Method, device and system for communication of various information in home or office

Abstract

The invention discloses a method and a device for cross-layer optimization in multimedia communication with different user terminals. A method for bi-directionally converting and routing content to different devices includes: receiving first multimedia content originating from a first device located outside a home location and having a second device located at the home location as a destination; converting the first multimedia content such that it can be played by the second device, and routing the converted first multimedia content to the second device; receiving a second multimedia content originating from a third device located at the home location and taking a fourth device located outside the home location as a destination; and converting the second multimedia content such that it can be played by the fourth device, and routing the converted second multimedia content to the fourth device. Various optimizations of delivery of multimedia content on different channels are provided to multiple user terminals simultaneously.

Description

[0001] Citation of Related Applications

[0002] This application is a divisional application of invention patent application 1 with application number 202110207105.4, which is a divisional application of invention patent application 2 with application number 201910440533.4, which is a divisional application of invention patent application 3 with application number 201810005772.2, which is a divisional application of invention patent application 4 with application number 201410175959.9, which is a divisional application of invention patent application 5 with application number 200810008996.5, and the application dates of invention patent application 1, invention patent application 2, invention patent application 3, invention patent application 4 and invention patent application 5 are all February 2, 2008, and the names of the inventions are all “Method and device for cross-layer optimization in multimedia communications with different user terminals”. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates generally to providing multimedia content, and more particularly to providing multimedia content to and from a variety of different devices. Background Art

[0004] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0005] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 11 / 501,747, filed on August 10, 2006, entitled "System and Method for providing Locally Applicable Internet Content with Secure Action Requests and ItemCondition Alerts," which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60 / 787,510, filed on March 31, 2006, entitled "An Intelligent Kiosk for Mobile Payment," and also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60 / 707,561, filed on August 12, 2005, entitled "A Novel Structure of Cellular System for Internet Access." The entire contents of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0006] This application is also a U.S. continuation-in-part application serial number 11 / 165,341, entitled "Methods, Systems, and Apparatus for Displaying the Multimedia Information from Wireless Communication Networks", filed on June 24, 2005, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60 / 588,358, entitled "A Method and System for Displaying the Multimedia Information from Wireless Communications or Portable IT", filed on July 16, 2004. The entire contents of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0007] This application is also a U.S. continuation-in-part application serial number 11 / 540,637, entitled "A Method and System for Improving Client Server Transmission over Fading Channel with Wireless Location and Authentication Technology via Electromagnetic Radiation," filed on October 2, 2006, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial Nos. 60 / 722,444, filed on October 3, 2005, 60 / 787,510, filed on March 31, 2006, and 60 / 832,962, filed on July 25, 2006. The entire contents of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0008] Description of Related Technology

[0009] Driven by the next generation of wireless technology, cellular networks are able to provide users with access to information from the Internet, such as video on demand, video conferencing, databases, etc. The use of cellular phones is therefore no longer limited to voice transmission.

[0010] However, there are still some problems with delivering Internet content via cellular phones. For example, even with advanced cellular systems providing high bandwidth connections, there are still bottlenecks between the Internet and the cellular network (CN), as well as delays caused by the Internet itself. This situation hinders the ability of cellular phone users to fully utilize the capabilities of advanced CNs. Because smooth and efficient data flow is important to users, this bottleneck hinders the use of cellular phones for Internet access.

[0011] Generating payment requests is another area of ​​need. While more and more individuals have become accustomed to purchasing goods and services online, there is still no sophisticated and consistent mechanism for securely generating requests for such payments.

[0012] Yet another area of ​​need relates to alerts. Locations including homes, offices, and other environments often include computing devices and at least some form of network connection. Despite such connectivity, there are certain situations where appropriate alerts are still not available. For example, billions of children wear diapers, and about a quarter of them may suffer from a wet diaper at any given time because the caregiver (e.g., parent, babysitter, etc.) is not informed of the child's diaper status in real time.

[0013] Therefore, there is a need for such a system and corresponding apparatus and process that eliminates the shortcomings of existing networks for delivering Internet content by using CN. There is also a need for a system and corresponding technology for generating payment requests. There is also a need for such a system and corresponding technology for delivering alerts to individuals such as caregivers who are caring for children wearing diapers.

[0014] The execution platform and functions of handheld mobile terminals (such as cellular phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs)) are developing rapidly. We believe that most of the functions provided by personal computers (such as desktops or notebooks) will eventually be realized by handheld mobile terminals, which will enable users to transmit and use multimedia information at any time and any place.

[0015] For example, one of the most requested benefits of next generation and more advanced wireless communication systems (i.e., 3G, 4G, etc.) is the ability to support high-rate multimedia data services in addition to conventional voice services. In conventional cellular systems, mobile terminals communicate with base stations wirelessly. Multimedia information is sent by different service providers and received for display on the screen of the mobile terminal, including but not limited to television signals, 3D images, online games, and video calls. The end result of such a system is that a small screen such as a cellular phone (etc.) can display rich multimedia information.

[0016] In these and similar systems, mobile terminals are used as multimedia terminals to display multimedia information (including high-definition graphics and high-quality real-time audio / video information) transmitted from high-data-rate wireless communication networks. However, the limited size (e.g., 2*3 inches) and functions of mobile terminal screens may inconvenience users from enjoying such high-rate data streaming applications, and sometimes even make them unusable. The consequence of this deficiency is likely to be a contraction in the potential market size of handheld mobile terminals. In fact, some people even point out that the development of high-data-rate systems such as 3G systems may not make sense at all because of the limitations of small screens.

[0017] Some mobile units can provide remote control functions for external display systems. However, these mobile units cannot solve the problem of small screens mentioned above. That is, they cannot make the visual content and other multimedia information suitable for playing on a large external display screen achieve similar effects on the mobile terminal display screen.

[0018] For example, adding an application interface of program guide information to a mobile terminal can turn it into a remote control for a television set. This is useful for allowing local viewing of the program guide when the current program is displayed on a large screen, but it cannot solve the above-mentioned small screen problem.

[0019] Another problem is the variety of different devices that users must use in communication, as well as the variety of different carriers for enjoying the content that users now have. Typically, users no longer just watch TV. Instead, users can use their home computers, TVs, MP3s, PDAs, cell phones, or various hybrid devices to enjoy content. In addition, this content comes from a variety of sources, not just broadcast TV as in the past. Although it is desirable to have more choices, some consumers may feel overwhelmed by trying to manage everything.

