JP2011523727A - System and method for managing, controlling and / or rendering media over a network - Google Patents

Abstract

A system and method for managing, controlling and / or rendering media in a network. The system uses a media management application that manages, controls and / or renders digital media files in the network. Users browse, search, manage and / or consume content from multiple storage devices and servers in the network. The user can see a visual display of active media connections between available servers and / or available rendering devices connected to the network.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  This application claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 072,426, filed March 31, 2008.

  The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for managing, controlling and / or rendering media over a network. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods that utilize media management applications to manage, control, and / or render media from a collection of digital media files over a network. The system and method allows a user to browse, search, manage, and / or render content from multiple storage devices and / or servers over a network. The user can see a visual display of an active media connection between an available server and / or an available rendering device connected to the network.

  It is well known that users use several separate channels to obtain media for consumption at home. For example, television content is distributed via terrestrial broadcast or dedicated cable connections and / or consumed using conventional television. Radio broadcasts and / or music broadcasts are received and / or consumed via radio receivers or stereo devices. Media such as movies, TV shows, TV series, music albums, etc. are purchased on digital versatile discs (“DVDs”), videotapes, compact discs (“CDs”) or the like, and the media is in the home Played by the media player. Furthermore, the user records television broadcasts and / or radio broadcasts to collect content according to personal preferences. Conventionally, television broadcasts and / or radio broadcasts are recorded using videotapes or audio cassettes. In addition, television and / or radio broadcasts are recorded using further state-of-the-art technologies such as digital video recorders (“DVR”) or DVD recorder devices. Thus, the user creates a personal media collection that matches the personal preferences through a combination of media purchases and broadcast recording.

  However, individual media objects in a personal media collection are connected to specific physical media such as CDs, DVDs, videotapes, and the like. Individual media objects in a personal media collection are limited to, for example, DVRs associated with a single specific rendering device.

  With the increasing popularity of digital media files, the recent emergence of home networking technology has improved the practicality of media collection at home. Users purchase audio titles and / or video titles online as media files that are collected on one or more storage devices in the home network. Users browse media files away from one or more “control points” in the network and consume specific media files on any compatible rendering device connected to the home network. In addition, some types of media, such as audio CDs, home movies, physical photos, etc., are converted to digital media that are organized and / or consumed via a home network. The ability to organize, view and consume media is enhanced by the capabilities of home network technologies such as IEEE 802.11, connectivity technologies such as Universal Plug and Play (“UPnP”) and Digital Living Network Alliance (“DLNA”). Is done. Home network technology and connectivity technology allow multimedia content between various storage devices and associated rendering devices to be distributed in the home network.

  Current multimedia home network solutions are improved over previous systems. However, existing control point applications and media management tools generally lack functionality. The control point application is an application that controls the UPnP compatible server and the UPnP compatible rendering device. For example, the control point application allows the user to browse and / or find content such as digital video files or digital audio files stored on a particular UPnP server. A control point application allows a user to transmit content to a specific UPnP rendering device for consumption. Typical control point applications are run on a personal computer (“PC”) attached to the home network, built in a “remote control” device, and / or built on a specific UPnP rendering device. The control point application is executed, for example, on a mobile phone or a personal digital assistant ("PDA").

  In general, the control point application allows a user to select a storage device such as a UPnP compliant server, and can browse content through a directory hierarchy published on the selected storage device. The control point application allows the user to select a content object or a compilation from the content object and a compilation available on the selected storage device. A compilation is a user-defined list of media objects such as, for example, audio playlists, photo albums and / or digital photo slideshows. The control point application allows the user to select the desired rendering device and begin rendering the selected content object or compilation.

  Not all of these steps are required in every case. For example, an embedded control point in a DLNA compliant television does not require the user to select a rendering device. This is because the television is selected by default. These processes are almost similar to standard protocols defined by UPnP audio and video (AV) playback devices. Thus, common media management and control applications simply implement standard protocols defined in the UPnP standard and / or DLNA standard. Control point applications typically automate several tasks, such as generating and displaying multiple selection lists of related devices. However, browsing media often involves manual browsing through a media directory on a particular server. Thus, media selection is not efficient, intuitive or fun for the user. Typical control point applications do not provide a user-friendly way to generate compilations.

  A media management application is typically a PC application and is used to manage a collection of media stored on the PC. Examples of media management applications are iTunes (registered trademark by Apple Computer, Inc.) and Simple Center (registered trademark by Universal Electronics, Inc.). A media management application is a PC on which a user browses a media collection, searches for a media collection using metadata tags associated with the media object, generates and manages a compilation of media objects, and directly executes the application. Fig. 4 illustrates a user interface ("UI") that can consume the above media. The media management application has the capabilities of a DLNA server. For example, SimpleCenter has a DLNA compliant server. The media management application allows the user to transmit selected media to portable media players and other similar devices.

  However, a limitation of common media management applications is that use of the media management application is limited to local media that resides on and / or can be accessed by the PC running the media management application. It is. Typical media management applications are not designed to organize, search, manage or manipulate media distributed across a number of DLNA compliant servers throughout the home network. In addition, compilation objects that are created and / or managed by a common media management application are limited by reference media objects that are present on and / or accessible by the PC executing the media management application. Media management applications are not capable of generating compilation objects that combine media objects distributed throughout various servers in a home network.

  Common media management applications provide an effective UI for editing and managing compilations. However, another limitation of a typical media management application is that the media management application requires the user to create and save a compilation object, thereby rendering the compilation object to the selected rendering device. Used to specify the media to be transmitted. However, the user seeks to associate the media object in order to immediately consume and direct the resulting list of media objects to the rendering device without saving a permanent compilation object such as an audio playlist. For example, a user may want to associate with a media object for immediate consumption based on the user's current preferences. If the user simply arranges media objects for current consumption, the requirement of the media management application that the user creates and saves the compilation objects is not beneficial. The compilation object occupies disk space and space on the display, and the compilation object has no future association with the user.

  Users exist elsewhere in the home because existing media management applications are limited to managing local media that are present on and / or accessible by the PC running the media management application It is necessary to run several copies of the media management application on different PCs. Several copies of the media management application on different PCs allow the user to manage each sub-collection of media locally. However, each of several copies of the media management application do not recognize each other and / or do not communicate with each other. Failure to recognize and / or communicate between several copies of the media management application is a disadvantage to the user. For example, one user of a copy of a media management application cannot access, edit, manage and / or use compilation objects that are created and stored locally on different copies of the media management application. Further, if the queue is initiated and / or managed by a different copy of the media management application, a user of one copy of the media management application can queue a media project that is in the process of rendering on a particular rendering device. It is impossible to see.

  Another problem with existing media management applications is managing complexity in the home network. As the number of media sources and / or media rendering devices increases, it becomes increasingly difficult for users to track and control the transmission of media from multiple sources to many different devices. The functional image of the entire home network is difficult for the user to imagine. It is also difficult to control, manage and / or solve the entire home network.

  A clear, centralized and intuitive view of the entire home network allows the user to monitor how media is transmitted between devices. Thus, the user observes the persistence of the network and the user can easily change how media is transmitted between devices. For example, an overall home network view allows a user to duplicate an existing media stream that is played simultaneously on multiple rendering devices. As a further example, the overall home network view allows the user to easily and intuitively switch the active media stream from the first rendering device to the second rendering device. Common media management and control applications do not provide a view of the entire home network. The network view is available from several home network configuration tools such as Cisco, Inc. It is provided by EasyLink Advisor of Linksys, which is a division of the company. However, these existing home network configuration tools do not focus on media and do not show how media devices are interacting in the home network. Furthermore, existing home network configuration tools do not provide the functionality to control media in the home network.

  Accordingly, a need exists for a system and method for managing, controlling and / or rendering media in a network. Furthermore, there is a need for a system and method for managing, controlling and / or rendering media from a collection of digital media files in a network. Furthermore, there is a need for a system and method for managing, controlling and / or rendering media in a network that can browse, search, manage and / or consume content from multiple storage devices and / or servers in the network. Exists. Furthermore, there is a need for a system and method for managing, controlling and / or rendering media in a network that allows a user to view the entire network. Furthermore, there is a need for a system and method for managing, controlling and / or rendering media in a network that allows a user to view, control and / or modify media connections between devices in the network. . Furthermore, there is a need for a system and method for managing, controlling and / or rendering media in a network where multiple copies of an extended media management application can communicate with each other. Furthermore, there is a need for a system and method for managing, controlling and / or rendering media in a network that can provide the same view of home networks, compilation objects, rendering queues, and / or other data. However, the same view is managed by multiple copies of the extended media management application.

