Case 4:20-cv-00432-SDJ Document 1-6 Filed 05/26/20 Page 1 of 32 PageID #: 113
`Case 4:20-cv-00432-SDJ Document 1-6 Filed 05/26/20 Page 1 of 32 PageID #: 113
`
`
`
`
`EXHIBIT 5
`
`EXHIBIT 5
`
`

`

`Case 4:20-cv-00432-SDJ Document 1-6 Filed 05/26/20 Page 2 of 32 PageID #: 114
`I 1111111111111111 11111 1111111111 1111111111 111111111111111 IIIIII IIII IIII IIII
`US008725832B2
`
`c12) United States Patent
`Bartholomew
`
`(IO) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 8,725,832 B2
`*May 13, 2014
`
`(54) SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CREATING
`AND POSTING MEDIA LISTS FOR
`PURPOSES OF SUBSEQUENT PLAYBACK
`Inventor: Alan Bartholomew, Pasadena, CA (US)
`(75)
`(73) Assignee: Trio Systems, LLC, Pasadena, CA (US)
`( *) Notice:
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term ofthis
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 437 days.
`
`This patent is subject to a terminal dis(cid:173)
`claimer.
`(21) Appl. No.: 13/196,958
`Aug. 3, 2011
`Filed:
`(22)
`Prior Publication Data
`(65)
`
`(63)
`
`(51)
`
`(52)
`
`(58)
`
`Nov. 24, 2011
`US 2011/0289189 Al
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`Continuation of application No. 12/272,360, filed on
`Nov. 17, 2008, now Pat. No. 8,015,263, which is a
`continuation of application No. 11/431,911, filed on
`May 10, 2006, now Pat. No. 7,472,175, which is a
`continuation of application No. 09/710,654, filed on
`Nov. 10, 2000, now Pat. No. 7,069,310.
`Int. Cl.
`G06F 151173
`G06F 15116
`G06F 151177
`G06F 17130
`G06F 11130
`G06F 11134
`U.S. Cl.
`CPC ...... G06F 17/30053 (2013.01); G06F 1113051
`(2013.01); G06F 1113409 (2013.01); G06F
`1113495 (2013.01); G06F 1113466 (2013.01)
`USPC ............... 709/217; 709/203; 700/23; 700/88;
`700/94; 715/704; 715/712
`Field of Classification Search
`CPC .......... G06F 17/30053; G06F 11/3051; G06F
`11/3495; G06F 2201/81; G06F 11/3409
`USPC ........ 700/23, 88, 94; 709/200---203, 217-228;
`715/704, 712
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`5,237,157 A
`5,428,778 A
`
`8/1993 Kaplan
`6/1995 Brookes
`(Continued)
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Dan, A., et al.: Browsing and Retrieval Architecture for Hierarchical
`Multimedia Annotation, Multimedia Tools and App 7: pp. 83-101.
`(Dec. 31, 1998).
`
`(Continued)
`
`Primary Examiner - Haresh N Patel
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm - Fox Rothschild, LLP; Carol
`E. Thorstad Forsyth
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A method and apparatus for creating and posting media is
`provided. For example, the invention allows a user to quickly
`create, signal process, encode, and transfer media files to a
`server for storage, posting, distribution, and retrieval. Thus,
`media such as audio, video, display, photo, spreadsheet, Web
`Clips, and HTML pages can be combined into a media file for
`uploading to a server and accessed from listings posted at web
`sites. In accordance with embodiments, a user downloads and
`installs a plug-in at the user's client computer. The user then
`registers and logs onto the server to perform various tasks. For
`example, the user can create a combined audio and photo
`media file at the client computer, in accordance with server
`based control parameters received from the system server.
`The plug-in then allows the user to perform digital signal
`processing and encoding of the media file at the client com(cid:173)
`puter. After the file is encoded, it may be uploaded to a server
`for storage, posting, distribution, and retrieval. A file man(cid:173)
`agement system provides copies and listings of the file to
`other servers and web sites as permitted. Thus, other user
`having access to the database or web site lists via other client
`computers may select the file for retrieval. In accordance with
`another aspect of the invention, an information management
`system provides file and file list rankings based upon selec(cid:173)
`tion or click through of files and file listings.
`
`38 Claims, 14 Drawing Sheets
`
`REGISTER
`A13USl'R
`
`402
`
`DOWNLOAD
`P/.IJG-/N
`
`404
`
`406
`
`INFORMATION
`MANAGEMENT
`S'/STEM
`c.___;_::PR;:;::OCE:::;.SS_1, 490
`
`

`

`Case 4:20-cv-00432-SDJ Document 1-6 Filed 05/26/20 Page 3 of 32 PageID #: 115
`
`US 8,725,832 B2
`Page 2
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
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`6,591,247 B2
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`9/2003 Marvit et al.
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`6,657,116 Bl* 12/2003 Gunnerson
`6,675,205 B2
`1/2004 Meadway et al.
`6,769,010 Bl
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`3/2005 Townsend et al.
`7,069,310 Bl*
`6/2006 Bartholomew
`7,472,175 B2 * 12/2008 Bartholomew
`2002/0012897 Al
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`1/2005 Knapp eta!.
`2007/0011206 Al
`1/2007 Gupta et al.
`2007/0177586 Al
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`
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`Retrieved
`Discover Music Template. [retrieved on Jan. 20, 2000].
`from the Internet <URL:http://www.discovermusic.com>; p. 1.
`
`How Do I Create Talk Program. [retrieved on Sep. 28, 1999].
`Retrieved from the Internet <URL:http://www.givemetalk.com>; p.
`1.
`Personal Video Webcasting. [retrieved on Feb. 6, 2000]. Retrieved
`from the Internet <URL:http://www.popcast.com>; p. 1.
`Cyber Greetings and MessageBay to Offer Industry First Online
`Voice Greeting Cards. [retrieved on Oct. 10, 1999]. Retrieved from
`the
`Internet <URL:http://www.messagebay.com/press/090799.
`htrn>;p. 1.
`Destiny Internet Radio Broadcast Network. [retrieved on Jan. 10,
`2000]. Retrieved from the Internet <URL:http://www.radiodestiny.
`corn/broadcast/index.shtml>; p. 1.
`Alvear, Jose; Next Audio Launches Radio Software Using Windows
`Media. [retrieved on Jun. 7, 2000]. Retrieved from the Internet
`<URL:http://www.streamingmedia.com:business-technology-con(cid:173)
`tent>: p. 1.
`Welcome to Activate.net. [retrieved on Jun. 7, 2000]. Retrieved from
`the Internet <URL:http://www.activate.net>; p. 1.
`VoizLetter Pro. [retrieved on Sep. 19, 2000]. Retrieved from the
`Internet
`<URL:http://www.mediaring.com/business/products/
`voizletterpro>; p. 1.
`Gilster, Paul; Headline: Computers-The Web Connection to your
`Phone. [retrieved on Oct. 5, 2000]. Retrieved from the Internet
`<URL:http://www.internetspeech.com/06-05-00>; p. 1.
`Message Bay, Create Your Own Personal Voice Greeting Card.
`[retrieved on Oct. 10, 1999]. Retrieved from the Internet <URL:
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`Press and Online Coverage. [retrieved on Feb. 1, 2000]. Retrieved
`from the Internet <URL:http://www.scala.com/users/quotes.asap>.
`VoiceAge Corporation: Products Intro. [retrieved on May 23, 2001].
`Retrieved from the Internet <URL:http://www.voiceage.com/news/
`newduo.htrn>.
`Audio content creation by Sppechradio.com Ltd., the Internet's
`leading audio content supplier. [retrieved on May 4, 2001]. Retrieved
`from
`the
`Internet
`<URL:http://www.positive-internet.
`corn/-radio/>>.
`Radical Communication-Radical Mall. [retrieved on May 4, 2001].
`Retrieved from the Internet <URL:http://www.radicalmall.com/ws/
`products_mail.htrn>.
`Rich Streaming Media Software Tools from impatica.com. [retrieved
`on May 4, 2001]. Retrieved from the Internet <URL:http://www.
`impatica.corn/home.htrnl>.
`Audio production for web pages. [retrieved on May 9, 2011].
`Retrieved from the Internet <URL:http://www.audiowebpro.com/
`home.htrn>.
`One Voice Technologies, Leading the Voice Revolution. [retrieved on
`May 9, 2001]. Retrieved from the Internet <URL:http://www.
`onevoicetech.com>.
`Tellme Networks, Tellme: the phone as it should be. [retrieved on
`May 9, 200 l]. Retrieved from the Internet <URL :http://www. tellme.
`com>.
`RadioAMP, The PoweroflnternetAudio. [retrieved on May 9,2001].
`Retrieved from
`the Internet <URL:http://www.radioamp.com/
`home_content.htrn>.
`Catsup, Unleasing the Power ofIPVideo. [retrieved on May 9,200 l].
`Retrieved from the Internet <URL:http://www.catsup.net/corp/>.
`Welcome to iHello, Speech-enabled applications for the mobile
`workforce. [retrieved on May 9, 2001]. Retrieved from the Internet
`<URL:http:/ /www.ihello .corn/speech/bizsol.asp?>.
`Inspar-Home, Get your users creating streaming media with one
`button click! [ retrieved on May 18, 2001]. Retrieved from the Internet
`<URL:http://www.inspar.com>.
`About Telos, About Telos Systems. [retrieved on May 18, 2001].
`Retrieved from the Internet <URL:http://www.telos-systems.com/
`about/about.htrn>.
`VocaLoca Inc.-Interactive Internet Broadcasting, providing true
`2-way voice with the late ... [retrieved on May 18, 200 l]. Retrieved
`from the Internet <URL:http://www.vocaloca.com/indexbl.asp>.
`ViewCast Online-Why ViewCast Online? The Digital Infrastruc(cid:173)
`ture. [retrieved on May 18, 2001]. Retrieved from the Internet
`<URL:http://www.viewcastonline.com/digitalinfrastructure.htrnl>.
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`

`

`Case 4:20-cv-00432-SDJ Document 1-6 Filed 05/26/20 Page 4 of 32 PageID #: 116
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 13, 2014
`
`Sheet 1 of 14
`
`US 8,725,832 B2
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`Case 4:20-cv-00432-SDJ Document 1-6 Filed 05/26/20 Page 5 of 32 PageID #: 117
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 13, 2014
`
`Sheet 2 of 14
`
`US 8,725,832 B2
`
`C\J .
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`

`

`Case 4:20-cv-00432-SDJ Document 1-6 Filed 05/26/20 Page 6 of 32 PageID #: 118
`
`390 ~90 ~9 0
`-, LJ-S~-R-1 I ~ ~
`
`370
`
`DATA
`STREAMING
`SERVER
`
`360
`
`340
`
`310-
`
`320
`
`CREATOR
`USER
`
`~
`00
`•
`~
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`0 ....
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`
`350
`
`APPLICATION
`SERVER
`
`Fig. 3
`
`330
`
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`
`00 w
`N = N
`
`

`

`Case 4:20-cv-00432-SDJ Document 1-6 Filed 05/26/20 Page 7 of 32 PageID #: 119
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 13, 2014
`
`Sheet 4 of 14
`
`US 8,725,832 B2
`
`DOWNLOAD
`PLUG-IN
`
`l
`
`INSTALL
`PLUG-IN
`I
`
`"-404
`
`"-408
`
`v-408
`
`410
`
`420
`
`/430
`
`v-440
`
`450
`
`v460
`
`v470
`
`v-480
`
`REGISTER
`AS USER
`
`/402
`
`•
`USERWGON
`TO SERVER
`'
`
`"CREATE" COMMAND
`j
`SERVER BASED CONTROL
`
`CREATE MEDIA FILE
`AT PLUG-IN
`
`DIGITAL SIGNAL
`PROCESSING AT PLUG-IN
`
`ENCODE FILE AT PLUG-IN
`
`UPLOAD FILE FROM
`PLUG-IN TO SERVER
`
`'
`'
`'
`'
`'
`'
`'
`
`FILE MANAGEMENT
`SYSTEM PROCESS
`
`I
`
`FILE RETRIEVAL
`PROCESS
`
`t
`INFORMATION
`MANAGEMENT
`SYSTEM
`PROCESS
`
`"-490
`
`Fig. 4
`
`

`

`Case 4:20-cv-00432-SDJ Document 1-6 Filed 05/26/20 Page 8 of 32 PageID #: 120
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 13, 2014
`
`Sheet 5 of 14
`
`US 8,725,832 B2
`
`LOAD MEDIA FILE IN
`MEMORY AND READ
`CONFIGURATION
`
`APPLY DATA
`MANIPULATION PROCESS
`1
`
`• • • '
`
`APPLY DATA
`MANIPULATION PROCESS
`N
`
`510
`
`520
`
`530
`
`V
`
`APPLY ENCODING
`PROCESS
`
`540
`./
`
`Fig. 5
`
`

`

`Case 4:20-cv-00432-SDJ Document 1-6 Filed 05/26/20 Page 9 of 32 PageID #: 121
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 13, 2014
`
`Sheet 6 of 14
`
`US 8,725,832 B2
`
`COUECT SYSTEM
`INFORMATION
`
`6DO
`
`ESTABLJSH
`. - - - . i NETWORKCONNECllON
`
`BOS
`
`615
`
`620
`
`SEND INFORMAnON
`HEADER
`
`READ DATA
`BLOCK FROM FILE
`
`630
`
`NO
`
`SEND DATA
`BLOCK
`
`REPORT STATUS
`INFORMATION
`
`READ SERVER
`RESPONSE
`
`Fig.GA
`
`

`

`Case 4:20-cv-00432-SDJ Document 1-6 Filed 05/26/20 Page 10 of 32 PageID #: 122
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 13, 2014
`
`Sheet 7 of 14
`
`US 8,725,832 B2
`
`RECEIVE HEADER
`
`VALJDATE USER
`
`GENERATE
`FILE NAME
`
`660
`
`665
`
`RECEIVE DATA
`BWCK
`
`680
`
`APPEND DATA BLOCK
`TO DATA FILE
`
`NO
`
`684
`
`BB6
`
`690
`
`CLOSE AND STORE DATA FILE
`
`GENERATE FILE
`INFORMATION WEB PAGE
`
`SEND FILE INFORMATION
`WEB PAGE TO CUENT
`
`Fig.68
`
`

`

`Case 4:20-cv-00432-SDJ Document 1-6 Filed 05/26/20 Page 11 of 32 PageID #: 123
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 13, 2014
`
`Sheet 8 of 14
`
`US 8,725,832 B2
`
`SEND REQUEST
`FOR CONTROL FILE
`
`YES
`
`RECEIVE CONTROL
`INFORMATION
`
`710
`
`720
`NO
`
`730
`
`740
`
`DECRYPTCONNECTTON
`LOCATION INFORMATION
`
`750
`
`DISPLAY
`HELPER APPUCATION
`SCREENS
`
`Fig.7A
`
`

`

`Case 4:20-cv-00432-SDJ Document 1-6 Filed 05/26/20 Page 12 of 32 PageID #: 124
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 13, 2014
`
`Sheet 9 of 14
`
`US 8,725,832 B2
`
`NO
`
`770
`
`PROCESS REQUEST
`INFORMATION
`
`785
`
`NO
`
`SEND ACCESS DENIED
`MESSAGE AND ALTERNATE
`CONTROL INSTRUCTIONS
`
`YES
`
`SEND REQUEST
`CONrROL/NSTRUCnONS
`TO CLJENT
`
`790
`
`Fig.78
`
`

`

`Case 4:20-cv-00432-SDJ Document 1-6 Filed 05/26/20 Page 13 of 32 PageID #: 125
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 13, 2014
`
`Sheet 10 of 14
`
`US 8,725,832 B2
`
`SELECT ALLOWABI.E. ~ 810
`FUNCnONS
`
`~
`
`GENERATE WEB PAGE
`CONTAINING CONTROLS
`
`~· 820
`
`I
`
`USER ENTERS ~ 830
`INFORMATION/ISSUES
`COMMANDS
`
`v-840
`
`'
`
`SERVER UPDATES
`DATABASE WITH
`INFORMAllONI
`
`SERVER GENERATES ~ 850
`HYPERLJNK TO
`MEDIA FILES
`
`Fig.8
`
`

`

`Case 4:20-cv-00432-SDJ Document 1-6 Filed 05/26/20 Page 14 of 32 PageID #: 126
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 13, 2014
`
`Sheet 11 of 14
`
`US 8,725,832 B2
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`Case 4:20-cv-00432-SDJ Document 1-6 Filed 05/26/20 Page 15 of 32 PageID #: 127
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 13, 2014
`
`Sheet 12 of 14
`
`US 8,725,832 B2
`
`1010
`
`1015
`
`1020
`
`1025
`
`1030
`
`1035
`
`1040
`
`1045
`
`1050
`
`USER DEFINES
`MEDIA FILE UST
`
`ADD MEDIA FILE
`TO ENTRIES
`
`CREATE UST ENTRY
`CONNECTIONS AND
`RELAnONSHIPS;
`STORE DATA
`
`EDIT UST ENTRIES
`
`SELECT UST DISPLAY,
`BROWSING, EXPORTING
`
`PERFORM UST DISPLAY,
`BROWSING,
`IMPORT AND
`CONNECTIONS
`
`NOnFY SELECTED
`USERS, CREATORS,
`UST OWNERS, MANAGERS
`
`USER REQUESTS USTS
`
`USER REQUESTS DATA
`ASSOCIATED WITH
`ENTRIES
`
`Fig.10A
`
`

`

`Case 4:20-cv-00432-SDJ Document 1-6 Filed 05/26/20 Page 16 of 32 PageID #: 128
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 13, 2014
`
`Sheet 13 of 14
`
`US 8,725,832 B2
`
`A
`
`•
`PROVIDE DATA ASSOCIATED
`WITH UST ENTRIES
`(INCLUDING POPULARITY)
`
`/
`
`-
`
`1055
`
`ACCUMULATE USAGE
`DATA
`(POPULARITY DATA)
`
`1060
`
`/
`
`'
`
`RANK POPULARITY/USAGE V
`AND STORE DATA IN
`DATABASE
`
`1065
`
`PROVIDE CREATOR, USERS
`LIST OWNERS, MANAGERS V 1070
`WITH POPULARITY
`USAGE DATA
`
`Fig.1 OB
`
`

`

`Case 4:20-cv-00432-SDJ Document 1-6 Filed 05/26/20 Page 17 of 32 PageID #: 129
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`May 13, 2014
`
`Sheet 14 of 14
`
`US 8,725,832 B2
`
`I
`LIST A ITRIBUTES
`
`/
`
`1120
`
`LIST
`REFRENCES
`
`MEDIA
`Fil..ES
`REFRENCES
`
`150\
`
`I
`LIST ATTRIBUTES
`
`/
`
`1130
`
`ASSOCIATION
`ATTRIBUTES
`
`ASSOCIATED
`ITEMS LIST
`
`MEDIA
`FR.ES
`REFRENCES
`
`\_ 1140
`
`Fig.11
`
`

