISED FROM A DATA STORE
  • G10H2240/00—Data organisation or data communication aspects, specifically adapted for electrophonic musical tools or instruments
  • G10H2240/171—Transmission of musical instrument data, control or status information; Transmission, remote access or control of music data for electrophonic musical instruments
  • G10H2240/281—Protocol or standard connector for transmission of analog or digital data to or from an electrophonic musical instrument
  • G10H2240/295—Packet switched network, e.g. token ring
  • G10H2240/301—Ethernet, e.g. according to IEEE 802.3

Definitions

• the present invention relates generally to real-time data transmission across a network. More particularly, the present invention relates to real-time transmission of data and interactive modification of the data transmitted across a network in response to a request received from a network device over the network.
• pay-per-view is a viable option, particularly in hotels which often do not offer video rental services to its guests.
• the pay-per-view option it is possible to select a video as well as view the video from the privacy of home or a hotel room.
• the movie choices typically offered to movie viewers by such cable providers are limited.
• the pay-per-view option does not offer the advantages of a standard VCR. More particularly, the pay-per-view option does not allow a user to pause, rewind, fast forward, or re-start a movie once it has started.
• the available viewing times are typically set and therefore cannot be selected by a user.
• karaoke is a popular pastime.
• a traditional karaoke business is commonly run with a central control room connected to multiple listening stations.
• the control room contains a machine associated with each listening station to enable a desired tape to be played and routed to the listening station (e.g., via a coaxial cable).
• a karaoke participant in one of the listening stations requests a particular karaoke song, the appropriate tape is physically inserted into the machine connected to the listening station.
• the karaoke tape is then played and routed to the listening station connected to this machine.
• the existing karaoke model is undesirable in a variety of ways. Since a machine capable of playing karaoke tapes is required for each listening station, the existing karaoke system often requires numerous machines. Since these machines are not automated, it is necessary to employ personnel that will be available to operate the machines. Due to the expense associated with acquiring and maintaining numerous karaoke machines and associated personnel, a traditional karaoke business is far from inexpensive to operate. In addition, it is typically necessary to maintain multiple copies of songs that are popularly requested in order to be able to fulfill the same song request when it is received from more than one listening station.
• karaoke singers in the listening stations do not have access do the machine associated with their private listening station.
• karaoke participants cannot interactively control their individual karaoke experience.
• the present invention enables data to be transmitted over a network from a server to a client device such as a set-top box.
• a server may be associated with a web site on the Internet.
• data flow may be modified and controlled interactively by the user.
• a file may be loaded from the central server to a memory associated with the local server. This loading process may be performed in combination with data transmission upon initiation by a user (e.g., via a web browser) or by the local server when a requested file is not accessible to the local server. Alternatively, it may be desirable to load a file independently from the data transmission process.
• a first network device such as a set-top box may interactively control data flow from a second network device such as a server to the first network device.
• a control command indicating a desired modification to the flow of data from the second network device to the first network device is received at the first network device.
• the first network device sends a control command to the second network device.
• the second network device modifies the flow of data from the second network device to the first network device in response to the control command.
• the first network device then receives a modified flow of data from the second network device to the first network. This process may similarly be performed across multiple staged servers rather than by a single local server.
• Modification to the flow of data may be accomplished by modifying a data stream in a variety of ways. For instance, modification may include initiating transmission of a data stream, pausing transmission of a data stream, advancing transmission by a single frame, modifying the speed of transmission of data, and modifying the source of the data being transmitted (e.g., file and/or file location). Such a modification to the flow of data between network devices may be initiated by a user via an input device such as a mouse, keyboard, or remote control device.
• a user may select one or more files from which data is to be transmitted over a network from a network device such as a server to another device such as a set-top box.
• Each of the files may include video data and audio data as well as other digital data.
• each file may include a movie or a karaoke video.
• the user may select via the set-top box one or more of a plurality of files associated with the server.