  The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for managing, controlling and / or rendering media in a network. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for using a media management application to manage, control and / or render media from a collection of digital media files in a network. The system and method allows a user to browse, search, manage and / or render content from multiple storage devices and / or servers in the network. The user can see a visual display of active media connections between available servers and / or available rendering devices connected to the network.

  To achieve this goal, in an embodiment of the present invention, a method for managing media in a network is provided. The terminal, the first rendering device, the second rendering device, the first server, and the second server are connected to a network. The first server stores a first plurality of media files, and the second server stores a second plurality of media files. The first server and the second server are different servers, and the first rendering device and the second rendering device are different rendering devices. The method comprises displaying a list of servers indicating that the first server and the second server are connected to the network, the terminal displays the list of servers, and the method further includes a first to the terminal. Receiving a user input; and displaying a search result for displaying a first plurality of media files corresponding to the first user input and a second plurality of media files, wherein the terminal displays the search results; The method further comprises the step of transmitting the first media file to the first rendering device in response to the selection of the first rendering device from the list of rendering devices, wherein the first media file is selected for transmission using the search results. And the method further comprises rendering the first media file on the first rendering device.

  In certain embodiments, the method further comprises generating a compilation object having a third plurality of media files, wherein the third plurality of media files is transmitted to the first rendering device, and the first rendering device further includes: Rendering a third plurality of media files, wherein the third plurality of media files comprises one or more first plurality of media files and one or more second plurality of media files; Features.

  In certain embodiments, the method is based on accepting a second user input identifying a media file selected from the search results, displaying the selected media file in a first order, and a third user input. Displaying the media file selected in the second order, wherein the first order and the second order are different orders, and the method further includes selecting the first rendering device from the list of rendering devices by a fourth user input; And associating the selected media file with the first rendering device and rendering the selected media file in the second order on the first rendering device.

  In certain embodiments, the method further comprises transmitting the second media file to the second rendering device in response to the selection of the second rendering device from the list of rendering devices, the second media file using the search results. And the second plurality of media files comprises a second media file, and the first plurality of media files comprises a first media file.

  In certain embodiments, the method further comprises controlling rendering of the first media file by the first rendering device, wherein rendering by the first rendering device is controlled by the terminal.

  In certain embodiments, the method further comprises displaying a rendering status indicating that the first rendering device is rendering the first media file, wherein the second rendering device renders the second media file; The state is characterized by the second rendering device rendering the second media file.

  In an embodiment, the method comprises rendering a first media file on a second rendering device, wherein rendering of the first media file on the first rendering device is synchronized with rendering of the first media file on the second rendering device. It is characterized by that.

  In one embodiment, the terminal is a mobile phone.

  In another embodiment of the present invention, a method for managing media in a network is provided. The first terminal, the first rendering device, the second rendering device, the first server, and the second server are connected to a network. The first server stores a first plurality of media files, the second server stores a second plurality of media files, and the first server and the second server are different servers. The first rendering device and the second rendering device are different rendering devices. The method includes displaying a first icon, a second icon, a third icon, and a fourth icon, the first icon corresponding to the first server, the second icon corresponding to the second server, and the third icon. Corresponds to the first rendering device, the fourth icon corresponds to the second rendering device, the first terminal displays the first icon, the second icon, the third icon, and the fourth icon, and the method further includes: Selecting a third icon using the first terminal, and transmitting a first media file of the first plurality of media files from the first server to the first rendering device, the first media file comprising: Transmitted in response to selection of the third icon, the method further comprises rendering the first media file on the first rendering device.

  In some embodiments, the method further comprises displaying a graphical display connecting the first icon to the third icon, the graphical display transmitting a first media file from the first server to the first rendering device. It is characterized by showing.

  In some embodiments, the method further comprises displaying a graphical display connecting the first icon to the third icon, the graphical display indicating transmission of the first media file from the first server to the first rendering device. The method further comprises the step of changing the graphical display to connect the first icon to the fourth icon, the graphical display is changed by user input, and the method further includes the first of the first media file. Stopping transmission from the server to the first rendering device, wherein the transmission is stopped in response to a change in the graphical display, and the method further transmits the first media file from the first server to the second rendering device. The first media file is transmitted to the second rendering device in response to a change in the graphic display.

  In certain embodiments, the method further comprises displaying a graphical representation at a first location on the first terminal, wherein the graphical representation at the first location is a first rendering from a first server of the first media file. The method further includes transmitting to the device, the method further comprising: transmitting the first media file from the first server to the second rendering device; and transmitting the first media file to the second rendering device; Displaying a graphical representation at a second location on the first terminal, wherein the graphical representation at the second location indicates transmission of the first media file from the first server to the second rendering device; The first position and the second position are different positions.

  In some embodiments, the method associates the fourth icon with the third icon based on the user input, and the first media file from the first server in response to the association of the fourth icon with the third icon. Further comprising: transmitting to the second rendering device; and rendering the first media file on the second rendering device, wherein rendering the first media file on the second rendering device is the first of the first media file. It is characterized by being synchronized with rendering on a rendering device.

  In certain embodiments, the method further comprises displaying a first figure display connecting the first icon to the third icon, wherein the first figure display is the first media file from the first server to the first rendering device. The method further generates a second figure display associated with the first figure display, the second figure display is generated based on the first user input, and the method further includes the second figure display. The first media file is transmitted from the first server to the second rendering device in response to connecting the display to the fourth icon based on the second user input and connecting to the fourth icon in FIG. A process is provided.

  In an embodiment, the method further comprises displaying a first icon, a second icon, a third icon, and a fourth icon on a second terminal connected to the network, wherein the first terminal and the second terminal are A different terminal, the method further comprises the step of displaying a graphical display on the second terminal, wherein the graphical display connects the first icon and the third icon, and the graphical display is the first of the first media file. The transmission from the server to the first rendering device is indicated.

  In an embodiment, the method further comprises generating a compilation object having a third plurality of media files, the compilation object is generated using the first terminal, and the method further includes a second connected to the network. A step of displaying the compilation object on the terminal is provided, wherein the first terminal and the second terminal are different terminals.

  In another embodiment of the present invention, a system for managing media in a network is provided. The first rendering device, the second rendering device, the first server, and the second server are connected to the network. The first server stores a first plurality of media files, the second server stores a second plurality of media files, and the first server and the second server are different servers. The first rendering device and the second rendering device are different rendering devices. The system includes a first server, a second server, a first rendering device, a control point element that determines that the second rendering device is connected to a network, an application control element connected to the control point element, and an application control A user interface connected to the element, the user interface displaying a graphical display, wherein the graphical display is such that the first server, the second server, the first rendering device and the second rendering device are connected to a network; And the user interface accepts a first user input, the system further comprises a connection element attached to the application control element, the connection element connecting the application control element to the network, and further comprising an application control element Is Determining a media file of the first plurality of media files and the second plurality of media files corresponding to one user input, the selected media file of the media file is transmitted to the first rendering device and further selected; The selected media file is selected based on the second user input to the user interface, and the selected media file is further sent to the first rendering device in response to the selection of the first rendering device using the user interface. And the first rendering device renders the selected media file.

  In one embodiment, the control point element is characterized by supporting the UPnP control point protocol.

  In certain embodiments, the system further comprises a media player attached to the application control element, wherein the media player includes the one or more selected media before the selected media file is transmitted to the first rendering device. Rendering a file.

  In certain embodiments, the system further comprises a storage element attached to the application control element, wherein the user input to the user interface comprises a first plurality of media files and a second plurality of media file media files. And the storage element stores the compilation object.

  Accordingly, an advantage of the present invention is to provide a system and method for managing, controlling and / or rendering media in a network.

  Another beneficial aspect of the present invention is to provide a system and method for managing, controlling and / or rendering media where digital media files in the network are accessible from any location in the network. .

  And yet another advantage of the present invention is that it manages, controls and / or medias in the network where users can browse, search, manage and / or consume content from multiple storage devices and / or servers in the network. Or to provide a system and method for rendering.

  Yet another advantage of the present invention is a system and method for managing, controlling and / or rendering media in a network that eliminates the need for the user to know which media objects are stored on which servers in the network. Is to provide.

