System for downloading digital content published in a media channel

[0001] The invention concerns a system for downloading digital content to a video-enabled portable media player, where the digital content is published in a media channel by a content creator.

[0002] A podcast is a digital recording of a radio broadcast or similar programme, made available on the Internet in a number of separate files for downloading to a personal audio player. Apart from audio content, other digital content such as images, photos, text and videos may also be web cast to portable media players, on demand.

[0003] Really Simple Syndication (RSS) is a popular news feed syndication format for podcasting to a portable media player. RSS has made it easier for users to manage and subscribe to more pod casts.

[0004] A familiar problem is that after completing the download process, the digital media is unable to be consumed in the original order intended by the content creator. This may be because the content is not stored in the original order or cannot be categorized in the original order. The problem is exacerbated when more than one type of digital content is downloaded. Typically, the file system of a portable media player organizes digital content in a series of directories or folders according to its file type even though multiple files are related to the same multimedia web cast. The inability to preserve the playback order reduces the enjoyment for the user since they must either tediously arrange the files in the correct order or sacrifice experiencing some digital content.

[0005] In a first preferred aspect, there is provided a system for downloading digital content to a video-enabled portable media player, the digital content being published in a media channel by a content creator, the system comprising:

• • [0006] a data receiver module to receive the digital content from the media channel via a communication medium;
  • [0007] a conversion module to convert the received digital content to at least one video file of a predetermined video format; and
  • [0008] a download module to copy the at least one video file to the portable media player;
  • [0009] wherein the video file ensures the digital content is consumed in the same order that the digital content is published in the media channel by the content creator.

[0010] The digital content may be at least one from the group consisting of: text, images, audio, and video.

[0011] The media channel may be any one from the group consisting of: web cast, and a pod cast.

[0012] The at least one video file may be stored in a single location on the portable media player, the single location being any one from the group consisting of: directory, folder and node.

[0013] The system may further comprise a player detection module to detect video formats compatible with the portable media player.

[0014] The player detection module may also detect the display capability and audio capability of the portable media player including screen size, resolution, contrast level, audio bit rate, or stereo capability.

[0015] The predetermined video format may be selected according to display and audio capabilities of the portable media player.

[0016] The predetermined video format may be any one from the group consisting of MPG, MPEG, AVI, MOV, WMV and ASF.

[0017] The predetermined video format may enable user configuration of chapter markers in the video file for convenient frame manipulation.

[0018] The digital content may be received by the data receiver module in the order the digital content is published in the media channel.

[0019] If the digital content is text, the conversion module may paginate the text based on the size of the display of the portable media player, converts each page of text into a video frame, and creates a slideshow by combining the video frames into the video file.

[0020] Bookmarks may be placed for at least one page in the video file.

[0021] If the digital content is an image, the conversion module may convert each image into a common image format, scales the image to a resolution supported by the portable media player, and converts each image into a video frame for the video file

[0022] Either special or transition effects may be applied to the image when the video file is created.

[0023] Background music may be added as part of the audio stream of the video file to provide an enhanced multimedia experience to the user.

[0024] If the digital content is an audio file, the conversion module may convert the audio file to a predetermined audio format supported by the portable media player and converts the audio content of the audio file to an audio stream of the video file.

[0025] The audio content of the audio file may be enhanced, and the video stream of the video file includes any one from the group consisting of: playback visualizations, single frame video containing channel artwork and/or description of the content together with audio properties such as Album Name, Artist and Content Category, and random images selected from the player grouped together as a slideshow.

[0026] If the digital content is a video file that is in a video format not natively supported by the portable media player, the conversion module may transcode the video file into a video format natively supported by the portable media player.

[0027] The filename of the video file may be in the form of: [YYMMDDHHMM]-[CHANNEL NAME]-[FILENAME].AVI

[0028] The system may reside on a server accessible via the Internet.

[0029] In a second aspect, there is provided a method for downloading digital content to a video-enabled portable media player, the digital content being published in a media channel by a content creator, the method comprising:

• • [0030] receiving the digital content from the media channel via a communication medium;
  • [0031] converting the received digital content to at least one video file of a predetermined video format; and
  • [0032] copying the at least one video file to the portable media player;
  • [0033] wherein the video file ensures the digital content is consumed in the same order that the digital content is published in the media channel by the content creator.

[0034] The method may further comprise detecting video formats compatible with the portable media player.

[0035] The method may further comprise selecting the predetermined video format according to suitability for the portable media player.