[0020] What is needed is a solution to the problem of reduced user enjoyment of the various devices and the corresponding content that the user can enjoy due to the complexity of trying to manage content and interfacing with a variety of different devices that are not necessarily compatible. Summary of the invention

[0021] The present invention provides a method and apparatus for multimedia communication with different user terminals, so as to achieve simultaneous, dynamic and effective delivery of multimedia information to multiple user terminals.

[0022] According to one aspect, there is provided a method of directing a television display from a mobile terminal such as a cellular telephone. This may require receiving video content originating from the mobile terminal over a cellular communication channel, confirming that the video content has the television as a display destination, configuring the video content for display on the television, and upon confirming that the received video content originates from the mobile terminal and has the television as a display destination, directing the television to display the video content on a predetermined adjustable channel. Additionally, the communication between the mobile terminal and the television may be bidirectional.

[0023] According to another aspect, there is provided a method of converting and routing content to a device employing a different communication protocol. This may include receiving multimedia content from outside a home location and destined for a destination device located at the home location, determining a communication protocol, a signal format and an address for the destination device, converting first multimedia content for reproduction by the destination device according to the determined signal format, and routing the converted multimedia content to the destination device using the determined address and communication protocol. According to one embodiment of the present invention, multiple user terminals may be served simultaneously.

[0024] According to another aspect, bidirectional conversion of content and routing to different devices is provided. This can be achieved by receiving first multimedia content originating from a first device located outside the home location and having a second device located at the home location as a destination, converting the first multimedia content for reproduction by the second device, and routing the converted first multimedia content to the second device, receiving second multimedia content originating from a third device located within the home location and having a fourth device located outside the home location as a destination, and converting the second multimedia content for reproduction by the fourth device, and routing the converted second multimedia content to the fourth device. The third device can also be the second device, and the fourth device can also be the first device.

[0025] According to another aspect, remote reception and fulfillment of multimedia content requests for multiple content sources is provided. This can satisfy: receiving a request for access to first multimedia content and second multimedia content, wherein the request is received via cellular communication when a user initiates the request using a mobile terminal, identifying a first source corresponding to the first multimedia content and a second source corresponding to the second multimedia content, wherein the first source and the second source implement different communication protocols, initiating communication with the first source and the second source respectively using different communication protocols to satisfy the request for access to the first multimedia content and the second multimedia content, receiving the first multimedia content and the second multimedia content from the first source and the second source; and converting the first multimedia content and the second multimedia content for reproduction by a destination device, and routing the converted multimedia content to the destination device.

[0026] According to another aspect, a method for optimizing the delivery of content commonly requested by multiple users at a specific location is provided. This can satisfy: monitoring network content requested by users corresponding to the specific location, receiving a request for content from a given user at the specific location, wherein the content is usually served from a location outside the specific location, determining that the content is locally applicable (where the content is also requested by other users at the specific location and converted for these users), and using a server that is logically close to the user at the specific location to simultaneously serve the content to the given user at the specific location and other users, thereby replacing the content being served to the given user and other users from locations outside the specific location separately.

[0027] The present invention can be implemented in various forms, including business processes, computer-implemented methods, computer program products, computer systems and networks, user interfaces, application programming interfaces, and the like. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] These and other detailed and specific features of the present invention will be more fully disclosed below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system for optimizing the delivery of Internet content to users.

[0030] Figure 2 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a process for determining locally applicable content for optimizing content delivery.

[0031] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a system for facilitating the secure receipt and fulfillment of action requests, such as billing deliveries.

[0032] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an action request process.

[0033] Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating a system for providing item status updates.

[0034] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating a system for receiving and delivering status updates for multiple items.

[0035] Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating a process for providing diaper status updates.

[0036] Figure 8 is a block and event diagram illustrating the provision of locally applicable Internet content associated with status updates to users, and the secure receipt and satisfaction of action requests associated with status updates.

[0037] Fig. 9is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a system in which mobile terminal signal conversion may reside.

[0038] Fig.10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a signal conversion module of a mobile terminal.

[0039] Fig.11 is a block diagram illustrating another example of a signal conversion module of a mobile terminal.

[0040] Fig.12 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a process including signal conversion for a mobile terminal.

[0041] Fig.13 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a system in which mobile terminal signal conversion may reside.

[0042] Fig.14 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a system in which mobile terminal signal conversion may reside.

[0043] Fig.15 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a mobile terminal signal conversion application.

[0044] Fig.16 is a schematic diagram illustrating a control system for multimedia communications of different user terminals.

[0045] Fig.17 is a flow chart illustrating an example of instructing a television to display content using a signal received from a remote location via a cellular communications network.

[0046] Fig.18 is a flow chart illustrating an example of converting and routing multimedia content to different terminals.

[0047] Fig.19 is a flow chart illustrating an example of bi-directional operations involving the delivery and routing of multimedia content into a residence and the delivery and routing of multimedia content out of a residence.

[0048] Fig. 20 is a flow chart illustrating an example of receiving and implementing fulfillment of multimedia content requests corresponding to different sources. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] In the following description, for the purpose of explanation, many details are set forth, such as flow charts and system configurations, in order to provide an understanding of one or more embodiments of the present invention. However, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these specific details are not necessary to practice the present invention.

[0050] According to one aspect of the invention, a cellular user associated with a determined location requests and accesses Internet content. The provision of Internet content is customized according to location and is provided in a series of locally customized networks. A given local network includes servers that are configured to include content appropriate for its location. Delivery of content is accomplished through a local base station from the particular local network so configured to the user's cellular phone.

[0051] For example, when a cellular user is detected approaching the Hollywood area, information about Hollywood can be accessed through one or more cellular network base stations in the Hollywood area. These base stations deliver Internet content related to the area, such as websites about movies and movie stars. The Internet content is stored in servers that can be easily accessed by base stations covering the area to provide faster and more efficient transmission to cellular users in the service area.

[0052] By optimizing the location of Internet content for wireless network users, the present invention enables optimal data flow for cellular users to access a wide variety of rich information and data from the Internet.