  Further, an advantage of the present invention is to provide a system and method for managing, controlling and / or rendering media in a network that allows a user to create, edit, manage and / or use compilation objects. An object refers to a media file that is distributed across multiple storage devices and / or multiple servers connected to a network.

  And yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a system and method for managing, controlling and / or rendering media in a network that aggregates digital media files from different sources.

  Yet another advantage of the present invention is that in a network where a user can assemble a temporary compilation for immediate consumption without having to create, store and / or manage permanent compilation objects. It is to provide a system and method for managing, controlling and / or rendering media.

  Furthermore, an advantage of the present invention is to provide a system and method for managing, controlling and / or rendering media in a network that can communicate with each other by multiple copies of an extended media management application.

  Yet another advantage of the present invention is to provide a system and method for managing, controlling and / or rendering media in a network that can be controlled remotely by a user from a rendering device.

  Further, the advantages of the present invention include managing and controlling media in a network that can provide an identical view of home networks, compilation objects, rendering queues and / or other data with multiple copies of an extended media management application. And / or providing a rendering system and method, wherein the other data is managed by multiple copies of an extended media management application.

  Another advantage of the present invention is to provide a system and method for managing, controlling and / or rendering media in a network that provides a functional view of devices that can use the media in the network.

  Another advantage of the present invention provides a system and method for managing, controlling and / or rendering media in a network that allows a user to control how the media is transmitted in the network. That is.

  Furthermore, an advantage of the present invention is to provide a system and method for managing, controlling and / or rendering media in a network that allows a user to manage, control and / or consume media in a home network.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system for managing, controlling and / or rendering media in a network in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 illustrates an extended media management application (“EMMA”) in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows a search view of EMMA in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows a workspace view of EMMA in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows an active device subview of the network view of EMMA in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows a connection subview of the network view of EMMA in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 displays a system for managing, controlling and / or rendering media in a network in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 shows a flowchart for managing, controlling and / or rendering media in a network in an embodiment of the present invention.

  Additional features and advantages of the present invention are described in, and are apparent from, the detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention and the drawings.

  The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for managing, controlling and / or rendering media in a network. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for utilizing a media management application for managing, controlling and / or rendering media from a collection of digital media files in a network. The system and method allows a user to browse, search, manage and / or render content from multiple storage devices and / or servers in the network. The user can see a visual display of active media connections between available servers and / or available rendering devices connected to the network. The system and method allows a user to control the use of media in the network. For example, a user may stop or resume rendering on a particular rendering device, stop and / or clear a particular rendering device queue, switch rendering of the current media from one rendering device to a different rendering device, and / or Alternatively, copy the current media from one rendering device to one or more additional rendering devices.

  Referring to the drawings in which like numerals refer to like parts, FIG. 1 generally illustrates a system (1) for managing, controlling and / or rendering media in a network. The system (1) has an extended media management application (2) (hereinafter “EMMA (2)”), which allows users to access digital media files distributed throughout the network (10), It can be managed, organized and / or consumed. First server (11), second server (12) and / or third server (13) (collectively "server (11) (12) (13)" connected to EMMA (2) by network (10) The first rendering device (21), the second rendering device (22) and / or the third rendering rendering device (23) (collectively, "rendering devices (21) (22) (23)") Connected to EMMA (2) by network (10) In a preferred embodiment, network (10) is a home network, network (10) is a wired or wireless connection. Based on one or more of the following technologies: Ethernet / wired LAN, IEEE 1394 ("Fire Wire") and / or IEEE. 802.11 ( "WiFi") network (10) uses other techniques not described herein. The present invention, in certain embodiments of the network (10) is not limited.

  The servers (11) (12) (13) and / or the rendering devices (21) (22) (23) are compliant with the DLNA standard and / or the UPnPAV standard. System (1) has at least one server and at least one rendering device, but system (1) does not have an upper bound on many servers and / or many rendering devices accessible via network (10) . The present invention is not limited to a specific number of servers and / or rendering devices.

  The servers (11), (12), and (13) are, for example, a personal computer (“PC”) having software that implements a DLNA-compliant AV server, and a network-attached storage (NAS) device having a DLNA-compliant AV server function. A portable computing device such as a digital video recorder (“DVR”) having the function of a DLNA-compliant AV server, a mobile phone or a personal digital assistant device (“PDA”) having the functionality of a DLNA-compliant AV server, and / or Alternatively, it is a media capture device such as a digital still camera or a video camera having a DLNA-compliant AV server function. The present invention is not limited to a specific embodiment of the servers (11) (12) (13).

  Each of the rendering devices (21), (22), (23) is, for example, a DLNA compliant television, a DLNA compliant set top box connected to a DLNA compliant or not television, a DLNA compliant stereo system, a DLNA compliant or so DLNA compliant audio adapter device connected to a non-stereo, PC with media player software with DLNA compliant rendering function, portable computing device with DLNA compliant rendering function, such as a mobile phone or a personal digital assistant (" PDA "), DLNA compliant photo display frame, and / or video game console with UPnP technology. The present invention is not limited to a particular embodiment of the rendering device (21) (22) (23).

  Each of the servers (11) (12) (13) has a digital media file (19) provided to the rendering devices (21) (22) (23). A digital media file (19) is a single media object, such as a video clip, a music track and / or a digital photo, and a predefined composite object, such as a television series and / or a music album. And / or compilation objects previously defined by the user, such as music playlists and / or photo slideshows. The present invention is not limited to any particular embodiment or type of digital media file (19).

  The EMMA (2) is connected via the network (10) to the server ( 11) Connect to (12) (13) and / or the rendering device (21) (22) (23). How EMMA (2) is transmitted for consumption of a digital media file (19) from the server (11) (12) (13) to the rendering device (21) (22) (23) To control the servers (11) (12) (13) and / or the rendering devices (21) (22) (23) via the network (10). EMMA (2) acts as an AV control point for standard UPnP. EMMA (2) has local rendering capabilities that allow the user to preview and / or consume media files directly from the EMMA user interface. Network (10) has one EMMA (2), or has multiple copies of EMMA (2), as described in more detail below.

  The network (10) has one or more additional standard DLNA / UPnP control points (not shown) distributed throughout the network (10). Additional standard DLNA / UPnP control points do not have EMMA (2) extensions. For example, an additional standard DLNA / UPnP control point is incorporated into one of the rendering devices (21) (22) (23) and / or associated with one of the servers (11) (12) (13). . Additional standard DLNA / UPnP control points may be standalone control points such as dedicated DLNA / UPnP control point devices and / or standard DLNA / UPnP control points devices running on a PC or portable computing device. For example, UPnP control point.

  EMMA (2) is a software application that runs on a device (30) connected to the network (10). The device (30) may execute software and / or present a user with a mutual visual user interface (“UI”). For example, a device (30) that supports EMMA (2) includes a desktop PC, a laptop PC, a PDA, a mobile phone, a “remote control” device, a TV that can be connected via a network, a set-top box that can be connected via a network, and a user interface A stereo system connectable by a network having a screen and / or an audio adapter device connectable by a network having a user interface screen. If the device (30) is a network connectable set top box, the mutual visual UI is displayed via a television attached to the set top box. The network (10) has more than one device (30) with EMMA (2). The present invention should not be limited to a particular embodiment of the device (30) having an EMMA (2).

  FIG. 2 generally shows a black box diagram of EMMA. The EMMA (2) presents the interactive visual UI (101) to the user on the display screen and / or requires user input to control the EMMA (2). The method of user input depends on the device (30) on which the EMMA (2) operates. For example, the user (100) controls the EMMA (2) using one or more of the following devices. The following devices include, for example, pointing devices such as mouse trackballs and / or trackpads; joysticks; four-way navigation keys; touch screens; a set of programmable “soft keys”; and / or computer keyboards, cell phone keys A physical button such as a series of buttons on a pad, television or set-top box and / or “remote control” associated therewith. A “soft key” is a button that performs a function that depends on the text shown on the display screen adjacent to the button. The present invention is not limited to a particular embodiment of an apparatus for controlling EMMA (2).