[0036] In a third aspect, there is provided a system for downloading digital content to a video-enabled portable media player, the digital content being published in a media channel by a content creator, the system comprising:

• • [0037] a user interface to be displayed to the user in response to a user action, the user interface enabling digital content to be selectively downloaded directly to the portable media player; and
  • [0038] a download module to receive the selected digital content from the media channel via a communication medium and to transmit the selected digital content to the portable media player without making a local copy.

[0039] The download module may receive the selected digital content in a memory buffer temporarily storing data relating to the digital content before the digital content is saved to the portable media player.

[0040] The system may further comprise a conversion module to convert the received digital content to at least one video file of a predetermined video format; wherein the video file ensures the digital content is consumed in the same order that the digital content is published in the media channel by the content creator.

[0041] The user action may be any one from the group consisting of clicking a link or button to download digital content.

[0042] The user interface may comprise a plurality of columns including: title of the digital content, file size of the digital content, release date of the digital content and brief description of the digital content; a checkbox associated with each digital content to indicate whether the digital content is to be downloaded; and a portable media player selection field to indicate the type of the portable media player.

[0043] The plurality of columns may further include name of the media channel, author of the digital content, artwork, URL of the digital content and language of the digital content.

[0044] The system may be in the form of an OCX/Active X plugin for a web browser application.

[0045] The download module may maintain the digital rights of the content creator of the digital content.

[0046] The user interface may further comprise a download location input field to indicate the storage location for a local copy of the digital content.

[0058] FIG. 1 and the following discussion are intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitable computing environment in which the present invention may be implemented. Although not required, the invention will be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer such as a personal computer, laptop computer, notebook computer, tablet computer, PDA and the like. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, characters, components, data structures, that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the invention may be practiced with other computer system configurations, including hand-held devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. The invention may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, a system 10 for downloading digital content 5 to a video-enabled portable media player 20 is provided. The digital content 5 is published in a media channel 30 by a content creator. The system 10 generally comprises a data receiver module 11, a conversion module 12 and a download module 13. The data receiver module 11 receives the digital content 5 from the media channel 30 via a communication medium, for example, the Internet. The conversion module 12 converts the received digital content 5 to a video file 40 of a predetermined video format. The predetermined video format may be non-proprietary formats such as MPG, MPEG, AVI; and also proprietary formats such as Apple™ QuickTime™ MOV, Microsoft™ ASF and WMV. The download module 13 then copies the video file 40 to the player 20. The video file 40 ensures the digital content is consumed in the same order that the digital content is published in the media channel 30 by the content creator.

[0060] Any type of digital content 5 is converted into a video file 40 before transferring to the player 20. Digital content 5 includes text, photos, music and video. The system 10 enables web casters and podcasters to create digital content 5 in any digital format using any type and publish it using RSS. When the system 10 downloads digital content 5 to a desktop computer 9 via the Internet, the digital content is able to be consumed by the user in exactly same order as how the content is published in the media channel 30.

[0061] The system 10 allows user to consume (playback, view, listen and experience) the digital content directly from their desktop computer 9, or allows them to consume the digital content from their player 20. Preferably, the user chooses the latter by connecting their player 20 to their desktop computer 9 to check and synchronise with the media portal 50 or media channel 30 and automatically select new digital content 5. To enhance convenience, not only is the content for the subscribed media channels 30 automatically updated, but the conversion to video of all digital content 5 is performed automatically by the system 10.

[0062] To enable consumption of the digital content from the player 20, the system 10 transfers each podcast/webcast of each channel 30 of the digital content into the player 20 as an individual video file 40. The transfer process converts all downloaded digital content 5 into video format as video frames or the audio stream of the video format, and preserves the playback order of the digital content when it is played back in the player 20. The video display of the player 20 is leveraged for all digital content that requires a display such as images and video content. Also, for a pod cast/web cast that is primarily audio content, the display is also leveraged. For example, a desired image for a pod cast (such as album art) is displayed by the player 20 whilst playing the audio. The album art may be static throughout the audio playback or change periodically, depending on the intent of the content creator.

