US20140052829A1 - System and method for effectively transmitting content items to electronic devices - Google Patents
System and method for effectively transmitting content items to electronic devices Download PDFInfo
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- US20140052829A1 US20140052829A1 US14/061,992 US201314061992A US2014052829A1 US 20140052829 A1 US20140052829 A1 US 20140052829A1 US 201314061992 A US201314061992 A US 201314061992A US 2014052829 A1 US2014052829 A1 US 2014052829A1
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L67/00—Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
- H04L67/01—Protocols
- H04L67/10—Protocols in which an application is distributed across nodes in the network
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L67/00—Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
- H04L67/01—Protocols
- H04L67/06—Protocols specially adapted for file transfer, e.g. file transfer protocol [FTP]
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- This invention relates generally to techniques for managing electronic information, and relates more particularly to a system and method for effectively transmitting content items to electronic devices.
- enhanced device capability to perform various advanced data management operations may provide additional benefits to a system user, but may also place increased demands on the control and management of various system components.
- an enhanced electronic network device that effectively manages electronic content may benefit from an effective implementation because of the large amount and complexity of the digital data involved.
- a system for effectively transmitting content items to electronic devices is disclosed.
- a content distribution system advantageously supports a content transmission procedure that automatically provides various types of appropriate content items for utilization by a device users of the electronic devices.
- the content items may include, but are not limited to, relevant information such as current news, weather, traffic, sports, financial information, audio/video clips, program guide information, and information from Internet websites.
- the content server analyzes network statistics and client profiles corresponding to users of computers in a distributed electronic network (such as the Internet). The content server then automatically provides recommended content items to a transmitter which responsively transmits the content items to one or more electronic devices via a unidirectional transmission link. A device user of an electronic device may thus utilize the content items to simulate an Internet experience without having an actual bi-directional Internet connection.
- the content server collects various specified types of network statistics corresponding to users of computers in the electronic network.
- the network statistics may include, but are not limited to, network browsing statistics.
- the content server also compiles client profiles corresponding to device users of the electronic devices by utilizing any effective techniques.
- the client profiles may include information manually supplied by the device users.
- the content server may also automatically populate the client profiles by analyzing any appropriate information (including the foregoing network statistics).
- a recommendation engine of the content server analyzes relevant data (potentially including the network statistics and the client profiles) by utilizing any effective techniques. The recommendation engine then generates one or more recommendation lists of appropriate content items for transmitting to targeted ones of the electronic devices. The content server accesses and sends the recommended content items to the transmitter which performs a unidirectional broadcast procedure to transmit the received content items to one or more of the electronic devices.
- Content managers of the electronic devices may determine whether to accept the received content items according to any appropriate criteria. For example, device users may specify certain acceptance criteria by programming corresponding user preferences. If the content managers accept the transmitted content items, then the electronic devices may locally store the content items for appropriate utilization by device users. The content managers may also determine whether one or more locally-stored content items are obsolete or no longer required. The content managers may then automatically delete any unwanted or out-dated content items from local memory. For at least the foregoing reasons, the present invention therefore provides an improved system and method for effectively transmitting content items to electronic devices.
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a content distribution system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the content server of FIG. 1 , in accordance with the present invention
- FIG. 3 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the server memory of FIG. 2 , in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the recommendation engine of FIG. 3 , in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the electronic device from FIG. 1 , in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the device memory of FIG. 5 , in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a block diagram for one embodiment of a client profile from FIG. 3 , in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a diagram for one embodiment of a recommendation list from FIG. 4 , in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 9 is a diagram for one embodiment of content items, in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 10 is a flowchart of method steps for performing a content transmission procedure, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 11 is a flowchart of method steps for performing a content reception procedure, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- the present invention relates to an improvement in electronic information management techniques.
- the following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention, and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements.
- Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
- the present invention comprises a system and method for effectively transmitting content items to electronic devices, and includes a content server that is configured to access and store various types of content information.
- a recommendation engine of the content server analyzes network statistics and client profiles to identify appropriate content items for device users of the electronic devices.
- a transmitter receives the targeted content items from the content server, and responsively provides the content items to the electronic devices by broadcasting the content items over a unidirectional telecommunications link.
- content distribution system 110 may include, but is not limited to, an electronic network 114 , a content server 118 , a transmitter 116 , an electronic device 126 , and a computer 120 .
- content distribution system 110 may be implemented by utilizing components and configurations in addition to, or instead of, certain of those components and configurations discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 1 embodiment.
- a single electronic device 126 is shown in FIG. 1 .
- network 114 typically includes a substantial number of additional computers 120 .
- content distribution system 110 advantageously supports a content transmission procedure that automatically provides various types of appropriate content items for utilization by a device user of electronic device 126 .
- the content items may include, but are not limited to, relevant information such as current news, weather, traffic, sports, financial information, audio/video clips, program guide information, and information from Internet websites.
- content server 118 analyzes network statistics and client profiles corresponding to users of computers 120 in network 114 . Content server 118 then automatically provides recommended content items to transmitter 116 which responsively transmits the content items to one or more electronic devices 126 via a unidirectional transmission link. A device user of electronic device 126 may thus utilize the content items to simulate an Internet-like experience without having an actual bi-directional Internet connection.
- Electronic device 120 may therefore conserve significant operating power through performing only receive functions, and by not having to perform power-consuming transmit functions. Furthermore, in physical locations where a wireless connection is not adequate for satisfactory signal reception, content items previously received by electronic device 126 may still be utilized by the device user. In addition, a single transmission from transmitter 116 may efficiently be utilized to transfer multiple appropriate content items to many different electronic devices 126 simultaneously. In certain embodiments, transmitter 116 may broadcast different sets of content items on different transmission channels. Further details regarding the implementation and utilization of the FIG. 1 content distribution system 110 are discussed below in conjunction with FIGS. 2-11 .
- content server 118 includes, but is not limited to, a server central processing unit (server CPU) 212 , a server display 216 , a server memory 220 , and one or more server input/output interface(s) (server I/O interface(s)) 224 .