  As described above, EMMA (2) presents the mutual visual UI (101) to the user (100). The interactive visual UI (101) allows the user (100) to recognize, organize and / or manage digital media files (19) in the network (10). Furthermore, the mutual visual UI (101) allows the user (100) to create, edit, manage and / or use compilation objects that are compilations of the digital media file (19). Further, the mutual visual UI (101) allows the user (100) to control transmission of the digital media file (19) from the server (11) (12) (13) to the rendering device (21) (22) (23). Can be done. Furthermore, the mutual visual UI (101) allows the user (100) to preview and / or consume one of the digital media files (19) on the EMMA (2). Furthermore, the mutual visual UI (101) allows the user (100) to view the status of media distribution and / or media rendering in the network (10) and control the transmission of digital media files (19). In order to do this, it is possible to use an indication of the status of media distribution and / or media rendering. Furthermore, the mutual visual UI (101) allows the user (100) to set a preference associated with the EMMA (2).

  The EMMA (2) is attached to the network (10) via a “network I / O” element (102). EMMA (2) has a central “application control” element (103) that implements logic and / or control, as will be described in more detail below. The EMMA (2) has a local media player (104) that operates as a rendering device. The user (100) uses the interactive visual UI (101) to preview and / or consume media directly from the local media player (104) of the EMMA (2). The local media player (104) may request and request media for rendering via the “application control” element (103) and / or directly via the “network I / O” element (102). / Or receive.

  EMMA (2) has and / or operates a local control point (105) that supports the standard UPnP control point protocol. The EMMA (2) uses the local control point (105) to connect the servers (11) (12) (13) and / or the rendering devices (21) (22) (23) connected to the network (10). Determine availability and / or functionality. Further, the EMMA (2) makes an inquiry to the servers (11), (12), and (13) using the local control point (105), and obtains appropriate contents of the servers (11), (12), and (13). decide. In addition, EMMA (2) uses the local control point (105) to present the uniform resource locator ("URL") for the appropriate content to the rendering devices (21) (22) (23) and the content. Start and / or control the rendering of

  The EMMA (2) has a local state storage element (106) in which the state of the local EMMA (2) is stored. The local state storage element (106) has a stored compilation object that is created and / or managed by the local EMMA (2). In addition, the local state storage element (106) has a temporary compilation object in the process that is created, edited and / or used by the EMMA (2). Also, the local state storage element (106) has the detailed state of one or more rendering queues created and / or managed by the local EMMA (2).

  In each of the rendering queues, the detailed status identifies which rendering device (21) (22) (23) is receiving the rendering queue. Further, the detailed state currently has a list of content object URLs in the rendering queue. In addition, the detailed state has metadata associated with the URL of each content, eg, title, author, rating and / or the like. In addition, the detailed state indicates the current position in the queue, which indicates which content object is currently being rendered. In addition, the detailed state identifies a rough time offset that indicates the progress of the rendering of the content object. The present invention is not limited to a specific embodiment of the detailed state of the rendering queue.

  The local state storage element (106) has additional EMMA configuration and / or user preference information. As an alternative to the local state storage element (106), EMMA (2), described in detail below, stores, updates and / or information in a global state storage area accessible via the network (10). Or maintain.

  EMMA (2) provides search view, workspace view and / or network view to user (100). The search view allows the user (100) to display a list of available servers (11), (12), and (13) and / or icons. The user (100) selects a content filter that limits content objects to specific media types and / or content filters that limit the server list to a specific subset of available servers (11), (12), (13). To do. The user (100) initiates content browsing and / or searching using the restrictions imposed by the selected content filter.

  The workspace view allows the user (100) to browse and / or search content returned by a search initiated by the search view. A user (100) modifies and / or improves search results by adjusting search terms and / or content filters. The user (100) uses the editing frame to organize and / or assemble the content returned by the search into a compilation object. The user (100) accesses the saved compilation object to use, edit, manage or delete the saved compilation object using the editing pane of the workspace view. The user (100) imports the compilation object generated outside the EMMA (2) using the workspace view. The workspace view provides the user (100) with a list display and / or icon display of the available rendering devices (21) (22) (23).

  A rendering device (21) that allows a user (100) to use any single media object, such as a music album and / or the current content of an edit pane, any saved compilation object, any given composite object (22) Turn to (23). Visual feedback to the user (100) indicates the success or failure of the requested rendering operation. When EMMA (2) has a local media player (104), user (100) uses the workspace view to play the media. In this case, the user (100) uses the interactive visual UI (101) to preview and / or consume media using the local media player (104). For example, the media previewed and / or consumed using the local media player (104) is a single media object, a saved compilation object, a predetermined composite object, and / or the current content of an edit pane.

  The network view allows the user (100) to display a list view and / or an icon view of the servers (11) (12) (13) and / or the rendering devices (21) (22) (23) connected to the network (10). It is possible to see. Using the network view, the user selects and / or switches between the active device subview and the connected subview. The active device subview allows the user (100) to see a list view and / or icon view of the active rendering device connected to the network (10).

  The list view and / or icon view of the active device subview displays information on each of the active rendering devices. For example, the list view and / or icon view of the active device subview displays the title of the current media object being rendered on each active rendering device. In addition, the list view and / or icon view displays additional metadata associated with the current media object rendered on each of the active rendering devices. The display may be, for example, artist, rating, recording date, associated music album, and / or the like. Further, in each of the active rendering devices, a list view and / or icon view indicates the progress of rendering the current media object being rendered. In addition, the list view and / or icon view displays the name of the media object that is rendered on each of the active rendering devices. The name of the composite object is, for example, the name of a music album, and / or the name of the compilation object is, for example, the name of a playlist. In addition, at each active rendering device, the list view and / or icon view displays a current rendering queue, shown as a list of media objects that are not rendered on a particular active rendering device.

  The list view and / or icon view displays a subset of the information. The user is required to highlight one of the active rendering devices to see some or all of the information. For example, the information is not displayed on all active rendering devices at the same time. Basic information, such as the title of the current media object rendered and / or the progress of the rendering, is displayed on each of the active rendering devices. The display of basic information allows the user (100) to select a specific active rendering device to see additional details about the specific active rendering device.

  If the EMMA (2) has local rendering capabilities, the user (100) selects and / or highlights a particular rendering device to view, listen and / or monitor media playing on a particular active rendering device To do. The user (100) uses the local rendering function of EMMA (2) to view, listen and / or monitor the media. The EMMA (2) provides media controls such as “pause”, “play”, “rewind”, “fast forward” and / or “stop”, for example, which media controls the visual of the EMMA (2). Access is possible via the mutual UI (101). In this case, the playback position of the local media player (104) and / or the playback position of a particular active rendering device are controlled and / or adjusted in exactly the same way using media control. Is done.

  The connection subview displays a graphical representation of available servers and / or available rendering devices connected to the network. The connection subview provides a visual display of active media connections between available servers and available rendering devices. A user (100) selects and / or highlights a particular active rendering device to view details of the particular active rendering device, as described in the active device subview.

  The user (100) also uses the connection subview to obtain a visual indication of a problem with media transmission in the network (10), eg, a display where a particular requested media connection is not functioning properly. The user (100) also uses the connection subview to reroute and / or duplicate media, such as the current media object rendered and / or additional media objects in the rendering queue. Media is rerouted and / or duplicated from one of the active rendering devices to one of the different active rendering devices. Media duplication specifies that the media will be played simultaneously to two or more designated rendering devices (21), (22), (23). Duplicating media for simultaneous playback is known to those skilled in the art as a “party mode” setting.

  FIG. 3 generally shows a search view (200) of EMMA (2). The search view (200) displays a list (201) of available servers. For example, when the first server (11), the second server (12), and / or the third server (13) is available, the list of available servers (201) is represented by the first server icon (211), A second server icon (212) and / or a third server icon (213) are displayed to indicate the availability of the server. EMMA (2) automatically determines the list of available servers (201) using the standard UPnP discovery process. The user (100) uses the list of available servers (201) to select and / or highlight one or more available servers and limit content searches to a subset of available servers. .

  The search view (200) displays a list (202) of available filters used to filter content and / or limit content search. For example, the list of available filters (202) has specific media types such as, for example, audio content, video content, digital still photos, and / or combinations of two or more specific media types. In another example, the list of available filters (202) has a specific genre, such as comedy, drama, sports, classical, jazz, heavy metal, and / or the like. In yet another example, the list of available filters (202) may include a rating scale, eg, a “five-star” number of stars, a rating on a scale of 1 to 10, and / or And the like. The list of available filters (202) includes a first filter icon (214) indicating a first available filter, a second filter icon (215) indicating a second available filter, and / or a third available filter. By displaying a third filter icon (216) indicating, it is indicated which filter is available. Available filters are displayed and / or selected from other well-known user interface means. For example, the list of available filters (202) is displayed as a “check box” list and is selected from a “drop-down” menu and / or the like. The present invention is not limited to a particular embodiment displaying a list (202) of available filters.