• the user may specify an order of transmission of the selected files.
• Information identifying the selected files as well as the specified order of transmission may then be sent from the set-top box to the server. Data stored in these files may then be transmitted from the server to the set-top box in the order of transmission.
• the present invention enables transmission of data to be billed within a multiple site system such as a hotel. More particularly, it is possible to bill a guest each time a movie or karaoke song is played (i.e., transmitted from the local server). Moreover, the hotel may wish to bill the guest an additional amount when the requested selection is transmitted from the central server over the Internet to the guest's hotel room (e.g., when the user accesses the central server via a web browser). Of course, it may be desirable to bill a guest once (e.g., when the associated file is loaded from the central server to the local server), allowing the guest to view the selection multiple times.
• a multiple site system such as a hotel. More particularly, it is possible to bill a guest each time a movie or karaoke song is played (i.e., transmitted from the local server). Moreover, the hotel may wish to bill the guest an additional amount when the requested selection is transmitted from the central server over the Internet to the guest's hotel room (e.g., when the user
• FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary system in which the present invention may be implemented in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary set-top box board layout that may be used to implement the present invention.
• FIG. 3 A is an exemplary screen shot that may be presented to a user upon start-up.
• FIG. 3B is an exemplary screen shot illustrating the selection of karaoke songs and/or movies to be transmitted in accordance with the present invention.
• FIG. 4 is an exemplary layout of a remote control that may be used to implement the present invention.
• FIG. 5 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method of playing a movie or karaoke selection in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 6 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method of processing a user's voice input in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 7 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method of pausing a movie or karaoke selection in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 8 is a process flow diagram illustrating one method of stepping transmission of data in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 9 is a process flow diagram illustrating one method of reducing the speed of data transmission to the set-top box in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 10 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method of initiating or resuming the transmission of data in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 11 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method of selecting data files to be transmitted via a menu in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 12 is a process flow diagram illustrating one method of initiating the transmission of data associated with a next selected video in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 13 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method of performing a seek in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 14 is a process flow diagram illustrating one method of processing data received by the set-top box in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
• DSL service enables the transmission of data at rates up to 6.1 megabits (millions of bits) per second, enabling continuous transmission of motion video, audio, and even 3-D effects. Accordingly, real-time video transmission which requires high bandwidth is now feasible.
• files such as movies and karaoke videos may be downloaded to a local server and streamed to one or more client devices (e.g., set-top boxes).
• client devices e.g., set-top boxes
• interactive control of the streamed data is made available through the set-top boxes. Accordingly, the present invention provides the traditional advantages of a conventional video recorder without the restrictions or limitations of a video recorder.
• FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary system in which the present invention may be implemented in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
• the present invention is implemented in a network such as a local area network (LAN), which may be further coupled to a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet.
• LAN local area network
• WAN wide area network
• one or more local servers 102 are used as the video- streaming server.
• the local server(s) 102 may also be used as the content storage server that is capable of storing a plurality of files.
• One or more associated file servers 104 are used for user account management, content management, billing information, web server, firewall, and all other non-streaming related services.
• an equivalent central file server may be established at the central site which monitors and communicates with all the remote file servers.
• a suitable memory for storing approximately twenty files (e.g., karaoke files or movie files).
• These files may be supplied initially as well as downloaded from another server on the network, as well as from the Internet.
• the local server 102 is adapted for being coupled (e.g., via an Ethernet switch 106) to a plurality of devices 108 (e.g., set-top boxes) that are each configured to transmit a control command to the local server 102 to control the initiation and flow of data associated with a particular file to the requesting device 108.
• each of the devices 108 is capable of providing video and audio signals to associated monitors or televisions 110 when they are received from the local server 102.
• a client may initiate the transmission of data associated with a specified file via the local server 102.
• the local server may access a central server 112 over the Internet via an Internet Service Provider (ISP) 114.
