WO2013118134A1

WO2013118134A1 - A system and method to access multimedia content

Info

Publication number: WO2013118134A1
Application number: PCT/IN2012/000338
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rachamullu Pravarshi REDDY
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-02-08
Filing date: 2012-05-09
Publication date: 2013-08-15
Anticipated expiration: 2014-08-08

Description

A SYSTEM AND METHOD TO ACCESS MULTIMEDIA CONTENT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to the field of accessing multimedia internet content with audio- video output.

DEFINITION OF THE TERMS USED IN THE SPECIFICATION

3G Wireless Networks: As defined in this specification, 3^rd generation mobile telecommunications is a generation of standards for mobile phones and mobile telecommunication services fulfilling the International Mobile Telecommunications -2000 (IMT -2000) specifications by the International Telecommunication Union.

4G Wireless Networks: As defined in this specification, 4G is the 4^th generation of cellular wireless standards that is a successor to the 3G and 2G families of standards.

Tuner: As defined in this specification, in domain of radio frequency systems, an electronic tuner is a device that tunes a part of radio frequency spectrum by application of a voltage or appropriate digital codes.

Broadband: As defined in this specification, the term broadband refers to a telecommunications signal or device, of greater bandwidth.

Streaming Media or Streaming: As defined in this specification, streaming media is multimedia that is constantly received by and presented to an end-user while being delivered by a streaming provider. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventionally, mobile and stationary users access multimedia content that is streamed from the Internet through third generation (3G) and fourth generation (4G) wireless networks and wired broadband networks. As third generation (3G) networks emerge, it is desirable to roam across cellular technologies by various service providers. Specifically, mobile manufacturers have intentions of manufacturing multi-band, multi-protocol mobiles that could potentially communicate with Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA2000), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)/ Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) and 802.11 networks. However, there currently is no architecture or standard for inter-technology roaming.

Active efforts towards the next generation mobile communications, the fourth generation mobile communications (4G) are also being made and a goal of realizing mobile communications in a 100 Mbps cellular environment has come to be recognized widely. The communication rate of 100 Mbps is about 100 times as faster as the IMT-2000 and it is an important challenge how to achieve such a high transmission rate in as narrow a frequency band as possible in order to make an effective use of finite resources of radio frequencies.

Further, multimedia content streamed through internet is received through devices that use at least one of a desktop, a laptop, a tablet PC, a handheld device and mobile phone / devices and there is no direct provision to connect to audio and video playback devices or appliances. The intelligent device will run on an embedded Operating system that will support software to list the various channels for selection and playback of any channel. The device can be plugged into existing dedicated playback appliances via standard interfaces such as audio/video auxiliary input ports. The proposed disclosure can become the core component of next generation dedicated multimedia playback appliances or devices.

At present, there are no intelligent devices that connect broadband or 3G/4G network to audio and video devices to access multimedia content streamed live or available on demand through internet with easy user interface. Existing devices work on a PC platform (laptop, desktop or other mobile computing devices) and mandatorily depended on the resources of it without being intelligent. Conventional devices for receiving and playback of multimedia content are limited to conventional delivery channels such as broadcast over terrestrial airwaves, satellite broadcast or wired access through cables. There is no device today, designed to receive on-demand or live multimedia content, existing in multiple formats, through 3G and 4G cellular networks and wired broadband and interface to existing playback devices. Further, there is no device that can be incorporated into next generation audio and video dedicated appliances or devices for direct reception and playback of multimedia content.

Therefore with the advent of fourth generation (4G) cellular networks and wired high speed broadband, there is felt a need to integrate and develop the Internet as broadcasting and telecasting medium. Also, there is felt a need for a system which can be directly plugged into/ integrated with existing playback appliances through standard interfaces and is not limited to conventional delivery channels such as broadcast over terrestrial airwaves, satellite broadcast or wired access through cables.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

Some of the objects of the present disclosure which at least one embodiment herein satisfies: An object of the disclosure is to configure a device that is operable directly on operating systems to list channels for selection and playback of any content available as a live stream channel or on-demand.

Another object of the disclosure is to configure a device that can be plugged into existing playback appliances through standard interfaces.

Still another object of the disclosure is to configure an integrated circuit module that can become a core component of next generation dedicated multimedia playback appliances through standard interfaces such as audio-video auxiliary input ports.

Yet another object of the disclosure is to configure an intelligent device to be able to be integrated with audio and video and playback appliances with the ability to access and play multimedia content in different formats.

Another object of this disclosure is to create an intelligent appliance that can be upgraded with the latest version of multimedia formats by synchronizing with a server that has the repository of multimedia software.

Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures, which are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present disclosure, there is provided a multimedia system, the system comprising a portable unit configured to play content on-demand or receive multiple streams of real time content via the Internet and an interface configured to enable a wired connectivity and/or a wireless connectivity between the portable unit and an audio-video unit for playback of the multimedia content.