  The user (100) selects one or more available servers and / or one or more available filters and types the text into the search string input area (204). EMMA (2) performs standard DLNA content queries on a subset of available servers. If no subset is selected by the user (100), EMMA (2) performs a query for standard DLNA content on available servers. EMMA (2) filters the search results based on the selected content filter and generates a filtered search result. EMMA (2) collects the filtered search results into a single set of search results that are filtered across all subsets of the selected available servers. Indicates. EMMA (2) moves to the workspace view and / or displays the filtered search results in the search results area (301) of the workspace view (300), as generally shown in FIG.

  Referring back to FIG. 3, the content query operation performed by EMMA (2) varies depending on the particular embodiment of the invention. For example, in one embodiment, EMMA (2) is associated with a particular server connected to network (10) and / or EMMA (2) directly accesses a content database located on a particular server. . In this case, EMMA (2) and a specific server to which EMMA (2) is associated exist in the same device, or EMMA (2) is directly connected to the device in which the specific server exists by high-speed connection. ing. EMMA (2) does not need to connect to a specific server via network (10) and / or EMMA (2) has an alternative means of obtaining content query results from a specific server.

  In one embodiment, EMMA (2) performs periodic background queries to build and / or maintain an information internal database. For example, EMMA (2) makes periodic background queries while it is not active. The information internal database has information about digital media files available via the network (10). In this case, if the user (100) requests a content search, the EMMA (2) does not need to make a real-time inquiry, and / or the EMMA (2) obtains necessary information from the internal information database. To win. The present invention should not be limited to a particular method for obtaining content query results.

  Rather than performing a text search, the user (100) selects one of the available servers from the list of available servers (201) for direct viewing. EMMA (2) obtains results from the selected server query, EMMA (2) filters the results using any filter selected by user (100), and / or EMMA (2) Moves to the workspace view (300). The filtered search results are displayed in the search results area (301) of the workspace view (300) as shown generally in FIG. The EMMA (2) provides a navigation function by which the selected server is manually viewed from the workspace view (300). For example, the user (100) navigates the directory hierarchy from within the search result area (301) of the workspace view (300). The content seen by navigating the directory hierarchy is continuously filtered by the selected filter. However, the workspace view (300) can change the filter selected using the filter selection option, which is presented in the refinement / adjustment search area (302) of the workspace view (300). The

  The search result (320) is displayed in the search result area (301). Search results (320) are limited to a selected subset of available servers. The search result (320) is further limited by the content filter (310) selected by the user (100). The search results (320) include a predetermined composite media object (304), such as a music album, in addition to a single media object (303), such as a video clip, a music track, and / or a digital photo. The search result area (301) provides various display options (305) to be selected by the user (100). For example, the display option (305) limits the displayed result to a specific type of content such as audio or video, and the display option (305) corresponds to the displayed result for a specific genre tag. And / or display options (305) limit the displayed results to content that is considered “high popularity” or “highly rated”. As a post process, content filtering based on display options is performed on the search results. Accordingly, the user (100) switches between the various display options (305). Switching between the various display options (305) updates the workspace view (300) and / or does not require transmission of search queries over the network (10).

  The workspace view (300) of EMMA (2) displays a refinement / adjustment search area (302). Using the refinement / adjustment search area (302), the user (100) changes the original search without changing the content filter (310) and / or navigating to the search view (200). The user (100) selects from the available content filters and / or changes the text search in the search string input area (315). The EMMA (2) then queries an available server and / or consults an internal database to generate modified search results. EMMA (2) updates the search results displayed in the search result area (301) as appropriate.

  The single media object (303) and / or the composite media object (304) displayed in the search result area (301) of the workspace view (300) are used in other areas of the workspace view (300). For example, the user (100) selects any single media object (303) and / or composite media object (304) from the search result area (301). A user (100) directs a single media object (303) and / or a composite media object (304) to one of the available rendering devices displayed as a renderer area (306). For example, if the first rendering device (21), the second rendering device (22) and / or the third rendering device (23) is available, the renderer area (306) is the first rendering device icon (331), the second rendering device region (306). A rendering device icon (332) and / or a third rendering device icon (333) are each displayed to indicate the availability of the rendering device. Directing one or more single media objects (303) and / or one or more composite media objects (304) to an icon associated with the selected rendering device; Render a single media object (303) and / or a composite media object (304). In the case of a composite media object (304), the ordered list of single media objects that form the composite media object (304) is rendered on the selected rendering device.

  As another example, the user (100) may select a single media object (303) and / or a composite media object (304) from the search result area (301) in the editing frame (307) of the workspace view (300). ). The edit frame (307) allows the user (100) to construct a user-defined compilation object (308) such as a music playlist, a digital photo slideshow and / or the like.

  As yet another example, a user (100) may have a single media object (303) Select a composite media object (304). The user (100) previews the selected media object using the “play” function (311) in the media control area (310) of the workspace area (300). The EMMA (2) has a media preview area (not shown), and the media is previewed in the media preview area. If the “Play” function (308) is selected, the media preview area will alternatively appear in the workspace view (300). The media preview is for media control area (310), eg, “rewind” (312) to rewind, “stop” (313) “play” (311) to play or pause, and / or to fast forward Are controlled using various functions such as “fast forward” (314).

  The edit pane (307) allows the user (100) to generate and / or edit an ordered list of media objects. The edit frame (307) is initially blank and the user (100) can delete the edit frame (307) at any time. By moving the single media object (303) and / or the composite media object (304) from the search results area (301) to the edit pane (307), EMMA (2) results in the creation of a new compilation object. The new compilation object initially has a single media object (303) and / or a composite media object (304), which is represented by an edit frame (307). ). The user (100) then subsequently edits the new compilation object, adds the single media object (303) and / or the composite media object (304) to the new compilation object, and / or in the edit pane (307). Rearrange the ordering of media objects. The user (100) chooses to save the new compilation object in the saved compilation area (313), in which case EMMA (2) instructs the user (100) to name the new compilation object.

  Instead of saving a new compilation object in the saved compilation area (313), the user (100) moves the available new compilation object directly to one of the rendering devices displayed in the renderer area (306). do not do. EMMA (2) does not instruct the user (100) to name the new compilation object, and the new compilation object is not saved in the saved compilation area (313). Instead, EMMA (2) internally manages a temporary copy of the new compilation object and / or queues the content of the new compilation object on the selected rendering device. When the queue is fully rendered and / or when a temporary copy of a new compilation object is no longer needed, EMMA (2) deletes the temporary copy of the new compilation object. Thus, the user (100) arranges a single media object (303) and / or a composite media object (304) for immediate rendering without having to create, name and / or save a copy of the new compilation object. To do.

  Instead of creating a new compilation object, the user (100) edits an existing compilation object from the saved compilation area (313). In this case, EMMA (2) displays the content of the existing compilation object in the edit frame (307). The user edits an existing compilation object, adds a single media object (303) and / or a composite media object (304) from the search results area (301), and / or reorders the media objects in the edit pane (307). Rearrange. The user (100) moves the contents of the edit frame (307) to a specific rendering device in the renderer area (306). EMMA (2) edit frame (307) for rendering on a specific rendering device without generating, naming and / or saving a permanent copy of the object in the saved compilation area (313). Queue content for.

  Alternatively, the user (100) selects to save the contents of the edit frame (307) in the saved compilation area (313) using the name of the original compilation object that was first moved to the edit frame. . Saving the contents of the edit frame (307) in the saved compilation area (313) using the name of the original compilation object is the default setting. The user (100) provides a new name so that the resulting compilation object is saved as a new compilation object with a new name, and / or the user (100) is based on the new compilation object Provide a new name without overwriting the compilation object.

  A saved compilation area (313) of the workspace view (300) provides additional functionality for managing saved compilation objects. Saved compilation objects are deleted, duplicated, and / or transmitted directly to the specific rendering device shown in the renderer area (306) for rendering. Further, the saved compilation object is added to the content of the edit frame (307). An ordered list of single media objects referenced by compilation objects and / or composite media objects is added to the edit pane (307). The ordered list of single media objects is added to the edit frame (307) at the position in the edit frame (307) indicated by the user (100).