`

`Case 4:20-cv-00432-SDJ Document 1-6 Filed 05/26/20 Page 18 of 32 PageID #: 130
`
`US 8,725,832 B2
`
`1
`SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CREATING
`AND POSTING MEDIA LISTS FOR
`PURPOSES OF SUBSEQUENT PLAYBACK
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
`No. 12/272,360 now U.S. Pat. No. 8,015,263, filed on Nov.
`17, 2008, incorporated herein by reference, which is a con(cid:173)
`tinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/431,911, now U.S.
`Pat. No. 7,472,175, filed on May 10, 2006, incorporated
`herein by reference, which is a continuation of U.S. applica(cid:173)
`tion Ser. No. 09/710,654, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,069,310, filed
`on Nov. 10, 2000, which is also incorporated herein by refer(cid:173)
`ence.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`The present invention relates to the generation, transfer,
`and posting of media data in a computer network environ(cid:173)
`ment. More particularly, the invention relates to a client com(cid:173)
`puter based system for creating, processing, encoding, and
`transferring media files for server based storage, posting,
`distribution, and retrieval.
`2. Background Art
`The development of computer technology, computer net(cid:173)
`works and the Internet has brought about a need for better
`ways to create, manage and disseminate files. The advance(cid:173)
`ment of the Internet market has only increased this need and
`allowed providers of such services to maintain a viable busi(cid:173)
`ness.
`However, using current technology, the creation, prepara(cid:173)
`tion, management and dissemination of files (e.g., audio, 35
`visual media and/or presentation files) over the Internet is a
`tedious and inefficient process for the typical user. For
`instance, in order to disseminate an audio or visual presenta(cid:173)
`tion over the Internet, a number of steps are required. In
`addition, many parts of the process require specialized
`knowledge that many computer users do not have.
`Using current systems, a user must first create or record an
`audio or video file live using a microphone and/or as a com(cid:173)
`pilation of material that may include recordings made live as
`well as prerecorded offerings, including offerings from vari- 45
`ous potential inputs. All of these sources must be mixed
`together into a single recording with the volume and record(cid:173)
`ing level controlled appropriately for each of the components.
`While programs exist for accomplishing this task, they
`require a degree of expertise on the part of the user.
`In addition, recorded audio files can be digitally signal
`processed to optimize the quality of the sound using digital
`signal processing. However, such processing can require
`many steps including multi-band voice-optimized compres(cid:173)
`sion where compression reduces selected signal input ( e.g. 55
`audio analog compression, not to be confused with data com(cid:173)
`pression or encoding). Current systems also provide a way to
`optimize other types of files (e.g., video, audio, etc.) using
`digital or analog optimization techniques. For example, in
`order to create professional quality media files, these steps are 60
`generally not optional and thus failure to perform them put a
`web broadcaster at a competitive disadvantage as compared
`to one who does perform them.
`Also, in order to use a file with certain software applica(cid:173)
`tions, the file is usually converted into a file format, such as 65
`Real Audio™, that can be replayed by that application. File
`conversion may also be required when the target application
`
`2
`is a web browser. For instance, if the intended recipient is a
`web browser, the file is encoded into a format ( e.g., WAY) that
`the web browser or a help application associated with the web
`browser is capable of playing. The programs that exist to
`5 accomplish this encoding require a degree of expertise on the
`part of the user.
`Furthermore, media files uploaded to a server have little in
`the way of the capability to incorporate links to other web
`sites as part of the media file or presentation. Current systems,
`10 for example, lack a way for users to post parts of a presenta(cid:173)
`tion on different servers in order to utilize servers with various
`capabilities ( e.g., RealServer™). If parts of the presentation
`are posted on different servers, the server must typically be
`provided with the capability to download all of the files asso-
`15 ciated with the presentation to the audience upon request.
`Once again, the steps require user intervention to accomplish
`tasks that require expertise. Furthermore, these tasks are time
`consuming and the process of editing or modifying a media
`file or presentation includes repeating the same steps as
`20 above.
`Another limitation inherent in current systems is that once
`the user generates a media file, there is no simple mechanism
`for depositing the media files into a dynamic environment
`( e.g., a list that changes according to a set of criteria or
`25 behaviors established by the user). For example, users may
`send files they create to a server, but the prior art does not have
`a way for the posting user to sequence the files according to a
`series of dynamic attributes. Users camiot, for example,
`define the type of files that are to be placed on the server where
`30 the files that are on the server are associated with a list that
`changes according to criteria established by the user. Thus,
`there is a need for a system that accomplished these objectives
`by providing the user with a dynamic environment in which to
`upload files.
`It is apparent that the current procedures to create, prepare,
`manage and disseminate media files and presentations over
`the Internet are lengthy and tedious, requiring a high level of
`knowledge of a number of computer programs for processing
`each step. The process is so tedious because each step typi-
`40 cally requires the use of a different computer program and the
`user must take the output of one program and feed it into the
`next program.
`Moreover, these tasks are currently performed as indi(cid:173)
`vidual steps in separate programs on servers rather than on the
`user's computer. It would be more efficient for users to per(cid:173)
`form as many of these steps as possible on their own comput-
`ers or clients, rather than attempt to perform the processing
`using software provided for them on a server.
`For example, a user may have to upload a .WAY file to one
`50 server for signal processing and know how to operate the
`signal processing for that server. The user will then have to
`load the file to another server for encoding and know how to
`operate that program as well. After that, the user will have to
`load the completed file to a third server for distribution and
`must know how to use the system on that third server as well.
`Therefore, there is a need for a simple, inexpensive way to
`create, process, encode, upload, post and distribute seamless
`media files and presentations while requiring minimal creator
`input, expertise, and time. Hence, a system is needed that runs
`on a user's local PC and is suitable for users who are not
`experts in various media recording, processing, encoding,
`transmitting, and server based software packages.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention provides a method and apparatus for
`creating and posting media. Embodiments of the invention
`
`

