Patent Application
20090219901
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to mobile electronic devices and, more particularly, to wireless content acquisition for mobile electronic devices.
2. Description of the Related Art
Portable electronic devices, such as mobile phones, MP3 players and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), are often used by individuals on a personal basis. In other words, it is not uncommon for a person to carry a portable electronic device with them throughout their day. Often, these portable electronic devices store media data for use by their user. In the case of digital media players or PDAs, media data is typically downloaded from a host computer when the digital media player or PDA is connected to the host computer by way of a cable. In the event that a digital media player or PDA supports wireless communication, it is possible that the downloading of media data to the digital media player or PDA could be performed in a wireless manner. In the case of mobile phones, media data (such as songs or ring tones) are downloaded over the wireless communication network (i.e., cellular phone network).
However, as portable electronic devices become more versatile, more interactive and more pervasive, it is advantageous for portable electronic devices to acquire data from other portable electronic devices. Thus, there is need to facilitate wireless data acquisition by portable media devices.
The invention pertains to improved methods, computer readable media and systems that facilitate data acquisition by mobile electronic devices. One aspect pertains to content acquisition between mobile electronic devices that are within range of a local wireless network. In one embodiment, when a first mobile electronic device and a second mobile electronic device are within range of a common local wireless network, the first mobile electronic device can upgrade (e.g., refresh) at least a portion of its stored content with more recent content that is available from the second mobile electronic device. Another aspect pertains to content acquisition by mobile electronic devices capable of communicating across a peer-to-peer wireless network. In one embodiment, when a first mobile electronic device and a second mobile electronic device are capable of communicating over a peer-to-peer wireless network, the first mobile electronic device can effectively make use of network accessibility that is available to the second mobile electronic device.
The invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including as a method, system, device, apparatus (including or computer readable medium). Several embodiments of the invention are discussed below.
As a method for obtaining digital content at a first mobile electronic device, one embodiment of the invention can, for example, include at least: discovering a second mobile electronic device that is wirelessly accessible to the first mobile electronic device; determining whether the second mobile electronic device is trusted; receiving information pertaining to shareable content available from the second electronic device; determining desired content for the first mobile electronic device from the shareable content available from the second mobile electronic device; and obtaining the desired content from the second mobile electronic device.
As a computer readable medium including at least executable computer program code tangibly stored thereon for obtaining digital data at a first mobile electronic device, one embodiment of the invention can, for example, include at least: computer program code for discovering a second mobile electronic device that is wirelessly accessible to the first mobile electronic device; computer program code for receiving information pertaining to shareable content available from the second electronic device; computer program code for determining desired content for the first mobile electronic device from the shareable content available from the second mobile electronic device; and computer program code for obtaining the desired content from the second mobile electronic device.
As a method for providing wireless access to remote content, one embodiment of the invention can, for example, include at least: discovering a surrogate mobile electronic device in the vicinity of a primary mobile electronic device; determining whether the surrogate mobile electronic device has network availability with respect to a network; determining whether the surrogate mobile electronic device permits the primary mobile electronic device to utilize at least a portion of its network bandwidth with respect to the network, if it is determined that the surrogate electronic device has network availability with respect to the network; requesting particular content from the network via the surrogate mobile electronic device, if it is determined that the surrogate mobile electronic device permits the primary mobile electronic device to utilize at least a portion of its network bandwidth with respect to the network; and receiving the particular content from the network at the primary mobile electronic device via the surrogate mobile electronic device.
As a computer readable medium including at least executable computer program code tangibly stored thereon for providing wireless access to remote content, one embodiment of the invention can, for example, include at least: computer program code for discovering a second mobile electronic device in the vicinity of a first mobile electronic device; computer program code for determining whether the second mobile electronic device has network availability with respect to a network; computer program code for determining whether the second mobile electronic device permits the first mobile electronic device to utilize at least a portion of its network bandwidth with respect to the network; computer program code for requesting particular content from the network via the second mobile electronic device; and computer program code for receiving the particular content from the network at the first mobile electronic device via the second mobile electronic device.
Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
The invention will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:
The invention pertains to improved methods, computer readable media and systems that facilitate data acquisition by mobile electronic devices. One aspect pertains to content acquisition between mobile electronic devices that are within range of a local wireless network. In one embodiment, when a first mobile electronic device and a second mobile electronic device are within range of a common local wireless network, the first mobile electronic device can upgrade (e.g., refresh) at least a portion of its stored content with more recent content that is available from the second mobile electronic device. Another aspect pertains to content acquisition by mobile electronic devices capable of communicating across a peer-to-peer wireless network. In one embodiment, when a first mobile electronic device and a second mobile electronic device are capable of communicating over a peer-to-peer wireless network, the first mobile electronic device can effectively make use of network accessibility that is available to the second mobile electronic device.
Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to
The wireless content delivery system 100 can include a mobile electronic device 102. The mobile electronic device 102 is a mobile electronic device that has wireless capabilities. For example, the mobile electronic device 102 can be a mobile electronic device that supports at least wireless data transfer. As an example, the mobile electronic device 102 can be a personal media device having Bluetooth, 802.11 and/or other wireless capability.
The wireless content delivery system 100 can also include a wireless data network 104. Although the mobile electronic device 102 is mobile and therefore easily transported by its user, the mobile electronic device 102 will at times be able to wirelessly connect to the wireless data network 104. The wireless data network 104 can also be coupled to a wired data network 106. The wired data network 106 is typically a global network but could also be a local area network or a wide area network. One example of a global network is the Internet.
The wireless content delivery system 100 can also include a client 108 that is associated with the mobile electronic device 102. Typically, the client 108 and the mobile electronic device 102 can be associated by way of a common user. The client 108 is, for example, a computing device, such as a personal computer. In any case, the mobile electronic device 102 can connect with the client 108. In one implementation, the mobile electronic device 102 can physically connect with the client 108 by way of a cable or a dock. In another implementation, the mobile electronic device 102 can wirelessly connect to the client 108 such as via a short range wireless network (e.g., Bluetooth network). The client 108 can in turn be coupled to the wired data network 106.
When the mobile electronic device 102 is connected (wirelessly or wired) with the client 108, the mobile electronic device 102 can receive content from the client 108. Typically, the client 108 would have received (at that time or previously) such content from the wired data network 106.
The wireless content delivery system 100 can further include a content repository 110 and a content server 112. The content being provided to the mobile electronic device 102 can, for example, be provided from the content repository 110 or the content server 112. Although the content server 112 is illustrated in
The wireless content delivery system 100 can also support other mobile electronic devices, such as mobile electronic device 114 and mobile electronic device 116 illustrated in
Still further, the mobile electronic device 116, in one embodiment, is capable of wirelessly communicating with the mobile electronic device 114 over a short range wireless network, such as a peer-to-peer wireless network. As such, the mobile electronic device 116 can receive data that is stored on, or otherwise unavailable to, the mobile electronic device 114. In one embodiment, the mobile electronic device 116 can receive data resident on the mobile electronic device 114 that is more current than corresponding data stored on the mobile electronic device 116. In another embodiment, the mobile electronic device 116 can interact with the mobile electronic device 114 to cause the mobile electronic device 114 to request certain data from a remote resource, such as the content repository 110 or the content server 112.
In one embodiment, one mobile device can discover another mobile device within its vicinity. The mobile devices can then wirelessly transfer data from one mobile device to the other. Typically, the mobile devices are associated with persons (users). The mobile devices, or their users, can control, request or influence the particular data content being delivered. The device or user control can be provided in real-time or in advance through use of settings, such as preferences. In one implementation, the mobile devices can act automatically without user input to transfer data from one mobile device to another. For example, a background process can operate to discover other mobile devices within its vicinity and to initiate data transfer as appropriate (e.g., as configured via preference settings).
In another embodiment, one mobile device can discover another mobile device having network availability within its vicinity. For example, the network availability can pertain to access to a global data network, such as the Internet. When the other device with network availability is discovered, the mobile device can wirelessly communicate with the other device so as make use of the network availability to request and receive content from the global data network via the other mobile device.