[0053] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system 100 configured to provide Internet content delivery according to the present invention. The basic elements of the system 100 are a user equipment (UE) 110, a radio access network (RAN) 120, a core cellular network (CCN) 130, an external network (EN) 140, and a local subscription network (LCN) 150.

[0054] UE 110 is a cellular telephone configured to communicate with one or more base stations of RAN 120. Although UE 110 is preferably a cellular telephone, it should be understood that various devices may be equipped with the same communication functions. Other examples of UE 110 include personal digital assistants (PDAs), set-top boxes, information stations, or any personal computing device configured with wireless communication capabilities.

[0055] RAN 120 and CCN 130 preferably implement conventional elements of a cellular network and are further described below. RAN 120 includes base stations and radio network controller (RNC) elements. The base stations provide resource management and provide an interface for switching data flows between UE 110 and RNC. RNC controls the radio resources of the base stations to which it is connected and also manages connections to UE 110.

[0056] The CCN 130 is connected to the EN 140. The most important examples of the EN 140 can be divided into two types: Circuit Switched (CS) 142 networks and Packet Switched (PS) 144 networks. The CS 142 networks provide circuit switched connections for circuit switched services, such as telephone communications and ISDN. The PS 144 networks provide connections for packet data services. The Internet is a very important and well-known application of the PS networks.

[0057] CCN 130 includes MSC / VLR, GMSC, HLR, SGSN and GGSN elements. HLR (Home Location Register) is a database that stores information such as user service profile. Service profile includes information including allowed services, roaming areas, forwarding numbers, etc. HLR stores UE 110 location to facilitate routing calls and other information to UE 110.

[0058] MSC / VLR (Mobile Services Switching Center and Visitor Location Register) provide switching operations and databases for circuit switched (CS) services to UEs at their current location, respectively. VLR stores the user's service profile, as well as more precise information about the UE's location, in the service system. CS connections go through the GMSC (Gateway MSC), which is a switch located at the connection point to the external CS network.

[0059] The SGSN (Serving GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) Support Node) functions similarly to the MSC / VLR, but is often used for Packet Switched (PS) services. PS connections pass through the GGSN (Gateway GPRS Support Node).

[0060] LCN 150 includes one or more computing devices configured to include memory, processing capabilities, and interfaces to provide the functionality described herein. LCN 150 includes a local server configured to provide customized Internet content. LCN 150 is also configured to include a content access monitoring module that monitors Internet access and determines content suitable for a specified location of LCN 150.

[0061] LCN 150 thus performs monitoring and caching related to locally applicable content. With respect to the monitoring function, monitoring includes local access, which determines which content is accessed by users at that location. With respect to the caching function, LCN 150 maintains a cache of locally applicable Internet content, which includes refreshing to add new content and removing stale content as determined by information derived from the monitoring function.

[0062] A technique for determining whether content is locally applicable is to measure access frequency. If many users at that location decide to access specific Internet content, then that specific Internet content is determined to be locally applicable and is included in the cache during the next update.

[0063] In addition to monitoring and caching locally applicable content, LCN 150 is configured to be logically close to the base station (one or more) of the cellular network located in a specific location. In one example, logical proximity is achieved by making LCN 150 physically close to the relevant one or more base stations (e.g., base stations in the same geographic area). For example, LCN 150 can be located in a large metropolitan area or in an area covering a certain zip code (one or more) of a large metropolitan area. Alternatively, logical proximity can be achieved without physical proximity. For example, this can be achieved by providing dedicated resources including high-bandwidth connections between LCN 150 and local users. In this example, LCN 150 is configured to deliver locally applicable content more efficiently and quickly due to dedicated resources without physical proximity.

[0064] According to another aspect, to further improve efficiency, locally applicable content for a given LCN is organized in a hierarchical structure. The content of the first layer is considered to be the content with the highest local applicability. Additional layers are also provided based on the first layer, with successive layers gradually covering larger geographical areas (i.e., gradually covering a larger number of base stations). According to one aspect, the hierarchy involves communication with adjacent LCNs covering an increased area to determine local content applicable to additional levels. Therefore, for example, the first layer corresponds to locally applicable content located at a first level of granularity (e.g., as monitored / determined only for LCNs or small local LCN groups), the second layer corresponds to locally applicable content located at a second level of granularity (e.g., the logical "and" or intersection of frequently visited content within a larger area determined by monitoring visits to several LCNs in a defined larger area), and so on.

[0065] Therefore, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The operation of the system for updating the LCN is described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The process begins by monitoring the Internet content accessed by users at the current location 202. This is achieved by monitoring the gateway connected between the CCN 140 and the PS 144 network to track the Internet content accessed by the cellular user.

[0066] It should be noted that monitored content can have two beneficial uses. One is to regulate the delivery of locally applicable content, which can be determined by the frequency of access to a given location. Another is to allow providers of content (e.g., merchants or other commercial entities) to receive indications of which content is locally applicable. This allows providers of content to help or further participate in determining what is locally applicable. For example, a merchant who is provided with an indication of the local suitability of certain content may wish to enable advertising, coupons, etc. to be available to users in that range.

[0067] In conjunction with this monitoring 202, a determination is made 204 of the base station(s) from which the Internet content is being requested. This may be performed by checking the VLR and HLR to discover the base station through which the Internet content request is being sent. It should be noted that base station discovery is only one way in which the physical location may be determined. Other examples include, but are not limited to, using GPS, zip code, phone number, and IP address information to make the determination.

[0068] The next step includes determining 206 locally applicable content based on monitoring 202 the base station(s) and determining 204 the base station(s). The determination of local applicability is performed by determining the frequency of access. Alternatively, local applicability can be determined by comparing the location of the requesting user (base station) to the location identified as being associated with the requested content.

[0069] Then, for the current (e.g., first) tier, the content is loaded 208 in servers that are logically close to users at a given location. This can be accomplished by arranging the current (e.g., first) tier server(s) loaded with Internet content and / or other information / data to achieve optimal and faster data transfer for cellular users accessing data stored in the servers through base stations. For example, the servers can be logically placed close to base stations through which cellular users access data stored in one or more servers.

[0070] This process is repeated through multiple layers as required. If it is determined 210 that additional layers are to be updated, then steps 202-208 are performed to load the next 212 (e.g., second) layer of servers (one or more) with locally applicable content. As described, as layers are added, this preferably requires a wider geographic area. The process continues until it is determined 210 that no more layers need to be determined and loaded. The number of layers in a given system will vary according to the application and according to requirements. Layering often involves a trade-off between maximizing the content available locally and the processing resources required to generate and manage layers for increasingly wider areas.