- server CPU server central processing unit
- server display 216 a server display 216
- server memory 220 a server memory 220
- server input/output interface(s) server input/output interface(s)
- server I/O interface(s) server input/output interface(s)
- the foregoing components of content server 118 may be coupled to, and communicate through, a server bus 228 .
- content server 118 may alternately be implemented using components and configurations in addition to, or instead of, certain of those components and configurations discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 2 embodiment.
- server CPU 212 may be implemented to include any appropriate and compatible microprocessor device that preferably executes software instructions to thereby control and manage the operation of content server 118 .
- the FIG. 2 server display 216 may include any effective type of display technology including a cathode-ray-tube monitor or a liquid-crystal display device with an appropriate screen for displaying various information to a server user.
- server memory 220 may be implemented to include any combination of desired storage devices, including, but not limited to, read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), and various types of non-volatile memory, such as floppy disks, memory sticks, compact disks, or hard disks. The contents and functionality of server memory 220 are further discussed below in conjunction with FIG. 3 .
- server I/O interface(s) 224 may include one or more input and/or output interfaces to receive and/or transmit any required types of information by content server 118 .
- Server I/O interface(s) 224 may include one or more means for allowing a server user to communicate with content server 118 . The implementation and utilization of content server 118 is further discussed below in conjunction with FIGS. 3-4 and 10 .
- server memory 220 may include, but is not limited to, a server application 312 , a server operating system 316 , a content database 320 , a profile manager 324 , client profiles 328 , a recommendation engine 332 , information links 336 , and miscellaneous information.
- server memory 220 may include various other components and functionalities in addition to, or instead of, certain those components and functionalities discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 3 embodiment.
- server application 312 may include program instructions that are preferably executed by server CPU 212 ( FIG. 2 ) to perform various functions and operations for content server 118 .
- server application 312 typically varies depending upon factors such as the specific type and particular functionality of the corresponding content server 118 .
- Server operating system 316 may perform various low-level functions for content server 118 .
- content database 320 may include any appropriate type of content items or other information received by server application 312 from content provider 114 ( FIG. 1 ) or other appropriate entity.
- content database 320 may include, but is not limited to, any types of entertainment programming, movies, video data, audio data, digital photographs, still image data, graphics, web pages, program guide information, and various types of software programs, etc.
- profile manager 324 may be utilized to compile and analyze client profiles 328 that each include information corresponding to the client users of respective electronic devices 126 ( FIG. 1 ).
- profile manager 324 may analyze various types of browsing statistics of users of computers 120 in network 114 ( FIG. 1 ) to automatically populate client profiles 328 .
- users of computers 120 in network 114 may manually enter appropriate information in corresponding client profiles 328 .
- One embodiment of an exemplary client profile 328 is further discussed below in conjunction with FIG. 7 .
- recommendation engine 332 may be utilized to analyze various types of pre-defined ranking criteria to create recommendation lists for downloading specific appropriate content items from content database 320 to appropriate electronic devices 126 . Additional details regarding the operation and implementation of recommendation engine 332 are further discussed below in conjunction with FIGS. 4 and 8 .
- information links 336 may include connection information for obtaining other content items in network 114 ( FIG. 1 ).
- Miscellaneous information 340 may include any appropriate information or data that is required by content server 118 .
- recommendation engine 332 may include, but is not limited to, a ranking manager 412 , one or more recommendation lists 416 , a statistics module 424 , and network statistics 428 .
- recommendation engine 332 may include other elements and configurations in addition to, or instead of, certain of those elements and configurations discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 4 embodiment.
- recommendation engine 332 may utilize a ranking manager 412 for analyzing various relevant types of pre-defined ranking criteria regarding a device user of a given electronic device 126 ( FIG. 1 ) to thereby generate corresponding one of the recommendation lists 416 .
- ranking manager 412 may generate a recommendation list 416 for a given electronic device 126 by analyzing client attributes from a corresponding client profile 328 ( FIG. 3 ).
- client attributes from a corresponding client profile 328 ( FIG. 3 ).
- One embodiment for implementing a recommendation list 416 is further discussed below in conjunction with FIG. 8 .
- recommendation engine 332 may utilize a statistics module 424 for monitoring and compiling network statistics 428 that reflect any appropriate information and characteristics of computers or computer users in network 114 ( FIG. 1 ).
- network statistics 428 may include any desired type of statistical information regarding Internet browsing habits of computer users in network 114 .
- statistics 428 may be collected for each electronic device 126 , and may include, but are not limited to, content download frequency, downloaded content types, transferred content titles, and any other relevant statistical transfer patterns or information. The functionality and utilization of recommendation engine 332 are further discussed below in conjunction with FIGS. 8 and 10 .
- electronic device 126 may include, but is not limited to, a device central processing unit (device CPU) 512 , a receiver 514 , a device display 516 , a device memory 520 , and one or more device input/output interface(s) (device I/O interface(s)) 524 .
- device CPU device central processing unit
- receiver 514 a device display 516
- device memory 520 device memory 520
- device input/output interface(s) device input/output interface(s)
- the foregoing components of electronic device 126 may be coupled to, and communicate through, a device bus 528 .
- electronic device 126 may readily be implemented using various components and configurations in addition to, or instead of, certain of those components and configurations discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 5 embodiment. Furthermore, in the FIG. 5 embodiment, electronic device 126 may be implemented as any type of appropriate electronic device. For example, in certain embodiments, electronic device 126 may be implemented as any type of stationary or portable electronic device, such as a personal computer, a cellular telephone, a settop box, an audio-visual entertainment device, or a personal digital assistant (PDA).
- PDA personal digital assistant
- device CPU 512 may be implemented to include any appropriate and compatible microprocessor device that preferably executes software instructions to thereby control and manage the operation of electronic devices 126 .
- receiver 514 may include any appropriate means for receiving content items and other information from transmitter 116 ( FIG. 1 ).
- receiver 514 is economically implemented as a wireless receiver device that does not include a corresponding transmitter device.
- the FIG. 5 device display 516 may include any effective type of display technology including a cathode-ray-tube monitor or a liquid-crystal display device with an appropriate screen for displaying various information to a device user.