The content delivery described is particularly suited for delivery of content. In one embodiment, the content can be media data. “Media data,” as used herein, is digital data that pertains to at least one of audio, video, and images. Some examples of specific forms of media data (which can be referred to as “media items”) include, but are not limited to, songs, albums, audiobooks, playlists, movies, music videos, photos, computer games, podcasts, audio and/or video presentations. News, financial and/or sports data can also be considered media data. Media data is also referred to as media content herein.
Hence, considering the first content delivery scenario together with the second content delivery scenario and the third content delivery scenario, a digital asset (DA-a) is able to migrate across various networks and through various devices in a controlled manner. Namely, it in this particular example, the digital asset (DA-a) has migrated from the content repository 110 or the content server 112 to the mobile electronic devices 102, 114 and 116.
The content retrieval process 500 can begin with a decision 502 that determines whether another mobile electronic device has been discovered. Here, in the mobile electronic device performing the content retrieval process 500 can operate to discover other mobile electronic devices within its general vicinity. For example, using wireless technologies, the mobile electronic device performing the content retrieval process 500 can periodically attempt to locate other mobile electronic devices within its vicinity which it might wirelessly communicate with. When the decision 502 determines that a mobile electronic device has not been discovered, the content retrieval process 500 can wait until a mobile electronic device is discovered.
On the other hand, when the decision 502 determines that a mobile electronic device has been discovered, a connection can be established 504 between the mobile electronic device performing the content retrieval process 500 and the discovered mobile electronic device. Next, a decision 506 can determine whether the discovered mobile electronic device is trusted. When the decision 506 determines that the discovered mobile electronic device is not trusted, then the connection between the two devices can be closed 522 and the content retrieval process 500 re-started. In this case, since many discovered mobile electronic device are likely not trusted, content is not retrieved from such discovered mobile electronic devices because such content may be unreliable or damaging.
Alternatively, when the decision 506 determines that the discovered mobile electronic device is trusted, a list of shareable content can be requested 508. Here, the mobile electronic device performing the content retrieval process 500 can request 508 the list of shareable content from the discovered mobile electronic device. In one embodiment, the discovered mobile electronic device maintains a list or other data structure that identifies content available to be shared with a requesting mobile electronic device. After the list of shareable content has been requested 508, a decision 510 can determine whether the list of sharable content has been received. Here, the decision 510 determines whether the list of shareable content has been received from the discovered mobile electronic device. When the decision 510 determines that the list of shareable content has not yet been received, then the content retrieval process 500 awaits receipt of the list of shareable content.
Once the decision 510 determines that the requested list of shareable content has been received, the list of shareable content can be processed 512 to identify desired content. The desired content is content of interest to a user of the mobile electronic device. The user of the mobile electronic device can, for example, express their interest in content (digital assets) through use of category selections, user profile, usage history, user preferences, etc. The desired content can also be updated content that is more current (i.e., fresher) than corresponding content resident on the mobile electronic device.
After the list of shareable content is processed 512 to identify desired content, desired content can be requested 514. Here, the desired content represents some or all of the shareable content that was identified in the list of shareable content. Once the desired content is requested 514, a decision 516 can determine whether the desired content has been received. When the decision 516 determines that the desired content has not yet been received, the content retrieval process 500 can await receipt of the desired content. Once the decision 516 determines that the desired content has been received, the desired content can be stored 518. Thereafter, the content retrieval process 500 can closes 520 the connection between the mobile electronic device performing the content retrieval process 500 and the discovered mobile electronic device. After the connection has been closed 520, the content retrieval process 500 can return to repeat the decision 502 and subsequent blocks so that content retrieval can again be performed between different mobile electronic devices. To the extent that a mobile electronic device receives desired content from various different mobile electronic devices, the mobile electronic device can aggregate the desired data it receives from the various different mobile electronic devices.
The content update process 600 can begin with a decision 602 that determines whether another mobile electronic device has been discovered. When the decision 602 determines that another mobile electronic device has not been discovered, the content update process 600 can wait until a mobile electronic device has been discovered.