[0071] Content stored in one or more base stations may be refreshed according to any desired schedule or trigger 214. For a refresh operation, the process described above is repeated, starting again with layer 1. Stale content or content that is otherwise determined to no longer be locally applicable may be removed, and of course new content may be added during a refresh cycle.

[0072] Additional servers can be added vertically and / or horizontally as required. Vertically means that servers can be added in a given physical location to cover the first, second, third, etc. tiers. Horizontally means adding different groups of servers corresponding to different locations (i.e., one group for the first tier, a second group for the second tier, etc.).

[0073] A regular schedule or a certain amount of activity can be used to trigger the refreshing of the tiers. The Internet content in the LCN 150 server is modified based on the discovered content updated in response to requests for Internet content sent from the base stations. The Internet content stored in the server is refreshed at appropriate times, such as when the server is not overwhelmed by users accessing the content.

[0074] The server is thus loaded with information for broadcast and / or multicast and / or any data to be accessed by cellular users to achieve optimal delivery to users in the service area.

[0075] Locally adapted content can be sent and delivered to users as required.Examples of communication paths for sending locally adapted Internet content include a relatively direct path through RAN 120, a path through CCN 130 and then through RAN 120, or others.

[0076] Various techniques may be used in conjunction with a UE 110 (or other device) user's request for Internet content to implement locally applicable content cached by LCN 150. In one example, a UE 110 request for Internet content prompts an initial check for content in locally applicable content, followed by conventional Internet access if the content proves to be content that is missing from the currently cached locally applicable content. Additionally, in accordance with the tiered approach described above, a first attempt may be made to satisfy the request from a first tier, followed by a second tier, and so on. The number of tiers searched in response to a particular request may vary as desired. When the number of tiers specified to be searched for the current request is exhausted, conventional Internet access is used to retrieve content associated with the request.

[0077] Various cache management and network optimization techniques can be used to manage locally applicable content. For example, fully associative (FA), direct mapped (DM), and set associative (SA) mechanisms are examples of techniques that can be used to determine where specific content can be stored on the server. In addition, techniques for ensuring block validity and for managing cache hits and misses can also be used. Random, LRU (least recently used), and FIFO (first in, first out) block replacement schemes are those that can be used to manage blocks in the cache.

[0078] According to another aspect, the present invention facilitates a system solution for mobile payment (or the transfer of other information and the receipt of information such as alarms). Preferably, this aspect of the invention implements cellular networks, wireless personal area networks (WPANs), and wireless identification technologies. Various technologies can be used for these components, including but not limited to 3G technologies for cellular networks; Zigbee, Bluetooth, or UWB technologies for WPANs; and RFID (e.g., NFC) for wireless identification technologies.

[0079] Figure 3 An example of a system 300 implementing this aspect of the invention is illustrated. System 300 includes user equipment (eg, cell phone, PDA, etc.) 310 and wireless HUB 320, which are connected to server 330 via network 340 (eg, the Internet).

[0080] Wireless HUB (WHUB) 320 can be located in a public or private location. For a public location, WHUB 320 is preferably placed in an information station. The information station can be located on the street, or an airport, a large shopping center or any location that is easily perceived and may include user traffic. For a private location, WHUB 320 is preferably configured to use in a location such as a residence or a hotel room. In these environments, WHUB 320 can be provided in a smaller device, such as a part of a set-top box (STB).

[0081] The handset 310 is equipped with a tag that provides a unique identifier that can be wirelessly transmitted to the WHUB 320. The preferred tag is a near field communication (NFC) tag 312. NFC provides short-range wireless connectivity that uses magnetic field induction to enable communication between devices. It has a short range of a few centimeters, which is considered to be advantageous for application in this aspect of the present invention. Although NFC is preferred, RFID or other alternatives may also be provided. The handset 310 also includes a WPAN transceiver 314 that allows an additional communication channel between the handset and the WHUB 320.

[0082] Similarly, wireless WHUB 320 is equipped with NFC reader 322, WPAN transceiver 324 and network adapter 326. NFC technology provides safe and automatic verification and data exchange between NFC tags and NFC readers. According to this aspect of the invention, NFC is uniquely associated with other information that allows appropriate actions (payment, alarm, etc.) to occur. For example, where the system is used to provide mobile payments, RFID tags are associated with user's bank accounts. In addition, once the device is verified by a unique identifier, a second secure communication channel with more capabilities is established between handset 310 and WHUB 320. This allows action requests and related communications to be reliably transmitted between two devices.

[0083] Thus, once NFC-based authentication is complete, a secure wireless connection between handset 310 and WHUB 320 is established. This communication enables WPAN transceivers, which have higher data rates and longer operating ranges than NFC. Secure communication allows the exchange of additional information related to the action to be sent between handset 310 and WHUB 320, such as price and credit card information for a purchase request and a corresponding payment scheme. Secure communication can be implemented by hardware (e.g., a dedicated hardware chipset) and software (e.g., a data encryption algorithm).

[0084] The WHUB 320 may also be able to exchange data with other WPAN devices 350. It may be beneficial for the WHUB 320 to communicate with these devices 340 to exchange information related to the action. For example, the WHUB 320 may collect water consumption information from a water meter equipped with the WPAN device 340 functionality. The data may be stored locally by the WHUB 320 or may be transmitted to an appropriate server 330 via a network connection 350. The collection of data by the WHUB 320 need not necessarily occur simultaneously with the action requested by the user. For example, the acquisition and transmission of water consumption information may occur periodically, separate from the user's request to make a corresponding payment.

[0085] It should also be noted that WHUB 320 may optionally be configured with wireless communication capabilities, such as those provided in cellular telephones. WHUB 320 may thus be configured to be combined with the above Figure 1 and 2 The described systems for delivering locally applicable Internet content work together.

[0086] Figure 4 An example of a payment process 400 according to this aspect of the invention is further illustrated and provided. The process 400 begins with a verification 402 process that provides for identification and recognition of a handset via an NFC tag through the wireless WHUB.