- device memory 520 may be implemented to include any combination of desired storage devices, including, but not limited to, read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), and various types of non-volatile memory, such as floppy disks, memory sticks, compact disks, or hard disks. The contents and functionality of device memory 520 are further discussed below in conjunction with FIG. 6 .
- device I/O interface(s) 524 may include one or more input and/or output interfaces to receive and/or transmit any required types of information by electronic device 126 .
- Device I/O interface(s) 524 may include one or more means for allowing a device user to communicate with other entities in content distribution system 110 ( FIG. 1 ).
- the foregoing means may include a keyboard device, a wireless remote-control device, a speech-recognition module with corresponding microphone, a graphical user interface with touch-screen capability, a hand-held device controller unit, or a selection button array mounted externally on electronic device 126 .
- the implementation and utilization of electronic device 126 are further discussed below in conjunction with FIGS. 6 and 11 .
- device memory 520 includes, but is not limited to, a device application 612 , a content manager 616 , content items 618 , an interface module 620 , and miscellaneous information.
- device memory 520 may include various other components and functionalities in addition to, or instead of, certain of those components and functionalities discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 6 embodiment.
- device application 612 may include program instructions that are preferably executed by a device CPU 512 ( FIG. 5 ) to perform various functions and operations for a electronic device 126 .
- the particular nature and functionality of device application 612 typically varies depending upon factors such as the specific type and particular functionality of the corresponding electronic device 126 .
- content manager 616 may perform appropriate procedures for receiving and managing content items by utilizing any appropriate techniques. For example, content manager may perform content download procedures to automatically receive, evaluate, update, and locally store content items from content server 118 as content items 618 .
- interface module 620 may be utilized by a particular electronic device 126 to directly interface and handle different formats of content items 618 . The utilization and operation of electronic device 126 is further discussed below in conjunction with FIG. 10 .
- client profile 328 includes, but is not limited to, a transaction history 712 , demographic information 716 , browsing habits 718 , and miscellaneous information 724 .
- client profile 328 may include other components and information in addition to, or instead of, certain of those components and information discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 7 embodiment.
- transaction history 712 may include any information about content item downloads from content server 118 to a given electronic device 126 .
- transaction history 712 may include, but is not limited to, content types, content titles, download frequency, download dates, download times, and content price.
- the FIG. 7 client profile 328 may include any desired type of demographic information 716 regarding a corresponding device user.
- demographic information 716 may include, but is not limited to, a client age, a client gender, a client location, a client ethnicity, a client marital status, client family information, a client annual income bracket, a client occupation, client hobbies, client interests, and a client political affiliation.
- client profile 328 may include any appropriate information regarding the browsing habits 718 of a particular computer user when searching or viewing information on the Internet or other information source via a corresponding computer 120 .
- client profile 328 may also include any other desired type of miscellaneous profile information 724 .
- client profile 328 may be implemented to include various types of information about the hardware and/or software configurations and capabilities of a corresponding electronic device 126 . Further details regarding the utilization of client profiles 328 are further discussed below in conjunction with FIG. 10 .
- recommendation list 416 includes, but is not limited to, a ranked series of candidates 824 that each represent a different content item from content database 320 of content server 118 ( FIG. 1 ).
- recommendation list 416 may include other components and information in addition to, or instead of, certain of those components and information discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 8 embodiment.
- recommendation list 416 includes a candidate A 824 ( a ) through a candidate N 824 ( c ) that each has a corresponding content title and content score.
- the FIG. 8 candidate A 824 ( a ) includes a content A title and a content A score of 85%.
- candidate A 824 ( a ) is therefore the optimal individual candidate based upon the highest content score.
- particular content items may be identified by any other appropriate content item designation.
- content items may be identified by a content identification number.
- ranking indicators for the transfer candidates 824 may be implemented in any other effective manner. For example, a numerical merit indicator other than a percentage may alternately be utilized.
- a ranking manager 412 of recommendation engine 332 calculates the content scores to generate the ranked individual recommendation list 416 by analyzing any appropriate types of information.
- ranking manager 412 may generate an individual recommendation list 416 for a given electronic device 126 by analyzing pre-determined ranking criteria that may include device user attributes and electronic device characteristics from a corresponding client profile 328 ( FIG. 7 ).
- ranking manager 412 may analyze the predetermined ranking criteria by utilizing any effective techniques and procedures. For example, in certain embodiments, ranking manager 412 may perform a weighted averaging of the different ranking factors from the ranking criteria to determine a cost function that represents the likelihood of selecting and paying for the downloaded content item by a device user. Each of the various ranking factors may be associated with a different weighting value that represents the approximate significance of the corresponding ranking factor. The generation and utilization of recommendation lists 416 are further discussed below in conjunction with FIG. 10 .
- content items 618 includes, but is not limited to, news data 912 , weather data 916 , traffic data 920 , audio/video data 924 , program guide data 928 , website data 932 , and miscellaneous data 936 .
- content items 618 are presented for purposes of illustration.
- electronic device 126 may utilize content items 618 that include elements and information in addition to, or instead of, certain of those elements and information discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 9 embodiment.
- news data 912 may include any appropriate world, regional, or local news information that is provided by content server 118 .
- weather data 916 and traffic data 920 may include current information regarding weather and traffic conditions from any specified location.
- audio/video data 924 may include various types of audio and/or video clips.
- Program guide data 928 may include current information regarding entertainment programming schedules.
- Website data 932 may include cached copies of Internet websites.
- Miscellaneous data 936 may include any additional information for utilization by electronic device 126 The transmission and reception of content items 618 is further discussed below in conjunction with FIGS. 10-11 .
- FIG. 10 a flowchart of method steps for performing a content transmission procedure is shown, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- the FIG. 10 flowchart is presented for purposes of illustration, and in alternate embodiments, the present invention may utilize steps and sequences other than those steps and sequences discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 10 embodiment.
- step 1042 content server 118 collects various specified types of network statistics 428 corresponding to users of computers 120 in an electronic network 114 .
- the network statistics 428 may include, but are not limited to, network browsing statistics.
- step 1048 content server 118 compiles client profiles 328 corresponding to device users of electronic devices 126 by utilizing any effective techniques.