[0063] For text-based digital content, the conversion module 12 performs the following:

• • [0064] 1. Text-based content is paginated based on the screen size of the player 20 connected to the desktop computer 9;
  • [0065] 2. Each page is converted to a video frame;
  • [0066] 3. A slideshow is then created based on each of these video frames and stored into an AVI file (or any video format supported by the player 20) using a suitable video encoder (for example, MJPEG);
  • [0067] 4. Each page may be configured to be displayed for a predetermined amount of time, such as, for example, one minute;
  • [0068] 5. If the player 20 supports video bookmarks, each page is bookmarked so that a user can navigate through the slideshow using controls on the player 20;
  • [0069] 6. The filename of the output video file 40 is created based on the template [YYMMDDHHMM]-[CHANNEL NAME]-[FILENAME].AVI
  • [0070] 7. Background audio may be added to the slideshow

[0071] The video file 40 is preferably date/time stamped as files 40 may be downloaded more than once per day.

[0072] For image-based digital content such as photos, the conversion module 12 performs the following:

• • [0073] 1. Each photo is converted into an image format (such as widely support format like JPEG), and scaled to a resolution that is supported by the player 20 connected to the desktop computer 9;
  • [0074] 2. Each photo is converted into a video frame and all video frames are saved into a video file 40 using a suitable video encoder (e.g. MJPEG). Special effects and transition effects may be applied to the photos when the video file 40 is created. Special effects may include:
    • [0075] a. Zoom in during initial display and zoom out before ending display;
    • [0076] b. Sliding photo into view;
    • [0077] c. Other animations or video frame transitions;
    • [0078] d. Fanciful borders and inline imaging.
  • [0079] 3. Each video file 40 plays back for certain period time. The duration of the video file 40 and video frame rate is user configurable;
  • [0080] 4. Background music may be added as part of the audio stream of the video file 40 for an enhanced multimedia experience;
  • [0081] 5. The filename of the output video file 40 is generated based on the template [YYMMDDHHMM]-[CHANNEL NAME]-[FILENAME].AVI

[0082] For audio-based digital content such as MP3s and music, the conversion module 12 performs the following:

• • [0083] 1. Each audio file is converted to a predetermined audio format (such as, for example, MP3, WMA and so forth) compatible with and supported by the player 20 connected to the desktop computer 9;
  • [0084] 2. Each audio file is then converted into an AVI (or any video format supported by the player 20) using MP3 as the audio stream. When converting the audio file, the audio may be enhanced, for example, using proprietary technology like Creative Technology™'s Crystalizer. The audio bit rate and frequency range may be modified to maximise the capabilities of the player 20;
  • [0085] 3. The video portion of the AVI file can be any one of the following:
    • [0086] a. Playback visualizations (for example, as those seen in Windows™ Media Player or WinAmp™);
    • [0087] b. Single frame video containing channel/album art and description of the content together with audio properties such as Album Name, Artist and Content Category;
    • [0088] c. Random pictures selected from the player 20 are grouped together as a slideshow.
  • [0089] 4. The filename of the output video file 40 is created based on the template [YYMMDDHHMM]-[CHANNEL NAME]-[FILENAME].AVI

[0090] For video-based digital content, the conversion module 12 performs the following:

• • [0091] 1. Video files 40 that are compatible with the desktop computer 9 but are not natively supported by the player 20 are transcoded using a predetermined video converter residing in the conversion module 12 before transfer to the player 20.
  • [0092] 2. The filename of the output video file 40 is created based on the template [YYMMDDHHMM]-[CHANNEL NAME]-[FILENAME].AVI

[0093] Playback of folder-based digital content is not restricted to only the order in which the content is copied to the player 20 or alphabetical order of the content. In addition to the use of video files 40, the system 10 ensures the playback order of digital content of a media channel 30 corresponds with the intention of the content creator because:

• • [0094] 1. Digital content files 5 are copied in the order from the media channel 30 in which the digital content is ordered and organized in the media channel 30;
  • [0095] 2. The filenames of the output video files 40 are generated based on the template:
    • [0096] [YYMMDDHHMM]-[CHANNEL NAME]-[FILENAME].AVI;
  • [0097] 3. All content within a media channel 30 are displayed and copied to a single video folder in the player 20. FIG. 4 depicts the digital content after conversion to video files 40 in a single folder (ESPN) named after the media channel 30.

[0098] A local database 14 is included with the system 10 which maintains records regarding the technical capabilities of the players 20 which have previously connected to the desktop computer 9. The database 14 also stores details of files converted and transferred to player 20. This means that the query process to a previously connected player 20 is less intensive and thus minimises overall download time to the player 20.