• ISP Internet Service Provider
• the central server 112 preferably has a vast data store of files in an associated memory.
• the client may independently download a requested file from the central server 112 via a web browser independently of transmission of the associated data to the client.
• the user may access the central server and select one of a plurality of listed videos by clicking on the desired title(s).
• the central server 112 may then send the file to the local server 102 for storage in the file server 104 and/or transmission to a requesting client. It is important to note that each client device 108 and the local server 102 preferably perform authentication prior to establishing a communication link.
• the transmission and interactive control of the transmitted data may be performed in a manner to enable real-time streaming and therefore instantaneous access to the data by a requesting client.
• the transmission medium used to transmit data from the central server 112 to the local server 102, and from the local server 102 to each device 108 may include a traditional transmission medium such as a cable modem connection.
• bandwidth cannot be guaranteed at a sustainable rate to support real-time broad-band video streaming.
• the benefit of a the local server 102 in a LAN setting is to provide sustainable bandwidth to guarantee uninterrupted real-time video streaming.
• each client need not individually obtain DSL service. In this manner, the cost to the consumer is considerably reduced while enabling the consumer to interactively control data transmission via the central server 112 with approximately instantaneous access.
• the present invention may be used by a business such as a hotel to enable multiple rooms to access a local server maintained by the hotel. Since the local server is maintained by the hotel, the hotel may wish to bill a guest each time a movie or karaoke song is played (i.e., transmitted from the local server 102 to a client device 108). Moreover, the hotel may wish to bill the guest an additional amount when the requested selection is transmitted from the central server over the Internet to the guest's hotel room (e.g., when the user accesses the central server via a web browser). Of course, it may be desirable to bill a guest once (e.g., when the associated file is loaded from the central server to the local server) while allowing the guest to view the selection multiple times.
• a business such as a hotel to enable multiple rooms to access a local server maintained by the hotel. Since the local server is maintained by the hotel, the hotel may wish to bill a guest each time a movie or karaoke song is played (i.e., transmitted from the local server
• Billing information may be obtained in a variety of ways. For instance, billing information associated with the hotel room may be automatically obtained. As another example, billing information such as credit card information may be obtained from the user upon selection of a video. As yet another example, a smart card reader may be provided to enable the user to charge room services to his or her smart card. As described above with reference to FIG. 1, multiple client devices 108 may be coupled to a single local server 102. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a client device 108 may be implemented in the form of a set-top box. A set-top box is a device that enables a television set to become a user interface to the Internet and also enables a television set to receive and decode digital television broadcasts.
• a set-top box is used by television viewers to receive digital broadcasts via an analog television set.
• a set-top box typically includes a Web browser stored in a memory in the set-top box, enabling a television user to access the Internet.
• a typical digital set-top box contains one or more microprocessors for running the operating system and for parsing an MPEG transport stream.
• a set-top box also includes RAM, an MPEG decoder chip as well as other chips for audio decoding and processing.
• a set-top box may contain a hard drive for storing recorded television broadcasts, for downloaded software, and for other applications.
• a DVD drive may be used to enable the set-top box to access a variety of files.
• the set-top box board implements a standard Ethernet implementation and therefore includes a lOBaseT Interface 202, an Ethernet controller 204, an EEPROM 206 for storing an IP address associated with the set-top box board, and SRAMs 208, 210 for storing data obtained from the network (e.g., Internet).
• the set-top box includes a CPU 212 for running the operating system and for parsing an MPEG data stream.
• a flash EPROM 214 may store software for drivers and other instructions necessary to implement the present invention.
• this client software that is programmed into the flash EPROM 214 may be updated through the local server at any time for feature enhancement.
• System memory 216 e.g., DRAM
• EPLD 218 is adapted for routing signals among components, thereby providing the appropriate combinational logic for the set-top box.
• MPEG decoder 220 is provided for decompressing video and audio data received in the compressed data received by the set-top box.