  A list of available rendering devices (334) is displayed in the renderer area (306) of the workspace view (300). The list of available rendering devices (334) is generated via a standard UPnP device detection process. When EMMA (2) has a local rendering function, the display of the local media player (104) is displayed in the list (334) in the renderer area (306). Accordingly, the user (100) sends the single media object (303) from the search result area (301), the predetermined composite object (304) from the search result area (301), and the user from the saved compilation area (313). The definition compilation object and / or the current content of the edit pane (307) to one of the available rendering devices in the renderer area (306) and / or the available rendering device of EMMA (2) To a local media player (104) that is displayed as one of the rendering devices in the list (334).

  Available rendering devices and / or local media players (104) of EMMA (2) are listed and / or shown in the renderer area (306) and / or certain devices are currently active Is flagged to indicate this. For example, it may be flagged to indicate that a particular rendering device is currently rendering one of the digital media files (19). The user (100) moves the active rendering device to the edit pane (307) to view the state of the original rendering queue and / or change the original rendering queue to generate an edited rendering queue. If the edited rendering queue is returned to a particular rendering device, as depicted in the renderer area (306) in the workspace view (300) after a change in the edit pane (307), the change Achieved by the device. A particular rendering device renders content according to the edited rendering queue. Additional features of the edit pane (307) may also include, for example, the user (100) saving the original rendering queue and / or the edited rendering queue in a saved compilation area (313) and / or the user (100) is accessed, such as by adding content to the edited rendering queue. The content is added to the rendered rendering queue from the search results area (301) and / or the saved compilation area (313).

  EMMA (2) allows the user to select two or more rendering devices from the renderer area (306), thereby forming a “rendering group”. In this case, the rendering devices of the “rendering group” are connected in the renderer area (306) using a diagram. For example, rendering devices of a “rendering group” are similarly highlighted, surrounded by general diagram boundaries, and / or joined by diagram lines and / or symbols. After the “rendering group” is defined, EMMA (2) controls each rendering device of the “rendering group” as a single unit. Media directed to the “rendering group” is played simultaneously on each of the rendering devices of the “rendering group” in the “party mode” setting. EMMA (2) allows the user to define more than one “rendering group” using the available rendering devices shown in the renderer area (306).

  Using the search view (200) and / or the workspace view (300), the user (100) can use an available server or a subset of available servers using any restrictions defined via the content filter. Perform a search for. Using the search view (200) and / or workspace (300), the user (100) repeats, modifies, refines and / or improves the search to obtain further search results. Further, using the search view (200) and / or workspace view (300), the user (100) can create, edit, manage and / or use compilation objects, and the current search results and / or saved. Use in combination with a library of compilations to arrange the content to render, preview the content locally using the local media player (104) in EMMA (2), and render on a specific remote rendering device Queue the content array.

  The user (100) navigates to the network view of EMMA (2) after the content is transmitted to the local media player (104) and / or one or more available rendering devices connected to the network (10). To do. The network view (400) is generally shown in FIGS. The network view (400) provides a network summary area (401), a detailed information area (402), a media preview area (403) and / or a media control area (404). The network summary area (401) displays information about available multimedia devices connected to the network (10). The detailed information area (402) displays additional detailed information about a particular rendering device that has been selected and / or highlighted by the user (100). When EMMA (2) has a local rendering function, a media preview area (403) exists. The media control area (404) is used to control media playback on the selected rendering device.

  The network view (400) of EMMA (2) provides subviews and / or options to the user (100) to navigate between subviews. The first subview is the active device subview (420). The second subview is a connection subview (450). Subviews differ only in the type of information displayed in the network summary area (401) of the subview. The detailed information area (402), the media preview area (403) and / or the media control area (404) is similar to the subview of the network view (400) of EMMA (2).

  FIG. 5 generally shows an active device subview (420) of the network view (400) of EMMA (2). The network summary area (401) of the active device subview (420) is a list and / or icon view of all active rendering devices in the network (10). For example, if the first rendering device (21), the second rendering device (22) and / or the third rendering device (23) is active, the network summary area (401) of the active device subview (420) is the first rendering device. An icon (411), a second rendering device icon (412) and / or a third rendering device icon (413), respectively, indicate the activity of the rendering device. The network summary area (401) has summary information for each active rendering device. The summary information includes the title of the media object that the active rendering device is currently rendering. Further, the summary information includes an indication of the current media object rendering progress. Still further, the summary information has additional metadata associated with the current media object, eg, artist, genre, rating, list, and / or the like. Still further, the summary information includes the name of the currently rendered composite object, eg, the name of a music album, or the name of the currently rendered composite object, eg, the name of a playlist.

  In FIG. 5, the third server icon (413) is marked with a thick line, and the user (100) selects and selects the third server icon (413) to obtain further detailed information about the third rendering device (23). An example that has been displayed in reverse video is generally presented. The detailed information area (402) in the active device subview (420) of the network view (400) has additional detailed information associated with the particular rendering device currently selected and / or highlighted by the user (100). . The detailed information area (402) includes the title of the media object that the active rendering device is currently rendering, an indication of the rendering progress of the current media object, additional metadata associated with the current media object, and / or the current rendering. The name of the rendered composite object or the currently rendered composite object. In addition, the detailed information area (402) has a current rendering queue displayed as a list of media objects queued to render on a particular active rendering device.

  FIG. 6 shows a connection subview (450) of the network view (400) of EMMA (2) in general. The network summary area (401) depicts available servers and / or available rendering devices connected to the network. Thus, the network summary area (401) provides the user (100) with an overview of the state of available multimedia devices connected to the network (10). The network summary area (401) of the connection subview (450) is a list and / or icon view of servers and / or active rendering devices connected to the network (10). For example, the network summary area (401) of the connection subview (450) displays the first server icon (461), the second server icon (462), and / or the third server icon (463), and the first server (11 ), The second server (12) and / or the third server (13), respectively. As an additional example, the network summary area (401) of the connection subview (450) displays a first rendering device icon (464), a second rendering device icon (465), and / or a third rendering device icon (466). A first rendering device (21), a second rendering device (22) and / or a third rendering device (23) are shown respectively.

  The connection subview (450) displays a graphical display that provides an indication of media flow between the server and the rendering device. For example, the connection subview (450) displays a first diagram representation (460) of the first media connection between the first server (11) and the third rendering device (23). The connection subview (450) displays a second diagram representation (470) of the second media connection between the third server (13) and the second rendering device (22). The FIG. 1 display (460) and / or the FIG. 2 display (470) are color coded and / or otherwise distinguishable from each other in the figure. If the network (10) has many rendering devices and / or many media connections combined with each other in the connection subview (450), it is beneficial to distinguish the media connections from each other in the figure. In addition, color coding and / or other figure distinction allows for the association of two or more media connections indicating the transfer of the same digital media file. Transferring the same digital media file is, for example, a media connection that starts on the same server but ends on a different rendering device, thereby achieving a “party mode” setting. For example, if the first server (11) has a media connection to both the first rendering device (21) and the second rendering device (22), and the media connection transfers the same digital media file, a graphical representation of the media connection Are the same color and / or otherwise distinguished graphically from other graphical representations of media connections shown in the connection subview (450).

  Icons indicating one of the servers (11) (12) (13), one of the rendering devices (21) (22) (23), and / or one of the media connections are "flagged" in the figure. State. The “flagged” icon indicates a problem with one of the multimedia devices, a problem with media transmission, and / or a pause in the media connection. If one of the media connections is dormant, media transmission is resumed via operation from the user (100).

  In the active device sub-view (420), the connection sub-view (450) provides a mechanism by which the user (100) can obtain an active rendering device to obtain detailed information about the selected rendering device. An icon indicating one of the above is selected and / or highlighted. For example, in FIG. 6, the third rendering device icon (466) is marked with a thick line, and the user (100) can use the third rendering device to obtain additional detailed information about the third rendering device (23). The rendering device icon (466) is selected and / or highlighted. The detailed information area (402) in the connection subview (450) of the network view (400) has additional detailed information associated with a particular rendering device selected and / or highlighted by the user (100).