- client profiles 328 may include information manually supplied by the device users, and/or content server 118 may automatically populate client profiles 328 by analyzing any appropriate information (including network statistics 428 ).
- a recommendation engine 332 of content server 118 analyzes relevant data (potentially including network statistics 428 and client profiles 328 ) by utilizing any effective techniques.
- recommendation engine 332 then generates one or more recommendation lists 416 of appropriate content items 618 to transmit to target ones of the electronic devices 126 .
- content server 118 accesses and sends the recommended content items 618 to a transmitter 116 .
- transmitter 116 performs a unidirectional broadcast procedure to transmit the received content items 618 to one or more of the electronic devices 126 .
- the FIG. 10 content transmission procedure may then terminate.
- FIG. 11 a flowchart of method steps for performing a content reception procedure is shown, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- the FIG. 11 flowchart is presented for purposes of illustration, and in alternate embodiments, the present invention may utilize steps and sequences other than those steps and sequences discussed in conjunction with the FIG. 11 embodiment.
- an electronic device 126 receives content items 618 that were broadcast from a transmitter 116 ( FIG. 1 ).
- a content manager 616 determines whether to accept the received content items 618 according to any appropriate criteria. For example, a device user may specific certain acceptance criteria by programming corresponding user preferences. If content manager 616 accepts the transmitted content items 618 , then in step 1122 , content manager 1122 may locally store the content items 618 for appropriate utilization by a device user.
- step 1126 content manager 616 may determine whether one or more stored content items 618 are obsolete or no longer required.
- step 1130 content manager 616 automatically deletes any unwanted or out-dated content items 618 from local memory.
- the FIG. 11 content reception procedure may then return to step 1114 to receive and manage any additional transmitted content items 618 .
- the present invention thus allows a device user to simulate an Internet experience without requiring a bi-directional Internet connection.
- content manager 616 and an interface manager 620 may enhance user interactivity by providing an information window that catalogues and navigates through currently available content items. Furthermore, if a device user requests certain functionality or content that is not available for any reason, content manager 616 and/or interface manager 620 may intelligently indicate that the user request cannot be serviced, and offer one or more alternatives (such as an older or similar version). For at least the foregoing reasons, the present invention therefore provides an improved system and method for effectively transmitting content items to electronic devices.
Abstract
A system and method for effectively transmitting content items to electronic devices includes a content server that is configured to access and store various types of content information. A recommendation engine of the content server analyzes network statistics and client profiles to identify appropriate content items for device users of the electronic devices. A transmitter receives the targeted content items from the content server, and responsively provides the content items to the electronic devices by broadcasting the content items over a unidirectional telecommunications link.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/217,808 filed on Jul. 9, 2008.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- This invention relates generally to techniques for managing electronic information, and relates more particularly to a system and method for effectively transmitting content items to electronic devices.
- 2. Description of the Background Art
- Implementing effective methods for providing appropriate electronic content is a significant consideration for designers and manufacturers of contemporary electronic devices. However, effectively providing content utilized by electronic devices may create substantial challenges for system designers. For example, enhanced demands for increased device functionality and performance may require more system processing power and require additional software resources. An increase in processing or software requirements may also result in a corresponding detrimental economic impact due to increased production costs and operational inefficiencies.
- Furthermore, enhanced device capability to perform various advanced data management operations may provide additional benefits to a system user, but may also place increased demands on the control and management of various system components. For example, an enhanced electronic network device that effectively manages electronic content may benefit from an effective implementation because of the large amount and complexity of the digital data involved.
- Due to growing demands on system resources and substantially increasing data magnitudes, it is apparent that developing new techniques for providing content to electronic devices is a matter of concern for related electronic technologies. Therefore, for all the foregoing reasons, developing effective techniques for providing content remains a significant consideration for designers, manufacturers, and users of contemporary electronic devices.
- In accordance with the present invention, a system for effectively transmitting content items to electronic devices is disclosed. In one embodiment, a content distribution system advantageously supports a content transmission procedure that automatically provides various types of appropriate content items for utilization by a device users of the electronic devices. For example, the content items may include, but are not limited to, relevant information such as current news, weather, traffic, sports, financial information, audio/video clips, program guide information, and information from Internet websites.
- In certain embodiments, the content server analyzes network statistics and client profiles corresponding to users of computers in a distributed electronic network (such as the Internet). The content server then automatically provides recommended content items to a transmitter which responsively transmits the content items to one or more electronic devices via a unidirectional transmission link. A device user of an electronic device may thus utilize the content items to simulate an Internet experience without having an actual bi-directional Internet connection.
- In certain embodiments, the content server collects various specified types of network statistics corresponding to users of computers in the electronic network. For example, in certain embodiments, the network statistics may include, but are not limited to, network browsing statistics. The content server also compiles client profiles corresponding to device users of the electronic devices by utilizing any effective techniques. For example, the client profiles may include information manually supplied by the device users. The content server may also automatically populate the client profiles by analyzing any appropriate information (including the foregoing network statistics).
- A recommendation engine of the content server analyzes relevant data (potentially including the network statistics and the client profiles) by utilizing any effective techniques. The recommendation engine then generates one or more recommendation lists of appropriate content items for transmitting to targeted ones of the electronic devices. The content server accesses and sends the recommended content items to the transmitter which performs a unidirectional broadcast procedure to transmit the received content items to one or more of the electronic devices.
- Content managers of the electronic devices may determine whether to accept the received content items according to any appropriate criteria. For example, device users may specify certain acceptance criteria by programming corresponding user preferences. If the content managers accept the transmitted content items, then the electronic devices may locally store the content items for appropriate utilization by device users. The content managers may also determine whether one or more locally-stored content items are obsolete or no longer required. The content managers may then automatically delete any unwanted or out-dated content items from local memory. For at least the foregoing reasons, the present invention therefore provides an improved system and method for effectively transmitting content items to electronic devices.