• DRAM chips 222, 224, 226, 228, and 230 are provided for storing video data for the MPEG decoder 220.
• the decompressed audio and video signals are processed separately.
• the decompressed video signal is then sent from the MPEG decoder 220 to a video encoder 242 to convert the digital video signal to an analog signal.
• the analog video signal is then output at a video input/output 244.
• the decompressed audio signal is sent from the MPEG decoder 220 to digital-to-analog converter 236 and output via stereo output 238 and therefore through an amplifier (not shown).
• the set-top box includes karaoke capabilities.
• one or more microphone inputs 231 and 232 are provided to enable users to sing along with a karaoke selection.
• two microphone inputs are supported, although it should be appreciated that any desired number of microphones may be provided.
• the audio signal is processed by an analog to digital converter 233.
• the digital audio signal is then sent to a karaoke audio processor 234.
• the karaoke audio processor 234 may be a digital karaoke audio processor such as model MED25102 available from Medianix Semiconductor, Inc., located at 100 View Street, Mountain View, California 94041.
• the digital audio signal processed by the karaoke processor 234 is then sent to digital-to-analog converter 236 and output via stereo output 238.
• a DRAM chip 240 is available for storing audio data for the karaoke processor 234.
• a standard audio input 246 is also provided.
• an infra-red interface controller (not shown) may be provided to enable communication with a remote control device.
• the set-top box is capable of switching between NTSC and PAL signals for world- wide adoption and compatibility.
• user interfaces in different languages may be provided by the set-top box.
• files encoded with sound tracks in multiple languages may be provided at the local server to enable a sound track in a particular language to be selected at the set-top box.
• FIG. 3 A is an exemplary screen shot that may be presented to a user upon start-up.
• an initial screen 302 may be displayed which indicates one or more selections which may be input by a user.
• a default selection type 304 may be presented to the user.
• the selection type 304 of a file to be transmitted may be, for example, "karaoke” or "movie”.
• the default selection type 304 may be "karaoke", as shown.
• the user may indicate a particular selection 306 associated with the selection type 304. As shown, a number, title, or other mechanism may be used to identify each selection.
• FIG. 3 B is an exemplary screen shot illustrating the selection of karaoke songs and/or movies to be transmitted in accordance with the present invention.
• a TV screen or monitor 308 after all selections are entered is displayed.
• the selection type 310 may be "movie” or "karaoke", as shown.
• each selection 312 is identified numerically in accordance with a pre-selected set of selections available to the user. For instance, a manual may be provided to the user identifying the selections available to the user.
• the user sends control commands to the set-top box indicating desired modifications to the flow of data to the set-top box.
• FIG. 4 is an exemplary layout of a remote control that may be used to implement the present invention.
• a TV/VIDEO key 402 enables a user to toggle between a television and video mode.
• a NEXT key 404 stops the current video (e.g., movie or karaoke) and starts the next video selected.
• An ENTER key 406 enables a user to enter a number of key strokes.
• anNTSC/PAL key 408 enables a user to switch between NTSC and PAL mode, as described above.
• a RESET key 410 reboots the set-top box.
• a VIEW/MENU key 412 enables a user to view a video after all karaoke or movie selections are entered.
• a menu screen is displayed to enable the user to add or edit the video selections.
• the user may then toggle the VIEW/MENU key 412 an additional time to start playing the current video selection.
• Number keys 0-9 413-430 may be used to identify video titles.
• Arrow keys 432-438 move the cursor up, down, right or left to enable a user to enter or modify selections.
• Various control keys are provided to initiate or modify the flow of data to the set-top box.
• a PLAY key 440 When a PLAY key 440 is pressed, a selected video (e.g., movie or karaoke selection) is played at normal speed from either a PAUSE, STEP, or SLOW mode, each of which will be described in further detail below.
• a percent video played indicator is displayed on the screen to indicate the amount of the video that remains to be transmitted.