Further, the portable unit comprises at least one of a 3G and a 4G network interface; a broadband interface; an embedded tuner unit; at least of an audio interface and a video interface; a control unit; a media processor; a cipher unit and a decipher unit; and a user interface. Still further, the control unit comprises a processor; a repository; and an embedded unit. Again, the media processor comprises a coder-decoder (CODEC).

Further, the Internet is powered by at least one of: a 3G wireless network; a 4G network wireless network; and a wired network, wherein the portable unit is compatible with auxiliary input ports. Theaudio-video unit supports at least one of: PAL; SEC AM; NTSC; and MPEG technology to support output and play any available and future formats that can store and play multimedia content like MPEG, ASF (Advanced Streaming format), WMV (Windows Media Video), Dolby Digital, DTS and the like emerging standards/ formats.

Again, in accordance with the present disclosure, a method for accessing multimedia content through internet powered digital device, the method comprising the following steps: receiving multimedia content transmitted over either wired broadband or wireless network through internet protocol channel via an appropriate transmission media; and interacting with a user through a suitable interface for controlling selection of requested channel via a tuner unit; providing appropriate keys to operate the device; transmitting coded-decoded output to multimedia units; playing back thethe coded-decoded output via audio and video connectors; and selecting channels catalogued based on nature of content, such as radio, movies, television, and multimedia stations. Further, the method includes step of listing the channels to end user on a handheld display functioning as a remote device operator and an alternate model with a larger display with control or base unit for selecting options available to the end user. If the device is connected to video playback appliances the device will automatically detect the output device connected and will display the catalogue or listing on the video display appliance / screen.

Again, in accordance with the present disclosure, a multimedia system is configured that includes a mobile device further comprising a modem, processor and memory configured to receive multiple streams of real time content from internet through wired and wireless broadband networks; and plugging the intelligent device into dedicated audio and video appliances through standard interfaces. Again, themodem is coupled to a base band unit adaptable to receive content from predetermined transmission media.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The disclosure will now be described with the help of accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 that illustrates a system for broadcasting multimedia content through internet via 3G and 4G networks broadband connection in accordance with this invention; and

Figure 2 that illustrates a flowchart depicting a method for accessing multimedia content through internet via 3G and 4G networks in accordance with this invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The disclosure will now be described with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description relates purely to the exemplary preferred embodiments of the disclosure and its suggested applications.

The diagrams and the description hereto are merely illustrative and only exemplify the disclosure and in no way limit the scope thereof.

Presently, there are no intelligent devices that can connect broadband or 3G/ 4G network to audio and video devices to access multimedia content streamed through internet or available on-demand in different formats for instance,ASF (Advanced Streaming format), WMV (Windows Media Video), Dolby Digital, DTS and the like emerging standards formats withan easy to operate user interface. Any existing devices work on a PC platform (laptop, desktop or other mobile computing devices) and mandatorily depend on the resources of it; without being intelligent. Conventional devices for receiving and playback of multimedia content are limited to conventional delivery channels such as broadcast over terrestrial airwaves, satellite broadcast or wired access through cables. There is no device today, designed to receive multimedia content through 3G/4G cellular networks and wired broadband and interface to existing playback devices. This design can also be incorporated into next generation audio and video dedicated appliances or devices. This problem did not exist till now and with the advent of 4G cellular networks & wired high speed broadband, this solution is proposed to create a method to popularize and develop a latent need to use Internet as broadcasting / telecasting medium.

An intelligent device is proposed with required hardware (modem, processor & memory) and embedded software to receive multiple streams of real time contentor content on-demand from internet, through 3G/4G networks & wired broadband. The device can be plugged into existing dedicated audio / video appliances using standard interfaces. The present invention proposed this intelligent device to get integrated with audio and video playback appliances in the future. Further, the present invention provides access of multimedia content anywhere in the world through Internet available on 4G / 3G network & wired broadband without the use of a computer, laptop or mobile phone; unlike comparable devices that have limited deployment capabilities. Again, the device is easily extensible to support newer wireless broadband as they come into existence. Still further, an intelligent device is configured that can be plugged into existing dedicated appliances using standard interfaces such as audio/video auxiliary input ports. These Intelligent devices can be used in stationary or mobile mode. The proposed device will evolve into being core component of next generation multimedia playback devices. Using the proposed intelligent device users will be able to access their entertainment and media channels from anywhere in the world.