  The connection subview (450) of the network view (400) allows the user (100) to delete one of the media connections in order to stop the associated media transmission. Furthermore, the connection subview (450) of the network view (400) allows the user (100) to move one end point of the media connection from one rendering device to a different rendering device. Moving the end point changes which rendering device receives a particular media transmission. A particular media transmission is a queued media object and / or a media object for which rendering is in progress. Still further, the connection subview (450) of the network view (400) allows the user (100) to duplicate a media connection that terminates in one of the active rendering devices. The user (100) then assigns end points for duplicate copies to different rendering devices. The user (100) repeats the duplication of the media connection, copies the associated media transmission to a number of rendering devices, and sets the “party mode” setting. Still further, the connection subview (450) of the network view (400) allows the user (100) to select one of the servers to view detailed information about a particular server. The detailed information displayed on a specific server varies depending on the embodiment of the present invention.

  The active device subview (420) and the EMMA (2) connection subview (450) share common functions associated with the media preview area (403) and / or the media control area (404). As described above, the media preview area (403) and / or the media control area (404) are common to both subviews. The user (100) selects a particular rendering device from the active device subview (420) and / or connection subview (450) and / or selects a particular connection from the connection subview (450). If EMMA (2) has local rendering capability, the current media transmission associated with a particular rendering device and / or a particular connection is displayed in the media preview area (403).

  The user (100) controls the media transmission associated with a particular rendering device and / or a particular connection by using various functions of the media control area (404). For example, the user (100) pauses, plays, rewinds and / or fast forwards the media transmission. If EMMA (2) has local rendering capabilities, the corresponding preview of the media is controlled the same and / or simultaneously as the rendering of the media on a particular rendering device. A corresponding preview of the media is displayed in the media preview area (403).

  FIG. 7 generally illustrates a system (700) for managing, controlling and / or rendering media in a network (710) having multiple instances of EMMA in the network (710). Many instances of EMMA behave almost as described above. However, for the convenience of the user, the information created, managed, stored and / or maintained by the various instances of EMMA is combined into a shared state. Thus, regardless of whether multiple instances of EMMA are being used, the user (100) sees the shared state.

  The network (710) has a first instance (720) of EMMA, a second instance (730) of EMMA, and / or a third instance (740) of EMMA. For example, the first instance of EMMA (720) is located on a PC associated with a particular server. The second instance of EMMA (730) exists in a “remote control” network, such as a family room with a television and / or stereo equipment attached to the first network. Usually present in the region. The third instance of EMMA (740) is incorporated into a television that can be used for a second network in a bedroom, for example. The present invention should not be limited to a particular number and / or a particular location of EMMA instances.

  When a user (100) creates and / or edits a compilation object in a particular instance of EMMA, the user (100) accesses, edits, manages and / or uses the same compilation object from other instances of EMMA. It is possible. Because the saved compilation area (313) of the workspace view (300) is identical to the mutual visual UI (101) of any instance of EMMA, the user (100) can see which instance of EMMA has been saved. There is no need to know if you want to manage a particular variant of the compilation library.

  Further, the user (100) generates a temporary arrangement of media in the edit pane (307) of a particular instance of EMMA, and the user (100) queues the temporary arrangement of media into a particular rendering device queue. If so, one of the EMMA instances acts as a local control point. The instance of EMMA acting as a local control point initiates media transmission and / or monitors the progress of rendering each media object in the queue. An instance of EMMA (2) acting as a local control point is required to continuously queue and play the media array on a particular rendering device, so it begins rendering the next media object.

  The user (100) views the queue of any available rendering device using the mutual visual UI (101) of any instance of EMMA. The current rendering state of the queue and / or rendering device is available from any instance of EMMA. Thus, regardless of which instance of EMMA is being used, multiple instances of EMMA communicate information with each other so that multiple instances of EMMA share a common, identical system view with user (100). To provide.

  Multiple instances of EMMA recognize each other using standard UPnP detection processes and / or equivalent processes. Multiple instances of EMMA establish one instance of EMMA as a master instance and / or establish another instance of EMMA as a servant instance. The EMMA master instance maintains the state of available multimedia devices and / or updates the state of available multimedia devices based on updates from the EMMA servant instance. Methods well known to those skilled in the art are performed to avoid conflicts in the state of available multimedia devices by using EMMA (2) simultaneously by multiple users. For example, when the user (100) chooses to edit a particular compilation object, the master instance of EMMA (2) assigns a particular compilation object to the instance of EMMA (2) used to edit the particular compilation object. provide. No other instance of EMMA (2) is allowed to edit and / or save a particular compilation object until the particular compilation object returns to the master instance of EMMA (2).

  The method uses global state storage (745). The global state storage (745) is connected to the EMMA master instance. If the first instance of EMMA (720) is the master instance, global state storage (745) is connected to the first instance of EMMA (720), as generally shown in FIG. The first instance (720) of EMMA manages a shared copy of the state of available multimedia devices. The second instance of EMMA (730) and / or the third instance of EMMA (740) is a servant and / or using communication with the first instance of EMMA (720) via the network (710). , Access information from the global state storage (720).

  Alternatively, the EMMA instance of the network (710) is configured to maintain the shared state of available multimedia devices in the common storage (750) accessible to the EMMA instance in the network (710). In this embodiment, conflicts between multiple instances of EMMA are avoided by direct and / or indirect signals between instances of EMMA. To prevent an EMMA instance from editing and / or saving a particular compilation object until the EMMA master instance grants permission to edit and / or save a particular compilation object, Promote conflict resolution. In an alternative embodiment, the EMMA master instance does not have a special role of conflict resolution and / or multiple instances of EMMA are communicated directly over the network (710) or commonly stored. The conflict is resolved using indirect communication by manipulating and / or reading the parameters stored in (750). Conflict resolution is achieved using one of many available “mutual exclusion” algorithms well known in the prior art. Thus, EMMA instances can be connected to each other's common storage (750) via the network (710) and / or global state storage (745) via the network (710) and / or EMMA master instance. Access and / or manage the shared state of available multimedia devices. The present invention is not limited to a particular embodiment for conflict resolution.

  EMMA provides navigation control within each view, which allows the user (100) to navigate between views. For example, EMMA provides a linear navigation control that allows the user (100) to go to the “next view” and / or return to the “previous view”. Alternatively, EMMA provides a general navigation mechanism that allows the user (100) to switch from the current view to any other available view and / or subview. The EMMA provides a drop-down menu, a series of view icons, a series of diagram tabs, and / or the like so that the user (100) can move to a new view and / or a new subview to move to a new view. And / or a new subview can be selected.

  FIG. 8 generally illustrates a method (800) for managing, controlling and / or rendering media in a network. The use of EMMA begins from the search view as generally indicated at step (801) and then proceeds to the workspace view as generally indicated at step (803) and / or as generally indicated at step (810) thereafter. Proceed to network view. The linear navigation control provided by EMMA is used by the user and proceeds through the view. Alternatively, the user arbitrarily switches between views, generally as shown in steps (801), (803) and (810), respectively. The general navigation mechanism provided by EMMA allows the user to arbitrarily switch between views.

  The use of EMMA generally begins with a search view as shown in step (801), and EMMA displays a list of available servers, displays a list of available filters, and / or provides a mechanism. . With this mechanism, a user enters search terms, selects one or more available content filters, and / or limits the search to a subset of available servers. The EMMA generally performs a search based on the search terms shown in step (802), the selected content filter and / or server restrictions.

The EMMA generally moves to the workspace view as shown in step (803), displays the search results, searches the list of available renderers, and / or displays the available libraries of saved compilations. . EMMA generally allows a user to view, organize, edit, manage, control and / or render available media using various features of the workspace view as described above. EMMA allows a user to create, edit, save, and / or manage compilation objects using an edit pane, generally as shown in step (805). With EMMA, a user can view the current content of a single media object, composite media object, saved compilation object, and / or editing pane, generally for the available rendering devices or rendering groups, as shown in step (806). It can be directed to one. With EMMA, the user previews the current content of a single media object, composite media object, saved compilation object, and / or edit pane using a local rendering function, generally as shown in step (807). Is possible. EMMA (2) allows a user to associate two or more available renderers to form a rendering group, generally as shown in step (808). EMMA allows the user to control the media playback function of the selected rendering device, generally using media playback controls as shown in step (809). EMMA allows a user to adjust search terms, selected content filters, and / or server limits to change and / or improve search results, generally as shown in step (804).