• the video speed is slowed (e.g., to one-half normal speed). The PLAY key 440 may then be pressed to resume to normal speed.
• the video is paused until the PLAY key 440, the SLOW key 442, or a STEP key 446 is pressed. Once the STEP key 446 is pressed, the video is advanced by one frame at a time.
• a SEEK key 448 When a SEEK key 448 is pressed during video play, the user may select a percentage of the video file to jump to. The video then jumps to that location and begins to play starting from that location.
• the seek location may be any location in the video file. Accordingly, the seek function may operate in forward or reverse.
• karaoke control keys are provided to enable the user to modify the audio signal associated with the karaoke music and/or the user's voice.
• the key functions may be implemented through the use of a conventional karaoke audio processor such as karaoke audio processor MED25102 available from Medianix.
• KEY- 450 decreases the key of the music
• KEY + 452 increases the key of the music
• KEY N 454 returns the key of the music to neutral
• VOL + 456 increases the microphone volume
• VOL - 458 decreases the microphone volume
• ECHO + 460 increases microphone echo
• ECHO - 462 decreases microphone echo.
• PITCH 466 changes the pitch of the karaoke singer's voice that is received through the microphone by shifting the pitch one semi-note with each depression.
• HARMONY 468 adds a pitch-shifted and a non pitch-shifted microphone signal to create the sound of two vocalists.
• MUTE 470 mutes the associated microphone.
• a remote control may enable a user to modify the flow of data to a set-top box.
• input devices include, but are not limited to, a keyboard or a mouse.
• data may be transmitted from a particular network device to a requesting network device.
• data is transmitted to a set-top box from a local server.
• the file may be downloaded from a central server (e.g., to a file server associated with the local server).
• data may be transmitted from the central server via the local server. The downloading and/or transmission from the central server to the local server may be initiated by the user (e.g., via a web browser) or by the local server when the file cannot be directly accessed by the local server.
• FIG. 5 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method of playing a movie or karaoke selection in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
• a menu is displayed at block 504. For instance, a screen such as that illustrated in FIG.
• 3 A may be displayed to enable a user to enter one or more karaoke or movie selections as shown in FIG. 3B.
• the user enters one or more selections at block 506 to indicate those movies, karaoke selections or other video files to be transmitted to the set-top box.
• the user selects a control command at block 508 to initiate, terminate or otherwise modify the flow of data to the set-top box.
• the control command generally indicates a desired modification of the flow of data to the set-top box. More particularly, this may be accomplished by pressing a key on a remote control such as that described above with reference to FIG. 4. For instance, the user may select the VIEW command in order to view a selected video.
• the set-top box When the control command (e.g., view command) is received by the set-top box at block 510, the set-top box deciphers the infra red control signal and sends the control command to a CPU of the set-top box at block 512. The set-top box then sends the control command to the local server at block 514. The local server receives the control command at block 516. In addition, the local server may receive a signal indicating a current video selection. The local server then sends a compressed data stream over a network to the set-top box at block 518. More particularly, the compressed data stream may include audio, video and other digital data. The set-top box then processes the data received from the local server at block 520. One method of processing the data by the set-top box is described in further detail below with reference to FIG. 14.
• the user may initiate and modify the transmission of karaoke data from a server to the set-top box.
• a first audio signal is received by the set-top box from a server and processed, as will be described below with reference to FIG. 14.
• the user may sing along with the karaoke selection through a microphone, creating a second audio signal.
• FIG. 6 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method of processing a user's voice input in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. More particularly, when a user sings through a microphone connected to the set-top box at block 600, the audio signal is processed by an analog to digital converter at block 602.
• the user may select an audio control command as shown at block 604 via a karaoke control key as described above with reference to FIG. 4 to modify the audio signal that is ultimately produced by the set-top box. For instance, the user may wish to adjust the volume or pitch.
• the singer's voice is then processed by the karaoke processor at block 606 to modify the second audio signal.
• This modified second audio signal is then sent to a digital to analog converter at block 608.