Further, when multimedia content broadcast or content-on-demand is accessed through Internet via 3G/4G Networks or broadband connection, this intelligent device is configured to receive the content over either wired broadband or 3G/4G wireless networks via IP broadcast / Multi-cast channel. Content available to paying subscribers is protected by 'Digital Rights Management'. The proposed disclosure incorporates the modem and base band unit that is required to receive the content from the appropriate transmission media. The proposed intelligent device has a control unit that interacts with the user via a suitable interface and controls the selection of the requested channel via a tuner software unit. The process of subscription to paid services will provide appropriate keys to the proposed device to participate in 'Digital Rights Management'. Different Media formats will be supported by a CODEC (Coder/Decoder) component. CODEC supports different video formats. The output of CODEC is connected to a set of universal audio and video connectors that will support all existing playback devices. Again, the proposed system is configured to list the channels to end user on a handheld display that also functions as a remote device operator. Alternately, a model with larger display can also be integrated with the control or base unit for selecting the various options available. Further, the user will be able to choose channels based on listing of channels that is catalogued based on nature of content, such as radio, movies, television and other multimedia stations, which can be further subcategorized based on genre of content. Further, the proposed intelligent device is envisaged tobecome an integral part ofthe next generation audio and video devices.

In an embodiment, the system enables delivery of conventional multimedia services (TV, radio, movies) using the ubiquitous internet, thus giving a global footprint to the services offered. It distinguishes itself from other similar appliances by incorporating sophisticated services such as Scanning of channels on internet, accessibility through 3G/4G networks, connectivity to existing playback devices/appliances, DRM and Universal Multimedia format support. This intelligent device bridges the last mile connectivity between 3G/4G networks or broadband services (carrying streamed internet multimedia content) and various audio / video appliances used by consumers.

Aspects of the disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In accordance with a first aspect ofthe disclosure as seen in FIGURE 1, a multimedia system is configured, the system comprising an intelligent portable unit lOOconfigured to receive multiple streams of real time or on-demand content via Internet either through an Ethernet interface 104 or wireless interface 106; and an interfacel08 configured to enable a wired connectivity and/or a wireless connectivity between the intelligent portable unitlOO and an audio-video unitl02. The intelligent unit lOOcomprises at least one of a 3G and a 4G network interface; a broadband interface; an embedded tuner unit; at least of an audio interface and a video interface; a control unit; a media processor; a cipher unit and a decipher unit; and a user interface. The control unit comprises a processor; a repository; and an embedded unit (these components are not shown in the Figures).

Still in accordance with the first aspect, the media processor comprises a coder- decoder (CODEC). The internet is powered by at least one of: a 3G wireless network; a 4G network wireless network; and a wired network. The Intelligent portable unitlOO is compatible with auxiliary input ports. Theaudio-video unit supports at least one of Output formats like: PAL; SECAM; NTSC; and media formats like MPEG, ASF (Advanced Streaming format), WMV (Windows Media Video), Dolby Digital, DTS and the like emerging standards formats and technology.

The functioning of the components of the intelligent portable unit 100 also referred to as the intelligent device 100 is explained in detail hereinafter. The control unit controls and guides the entire operations of the intelligent devicelOO by interfacing with each of the components of the intelligent devicelOO via an I/O Bus. The control unit co-operates with a user interface to present a list of multimedia / entertainment channels, available over the Internet, to the users for scanning and selection. The list of channels is catalogued based on the nature of content, such as radio, movies, television and other multimedia stations. The channels can be further subcategorized based on the genre of the content. The intelligent devicelOO includes a handheld display on which the user interface is displayed. The handheld display also functions as a remote operator of the intelligent devicelOO. Alternatively, a display larger than a handheld display can also be integrated with the control unit for selection of the channels. The selected channel is then tuned by the control unit via a tuner unit. The control unit receives the requested multimedia content from the Internet at the tuned frequency using either a wired or wireless network. The intelligent devicelOO includes a broadband interface which co-operates with the Ethernet interfacel04 to support the wired network connection. The wireless 3G/4G network is facilitated by a 3G/4G interface 106 which includes an antenna for transmission and reception of multimedia signals. Collectively the broadband interface and the 3G/4G interface forms an interface unit. The streamed multimedia content is received over the selected channel via the interface unit and given to a DRM unit in case the content is subscription based DRM protected content. The interface unit also incorporates a modem and a baseband unit (not shown in the figures) to receive the content from the appropriate transmission media.

The DRM unit includes means to cipher and decipher the content. The DRM unit has the keys which are required to decode the protected content. The decoded content is then forwarded to a media processor. The media processor includes CODEC which enables the existing audio- video device/playback device 102 to support different media formats. The media processor using codec decodes the received streamed multimedia content to be compatible with the audio-video device/playback device 102. The compatible multimedia content is then streamed to the audio-video device/playback device 102 supporting PAL, SECAM, NTSC, and MPEG via a wired link interface typically through an auxiliary input port or using wireless connectivity.