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FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a content distribution system, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the content server ofFIG. 1 , in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 3 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the server memory ofFIG. 2 , in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 4 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the recommendation engine ofFIG. 3 , in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 5 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the electronic device fromFIG. 1 , in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 6 is a block diagram for one embodiment of the device memory ofFIG. 5 , in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 7 is a block diagram for one embodiment of a client profile fromFIG. 3 , in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 8 is a diagram for one embodiment of a recommendation list fromFIG. 4 , in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 9 is a diagram for one embodiment of content items, in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 10 is a flowchart of method steps for performing a content transmission procedure, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and -
FIG. 11 is a flowchart of method steps for performing a content reception procedure, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. - The present invention relates to an improvement in electronic information management techniques. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention, and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
- The present invention comprises a system and method for effectively transmitting content items to electronic devices, and includes a content server that is configured to access and store various types of content information. A recommendation engine of the content server analyzes network statistics and client profiles to identify appropriate content items for device users of the electronic devices. A transmitter receives the targeted content items from the content server, and responsively provides the content items to the electronic devices by broadcasting the content items over a unidirectional telecommunications link.
- Referring now to
FIG. 1 , a block diagram of acontent distribution system 110 is shown, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In theFIG. 1 embodiment,content distribution system 110 may include, but is not limited to, anelectronic network 114, acontent server 118, atransmitter 116, anelectronic device 126, and acomputer 120. In alternate embodiments,content distribution system 110 may be implemented by utilizing components and configurations in addition to, or instead of, certain of those components and configurations discussed in conjunction with theFIG. 1 embodiment. For example, for purposes of illustration, a singleelectronic device 126 is shown inFIG. 1 . However, in actual practice, principles of the disclosed invention may readily be performed with any number of differentelectronic devices 126. Furthermore,network 114 typically includes a substantial number ofadditional computers 120. - In accordance with the present invention,
content distribution system 110 advantageously supports a content transmission procedure that automatically provides various types of appropriate content items for utilization by a device user ofelectronic device 126. For example, the content items may include, but are not limited to, relevant information such as current news, weather, traffic, sports, financial information, audio/video clips, program guide information, and information from Internet websites. - In certain embodiments,
content server 118 analyzes network statistics and client profiles corresponding to users ofcomputers 120 innetwork 114.Content server 118 then automatically provides recommended content items totransmitter 116 which responsively transmits the content items to one or moreelectronic devices 126 via a unidirectional transmission link. A device user ofelectronic device 126 may thus utilize the content items to simulate an Internet-like experience without having an actual bi-directional Internet connection. -
Electronic device 120 may therefore conserve significant operating power through performing only receive functions, and by not having to perform power-consuming transmit functions. Furthermore, in physical locations where a wireless connection is not adequate for satisfactory signal reception, content items previously received byelectronic device 126 may still be utilized by the device user. In addition, a single transmission fromtransmitter 116 may efficiently be utilized to transfer multiple appropriate content items to many differentelectronic devices 126 simultaneously. In certain embodiments,transmitter 116 may broadcast different sets of content items on different transmission channels. Further details regarding the implementation and utilization of theFIG. 1 content distribution system 110 are discussed below in conjunction withFIGS. 2-11 . - Referring now to
FIG. 2 , a block diagram for one embodiment of theFIG. 1 content server 118 is shown, in accordance with the present invention. In theFIG. 2 embodiment,content server 118 includes, but is not limited to, a server central processing unit (server CPU) 212, aserver display 216, aserver memory 220, and one or more server input/output interface(s) (server I/O interface(s)) 224. The foregoing components ofcontent server 118 may be coupled to, and communicate through, aserver bus 228. In alternate embodiments,content server 118 may alternately be implemented using components and configurations in addition to, or instead of, certain of those components and configurations discussed in conjunction with theFIG. 2 embodiment. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, there may be multiple instances ofcontent server 118 in content distribution system 110 (FIG. 1 ). - In the
FIG. 2 embodiment,server CPU 212 may be implemented to include any appropriate and compatible microprocessor device that preferably executes software instructions to thereby control and manage the operation ofcontent server 118. TheFIG. 2 server display 216 may include any effective type of display technology including a cathode-ray-tube monitor or a liquid-crystal display device with an appropriate screen for displaying various information to a server user. In theFIG. 2 embodiment,server memory 220 may be implemented to include any combination of desired storage devices, including, but not limited to, read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), and various types of non-volatile memory, such as floppy disks, memory sticks, compact disks, or hard disks. The contents and functionality ofserver memory 220 are further discussed below in conjunction withFIG. 3 . - In the
FIG. 2 embodiment, server I/O interface(s) 224 may include one or more input and/or output interfaces to receive and/or transmit any required types of information bycontent server 118. Server I/O interface(s) 224 may include one or more means for allowing a server user to communicate withcontent server 118. The implementation and utilization ofcontent server 118 is further discussed below in conjunction withFIGS. 3-4 and 10. - Referring now to
FIG. 3 , a block diagram for one embodiment of theFIG. 2 server memory 220 is shown, in accordance with the present invention. In theFIG. 3 embodiment,server memory 220 may include, but is not limited to, aserver application 312, aserver operating system 316, acontent database 320, aprofile manager 324, client profiles 328, arecommendation engine 332, information links 336, and miscellaneous information. In alternate embodiments,server memory 220 may include various other components and functionalities in addition to, or instead of, certain those components and functionalities discussed in conjunction with theFIG. 3 embodiment. - In the
FIG. 3 embodiment,server application 312 may include program instructions that are preferably executed by server CPU 212 (FIG. 2 ) to perform various functions and operations forcontent server 118. The particular nature and functionality ofserver application 312 typically varies depending upon factors such as the specific type and particular functionality of the correspondingcontent server 118.Server operating system 316 may perform various low-level functions forcontent server 118. - In the