• the resulting analog audio signal is then sent to an amplifier at block 610.
• the flow of data to the set-top box may be modified in a variety of ways. As described above with reference to FIG. 4, the flow of data may be modified in a variety of ways.
• the user may wish to pause a video, or press a remote control key such as STEP, SLOW, PLAY, MENU, NEXT, or SEEK.
• a remote control key such as STEP, SLOW, PLAY, MENU, NEXT, or SEEK.
• FIG. 7 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method of pausing a movie or karaoke selection in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
• the set-top box deciphers the infra-red control at block 704.
• the pause control command is then sent to a CPU of the set-top box at block 706.
• the set-top box sends the pause control command to the local server at block 708.
• the local server stops sending data to the set-top box until further instruction.
• FIG. 8 is a process flow diagram illustrating one method of stepping transmission of data in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
• a user may select the step control command through pressing the STEP key on a remote control.
• the set-top box deciphers the infra red signal at block 804 and sends a step control command to a CPU of the set-top box at block 806.
• the set- top box (e.g., CPU) then transmits this step control command to the local server at block 808.
• the local server advances the appropriate video by a frame by sending data associated with that frame to the set-top box at block 810.
• the set-top box then processes the data received from the local server at block 812, as will be described in further detail below with reference to FIG. 14.
• FIG. 9 is a process flow diagram illustrating one method of reducing the speed of data transmission to the set-top box in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
• the user may press a SLOW key on a remote control as shown at block 902, as described above with reference to FIG. 4.
• the set-top box deciphers the infra red control at block 904 and a slow control command indicating that the data transmission is to be slowed is sent to a CPU of the set-top box at block 906.
• the set-top box then sends the slow control command to the local server at block 908.
• the local server reduces the speed with which data (e.g., frames) are sent to the set-top box at block 910.
• the local server then continues to send compressed data over the network to the set-top box at block 912.
• the set-top box then processes the data received from the local server at block 914, which will be described in further detail below with reference to FIG. 14.
• the user may also wish to initiate the transmission of data over the network to the set-top box (e.g., from a pause mode). Alternatively, the user may wish to resume transmission of data to a normal speed from a step or slow mode.
• FIG. 10 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method of initiating or resuming the transmission of data in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
• the user may select the play control command at block 1002. This may be accomplished through pressing the PLAY key on a remote control such as that illustrated in FIG. 4. For instance, the PLAY key may be pressed from the pause, step, or slow mode.
• the set-top box then deciphers the infra red control at block 1004 and a play control command indicating that initiation of the transmission of data is requested is sent to a CPU of the set-top box at block 1006.
• the set-top box then sends the play control command to the local server at block 1008.
• the local server then initiates the transmission of data at block 1010.
• the local server may initiate the transmission of data or simply return to normal speed with which data is sent to the set-top box.
• the local server continues to send compressed data over the network to the set-top box at block 1012.
• the local server sends a percentage value indicating a percent of the file that has been transmitted (e.g., percent of a movie that has been played over the network).
• the set- top box processes the data it receives from the local server at block 1014, as will be described in further detail below with reference to FIG. 14.
• the set-top box further displays the percent of the selection that has been transmitted to the set-top box and therefore played for the user at block 1016.
• the data may be associated with any file, such as a movie or karaoke selection.
• the user may wish to edit his or her selections that have been previously entered via a screen such as that illustrated in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B.
• the user may specify via the set-top box an order of transmission of one or more files.
• the files may be of varying types, such as those storing movies or karaoke videos. It is important to note that the files being selected are not stored locally at the set-top box, but identify files stored in association with a remotely located server on the network.
• FIG. 11 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method of selecting data files to be transmitted via a menu in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
• the user may select a menu control command at block 1102 which sends an infra red signal to the set-top box.
• the set-top box deciphers the infra red control at block 1104 and sends this menu control command to a CPU of the set-top box at block 1106.