[0087] Communication via a separate secure communication channel (e.g., WPAN) is then established. WPAN functionality is used to communicate between the handset and the WHUB so that content associated with the requested action can be securely exchanged. In this example, the requested action is a purchase request 404.

[0088] It should be noted that actions may or may not be immediately followed by verification 402. For example, a cell phone may be configured to include a browsing capability that allows the cell phone's interface to be used to view an item before placing a purchase request.

[0089] Various types of purchases can be made using purchase requests. Examples can include tangible items that are shipped individually to a certain address, content that can be downloaded immediately to (possibly) a cell phone, services, and so on.

[0090] Internet content can be accessed by a cell phone in conjunction with an action request. An example of providing content to a cell phone can be as described above in conjunction with Figure 1 - Locally applicable Internet content as described in 2. Furthermore, the cellular phone can access Internet content through channels other than through the WHUB.

[0091] Also note that a purchase request is only one form of action that can be performed. Actions include, but are not limited to, billing, refilling an account with funds, online shopping transactions, and the like.

[0092] The process of verification can be based on a tag ID and password. The tag ID and password are sent 406 to a verification server, which then returns a notification 408 confirming the verification. Preferably, the verification indicates whether the individual is who he or she claims to be, but questions the individual's access rights. The verification server can reside inside or outside the WHUB.

[0093] Depending on the needs, additional information associated with the requested action may also be required. For example, the external server may require account identification information or a password for accessing an online account. In these cases, the external server sends a request to the WHUB to request the information. The WHUB can store such information and respond to such requests. Alternatively, the WHUB can further exchange information with the user (via the handset) in order to obtain the additional information requested by the external server.

[0094] Along with the purchase request 404, a payment request 410 is issued between the WHUB and the external server via a network connection. The payment request 410 allows the user to complete the transaction associated with the purchase request 404. To complete the payment request, the server communicates with the payment gateway, followed by a resolution 412 indicating whether the payment request was successful or failed.

[0095] When a successful payment request is indicated, the WHUB receives 414 a receipt or confirmation number associated with the requested action from the external server and transmits 416 and / or related information to the handset to confirm the completion of the action. This may be a receipt, confirmation number, coupon code, etc.

[0096] According to yet another aspect, the present invention provides wireless management of task-related alarms. One such task is diaper management, which will be described in detail below.

[0097] This aspect of the invention provides task management based on the wireless delivery of alerts to overcome the problem of estimating when anything needs to be completed. These tasks based on alerts include but are not limited to diaper management. For example, residential security monitoring can also be provided.

[0098] Figure 5 An example of a diaper management system 500 according to the present invention is illustrated. The diaper management system 500 includes a diaper condition sensing module 510 and a central receiver / controller (CRC) 520. The CRC 520 operates on a conventional processing platform and is configured to wirelessly communicate with the diaper condition sensing module 510. The CRC 520 also includes a network interface. The wireless and / or network interface enables the transmission of appropriate alerts to the caregiver.

[0099] The diaper condition sensing module 510 includes a sensor 512 and a transmitter 514. The sensor 512 is configured to monitor one or more of the following conditions, the results of which indicate whether the diaper is wet or not:

[0100] 1. Diaper weight - urine or feces makes the diaper heavier than a dry, clean diaper;

[0101] 2. Urine conductivity;

[0102] 3. Urine chemistry - volatile gases including volatile acids or ammonia, pH, amylase, ketone bodies and / or urobilinogen can all be detected and analyzed to determine the presence or absence of urine;

[0103] 4. Feces: solid waste; bilirubin, or stercobilinogen, in feces; specific food decomposition substances including starch, fat, plant fiber, muscle fiber, etc.; and / or

[0104] 5. Any other elements, features, characteristics and reflections that are not desirable on baby diapers.

[0105] Sensor 512 causes transmitter 514 to establish a wireless communication channel between itself and CRC 520. Transmitter 514 sends a signal to notify CRC 520 that the diaper is wet. The wireless communication channel preferably uses wireless technology such as UWB, Bluetooth, RFID, spread spectrum communication, or other conventional wireless communication technology.

[0106] Each sensor 512 preferably has a unique ID. Multiple access mechanisms such as TDMA, CDMA, FDMA or other conventional methods can also be applied to allow a central receiver to communicate with multiple sensors located at the same source. Given the competing demands of operating range, data rate and cost, it is believed that Zigbee / Bluetooth may be beneficial for many applications.

[0107] After the CRC 520 receives the signal, the receiver triggers an audio, light, text and / or other indication of the diaper status. These indications can be displayed, broadcast, reflected, etc. in various ways through a speaker, phone, pager, alarm, computer, etc. to notify the caregiver(s) so that they can improve the status.

[0108] The diaper condition sensing module 510 can be provided in different ways. One example uses a detector connected to the diaper, and the detector is for the above-mentioned and Figure 5 The desired standards are shown.

[0109] Another example provides a diaper condition sensing module 510 in a diaper. In this example, the sensor 512 also includes an interface (detector) for measuring the desired standard within the range of the diaper. The transmitter 514 can use various communication technologies as described above. For RFID embodiments, when the diaper condition (e.g., wet) is detected by the sensor, the function can be provided by converting the loop of the RFID tag of the RFID tag from an open loop to a closed loop, which automatically causes the ID tag to be sensed by the tag reader of the CRC.

[0110] Furthermore, in this example, the diaper condition sensing module 510 can be placed inside the diaper and can be reused. The diaper can be configured with a small bag or the like to allow the diaper condition sensing module 510 to be placed. In another option, the diaper condition sensing module 510 is manufactured and sold as an essential component of each diaper so that the caregiver does not have to worry about the placement of the module 510 every time the diaper is changed.

[0111] In addition to assisting caregivers with diapers for individual children, a diaper management system may be configured to manage diapers for a group of children, such as a preschool or daycare facility where many children may be wearing diapers. An example of such a system 600 is shown in FIG. Figure 66. CRC 620 is configured to distinguish between children who need new diapers and children who do not need new diapers, and send messages to appropriate caregivers respectively. To achieve this function, CRC 620 is equipped with a database that associates a unique identifier corresponding to each diaper condition sensing module 610a-g with at least one contact party. Alternative communication paths (voice, email, etc.), multiple contacts (caregiver#_1, caregiver#_2), and various other information can be associated with a given diaper condition sensing module 610a-i in the database.

[0112] In addition to providing status alerts about the condition of the diaper, the CRC 620 also determines the location of the diaper by using wireless positioning techniques including, but not limited to, angle of arrival, time of arrival, and received signal strength indication. This also enables the provision of information to designated caregivers about the location of children whose diapers are soiled.

[0113] Figure 7 700 is a flow chart illustrating a process 700 for sending a caregiver alert based on a diaper condition according to the present invention. The process 700 begins with a DCSM sensor monitoring 702 a diaper condition. When the diaper condition changes, such as when it is wet, the DCSM sensor detects an updated diaper condition. When this occurs, the DCSM transmitter sends 704 a diaper condition update to the CRC. The CRC receives 706 the update and the corresponding indication. Many conditions can be updated, so the DCSM and CRC are configured to communicate these conditions. Once provided with an update, the CRC proceeds to estimate the position of the (e.g., wet) diaper. The DCSM sends an ID corresponding to the update, which identifies the diaper / child. The CRC queries its database and thus matches 708 the ID corresponding to the update to tailor the caregiver alert (one or more). In this way, these alerts are then sent 710 to the caregiver (one or more).

[0114] In the case where multiple children / diapers are monitored, the alarm provided by CRC can be transmitted to a PC with a display screen, and the display screen has a map of one or more rooms and an estimated location of wet diapers. The alarm provided by other CRCs can only notify one or more auxiliary caregivers about the diaper status, without notifying the location, so that one or more auxiliary caregivers can be informed of the status. CRC can also poll the DCSM after a given period of time to ensure that the diaper status has been updated. CRC can be configured using configuration settings, which allow caregivers to specify when and how they should be updated. For example, if a caregiver is a babysitter who takes care of children, when the child's parents go out, the parent can configure CRC to not send an alarm to them when the diaper is initially detected to be wet, until a certain period of time has passed. In contrast, the babysitter alarm can be provided immediately. If a certain period of time has passed and the diaper is still wet, CRC can therefore notify the parent of the diaper status, so that the parent will realize that the diaper has not been changed.

[0115] Figure 8 800 is a block and event diagram illustrating an example of a system 800 that implements several aspects of the present invention as described above. The system 800 includes a UE 802, a WHUB 804, an authentication server 806, a base station (one or more) 808, an LCN server (one or more), 810, and a DCSM 812, which respectively provide the functions described above for the components with the same names.

[0116] Local merchant server(s) 814 are also shown. As described in connection with the provision of locally applicable Internet content, the merchant is informed of the local applicability of the content, such as determined by the frequency of visits by users in a particular location corresponding to a given base station(s). WHUB 804, in addition to being configured to facilitate the secure receipt and execution of actions (purchase requests and corresponding payment requests), also includes CRC functionality that allows for responses to diaper status updates provided by DCSM 812 (diapers are just one example of an item that may be provided updates).

[0117] In the case of using the system 800 configured as such, the delivery of locally applicable Internet content can be provided together with diaper updates. Similarly, the local merchants (and corresponding servers) 814 that sell diapers can provide coupons or other incentives to the user together with the determination of "diapers are wet" made by DCSM. In addition, in addition to reminding the caregiver about this ability, WHUB 804 can save a database of family needs and inventory. For example, WHUB 804 can monitor the number of diapers in use detected. When the number of used diapers approaches the known number previously purchased, additional alarms can be provided to the user to make them aware that they need diapers, and if they purchase brand x based on the information provided by the local merchants, they can get a discount.

[0118] The process for providing this functionality can be described as follows. Based on historical activity related to access to locally applicable Internet content, and whatever the merchant participation is expected to be in conjunction with the system 800, the local merchant information is cached 852 in the associated LCN server(s). A wet diaper is detected 854 by the DCSM 812, and the information is transmitted to the WHUB 804. The WHUB 804, which manages the family's diaper inventory, determines that the diaper inventory is low, and therefore sends 856 a purchase alert through the base station 808 to request information related to the current demand. In response to this situation, the LCN server(s) 810 determines that the local merchant information is relevant to the current demand, and therefore retrieves 858 and sends 860 the cached local merchant information to the WHUB 804.

[0119] Together with the above information exchange, both alarms of diaper condition and low diaper inventory can be provided and retained for the user to view. When the user is ready to make a purchase, this can be provided by WHUB 804. The purchase request can be completed by directly docking with WHUB 804, or by using UE 802 in the manner described above. The latter option is shown. There, UE 802 sends 862 its tag ID and purchase request to WHUB 804. Of course, this can be done after some browsing activities before the purchase request in order to view possible purchase options. Verification can be performed as described above, based on the tag ID and password. The tag ID and password are sent 864 to the verification server, which returns a notification 868 for confirming the verification.

[0120] Once authorized, payment is sent 868 to the local merchant server 814 to complete the transaction, and receipts, confirmations, and other information related to the transaction can be fed back to the WHUB 804. For actual products such as diapers, the WHUB will already provide (or the local merchant already has) a shipping address. In addition, if the local merchant is a provider of several items (e.g., a supermarket), the items can be accumulated before the purchase is completed and / or shipped and / or the product is made available to the user. The WHUB is preferably configured with a shopping list that allows periodic accumulation of purchases to be organized to provide this functionality.

[0121] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a system 900 with mobile terminal signal conversion.

[0122] By converting the mobile terminal signal, the high-speed data stream multimedia information in the wireless communication environment can be displayed on the display device. This function can enable us to truly realize and enjoy the entertainment and benefits brought to us by multimedia.

[0123] For example, by adopting the so-called next generation cellular technology (3G and 4G), multimedia information can be provided to wireless mobile terminals. This technology can be used to transmit multimedia information (such as rich images, real-time audio and video). However, due to the relatively small screen and insufficient quality of the headphones, in many applications, high-quality multimedia information that could have provided sufficient clarity and satisfaction with the next generation communication technology cannot be fully reproduced by the mobile terminal. According to an embodiment of the present invention, by converting the signal received by the mobile terminal, replaceable multimedia display terminals, including but not limited to displays, televisions, projectors, or LCD displays, can be used to achieve these purposes. These display devices usually have significantly better video and audio reproduction capabilities than mobile terminals. Moreover, they use a power supply separate from the mobile terminal.