`

`Case 4:20-cv-00432-SDJ Document 1-6 Filed 05/26/20 Page 19 of 32 PageID #: 131
`
`US 8,725,832 B2
`
`4
`FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a method and apparatus for
`creating and posting media system implemented in an Inter(cid:173)
`net or client/server environment, showing a client systems,
`servers, a data storage medium, and their related connections,
`in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
`FIG. 4 is a flow diagram that illustrates the process used by
`the system to create and post media, in accordance with an
`embodiment of the present invention.
`FIG. 5 is a flow diagram that illustrates the process used by
`the system to perform digital signal processing at the plug-in,
`in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
`FIGS. 6a and 6b are flow diagrams that illustrate the pro(cid:173)
`cess used by the system to upload or transfer a file to the
`server, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
`invention.
`FIGS. 7a and 7b are flow diagrams that illustrate the pro(cid:173)
`cess used by the system to provide server based control of the
`plug-in, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
`invention.
`FIG. 8 is a flow diagram that illustrates the process used by
`the system to provide a file management system, in accor(cid:173)
`dance with an embodiment of the present invention.
`FIG. 9 is a block diagram that illustrates a method and
`apparatus for distributing media file content to users over a
`network of computers, in accordance with an embodiment of
`the present invention.
`FIGS. 10a and 10b are flow diagrams that illustrate the
`process used by the system to provide an information man(cid:173)
`agement system for giving file and file list rankings, in accor(cid:173)
`dance with an embodiment of the present invention.
`FIG. 11 is a block diagram that illustrates representation of
`information media grams used in the invention, in accordance
`with an embodiment of the present invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`The present invention provides a method and apparatus for
`providing a system for creating and posting media. In the
`following description, numerous specific details are set forth
`in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the
`present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled
`in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without
`these specific details. In other instances, well-known features
`have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily
`obscure the present invention. Hereinafter, the term "system"
`is used to refer to a device and/or a method for performing a
`function. Furthermore, hereinafter, use of the term "media",
`"audio", "video", "data", or "data files" shall comprise vari(cid:173)
`ous types of media including analog and digital audio, video,
`database, and display information or data.
`Embodiments of the invention provide a convenient system
`for the user to create, signal process, encode, and transfer a
`media file ( e.g. an audio file) to a server for storage, distribu(cid:173)
`tion, and retrieval from a posting. For example, a system can
`be implemented using a plug-in installed on a general purpose
`computer for creating RealAudio recordings with client-side
`processing, and automatically hosting those recordings on a
`computer network server and posting a reference to the
`recording on web site lists.
`Embodiment of General Purpose Computer Environment
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example of a general
`purpose computer system that can be used for implementing
`the invention, in accordance with an embodiment of the
`invention. For example, an embodiment of the invention can
`65 be implemented as computer software in the form of com(cid:173)
`puter readable program code executed on a general purpose
`computer such as the computer 100 or as system comprising
`
`3
`provide a convenient process for a user to quickly create,
`signal process, encode, and transfer media files to a server for
`storage, posting, distribution, and retrieval. For example,
`audio, video, display, photo, database, spreadsheet, voice
`messages, Web Clips, pictures, HTML pages, attachments, 5
`templates, and/or combinations of such data can be combined
`into a media file for uploading to a server and accessible from
`a listing posted at a web site.
`In accordance with an embodiment of the present inven(cid:173)
`tion, a user accesses a system server to download a plug-in 10
`and register as a user. After downloading the plug-in, the
`plug-in is installed. The user may then log into the server
`where the user is given multiple options. For example, the
`user can "create" a media file using the create command. If the 15
`user selects the create command, server based control is ini(cid:173)
`tiated and the plug-in continues to record or receive media file
`at the plug-in, in accordance with the control parameters
`received from the system server.
`For example, a user may record audio, video, photo, and/or 20
`display information options using the plug-in or other sys(cid:173)
`tems. For example, the plug-in may provide a user with a
`system for recording audio information using a PC base
`microphone and video input. Alternatively, a media file may
`be recorded using another method, or previously recorded 25
`and accessed by the plug-in.
`Also, in accordance with another aspect of the invention,
`once the plug in has access to a media file, the plug-in per(cid:173)
`forms digital signal processing upon that media file. In addi(cid:173)
`tion, the plug-in encodes the media file. After a file is 30
`encoded, it may be uploaded to a server for storage, posting,
`distribution, and retrieval from other client computers.
`According to an embodiment of the invention, recording
`(e.g. setting levels, recording, playback, etc), signal process(cid:173)
`ing of the generated file, RealAudio encoding, and upload to 35
`a server can be done with as few as 3 clicks ( e.g. record/stop/
`upload).
`Upon successful upload of a file, a file management system
`provides copies and listings of the file to other servers and
`web sites as approved by the creator of the file and the owner 40
`of the servers and/or site owners. For example, once a file is
`uploaded, the system then incorporates the file information
`into one or more web site lists and/or server based database.
`Once a file is incorporated into the databases, any user having
`access to a database or list, may select that file for retrieval or 45
`playback. Hence, the invention allows for media files to be
`stored to and accessed from one location ( e.g. an Internet
`server) that is accessible from various locations ( e.g. Internet
`clients via an Internet web site).
`In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an 50
`information management system provides file and file list
`rankings based upon selection or click through of web page
`listing and/or desired files. Thus, for example, information
`relating to popular selections and lists can be tracked and
`recorded by the system in order to provide list and/or file 55
`ratings.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example of a general 60
`purpose computer system that can be used for implementing
`the invention, in accordance with an embodiment of the
`invention.
`FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a general Internet or client/
`server environment that can be used for implementing the
`invention, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
`invention.
`
`

`

`Case 4:20-cv-00432-SDJ Document 1-6 Filed 05/26/20 Page 20 of 32 PageID #: 132
`
`US 8,725,832 B2
`
`5
`a general purpose computer 100. Hereinafter, the term "sys(cid:173)
`tem" is used to refer to a device and/or a method for perform(cid:173)
`ing a function.
`Referring to FIG. 1, a keyboard 110 and mouse 111 are
`coupled to a bi-directional system bus 118 (e.g., PCI, ISA or 5
`other similar architecture). The keyboard and mouse are for
`introducing user input to the computer system and commu(cid:173)
`nicating that user input to central processing unit ( CPU) 113.
`Other suitable input devices may be used in addition to, or in
`place of, the mouse 111 and keyboard 110. I/O (input/output) 10
`unit 119 coupled to bi-directional system bus 118 represents
`possible output devices such as a printer or an A/V (audio/
`video) device.
`Computer 100 includes video memory 114, main memory 15
`115, mass storage 112, and communication interface 120. All
`these devices are coupled to a bi-directional system bus 118
`along with keyboard 110, mouse 111 and CPU 113. The mass
`storage 112 may include both fixed and removable media,
`such as magnetic, optical or magnetic optical storage systems 20
`or any other available mass storage technology. The system
`bus 118 provides a means for addressing video memory 114
`or main memory 115. The system bus 118 also provides a
`mechanism for the CP