In accordance with a second aspect as seen in FIGURE 2, a method for accessing multimedia content through internet powered digital intelligent device, the method comprising receiving multimedia content transmitted over either wired broadband or wireless network through internet protocol channelvia an appropriate transmission media; and interacting with a user through a suitable interface for controlling selection of requested channel via a tuner unit; providing appropriate keys to operate the device; transmitting coded-decoded output to multimedia units; playing back the coded-decoded output via audio and video connectors; and selecting channels catalogued based on nature of content, such as radio, movies, television, and multimedia stations.

Again, according to the second aspect, the method further includes step of listing channel to end user on a handheld display functioning as a remote device operator and integrating a model with a larger display with control or base unit for selecting options available to the end user. The intelligent device further comprising a modem, processor and memory configured to receive multiple streams of real time/on-demand content from internet through wired and wireless broadband networks.And, theintelligent device is plugged into dedicated audio and video appliances through standard interfaces. The modem is coupled to a base-band unit adaptable to receive content from predetermined transmission media.

TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS AND ECONOMICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The technical advancements offered by the present disclosure which add to the economic significance of the disclosure include the realization of existing functional components; each functional component can be fulfilled by specific parts from any vendors. The choice of functions that are integrated in the proposed device is what makes it unique and distinguishes it from conventional devices.

In addition, the proposed intelligent portable unit facilitates access to multimedia content available anywhere in the world through the Internet available on 4G / 3G network and wired broadband without the use of a computer, laptop or mobile phone; unlike comparable devices that have limited deployment capabilities. Further, the proposed intelligent portable unit is backward compatible and also can be easily extensible to support newer wireless broadband as they come into existence. The intelligent portable unit can be plugged into existing dedicated appliances using standard interfaces such as audio/video auxiliary input ports or can be embedded to form a core component of next generation multimedia playback devices.

Furthermore, the proposed intelligent portable unit can be used in stationary or mobile mode to access entertainment and media channels from anywhere in the world.

Also, the intelligent portable unit bridges the last mile connectivity between 3G/4G networks or broadband services (carrying streamed Internet multimedia content) and various audio / video appliances used by consumers.

Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

The use of the expression "at least" or "at least one" suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the invention to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the invention as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.

While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this disclosure, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiment without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other modifications in the nature of the disclosure or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

Claims

Claims:

1. A multimedia system, said system comprising:

- an intelligent portable unit configured to receive multiple streams of real time/on-demand content via internet; and

- an interface configured to enable a wired connectivity and a wireless connectivity between said portable unit and an audio-video unit.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said intelligent portable unit further comprises:

• an interactive user interface adapted to display a plurality of catalogued multimedia channels available on the Internet for selection;

• a tuner unit adapted to tune said portable unit to the frequency of the selected multimedia channel;

• an Internet interface unit adapted to provide wired and wireless connectivity to receive multimedia content from said selected multimedia channel;

• a DRM unit adapted to decode said received multimedia content using appropriate keys in the event that said received multimedia content is protected using digital rights management;

• a Media Processor having coder-decoder to transform said received multimedia content to make it compatible for playback;

• an Audio/ Video Interface unit adapted to provide a wired and/or wireless interface to stream the compatible multimedia content for playback to said audio- video unit; and

• a control unit adapted to control and guide the operations of the aforementioned components.

3. A system as claimed in claim 2, wherein said control unit comprises:

- a processor;

- a repository; and

- an embedded unit.

4. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said portable unit is connected to the Internet using a connection selected from the group consisting of 3G wireless network, 4G wireless network, a wired broadband network and next generation based wired or wireless networks.

5. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said portable unit is connected to said audio-video unit through auxiliary input ports.

6. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said audio-video unit supports at least one format selected from the group consisting of PAL; SECAM; NTSC; MPEG, ASF (Advanced Streaming format), WMV (Windows Media Video), Dolby Digital, DTS and newer emerging standard formats and technologies.

7. A method for accessing multimedia content through internet powered digital intelligent device, said method comprising the following steps:

-receiving multimedia content transmitted over either wired broadband or wireless network through internet protocol channel;

- receiving content from appropriate transmission media; and

- interacting with a user through a suitable interface for controlling selection of requested channel via a tuner Unit;

- providing appropriate keys to operate said device;

- transmitting coded-decoded output to multimedia units;

- playing back said coded-decoded output via audio and video connectors; and - selecting channels catalogued based on nature of content, such as radio, movies, television, and multimedia stations.

8. A method as claimed in claim 7, further comprising the step of listing channel to end user on a handheld display functioning as a remote device operator and integrating a model with a larger display with control or base unit for selecting options available to said end user.

9. A multimedia system comprising:

- a mobile device further comprising a modem, processor and memory configured to receive multiple streams of real time/on-demand content from internet through wired and wireless broadband networks; and

- plugging said mobile device into dedicated audio and video appliances through standard interfaces.

10. A system as claimed in claim 9, wherein said modem is coupled to a base band unit adaptable to receive content from predetermined transmission

media.