[0124] Besides Fig. 9 In the system 900 described in the figure, multimedia information can be provided by any number of service providers (code 902a-b in the figure), and can be transmitted to the base station 906 through the network 904, and then transmitted to the cellular phone 908 after relevant processing. System 900 is only an example, and it should be understood that any conventional and future developed technology capable of transmitting voice and / or data to a mobile terminal can be applied to the present invention. These wireless communication systems include, but are not limited to, cellular communication systems and wireless local area networks.

[0125] Likewise, although we have described a typical external display terminal 914, it can have many variations and different forms. It can be digital or analog. Examples of digital systems include HDTV, LCD and plasma display devices. Analog systems include televisions (implemented in NTSC, PAL, SECAM standards) and analog computer monitors (SVGA, VGA). The external display terminal 914 may not be limited by the size of the display screen like the cellular phone 908, and it is also preferably independently powered.

[0126] In the description of the specific embodiment, the mobile terminal signal conversion unit (MTSCM) 912 is configured as a separate device 910, external to the cellular phone 908.

[0127] For a more in-depth discussion of the usefulness of MTSCM 912, see Fig. 9 Existing annotations and processes Fig.12 .

[0128] The MTSCM 912 processes the signal so that it can be reproduced by an external device. As described above (step 1202), the multimedia signal is transmitted to the cellular phone 908 via the wireless communication network. The multimedia signal may include visual information reproduced by the display screen of the cellular phone 908. For ease of explanation, the processing of the video signal is described herein, and it should be understood that the present invention may convert any multimedia information or a portion thereof.

[0129] The cellular phone 908 is connected to the MTSCM 912. It can be a cable connection that connects the cellular phone 908 to the MTSCM 912 device 910. Through this connection, the MTSCM 912 receives a video signal from the cellular phone 908 (step 1204). This received video signal can be appropriately processed to adapt to the cellular phone 908 screen display. The above-mentioned cable connection is an example of connecting the cellular phone 908 to the MTSCM 912. Another example of a wired connection is that the two are connected without a cable, but with a socket. Wireless connection can also be a connection method, although it is not as feasible as a wired connection because it cannot adapt to the potential needs of high data flow transmission. Wireless connection can be implemented by existing communication technology, including but not limited to Bluetooth connection.

[0130] The MTSCM 912 processes the video signal to provide a converted video signal having a display format and / or signal strength suitable for a display terminal 914 that is replaceable with the cellular telephone 908 (step 1206). The display format and / or signal strength of the display terminal 914 may be different from that of the cellular telephone 908, but they may also have the same format embodiment. However, even if the format is the same, the signal conversion of the display terminal (code 914 in the figure) still needs to be adjusted to achieve the strength that can drive the display terminal and minimize the throughput requirements. This signal conversion will be described below. Fig.11 is further elaborated in the description.

[0131] Refer to Fig. 9 and Fig.13 After the signal conversion, the MTSCM 912 provides the converted visual signal to the external display terminal 914 to adapt the visual information to be displayed on the screen of the display terminal 914 (step 1208). This can be achieved by connecting the MTSCM 912 device 910 and the external display terminal 914 as shown in the figure.

[0132] Here, mobile terminals include typical handheld mobile devices, including cellular phones and personal digital assistants. Although these devices include an execution platform capable of performing input and display functions, they are distinguished from desktop and tabletop personal computers that are not designed for portability.

[0133] Fig.10 is a block diagram describing the modules of the MTSCM 1000 according to the present invention. The MTSCM 1000 may be provided in software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof.

[0134] When the MTSCM 1000 is provided in software, it operates in an execution platform environment. That is, the MTSCM 1000 includes instructions stored in memory for execution by a processor. Any conventional or to-be-developed execution platform may be used. The well-known concepts of processors, memory, and related devices, such as power supplies, will not be explained here. In addition, Fig.10 The MTSCM 1000 is depicted as a series of decomposed units. It should be understood that the decomposed units of the MTSCM 1000 shown in this figure may vary in utility and functionality and may be larger, smaller or have different names.

[0135] In addition, although the units listed in the figure are all in a common area, in practice they can be completed by different parts of the system, which includes a mobile terminal, a display device, and an intermediate device that houses the MTSCM and connects the mobile terminal and the display device. In addition, it can be said that the overall function of the MTSCM can be separated, and the overall function can be realized separately or independently by the mobile terminal, a separate intermediate device and / or a display device.

[0136] The MTSCM 1000 may also be provided in the form of a chip, which may be placed in a mobile terminal, or may be used as a separate dedicated signal conversion device, or placed in a display terminal to provide the above-mentioned mobile terminal signal conversion function.

[0137] The MTSCM 1000 includes a mobile terminal interface unit 1002 , a signal conversion unit 1004 , and an external device interface 1006 .

[0138] The mobile terminal interface unit 1002 is capable of receiving multimedia information directly from a mobile terminal or a wireless communication network. A conventional physical interface provides a connection between the MTSCM 1000 and the mobile terminal, allowing signals to flow to the MTSCM 1000. The mobile terminal interface unit 1002 identifies and stores the multimedia information, which is then processed by the remaining units. Buffering and similar operations may be used to perform the storage and signal processing described below.

[0139] The signal conversion unit 1004 communicates with the mobile terminal interface unit 1002 to access and process the received multimedia information. The signal conversion unit 1004 identifies the format of the multimedia signal and processes it into a converted signal. The converted signal may have a different format and signal power strength than that used by the mobile terminal and can adapt to one or more external devices connected to the MTSCM 1000. Fig.11 Describes the various types of external devices that can be connected to the MTSCM 1000.

[0140] The external device interface 1006 communicates with the signal conversion unit 1004 to obtain the converted signal. The external device interface 1006 can also be connected to an external device (e.g., a display device). The external device interface 1006 can provide the converted signal to the external device and can also drive the external device. Alternatively, the external device interface 1006 can also only provide the converted signal to the external device, and the external device has a built-in drive unit that can drive a device that reproduces (e.g., displays) the signal.

[0141] Fig.11is a block diagram that describes another example of MTSCM 1100. MTSCM 1100 includes more details about signal conversion and describes examples of different types of external display devices, all of which are provided with converted signals by MTSCM 1100. These descriptions and corresponding explanations are illustrated by examples. Although a large number of connection methods have been described, the present invention may include all of these connection methods in practice, or only one or more of them; and also includes connection methods not listed here but also related to the content of this article.