  With EMMA, the user moves to a network view, as generally shown in step (810), and / or displays information about various servers, various rendering devices and / or various media connections in the network. EMMA allows a user to access various functions of the network view to view, obtain details, control and / or resolve various servers, various rendering devices and / or various media connections in the network. It is. EMMA allows the user to select the “active device” subview to view information about the current active rendering device, generally as shown in step (811). EMMA allows a user to select a connection subview to view various servers, various rendering devices and / or various media connections shown in the network as generally indicated in step (812). With EMMA, the user flips a particular rendering device, a particular server, and / or a particular media connection to obtain detailed information about the highlighted object, as generally indicated in step (813). It is possible to display. EMMA allows the user to control the playback of media on the selected renderer using media playback controls, as generally indicated at step (814). In addition, EMMA allows the user to reroute, duplicate, delete any displayed media connection to set and / or control the rendering of the associated media stream as generally indicated in step (815). And / or can be controlled.

  It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention and do not diminish the attendant advantages of the present invention. Accordingly, such changes and modifications are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (20)

A method for managing media in a network,
A terminal, a first rendering device, a second rendering device, a first server, and a second server are connected to the network, and the first server stores a first plurality of media files, and the second server Storing the second plurality of media files, and wherein the first server and the second server are different servers, and the first rendering device and the second rendering device are different rendering devices. And
The method
A step of displaying a list of servers indicating that the first server and the second server are connected to the network, the terminal displaying the list of servers;
The method further comprises:
Accepting a first user input to the terminal;
Displaying the search results for displaying the first plurality of media files corresponding to the first user input and the second plurality of media files, wherein the terminal displays the search results;
The method further comprises:
Displaying a list of rendering devices indicating that the first rendering device and the second rendering device are connected to the network, wherein the terminal displays the list of rendering devices;
The method further comprises:
In response to the selection of the first rendering device from the list of rendering devices, the method includes transmitting a first media file to the first rendering device, the first media file being transmitted using the search result. Selected
The method further comprises:
Rendering the first media file on the first rendering device.   Generating a compilation object having a third plurality of media files, wherein the third plurality of media files are transmitted to the first rendering device, and the first rendering device further comprises the third plurality of media files. And the third plurality of media files include one or more of the first plurality of media files and one or more of the second plurality of media files. The method of claim 1. Accepting a second user input identifying a media file selected from the search results;
Displaying the selected media files in a first order;
Further comprising displaying the selected media files in a second order based on a third user input, wherein the first order and the second order are different orders;
The method further comprises:
Associating the selected media file with the first rendering device based on a selection of the first rendering device from the list of rendering devices by a fourth user input;
The method of claim 1, comprising rendering the selected media files in the second order on the first rendering device.   Further comprising transmitting a second media file to the second rendering device in response to a selection of the second rendering device from a list of rendering devices, the second media file being selected using the search results; The method of claim 1, further comprising: the second plurality of media files comprising the second media file, and the first plurality of media files comprising the first media file.   The method of claim 1, further comprising controlling rendering of the first media file by the first rendering device, wherein the rendering by the first rendering device is controlled by the terminal.   Further comprising displaying a rendering state indicating that the first rendering device is rendering the first media file, wherein the second rendering device renders a second media file, the state further comprising: The method of claim 1, wherein the second rendering device indicates rendering the second media file.   Rendering the first media file on the second rendering device, wherein rendering of the first media file on the first rendering device is synchronized with rendering of the first media file on the second rendering device. The method according to claim 1, wherein:   The method of claim 1, wherein the terminal is a mobile phone. A method for managing media in a network,
A first terminal, a first rendering device, a second rendering device, a first server, and a second server are connected to the network, and the first server stores a first plurality of media files, and the second server A server stores a second plurality of media files, wherein the first server and the second server are different servers, and the first rendering device and the second rendering device are different rendering devices;
The method
Displaying a first icon, a second icon, a third icon, and a fourth icon, wherein the first icon corresponds to the first server, the second icon corresponds to the second server, and Three icons correspond to the first rendering device, the fourth icon corresponds to the second rendering device, and the first terminal further includes the first icon, the second icon, the third icon, and the first icon. 4 icons are displayed,
The method further comprises:
Selecting the third icon using the first terminal;
Transmitting a first media file of the first plurality of media files from the first server to the first rendering device, wherein the first media file is transmitted in response to selection of the third icon. ,
The method further comprises:
Rendering the first media file on the first rendering device.   Further comprising displaying a graphical representation connecting the first icon to the third icon, wherein the graphical representation indicates transmission of the first media file from the first server to the first rendering device. The method of claim 9, wherein: Further comprising displaying a graphical display connecting the first icon to the third icon, wherein the graphical display indicates transmission of the first media file from the first server to the first rendering device;
The method further comprises:
Changing the graphic display to connect the first icon to the fourth icon, and changing the graphic display by user input;
The method further comprises:
Stopping the transmission of the first media file from the first server to the first rendering device, the transmission being stopped in response to a change in the graphical display;
The method further comprises:
Transmitting the first media file from the first server to the second rendering device, wherein the first media file is transmitted to the second rendering device in response to a change in the graphic display. The method according to claim 9, wherein: A step of displaying a graphic display at a first location on the first terminal, wherein the graphic display at the first location is displayed from the first server of the first media file to the first rendering device; Shows the transmission of
The method further comprises:
Transmitting the first media file from the first server to the second rendering device;
Displaying the graphic display at a second position on the first terminal in response to transmitting the first media file to the second rendering device, the graphic display at the second position. The display of indicates the transmission of the first media file from the first server to the second rendering device, and wherein the first position and the second position are different positions. 9. The method according to 9. Associating the fourth icon with the third icon based on user input;
Transmitting the first media file from the first server to the second rendering device in response to associating the fourth icon with the third icon;
Rendering the first media file on the second rendering device, the rendering of the first media file on the second rendering device on the first rendering device of the first media file; 10. A method according to claim 9, characterized in that it is synchronized with the rendering in The method further comprises the step of displaying a first figure display connecting the first icon to the third icon, wherein the first figure display displays the first media file from the first server to the first rendering device. Indicates transmission
The method further comprises:
Generating a second display associated with the first display, wherein the second display is generated based on a first user input;
The method further comprises:
And connecting the first media file to the fourth icon based on the second user input and connecting the first media file to the fourth icon in response to the connection to the fourth icon in the second diagram display. The method of claim 9, comprising transmitting from a server to the second rendering device. The method further includes displaying the first icon, the second icon, the third icon, and the fourth icon on a second terminal connected to the network, wherein the first terminal and the second terminal are different. Terminal,
The method further comprises:
Displaying the graphical display on the second terminal, wherein the graphical display connects the first icon and the third icon, and the graphical display is from the first server of the first media file. The method of claim 9, wherein the method represents transmission to the first rendering device. Generating a compilation object having a third plurality of media files, wherein the compilation object is generated using the first terminal;
The method further comprises:
The method according to claim 9, further comprising: displaying the compilation object on a second terminal connected to the network, wherein the first terminal and the second terminal are different terminals. A system for managing media in a network,
A first rendering device, a second rendering device, a first server, and a second server are connected to the network, the first server stores a first plurality of media files, and the second server is a second Storing a plurality of media files, wherein the first server and the second server are different servers, the first rendering device and the second rendering device are different rendering devices, and the system comprises:
A control point element for determining that the first server, the second server, the first rendering device and the second rendering device are connected to the network;
An application control element connected to the control point element;
A user interface connected to the application control element, wherein the user interface displays a graphical display, the graphical display including the first server, the second server, the first rendering device, and the second rendering device; Is connected to the network, and the user interface accepts a first user input,
The system further includes:
A connection element attached to the application control element, wherein the connection element connects the application control element to the network; and the application control element corresponds to the first user input. Determining a plurality of media files and a media file of the second plurality of media files, the selected media file of the media file is transmitted to the first rendering device, and the selected media file further comprises: The selected media file is selected based on a second user input to the user interface, and the selected media file is passed to the first rendering device in response to the selection of the first rendering device using the user interface. Transmitted and said first Ndaringu device is characterized by rendering the selected media files, system.   The system of claim 17, wherein the control point element supports a UPnP control point protocol.   A media player attached to the application control element, wherein the media player plays the one or more selected media files before the selected media file is transmitted to the first rendering device; The system of claim 17, wherein the system renders.   A storage element attached to the application control element, wherein a user input to the user interface generates a compilation object having the first plurality of media files and the second plurality of media files; The system of claim 17, further comprising the storage element storing the compilation object.