When the decision 602 determines that another mobile electronic device has been discovered, a connection can be established 604 between the mobile electronic device performing the content update process 600 and the discovered mobile electronic device. The discovered mobile electronic device can then be queried 606 for network availability. Here, the mobile electronic device performing the content update process 600 can query 606 the discovered mobile electronic device for information regarding any networks that might be available to the discovered mobile electronic device. In one implementation, the network of interest is a localized wireless network (e.g., 802.11 network). Next, a decision 608 can determine whether a response to the query has been received. When the decision 608 determines that a response has not yet been received, the content update process 600 can await such a response.
On the other hand, once the decision 608 determines that a response to the query has been received, a decision 610 can determine whether network capacity at the discovered mobile electronic device is available for use. In one embodiment, the mobile electronic device performing in the content update process 600 can operate to determine whether the discovered mobile electronic device has network availability that can be at least partially utilized for the benefit of the mobile electronic device performing the content update process 600. For example, if the discovered mobile electronic device has access to a global data network (e.g., the Internet), the mobile electronic device performing the content update process 600 may desire to utilize a least a portion of this available network capacity so long as permitted by the discovered mobile electronic device. The discovered mobile electronic device can, for example, access a global data network by way of a wireless network (e.g., such as provided at a wireless hotspot). Hence, when the decision 610 determines that the discovered mobile electronic device has network availability that is permitted to be utilized by the mobile electronic device performing the content update process 600, then the content update process 600 can request 612 content from the available network via the discovered mobile electronic device. In one implementation, the request 612 for content can be performed on an automatic basis, such as by a background process. In another implementation, and the request for content can be performed at the behest of a user on a manual basis, such as through use of graphical user interface controls.
After the content has been requested 612, a decision 614 can determine whether the requested content has been received. When the decision 614 determines that the requested content has not yet been received, the content update process 600 can await receipt of the requested content. Alternatively, when the decision 614 determines that the requested content has been received, the content update process 600 can continue. When the content update process 600 continues, the received content can be processed and/or stored 616 at the mobile electronic device performing the content update process 600.
Next, a decision 618 can determine whether the content update process 600 is done. For example, when all of the received content has been processed and/or stored 616, the mobile electronic device performing the content update process 600 has been updated. The updating may require a plurality of different requests for content. Hence, when the decision 618 determines that the content update process 600 is not done, the content update process 600 can return to repeat the block 612 so that an additional request for content can be performed. On the other hand, when the decision 618 determines that the content update process 600 is done, the connection between the mobile electronic device performing the content update process 600 and the discovered mobile electronic device can be closed 620. Additionally, when the decision 610 determines that the discovered mobile electronic device does not have any network availability that is permitted to be utilized by the mobile electronic device performing the content update process 600, then the content update process 600 can proceed to close 620 the connection. Following the block 620, the content update process 600 can end.
Additional information on wireless data sharing, exchange, transfer or delivery for portable electronic devices, see U.S. Patent Publication No. 20070161402 and U.S. Patent Publication No. 20070155307, of which both hereby incorporated herein by reference.
Mobile media devices can also be referred to as portable media devices. Portable media devices can, for example, be portable digital media players (e.g., MP3 players) or other portable multi-function devices (e.g., mobile telephones or Personal Digital Assistants). Portable media devices, such as portable media players or other portable multi-function devices, can also be small and highly portable and have limited processing resources. Often, portable devices are hand-held devices, such as hand-held media players or hand-held multi-function devices, which can be easily held by and within a single hand of a user. Portable devices can also be pocket-sized, miniaturized or wearable.