• the set-top box sends this menu control command over the network to the local server at block 1108.
• the local server stops sending compressed data over the network to the set-top box at block 1110. For instance, the local server may stop sending data until a VIEW/MENU key on a remote control such as that illustrated in FIG. 4 is toggled by the user.
• the set-top box then displays a menu of selections at block 1112.
• the menu may present the user with a number of possible files (e.g., movie or karaoke) to be transmitted to the set-top box.
• the menu may simply be a screen such as that presented in FIG. 3 A which may enable a user to enter as well as modify his or her selections as illustrated in FIG. 3B.
• the user may add as well as edit the menu selections that are displayed at block 1114.
• the user may have be presented with a screen illustrating a single previously entered selection. The user may then enter or select additional selections up to a maximum number of permissible selections.
• the menu may present the user with a number of selections previously selected by the user. The user may then modify one or more of these selections.
• the view control command may be selected by again toggling the VIEW/MENU key at block 1116.
• the set-top box deciphers the infra-red control at block 1118 and a view control command is sent to a CPU of the set-top box at block 1120.
• the set-top box sends the view control command over the network to the local server at block 1122.
• the view control command may identify one or more files to be transmitted over the network.
• the view control command may also indicate the order of transmission of those files.
• the view control command may also designate a starting point from which compressed data is to be transmitted.
• the starting point may indicate a specific file as well as a location (e.g., percentage) within that file.
• the local server then resumes sending compressed data over the network to the set-top box at block 1124.
• the set-top box then processes the data it receives at block 1126, which will be described in further detail below with reference to FIG. 14.
• FIG. 12 is a process flow diagram illustrating one method of initiating the transmission of data associated with a next selected video in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
• the user may select the next control command at block 1202 by pressing the NEXT key on a remote control such as that illustrated in FIG. 4.
• the set-top box deciphers the infra red control at block 1204.
• a next control command indicating that a next video is selected is then sent to a CPU of the set-top box at block 1206.
• the set-top box sends the next control command to the local server indicating that the next video is selected as shown at block 1208. For instance, the next control command may directly or indirectly identify a currently selected video.
• the local server stops sending compressed data associated with the previous selection over the network to the set-top box.
• the local server then sends compressed data associated with the current selection over the network to the set-top box at block 1212.
• the set-top box then processes the data it receives from the local server at block 1214.
• One method of processing the compressed data will be described in further detail below with reference to FIG. 14.
• FIG. 13 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method of performing a seek in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
• the user may select the seek control command by pressing the SEEK key of a remote control at block 1302.
• the user indicates a location in the video file from which data transmission is desired at block 1304.
• the user selects a percentage of a video file that has been transmitted.
• the set-top box deciphers the infra red control at block 1306 and the corresponding seek control command indicating the desired percentage is sent to a CPU of the set- top box at block 1308.
• the starting point in the file from which data is to be transmitted is calculated by the set-top box. More particularly, when the file is initially selected, the local server sends information associated with the file such as the size of the file to the set-top box. For instance, when an MPEG file is transmitted, file information is transmitted in the initial packets that are transmitted. The set-top box uses the size of the file and the percentage to determine a starting point in the file at block 1310. The set-top box then sends an indicator of the desired file location to the local server at block 1312.
• the calculation of the starting point may be performed by the local server, h accordance with this embodiment, the set-top box sends the seek control command indicating the desired percentage over the network to the local server at block 1310.
• the local server uses the size of the file and the percentage to determine a starting point in the file at block 1312.
• the local server then "jumps" to this starting point in the file at block 1314 and initiates the transmission of compressed data from the starting point over the network to the set-top box at block 1316.
• the set-top box then processes the data it receives from the local server at block 1318, which will be described in further detail below with reference to FIG. 14.
• FIG. 14 is a process flow diagram illustrating one method of processing data received by the set-top box in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
• a variety of commands sent by the set-top box result in compressed video data being sent to a requesting client (e.g., set-top box).