FIG. 3 embodiment,content database 320 may include any appropriate type of content items or other information received byserver application 312 from content provider 114 (FIG. 1 ) or other appropriate entity. For example, in certain embodiments,content database 320 may include, but is not limited to, any types of entertainment programming, movies, video data, audio data, digital photographs, still image data, graphics, web pages, program guide information, and various types of software programs, etc. - In the
FIG. 3 embodiment,profile manager 324 may be utilized to compile and analyzeclient profiles 328 that each include information corresponding to the client users of respective electronic devices 126 (FIG. 1 ). In certain embodiments,profile manager 324 may analyze various types of browsing statistics of users ofcomputers 120 in network 114 (FIG. 1 ) to automatically populate client profiles 328. Alternately, users ofcomputers 120 innetwork 114 may manually enter appropriate information in corresponding client profiles 328. One embodiment of anexemplary client profile 328 is further discussed below in conjunction withFIG. 7 . - In the
FIG. 3 embodiment,recommendation engine 332 may be utilized to analyze various types of pre-defined ranking criteria to create recommendation lists for downloading specific appropriate content items fromcontent database 320 to appropriateelectronic devices 126. Additional details regarding the operation and implementation ofrecommendation engine 332 are further discussed below in conjunction withFIGS. 4 and 8 . In theFIG. 3 embodiment, information links 336 may include connection information for obtaining other content items in network 114 (FIG. 1 ).Miscellaneous information 340 may include any appropriate information or data that is required bycontent server 118. - Referring now to
FIG. 4 , a diagram for one embodiment of theFIG. 3 recommendation engine 332 is shown, in accordance with the present invention. In theFIG. 4 embodiment,recommendation engine 332 may include, but is not limited to, aranking manager 412, one or more recommendation lists 416, astatistics module 424, andnetwork statistics 428. In alternate embodiments,recommendation engine 332 may include other elements and configurations in addition to, or instead of, certain of those elements and configurations discussed in conjunction with theFIG. 4 embodiment. - In the
FIG. 4 embodiment,recommendation engine 332 may utilize aranking manager 412 for analyzing various relevant types of pre-defined ranking criteria regarding a device user of a given electronic device 126 (FIG. 1 ) to thereby generate corresponding one of the recommendation lists 416. For example,ranking manager 412 may generate arecommendation list 416 for a givenelectronic device 126 by analyzing client attributes from a corresponding client profile 328 (FIG. 3 ). One embodiment for implementing arecommendation list 416 is further discussed below in conjunction withFIG. 8 . - In the
FIG. 4 embodiment,recommendation engine 332 may utilize astatistics module 424 for monitoring and compilingnetwork statistics 428 that reflect any appropriate information and characteristics of computers or computer users in network 114 (FIG. 1 ). For example,network statistics 428 may include any desired type of statistical information regarding Internet browsing habits of computer users innetwork 114. In theFIG. 4 embodiment,statistics 428 may be collected for eachelectronic device 126, and may include, but are not limited to, content download frequency, downloaded content types, transferred content titles, and any other relevant statistical transfer patterns or information. The functionality and utilization ofrecommendation engine 332 are further discussed below in conjunction withFIGS. 8 and 10 . - Referring now to
FIG. 5 , a block diagram for one embodiment of theFIG. 1 electronic device 126 is shown, in accordance with the present invention. In theFIG. 5 embodiment,electronic device 126 may include, but is not limited to, a device central processing unit (device CPU) 512, areceiver 514, adevice display 516, adevice memory 520, and one or more device input/output interface(s) (device I/O interface(s)) 524. The foregoing components ofelectronic device 126 may be coupled to, and communicate through, adevice bus 528. - In alternate embodiments,
electronic device 126 may readily be implemented using various components and configurations in addition to, or instead of, certain of those components and configurations discussed in conjunction with theFIG. 5 embodiment. Furthermore, in theFIG. 5 embodiment,electronic device 126 may be implemented as any type of appropriate electronic device. For example, in certain embodiments,electronic device 126 may be implemented as any type of stationary or portable electronic device, such as a personal computer, a cellular telephone, a settop box, an audio-visual entertainment device, or a personal digital assistant (PDA). - In the
FIG. 5 embodiment,device CPU 512 may be implemented to include any appropriate and compatible microprocessor device that preferably executes software instructions to thereby control and manage the operation ofelectronic devices 126. In theFIG. 5 embodiment,receiver 514 may include any appropriate means for receiving content items and other information from transmitter 116 (FIG. 1 ). In certain embodiments,receiver 514 is economically implemented as a wireless receiver device that does not include a corresponding transmitter device. - The
FIG. 5 device display 516 may include any effective type of display technology including a cathode-ray-tube monitor or a liquid-crystal display device with an appropriate screen for displaying various information to a device user. In theFIG. 5 embodiment,device memory 520 may be implemented to include any combination of desired storage devices, including, but not limited to, read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), and various types of non-volatile memory, such as floppy disks, memory sticks, compact disks, or hard disks. The contents and functionality ofdevice memory 520 are further discussed below in conjunction withFIG. 6 . - In the
FIG. 5 embodiment, device I/O interface(s) 524 may include one or more input and/or output interfaces to receive and/or transmit any required types of information byelectronic device 126. Device I/O interface(s) 524 may include one or more means for allowing a device user to communicate with other entities in content distribution system 110 (FIG. 1 ). For example, the foregoing means may include a keyboard device, a wireless remote-control device, a speech-recognition module with corresponding microphone, a graphical user interface with touch-screen capability, a hand-held device controller unit, or a selection button array mounted externally onelectronic device 126. The implementation and utilization ofelectronic device 126 are further discussed below in conjunction withFIGS. 6 and 11 . - Referring now to
FIG. 6 , a block diagram for one embodiment of theFIG. 5 device memory 520 is shown, in accordance with the present invention. In theFIG. 6 embodiment,device memory 520 includes, but is not limited to, adevice application 612, acontent manager 616,content items 618, aninterface module 620, and miscellaneous information. In alternate embodiments,device memory 520 may include various other components and functionalities in addition to, or instead of, certain of those components and functionalities discussed in conjunction with theFIG. 6 embodiment. - In the
FIG. 6 embodiment,device application 612 may include program instructions that are preferably executed by a device CPU 512 (FIG. 5 ) to perform various functions and operations for aelectronic device 126. The particular nature and functionality ofdevice application 612 typically varies depending upon factors such as the specific type and particular functionality of the correspondingelectronic device 126. - In the
FIG. 6 embodiment,content manager 616 may perform appropriate procedures for receiving and managing content items by utilizing any appropriate techniques. For example, content manager may perform content download procedures to automatically receive, evaluate, update, and locally store content items fromcontent server 118 ascontent items 618. In theFIG. 6 embodiment,interface module 620 may be utilized by a particularelectronic device 126 to directly interface and handle different formats ofcontent items 618. The utilization and operation ofelectronic device 126 is further discussed below in conjunction withFIG. 10 . - Referring now to
FIG. 7 , a block diagram for one embodiment of aFIG. 3 client profile 328 is shown, in accordance with the present invention. In theFIG. 7 embodiment,client profile 328 includes, but is not limited to, atransaction history 712,demographic information 716,browsing habits 718, andmiscellaneous information 724. In alternate embodiments,client profile 328 may include other components and information in addition to, or instead of, certain of those components and information discussed in conjunction with theFIG. 7 embodiment. - In the
FIG. 7 embodiment,transaction history 712 may include any information about content item downloads fromcontent server 118 to a givenelectronic device 126. For example,transaction history 712 may include, but is not limited to, content types, content titles, download frequency, download dates, download times, and content price. In addition, theFIG. 7 client profile 328 may include any desired type ofdemographic information 716 regarding a corresponding device user. For example,demographic information 716 may include, but is not limited to, a client age, a client gender, a client location, a client ethnicity, a client marital status, client family information, a client annual income bracket, a client occupation, client hobbies, client interests, and a client political affiliation. - In the
FIG. 7 embodiment,client profile 328 may include any appropriate information regarding thebrowsing habits 718 of a particular computer user when searching or viewing information on the Internet or other information source via acorresponding computer 120. In theFIG. 7 embodiment,client profile 328 may also include any other desired type ofmiscellaneous profile information 724. For example,client profile 328 may be implemented to include various types of information about the hardware and/or software configurations and capabilities of a correspondingelectronic device 126. Further details regarding the utilization of client profiles 328 are further discussed below in conjunction withFIG. 10 . - Referring now to
FIG. 8 , a diagram for one embodiment of aFIG. 4 recommendation list 416 is shown, in accordance with the present invention. In theFIG. 8 embodiment,recommendation list 416 includes, but is not limited to, a ranked series ofcandidates 824 that each represent a different content item fromcontent database 320 of content server 118 (FIG. 1 ). In alternate embodiments,recommendation list 416 may include other components and information in addition to, or instead of, certain of those components and information discussed in conjunction with theFIG. 8 embodiment. - In the
FIG. 8 embodiment,recommendation list 416 includes a candidate A 824(a) through a candidate N 824(c) that each has a corresponding content title and content score. For example, theFIG. 8 candidate A 824(a) includes a content A title and a content A score of 85%. In theFIG. 8 embodiment, candidate A 824(a) is therefore the optimal individual candidate based upon the highest content score. In alternate embodiments, particular content items may be identified by any other appropriate content item designation. For example, content items may be identified by a content identification number. In addition, in certain embodiments, ranking indicators for thetransfer candidates 824 may be implemented in any other effective manner. For example, a numerical merit indicator other than a percentage may alternately be utilized. - In the
FIG. 8 embodiment, aranking manager 412 of recommendation engine 332 (FIG. 4 ) calculates the content scores to generate the rankedindividual recommendation list 416 by analyzing any appropriate types of information. For example,ranking manager 412 may generate anindividual recommendation list 416 for a givenelectronic device 126 by analyzing pre-determined ranking criteria that may include device user attributes and electronic device characteristics from a corresponding client profile 328 (FIG. 7 ). - Furthermore,
ranking manager 412 may analyze the predetermined ranking criteria by utilizing any effective techniques and procedures. For example, in certain embodiments, rankingmanager 412 may perform a weighted averaging of the different ranking factors from the ranking criteria to determine a cost function that represents the likelihood of selecting and paying for the downloaded content item by a device user. Each of the various ranking factors may be associated with a different weighting value that represents the approximate significance of the corresponding ranking factor. The generation and utilization of recommendation lists 416 are further discussed below in conjunction withFIG. 10 . - Referring now to
FIG. 9 , a block diagram for one embodiment of theFIG. 6 content items 618 is shown, in accordance with the present invention. In theFIG. 9 embodiment,content items 618 includes, but is not limited to,news data 912,weather data 916,traffic data 920, audio/video data 924,program guide data 928,website data 932, andmiscellaneous data 936. In theFIG. 9 embodiment,content items 618 are presented for purposes of illustration. In alternate embodiments,electronic device 126 may utilizecontent items 618 that include elements and information in addition to, or instead of, certain of those elements and information discussed in conjunction with theFIG. 9 embodiment. - In the
FIG. 9 embodiment,news data 912 may include any appropriate world, regional, or local news information that is provided bycontent server 118. Similarly,weather data 916 andtraffic data 920 may include current information regarding weather and traffic conditions from any specified location. In theFIG. 9 embodiment, audio/video data 924 may include various types of audio and/or video clips.Program guide data 928 may include current information regarding entertainment programming schedules.Website data 932 may include cached copies of Internet websites.Miscellaneous data 936 may include any additional information for utilization byelectronic device 126 The transmission and reception ofcontent items 618 is further discussed below in conjunction withFIGS. 10-11 . - Referring now to
FIG. 10 , a flowchart of method steps for performing a content transmission procedure is shown, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. TheFIG. 10 flowchart is presented for purposes of illustration, and in alternate embodiments, the present invention may utilize steps and sequences other than those steps and sequences discussed in conjunction with theFIG. 10 embodiment. - In the
FIG. 10 embodiment, instep 1042,content server 118 collects various specified types ofnetwork statistics 428 corresponding to users ofcomputers 120 in anelectronic network 114. For example, in certain embodiments, thenetwork statistics 428 may include, but are not limited to, network browsing statistics. Instep 1048,content server 118 compiles client profiles 328 corresponding to device users ofelectronic devices 126 by utilizing any effective techniques. For example, client profiles 328 may include information manually supplied by the device users, and/orcontent server 118 may automatically populate client profiles 328 by analyzing any appropriate information (including network statistics 428). - In
step 1052, arecommendation engine 332 ofcontent server 118 analyzes relevant data (potentially includingnetwork statistics 428 and client profiles 328) by utilizing any effective techniques. Instep 1056,recommendation engine 332 then generates one or more recommendation lists 416 ofappropriate content items 618 to transmit to target ones of theelectronic devices 126. Instep 1060,content server 118 accesses and sends the recommendedcontent items 618 to atransmitter 116. Finally, instep 1064,transmitter 116 performs a unidirectional broadcast procedure to transmit the receivedcontent items 618 to one or more of theelectronic devices 126. TheFIG. 10 content transmission procedure may then terminate. - Referring now to
FIG. 11 , a flowchart of method steps for performing a content reception procedure is shown, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. TheFIG. 11 flowchart is presented for purposes of illustration, and in alternate embodiments, the present invention may utilize steps and sequences other than those steps and sequences discussed in conjunction with theFIG. 11 embodiment. - In the
FIG. 11 embodiment, instep 1114, anelectronic device 126 receivescontent items 618 that were broadcast from a transmitter 116 (FIG. 1 ). Instep 1118, acontent manager 616 determines whether to accept the receivedcontent items 618 according to any appropriate criteria. For example, a device user may specific certain acceptance criteria by programming corresponding user preferences. Ifcontent manager 616 accepts the transmittedcontent items 618, then instep 1122,content manager 1122 may locally store thecontent items 618 for appropriate utilization by a device user. - In
step 1126,content manager 616 may determine whether one or more storedcontent items 618 are obsolete or no longer required. Instep 1130,content manager 616 automatically deletes any unwanted or out-datedcontent items 618 from local memory. TheFIG. 11 content reception procedure may then return to step 1114 to receive and manage any additional transmittedcontent items 618. The present invention thus allows a device user to simulate an Internet experience without requiring a bi-directional Internet connection. - In certain embodiments,
content manager 616 and aninterface manager 620 may enhance user interactivity by providing an information window that catalogues and navigates through currently available content items. Furthermore, if a device user requests certain functionality or content that is not available for any reason,content manager 616 and/orinterface manager 620 may intelligently indicate that the user request cannot be serviced, and offer one or more alternatives (such as an older or similar version). For at least the foregoing reasons, the present invention therefore provides an improved system and method for effectively transmitting content items to electronic devices. - The invention has been explained above with reference to certain embodiments. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of this disclosure. For example, the present invention may readily be implemented using certain configurations and techniques other than those described in the specific embodiments above. Additionally, the present invention may effectively be used in conjunction with systems other than those described above. Therefore, these and other variations upon the discussed embodiments are intended to be covered by the present invention, which is limited only by the appended claims.
Claims (25)
1. A content server for supporting a content distribution in an electronic network comprising one or more computers associated with a user, said content server comprising:
at least one processor operable to:
determine usage of said one or more computers;
analyze network statistics associated with said one or more computers based on said determined usage;
select a content based on said analyzed network statistics; and
transmit said selected content to an electronic device associated with said user, through a unidirectional telecommunication link.
2. The content server of claim 1 , wherein said content comprises one or more of: news data, traffic data, weather data, image data, audio/video data, program guide data, software data, and/or Internet website data.
3. The content server of claim 1 , wherein said network statistics comprise Internet browsing statistics.
4. The content server of claim 1 , wherein said at least one processor is operable to select said content based on a client profile associated with said electronic device.
5. The content server of claim 4 , wherein said at least one processor is operable to automatically create said client profile based on said analyzed network statistics.
6. The content server of claim 4 , wherein said client profile is manually created by said user.
7. The content server of claim 4 , wherein said client profile comprises demographic information corresponding to said user.
8. The content server of claim 7 , wherein said demographic information comprises one or more of: a user age, a user gender, a user location, a user ethnicity, a user marital status, user family information, a user annual income bracket, user occupation, user hobbies, user interests, and/or a user political affiliation.
9. The content server of claim 1 , wherein said at least one processor is operable to select said content from a plurality of content items stored in a content database.
10. The content server of claim 9 , wherein said content database stores a client profile associated with said electronic device.
11. A method for supporting a content distribution in an electronic network comprising one or more computers associated with a user, said method comprising:
determining usage of said one or more computers;
analyzing network statistics associated with said one or more computers based on said determined usage;
selecting a content based on said analyzed network statistics and a client profile; and
transmitting said selected content to an electronic device associated with said user, through a unidirectional telecommunication link.
12. The method of claim 11 , wherein said content and said client profile are stored in a content database.
13. An electronic device for supporting a content reception in an electronic network comprising one or more computers associated with a user, said electronic device comprising:
at least one processor operable to:
receive a content from a content server through a unidirectional telecommunication link, wherein said content server selects said content based on usage of said one or more computers and wherein said electronic device is associated with said user.
14. The electronic device of claim 13 , wherein said electronic device is a portable wireless device.
15. The electronic device of claim 13 , wherein said at least one processor is operable to receive said content from said content server through a transmitter.
16. The electronic device of claim 15 , wherein said transmitter is a radio-frequency television broadcasting transmitter
17. The electronic device of claim 15 , wherein said at least one processor is operable to receive said content through said unidirectional telecommunication link between said transmitter and said electronic device.
18. The electronic device of claim 13 , wherein said electronic device is implemented without a wireless transmission capability.
19. The electronic device of claim 13 , wherein said at least one processor is operable to determine whether to accept said received content based upon content acceptance criteria.
20. The electronic device of claim 19 , wherein said content acceptance criteria are manually programmed as a user preference by said user.
21. The electronic device of claim 13 , wherein said at least one processor is operable to locally store said received content and determine whether said locally-stored content is obsolete.
22. The electronic device of claim 21 , wherein said at least one processor is operable to periodically delete said obsolete locally-stored content.
23. The electronic device of claim 13 , wherein said at least one processor is operable to present an information window interface to said user for cataloguing and navigating said received content.
24. The electronic device of claim 13 , wherein said at least one processor is operable to indicate to said user that requested functionalities are unavailable.
25. The electronic device of claim 24 , wherein said at least one processor is operable to offer said user one or more alternative functionalities when said requested functionalities are unavailable.
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Also Published As
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US8572211B2 (en) | 2013-10-29 |
US20100011092A1 (en) | 2010-01-14 |
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