[0099] Referring to FIGS. 2, 6 and 7, in a typical scenario, the user uses the system 10 to browse via the Internet for a media portal 50 in search of a media channel 30 or pod cast/digital content. The user connects 100 their player 20 to their computer 9 to download new digital content to their player 20. The system 10 comprises a player detection module to detect the connection and queries the player 20 for its video, audio and storage capabilities. The results of the query are stored in the local database 14 for future use if this is the first time the player 20 has connected to the computer 9. The system 10 detects 101 video formats that are compatible with the player 20. Of those compatible video formats, the video format most preferred by the player 20 is selected 102 to convert the digital content into. The user subscribes 103 to the media channel 30 and the details of the channel 30 are presented in the main window of the user interface of the system 10. Various digital content are presented in a list in the main window, as depicted in FIG. 3, for the user to download to their player 20. The user is able to queue 104 selected digital content from the media channel 30 for download to their player 20. The queued digital content is downloaded 105 from the media channel 30 by the data receiver module 11. Next, the digital content is converted 106 by the conversion module 12 and downloaded 107 to the player 20 by the download module 13. Alternatively, the data receiver module 11 may download the queued digital content prior to the player 20 connecting with the computer 9. The received digital content is stored on the computer 9 until the player 20 is connected. When the player 20 connects, the conversion and download process commences. The user disconnects the player 20 from the computer 9, and later, consumes 108 the digital content in the exact order the content creator has published in the media channel 30.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 5, the player 20 has a menu driven navigation system. To consume digital content on the player 20, the user begins from the Main Menu. The user navigates to the Video Menu and proceeds to the Video menu item. The user then selects the media channel 30 they are interested in. In this subcategory, the user may then consume desired digital content, for example, episodes published in the media channel 40, in the form of video files 40. Alternatively, an option for “Zencast™” may be found in the main menu.

[0101] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, a second embodiment of the system 10 is provided in the form of a download manager. The system 10 comprises a user interface 80 and a download module. The user interface 80 is displayed to the user in response to a user action, for example, clicking a link or button to download digital content 5, from a media channel 30. Preferably, the user interface 80 is launched by the web browser application as it is a web plugin. The plugin may be an ActiveX/OCX component. If the plugin has not been installed previously, the browser will prompt the user to download and install it. When the browser detects a specific file extension or file type, the user interface 80 is launched and floats above the media channel 30 web page. Once the user interface 80 is launched, it is present in the background to detect any further digital content 5 queued for download. The user interface 80 enables digital content 5 to be selectively downloaded directly to the player 20. The download module receives the selected digital content 5 from the media channel 30 via the Internet and transmits the selected digital content 5 to the player 20 without making a local copy. This avoids the need for the user to specify a download folder on the computer 9 and then navigate to the download folder and copy the contents to the player 20. The download module receives the selected digital content in a memory buffer temporarily storing data relating to the digital content before the digital content 5 is saved to the player 20. However, the user interface 80 may comprise a download location input field 82 to indicate the storage location for a local copy of the digital content 5. Several steps are avoided since the download is direct from the media channel 30 to the player 20 and is transparent to the user. The user must specify the type of player 20 in the player selection field 81 to indicate the type of the player 20. Optionally, if the user wants to make a local copy on the computer 9 at the same time, they specify the download location in the download location input field 82. Once these fields 81, 82 have been specified, the user commences the download process by clicking the “Download Now” button 83.

[0102] The download module is able to maintain the digital rights of the content creator of the digital content 5.

[0103] The user interface 80 comprises a plurality of columns including: title of the digital content 5, file size of the digital content 5, release date of the digital content 5 and brief description of the digital content 5; a checkbox associated with each digital content to indicate whether the digital content 5 is to be downloaded. Other columns include the name of the media channel 30, author of the digital content 5, artwork, URL of the digital content and language of the digital content 5.

[0104] A conversion module 12 is also provided to convert the received digital content to a video file 40. The video file 40 ensures the digital content is consumed in the same order that the digital content 5 is published in the media channel 30 by the content creator.

[0105] Although the system 10 has been described as a client application residing on a desktop computer 9, it is envisaged that the system 10 may be a server side application operating in an Application Service Provider (ASP) model. In such a scenario, the user interface is provided in a web page which allows the user to specify the media channel 30 and digital content 5 to download and the details of their player 20. The full details of the player 20 may already be stored in a database on the server side, otherwise a query to the connected player 20 is made, and the results of the query are uploaded to the server side. Next, when the user confirms the download is to proceed, the downloading from the media channel 30 and conversion occurs on the server-side and the video file 40 that is generated is saved to the player 20.

[0106] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive.