Case 4:20-cv-00432-SDJ Document 1-9 Filed 05/26/20 Page 1 of 32 PageID #: 186
`Case 4:20-cv-00432-SDJ Document 1-9 Filed 05/26/20 Page 1 of 32 PageID #: 186
`
`
`
`
`EXHIBIT 8
`
`EXHIBIT 8
`
`

`

`Case 4:20-cv-00432-SDJ Document 1-9 Filed 05/26/20 Page 2 of 32 PageID #: 187
`I 1111111111111111 11111 1111111111 lllll 111111111111111 111111111111111 IIII IIII
`US008959181B2
`
`c12) United States Patent
`Bartholomew
`
`(IO) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 8,959,181 B2
`*Feb.17,2015
`
`(54) SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CREATING
`AND POSTING MEDIA LISTS FOR
`PURPOSES OF SUBSEQUENT PLAYBACK
`
`(71) Applicant: Trio Systems LLC, Pasadena, CA (US)
`
`(58) Field of Classification Search
`CPC .......... G06F 17 /30053; G06F 11/3409; G06F
`11/3466; G06F 11/3051; G06F 11/3495
`USPC ........................... 715/716, 712; 709/217, 203
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(72)
`
`Inventor: Alan Bartholomew, Pasadena, CA (US)
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`(73) Assignee: Trio Systems LLC, Pasadena, CA (US)
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`( *) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term ofthis
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by O days.
`
`This patent is subject to a terminal dis(cid:173)
`claimer.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 14/223,024
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Mar. 24, 2014
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2014/0208205 Al
`
`Jul. 24, 2014
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(63)
`
`Continuation of application No. 13/196,958, filed on
`Aug. 3, 2011, now Pat. No. 8,725,832, which is a
`continuation of application No. 12/272,360, filed on
`Nov. 17, 2008, now Pat. No. 8,015,263, which is a
`
`(51)
`
`(52)
`
`Int. Cl.
`G06F 15116
`G06F 151173
`G06F 151177
`
`(Continued)
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(Continued)
`
`U.S. Cl.
`CPC .......... H04L 65/60 (2013.01); G06F 17/30053
`(2013.01); G06F 1113051 (2013.01); G06F
`1113409 (2013.01); G06F 1113466 (2013.01);
`
`6/2006 Bartholomew ............... 709/219
`7,069,310 Bl*
`7,472,175 B2 * 12/2008 Bartholomew ............... 709/219
`(Continued)
`
`Primary Examiner - Haresh N Patel
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm - Carol E. Thorstad-Forsyth,
`Esq.; Fox Rothschild LLP
`
`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.
`
`(Continued)
`
`68 Claims, 14 Drawing Sheets
`
`1010
`
`1()15
`
`1020
`
`1025
`
`1030
`
`1035
`
`1040
`
`1045
`
`1050
`
`

`

`Case 4:20-cv-00432-SDJ Document 1-9 Filed 05/26/20 Page 3 of 32 PageID #: 188
`
`US 8,959,181 B2
`Page 2
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`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.
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`H04L29/06
`G06F 17130
`G06F 11130
`G06F 11134
`G06F 3/0482
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`(2013.01)
`
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`CPC .......... G06F 1113495 (2013.01); G06F 3/0482
`(2013.01)
`USPC ............ 709/217; 709/203; 715/712; 715/716
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`8,015,263 B2 * 9/2011 Bartholomew ............... 709/219
`8,725,832 B2 * 5/2014 Bartholomew ............... 709/217
`* cited by examiner
`
`

`

`Case 4:20-cv-00432-SDJ Document 1-9 Filed 05/26/20 Page 4 of 32 PageID #: 189
`
`126
`
`SERVER
`
`~
`00
`•
`~
`~
`~
`
`~ = ~
`
`119
`
`V
`
`1/0
`
`116
`I/
`
`VI0EO
`AMP
`
`CRT
`
`117
`
`V
`
`PROCESSOR
`
`113
`
`/
`
`VIDEO
`MEMORY
`
`114
`
`V
`
`MAIN
`MEMORY
`
`115
`
`V
`
`125
`
`(-·- I
`-~ ISP _.J'
`
`124
`
`,-
`
`--
`
`22
`t
`
`LOCAL
`NETWORK
`
`t
`~
`
`"f'j
`('D
`
`?' ....
`0 ....
`
`'"-....J
`N
`
`Ul
`
`('D
`('D
`
`rJJ =(cid:173)
`.....
`....
`0 ....
`....
`
`.i;...
`
`118
`\
`
`110
`I
`
`'
`
`KEYBOARD
`
`120
`
`I
`
`COMM
`INT
`
`NETWORK I
`
`LINK\
`
`121
`
`MOUSE
`
`111
`
`V
`
`MASS
`STORAGE
`
`112
`
`V
`
`,--
`
`\
`100
`
`Fig. 1
`
`123 " SERVER
`
`d r.,;_
`00
`\0
`UI
`_."-0
`"""' 00
`
`"""' = N
`
`

`

`Case 4:20-cv-00432-SDJ Document 1-9 Filed 05/26/20 Page 5 of 32 PageID #: 190
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.17,2015
`
`Sheet 2 of 14
`
`US 8,959,181 B2
`
`C\J .
`C)
`LL
`
`

`

`Case 4:20-cv-00432-SDJ Document 1-9 Filed 05/26/20 Page 6 of 32 PageID #: 191
`
`390 rusti-Ji90
`USER 17
`USER 2
`I
`
`I ~
`370
`
`DATA
`STREAMING
`SERVER
`
`I
`
`310---....
`
`CREATOR
`USER
`
`320-"'1
`
`H
`
`L 390
`I USER 3 i
`
`I
`r 360
`I
`
`I r340
`
`I
`
`I
`
`~
`00
`•
`~
`~
`~
`
`~ = ~
`
`"f'j
`('D
`?'
`....
`
`"'-....J
`N
`
`0 ....
`
`Ul
`
`('D
`
`~
`
`rJJ =-('D
`.....
`0 ....
`....
`
`.i;...
`
`STORAGE
`
`350
`
`APPLICATION
`SERVER
`
`Fig. 3
`
`330
`
`d r.,;_
`
`_,,0/0
`\0
`UI
`_,,\0
`"'""' Q/0
`
`"'""' = N
`
`

`

`Case 4:20-cv-00432-SDJ Document 1-9 Filed 05/26/20 Page 7 of 32 PageID #: 192
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.17,2015
`
`Sheet 4 of 14
`
`US 8,959,181 B2
`
`DOWNLOAD
`PLUG-IN
`l
`INSTALL
`PLUG-IN
`I
`
`'---404
`
`'-405
`
`.,r408
`
`410
`
`420
`
`/'430
`
`v440
`
`450
`
`v460
`
`v-470
`
`y-480
`
`REGISTER
`AS USER
`
`/402
`
`•
`USER LOG ON
`TO SERVER
`'
`'
`'
`'
`
`"CREATE" COMMAND
`
`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
`i
`FJLE MANAGEMENT
`SYSTEM PROCESS
`t
`FILE RETRIEVAL
`PROCESS
`
`"'-490
`
`'
`
`Fig. 4
`
`t
`INFORMATION
`MANAGEMENT
`SYSTEM
`PROCESS
`
`

`

`Case 4:20-cv-00432-SDJ Document 1-9 Filed 05/26/20 Page 8 of 32 PageID #: 193
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 17, 2015
`
`Sheet 5 of 14
`
`US 8,959,181 B2
`
`LOAD MEDIA FILE IN
`MEMORY AND READ
`CONFIGURATION
`
`APPLY DATA
`MANIPULATION PROCESS
`1
`
`• • • '
`
`APPLY DATA
`MANIPULATION PROCESS
`N
`
`510
`
`520
`
`v-
`
`530
`
`APPLY ENCODING
`PROCESS
`
`540
`' /
`
`Fig. 5
`
`

`

`Case 4:20-cv-00432-SDJ Document 1-9 Filed 05/26/20 Page 9 of 32 PageID #: 194
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.17,2015
`
`Sheet 6 of 14
`
`US 8,959,181 B2
`
`BOO
`
`605
`
`615
`
`620
`
`630
`
`NO
`
`COUECT SYSTEM
`INFORMATION
`
`ESTABLISH
`__ NETWORKCONNECllON
`
`SEND INFORMAnDN
`HEADER
`
`READ DATA
`BLOCK FROM FILE
`
`NO
`
`SEND DATA
`BLOCK
`
`REPORT STATUS
`INFORMATION
`
`READ SERVER
`RESPONSE
`
`Fig.GA
`
`

`

`Case 4:20-cv-00432-SDJ Document 1-9 Filed 05/26/20 Page 10 of 32 PageID #: 195
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 17,2015
`
`Sheet 7 of 14
`
`US 8,959,181 B2
`
`RECtNE HEADER
`
`VALJDATE USER
`
`GENERATE
`FILE NAME
`
`655
`
`660
`
`665
`
`RECEIVE DATA
`BWCK
`
`680
`
`APPEND DATA BLOCK
`TO DATA FILE
`
`NO
`
`684
`
`686
`
`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 1-9 Filed 05/26/20 Page 11 of 32 PageID #: 196
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 17, 2015
`
`Sheet 8 of 14
`
`US 8,959,181 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 1-9 Filed 05/26/20 Page 12 of 32 PageID #: 197
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 17, 2015
`
`Sheet 9 of 14
`
`US 8,959,181 B2
`
`NO
`
`770
`
`YES
`
`PROCESS REQUEST
`INFORMATION
`
`785
`
`NO
`
`SEND ACCESS DENIED
`MESSAGE AND ALTERNATE
`CONTROL/NSTRUCnONS
`
`YES
`
`SEND REQUEST
`CONTROL/NSTRUCnONS
`TO CLIENT
`
`790
`
`Fig.7B
`
`

`

`Case 4:20-cv-00432-SDJ Document 1-9 Filed 05/26/20 Page 13 of 32 PageID #: 198
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 17, 2015
`
`Sheet 10 of 14
`
`US 8,959,181 B2
`
`SELECT ALLOWABLE ~ 810
`FUNCnONS
`
`,
`
`GENERATE WEB PAGE
`CONTAINING CONTROLS
`
`820
`~
`
`'
`
`USER ENTERS ~ 830
`INFORMATION/ISSUES
`COMMANDS
`
`'
`SERVER UPDATES
`DATABASE WITH
`INFORMAllDNI
`
`v-840
`
`SERVER GENERATES ~ 850
`HYPERLJNK TO
`MED/AF/LES
`
`Fig.8
`
`

`

`Case 4:20-cv-00432-SDJ Document 1-9 Filed 05/26/20 Page 14 of 32 PageID #: 199
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 17,2015
`
`Sheet 11 of 14
`
`US 8,959,181 B2
`
`0) _\
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`

`

`Case 4:20-cv-00432-SDJ Document 1-9 Filed 05/26/20 Page 15 of 32 PageID #: 200
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.17,2015
`
`Sheet 12 of 14
`
`US 8,959,181 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
`
`EDff UST ENTRIES
`
`SELECT UST DISPLAY,
`BROWSING, EXPORTING
`
`PERFORM UST DISPLAY,
`BROWSING,
`IMPORT AND
`CONNECTIONS
`
`NOHFY SELECTED
`USERS, CREATORS,
`UST OWNERS, MANAGERS
`
`USER REQUESTS USTS
`
`USER REQUESTS DATA
`ASSOCIATED WITH
`ENTRIES
`
`Fig.10A
`
`

`

`Case 4:20-cv-00432-SDJ Document 1-9 Filed 05/26/20 Page 16 of 32 PageID #: 201
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 17, 2015
`
`Sheet 13 of 14
`
`US 8,959,181 B2
`
`A
`
`'
`PROVIDE DATA ASSOCIATED
`WITH UST ENTRIES
`(INCLUDING POPULARITY)
`
`/
`
`-
`
`ACCUMULATE USAGE
`DATA
`(POPULARITY DATA)
`
`RANK POPULARITY/USAGE
`AND STORE DATA IN
`DATABASE
`
`/
`
`/
`
`PROVIDE CREATOR, USERS
`LIST OWNERS, MANAGERS /
`WITH POPULARITY
`USAGE DATA
`
`1055
`
`1060
`
`1065
`
`1070
`
`Fig.1 OB
`
`

`

`Case 4:20-cv-00432-SDJ Document 1-9 Filed 05/26/20 Page 17 of 32 PageID #: 202
`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.17,2015
`
`Sheet 14 of 14
`
`US 8,959,181 B2
`
`I
`LIST ATTRIBUTES
`
`/
`
`1120
`
`LIST
`REFRENCES
`
`MEDIA
`FILES
`REFRENCES
`
`150,
`
`I
`LIST ATTRIBUTES
`
`/
`
`1130
`
`ASSOCIA T[ON
`ATTRIBUTES
`
`ASSOCIATED
`ITEMS LIST
`
`MEDIA
`FJLES
`REFRENCES
`
`\_ 1140
`
`Fig.11
`
`