The mobile multi-function device 700 includes a processor 702 that pertains to a microprocessor or controller for controlling the overall operation of the mobile multi-function device 700. The mobile multi-function device 700 stores media data pertaining to media items in a file system 704 and a cache 706. In one embodiment, the file system 704 is implemented by a storage disk or a plurality of disks. In another embodiment, the file system 704 is implemented by EEPROM or Flash type memory. The file system 704 typically provides high capacity storage capability for the mobile multi-function device 700. However, since the access time to the file system 704 is relatively slow, the mobile multi-function device 700 can also include a cache 706. The cache 706 is, for example, Random-Access Memory (RAM) provided by semiconductor memory. The relative access time to the cache 706 is substantially shorter than for the file system 704. However, the cache 706 does not have the large storage capacity of the file system 704. Further, the file system 704, when active, consumes more power than does the cache 706. The power consumption is often a concern when the mobile multi-function device 700 is a portable mobile multi-function device that is powered by a battery (not shown). The mobile multi-function device 700 also includes a RAM 720 and a Read-Only Memory (ROM) 722. The ROM 722 can store programs, utilities or processes to be executed in a non-volatile manner. The ROM 722 can be implemented by an EEPROM or Flash type memory so as to provide writable non-volatile data storage. The RAM 720 provides volatile data storage, such as for the cache 706.
To support wireless voice communications, the mobile multi-function device 700 includes a transceiver 726. The transceiver 726 supports wireless communication with a wireless network (such as a wireless cellular network). To support certain wireless networks, such as a GSM network, the multi-function device 700 can also include a SIM card 728. The SIM card 728 includes an identifier (e.g., SIM identifier) can be used by the mobile multi-function device 700 to gain access and utilize the wireless network.
The mobile multi-function device 700 also includes a user input device 708 that allows a user of the mobile multi-function device 700 to interact with the mobile multi-function device 700. For example, the user input device 708 can take a variety of forms, such as a button, keypad, dial, etc. Still further, the mobile multi-function device 700 includes a display 710 (screen display) that can be controlled by the processor 702 to display information to the user. A data bus 711 can facilitate data transfer between at least the file system 704, the cache 706, the processor 702, and the CODEC 712.
In one embodiment, the mobile multi-function device 700 serves to store a plurality of media items (e.g., songs) in the file system 704. When a user desires to have the mobile multi-function device play a particular media item, a list of available media items is displayed on the display 710. Then, using the user input device 708, a user can select one of the available media items. The processor 702, upon receiving a selection of a particular media item, supplies the media data (e.g., audio file) for the particular media item to a coder/decoder (CODEC) 712. The CODEC 712 then produces analog output signals for a speaker 714. The speaker 714 can be a speaker internal to the mobile multi-function device 700 or external to the mobile multi-function device 700. For example, headphones or earphones that connect to the mobile multi-function device 700 would be considered an external speaker.
The mobile multi-function device 700 also includes a bus interface 716 that couples to a data link 718. The data link 718 allows the mobile multi-function device 700 to couple to a host device (e.g., host computer or power source). The data link 718 can also provide power to the mobile multi-function device 700.
The mobile multi-function device 700 illustrated in
The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of the invention can be used separately or in any combination.
The invention is preferably implemented by software, hardware, or a combination of hardware and software. The invention can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable medium generally include read-only memory and random-access memory. More specific examples of computer readable medium are tangible and include Flash memory, EEPROM memory, memory card, CD-ROM, DVD, hard drive, magnetic tape, and optical data storage device. The computer readable medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion.
The advantages of the invention are numerous. Different aspects, embodiments or implementations may, but need not, yield one or more of the following advantages. One advantage of certain embodiment of the invention is that users of mobile electronic devices can perceive their devices as being persistently connected to a network, even though the devices may only occasionally connected to the network (e.g., the Internet). Another advantage is that digital data can be transmitted between mobile electronic devices (e.g., trusted mobile electronic devices) so as to update content on mobile electronic devices using updated content available from other mobile electronic devices. Yet another advantage of the invention is that one mobile electronic device can make use of network availability of another mobile electronic device.
The many features and advantages of the present invention are apparent from the written description. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, the invention should not be limited to the exact construction and operation as illustrated and described. Hence, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to as falling within the scope of the invention.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/032,867, filed Feb. 29, 2008, entitled “WIRELESS CONTENT ACQUISITION FOR MOBILE ELECTRONIC DEVICES”, which is herein incorporated by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61032867 | Feb 2008 | US |