• the client sends a request to a server asking the server to send compressed video data to the client
• the server splits the associated compressed video data file (or portion thereof) into multiple packets and sends the packets to the client.
• the set-top box receives the compressed video data from the local server.
• An MPEG decoder chip then decompresses video and audio data in the compressed data at block 1404.
• the decompressed video signal is then sent to a video encoder to convert the digital signal to an analog signal at block 1406.
• the resulting analog signal is then output to a television or monitor at block 1408.
• the data received by the set-top box may be stored for future use. However, it may be desirable to delete the data once it is provided by the set-top box to the user. In this manner, a video may be displayed in real-time onto a television screen.
• the decompressed audio data is also processed by the set-top box. More particularly, in accordance with the karaoke embodiment, the decompressed audio signal is sent to the karaoke processor at block 1410. The processed audio signal is then sent to a digital to analog converter at block 1412. The resulting analog audio signal is then sent to an amplifier at block 1414.
• the local server may store a copy of this data (e.g., in an associated file server). Alternatively, it may be desirable to erase this copy once the data is transmitted to a requesting set-top box.
• the present invention may be used in a variety of environments.
• the above-described system may be configured as a networked karaoke system to enable a plurality of rooms to access karaoke songs concurrently without the intervention of a human operator.
• the present invention may also be used to provide hotels a cost-effective solution to deliver movies to hotel guests.
• it may also be useful in hospitals to enable bed-ridden patients to watch movies or surf the Internet.
• Schools may also implement the present invention within a campus local area network to transmit video-taped lectures or other presentations. Additionally, long trips in a confined seat takes a toll on passengers in a common carrier such as an airplane, cruise ship, train or bus.
• the present invention may allow each passenger to watch and control a movie he or she is interested in throughout the entire trip. It may also be desirable to implement the present invention within an apartment complex to enable the system as well as system costs to be shared by each residential unit. Additionally, the present invention may be deployed as a video kiosk in airports, train stations, hotel lobbies, department stores, conventions, or museums for information, catalog or advertisement purposes.
• the present invention may be implemented in a device or web browser to provide interactive, real-time, high- bandwidth services to a user using the Internet.
• the present invention enables a client device such as a set- top box to receive data streams such as video streams that are transported over a network from a video server, hi addition, the set-top box might output information to the network in the course of performing the above-described method steps. Such information may be received from and outputted to the network, for example, in the form of a computer data signal embodied in a carrier wave.
• the network may also be a wireless network.
• the present invention may be manufactured at a relatively low cost to the consumer.
• illustrative embodiments and applications of this invention are shown and described herein, many variations and modifications are possible which remain within the concept, scope, and spirit of the invention, and these variations would become clear to those of ordinary skill in the art after perusal of this application.
• the present invention is described as transmitting data from a local server within the context of a digital television receiver.
• the present invention may be used in other contexts, such as through transmitting data from another server (e.g., central server) via the local server.
• the present invention may permit access to a central server on the Internet.
• the present invention may be implemented across a plurality of staged servers, enabling information to be transmitted across the Internet.
• the above described process blocks are illustrative only. Therefore, the present invention may be performed using alternate process blocks as well as alternate data structures. Accordingly, the present embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalents of the appended claims.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Multimedia (AREA)
• Signal Processing (AREA)
• Databases & Information Systems (AREA)
• Acoustics & Sound (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Software Systems (AREA)
• Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
• Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
• Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
• Reverberation, Karaoke And Other Acoustics (AREA)
• Two-Way Televisions, Distribution Of Moving Picture Or The Like (AREA)

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Citations (3)

• 2001
  • 2001-07-05 WO PCT/US2001/021370 patent/WO2002005117A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2001-07-05 CN CNB018123759A patent/CN1205569C/zh not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 2001-07-05 AU AU2001277858A patent/AU2001277858A1/en not_active Abandoned

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