`

`Case 4:20-cv-00432-SDJ Document 1-9 Filed 05/26/20 Page 18 of 32 PageID #: 203
`
`US 8,959,181 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. 13/196,958 filed on Aug. 3, 2011, incorporated herein by
`reference, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 12/272,360,
`now U.S. Pat. No. 8,015,263, filed on Nov. 17, 2008, incor(cid:173)
`porated herein by reference, which is a continuation of U.S.
`application Ser. No. 11/431,911, now, U.S. Pat. No. 7,472,
`17 5, filed on May 10, 2006, incorporated herein by reference,
`which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/710,
`654, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,069,310, filed on Nov. 10, 2000,
`which is also incorporated herein by reference.
`
`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-
`ness.
`However, using current technology, the creation, prepara- 35
`tion, management and dissemination of files (e.g., audio,
`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 45
`well as prerecorded offerings, including offerings from vari(cid:173)
`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 50
`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- 55
`sion where compression reduces selected signal input ( e.g.
`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 60
`order to create professional quality media files, these steps are
`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- 65
`tions, the file is usually converted into a file format, such as
`Real Audio™, that can be replayed by that application. File
`
`2
`conversion may also be required when the target application
`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
`5 browser is capable of playing. The programs that exist to
`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(cid:173)
`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
`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 1-9 Filed 05/26/20 Page 19 of 32 PageID #: 204
`
`US 8,959,181 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 1-9 Filed 05/26/20 Page 20 of 32 PageID #: 205
`
`US 8,959,181 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 CPU to transferring data between and
`among the components, such as main memory 115, video 25
`memory 114 and mass storage 112.
`In one embodiment of the invention, the CPU 113 is a
`microprocessor manufactured by Motorola, such as the
`680XO processor, an Intel Pentium III processor, or an UltraS(cid:173)
`PARC processor from Sun Microsystems. However, any
`other suitable processor or computer may be utilized. Video
`memory 114 is a dual-ported video random access memory.
`One port of the video memory 114 is coupled to video accel(cid:173)
`erator 116. The video accelerator device 116 is used to drive 35
`a CRT ( cathode ray tube), and LCD (Liquid Crystal Display),
`or TFT (Thin-Film Transistor) monitor 117. The video accel(cid:173)
`erator 116 is well known in the art and may be implemented
`by any suitable apparatus. This circuitry converts pixel data
`stored in video memory 114 to a signal suitable for use by 40
`monitor 117. The monitor 117 is a type of monitor suitable for
`displaying graphic images.
`The computer 100 may also include a communication
`interface 120 coupled to the system bus 118. The communi(cid:173)
`cation interface 120 provides a two-way data communication 45
`coupling via a network link 121 to a network 122. For
`example, if the communication interface 120 is a modem, the
`communication interface 120 provides a data communication
`connection to a corresponding type of telephone line, which
`comprises part of a network link 121. If the communication 50
`interface 120 is a Network Interface Card (NIC), communi(cid:173)
`cation interface 120 provides a data communication connec(cid:173)
`tion via a network link 121 to a compatible network. Physical
`network links can include Ethernet, wireless, fiber optic, and
`cable television type links. In any such implementation, com- 55
`munication interface 120 sends and receives electrical, elec(cid:173)
`tromagnetic or optical signals which carry digital data
`streams representing various types of information and media
`(e.g. audio and video data).
`The network link 121 typically provides data communica- 60
`tion through one or more networks to other data devices. For
`example, network link 121 may provide a connection through
`local network 122 to a host computer 123 or to data equip(cid:173)
`ment operated by an Internet Service Provider (ISP) 124. ISP
`124 in turn provides data communication services through the 65
`world wide packet data communication network now com(cid:173)
`monly referred to as the "Internet" 125. Hereinafter, "the
`
`6
`Internet" will be used to refer to the Internet itself as well as
`other types oflntranets, networks, distributed servers, or cli(cid:173)
`ent/server architectures.
`Local network 122 and Internet 125 both use electrical,
`electromagnetic or optical signals which carry digital data
`streams to files. The signals through the various networks and
`the signals on network link 121 and through communication
`interface 120, which carry the digital data to and from com(cid:173)
`puter 100, are exemplary forms of carrier waves for transport-
`ing the digital information.
`The computer 100 can send messages and receive data,
`including program code, through the network(s), network
`link 121, and communication interface 120. In the Internet
`example, server 126 might transmit a requested code for an
`application program through Internet 125, ISP 124, local
`network 122 and communication interface 120.
`The Internet/Client/Server
`Computers and computer networks are used to exchange
`information, perform transactions, and provide entertainment
`in many fields. During these events, the exchange of data
`between computers typically occurs between a "server appli-
`cation" that provides information or services, and a "client
`application" or device that receives the provided information
`and services. Multiple server applications are sometimes
`available on a "system server" such as a single computer
`server that provides services for multiple clients. Alterna-
`tively, distributed server systems allow a single client to
`obtain services from applications residing on multiple serv(cid:173)
`ers. For example, in current distributed server systems, client
`30 applications or plug-ins are able to communicate with server
`applications executing on the same computer system or on
`another computer system accessible via a network, for
`instance via the Internet.
`The Internet is a worldwide network of interconnected
`computers. An Internet client computer accesses a computer
`on the network via an Internet provider. An Internet provider
`is an organization that provides a client (computer) with
`access to the Internet (via analog telephone line or Integrated
`Services Digital Network line, for example). A client can, for
`example, read information from, download a file from, or
`send an electronic mail message to another computer/client
`using the Internet.
`To retrieve a file or service on the Internet, a client must
`typically search for the file or service, make a connection to
`the computer on which the file or service is stored, and down(cid:173)
`load the file or access the service. Each of these steps may
`involve a separate application and access to multiple, dissimi(cid:173)
`lar computer systems (e.g. computer systems having operat(cid:173)
`ing different systems). The World Wide Web (WWW) was
`developed to provide a simpler, more uniform means for
`accessing information on the Internet.
`The components of the WWW include browser software,
`network links, servers, and WWW protocols. The browser
`software, or browser, is a tool for displaying a user-friendly
`interface (i.e., front-end) tha