[0142] The MTSCM 1100 includes an interface / buffer unit 1102 similar to the mobile terminal interface unit described above. To accommodate user needs for multimedia signal output (e.g., providing real-time audio / video with sufficient buffering and processing rates), the remaining components are used to configure buffering and receiving functions to accommodate signal transmission needs. Mobile terminal video compression formats can have many variations, but MPEG-1 or MPEG-2 are currently the most commonly used. Buffering and throughput rates can also be implemented based on the designer's ideas. Although buffers of 1300Mb or higher can be implemented, 1000Mb is currently recognized as a more appropriate buffer specification. In addition, a throughput of approximately 10Gb / s is more suitable for current systems, but can be increased based on needs or technical requirements involved.

[0143] The video compression decoder 1104a is used to receive multimedia signals. Multimedia information is usually compressed to meet the demand for increased signal transmission rate. One of the MPEG standards (such as MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4) is an example of providing such a compression system. The video compression decoder 1104a is configured to include an appropriate compression and decompression (CODEC) unit to decompress the received multimedia signal. For example, when the compression scheme adopts MPEG, the video compression decoder 1104a uses an MPEG CODEC to process such multimedia signals.

[0144] As an alternative to providing the video compression decoder 1104a in the MTSCM 1100, the above functions can also be provided in a cellular phone or other mobile terminal. However, the difficulty of this solution is that the high bandwidth required to transmit the decompressed information between the cellular phone and the MTSCM 1100, and accordingly, the MTSCM 1100 requires a larger buffering function.

[0145] The video compression decoder 1104a outputs the decompressed digital multimedia signal to the digital / analog video encoder (DAVE) 1104b and / or the digital / digital video encoder DDVE1104c. The digital / analog video encoder DAVE1104b provides the signal to the analog display terminal 1120; the digital / digital video encoder DDVE1104c provides the signal to the digital external display terminal 1122. The digital / analog video encoder DAVE1104b and the digital / digital video encoder DDVE1104c respectively receive the decompressed multimedia signals and convert these signals into the format and signal power strength required by the receiving terminal interfaced therewith.

[0146] Examples of formats used by analog display terminal 1120 include listed S-video, RGBHV, RGBS and EIA770.3. Similarly, digital / digital video encoder DDVE1104c provides output using standards such as DVI, DVI-D, HDMI and IEEE1394. The information provided by digital / analog video encoder DAVE 1104b and digital / digital video encoder DDVE1104c, respectively, is output to the terminal via interfaces 1106a-b. Digital / analog video encoder DAVE) 1104b can be implemented as a video card with corresponding settings in practice. Such a video card can be configured to perform the above functions, including but not limited to DiamondStealth S60, ASUS V9400-X, or RADEON7000.

[0147] Ultimately, these signals are displayed on an external display terminal according to the specific display type required. For example, the video data stream can be a digital RGB signal to represent the intensity of red, green, and blue light at different locations. This signal is converted into an analog signal by a D / A converter. This converted analog signal meets the voltage and format required by the standard, such as the input of a cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor. This standardized video signal can drive a set of electron guns that generate controlled electron currents to display red, green, and blue light respectively on the CRT screen. This is just an example, and in fact the present invention is not limited to a specific external display technology (such as CRT).

[0148] As described above, in one embodiment, the MTSCM can be completely separated from the mobile terminal and the external display terminal, and each of them can be connected to other facilities to complete the entire system configuration including three parts of hardware (mobile terminal, conversion box, external display terminal). This configuration can provide good flexibility and can allow any standard mobile terminal and / or display terminal to be coordinated with the MTSCM to the greatest extent without limiting the manufacturers of the mobile terminal and the external display terminal. A possible disadvantage of this configuration is that the system requires additional hardware.

[0149] Instead of this three-component system, the MTSCM can be set in either the mobile terminal or the display terminal. Fig.13 An embodiment of a system 1300 for locating the conversion of MTSCM mobile terminal signals in a mobile terminal 1308 is described. Elements and functions of a service provider 1302a, b network 1304 and base stations for transmitting multimedia signals to a mobile terminal 1308 and Figure 1 Similarly, the external display terminal 1314 can be any one of the above-mentioned multiple forms.

[0150] The MTSCM 1312 provides the same functionality as described above. However, the MTSCM 1312 is an integral part of the mobile terminal 1308, rather than being located in another device. In addition, a potential benefit of the system 1300 is that any standard device can be used as the external display terminal 1314, without being limited to the display device manufacturer. In addition, connecting the external display device to the mobile terminal 1308 only requires a simple wired or wireless interface. For example, this means that the user does not need to carry a bulky conversion unit in addition to the cellular phone.

[0151] A potential disadvantage of this system 1300 is that the execution platform of the mobile terminal 1308 may be designed to accommodate only traditional functions, so adding the MTSCM function to the existing execution platform will be very challenging for some systems. In addition, the MTSCM will consume a large amount of the limited energy that can be provided by the battery of the mobile terminal (code 1308 in the figure). Therefore, it is very practical to connect to the external display terminal 1314 through a cable and provide energy to the mobile terminal 1308. Similarly, this will require some modifications to the mobile terminal 1308 because its existing energy supply port may not be sufficient for this function.

[0152] Fig.14 is a system diagram that describes another example of a system 1400 in which the MTSCM 1412 is disposed in an external display terminal 1414. Fig.13 Similarly, the components and utility of the service provider 1402a,b network 1404 and the base station 1406 for transmitting multimedia information to the mobile terminal 1408 are the same as Fig. 9 The simulation unit is the same as in; it will not be repeated here.

[0153] Here, the mobile terminal 1408 only needs to be directly connected to the external display terminal 1414. However, an alternative to setting the functions of the MTSCM 1412 in the mobile terminal 1408 is to make it a part of the display terminal 1414. This system 1400 solves the power supply and execution platform problems involved in placing the MTSCM 1412 in the mobile terminal; and any mobile terminal 1408, except for providing a transmission interface, can be connected to any external display device equipped with MTSCM without any additional modification. A potential disadvantage of this configuration is that it adds additional components to the standard external display terminal, and the corresponding cost is also increased.

[0154] Fig.15 This is an embodiment of a mobile terminal signal conversion application 1500 according to the present invention. By illustrating these applications 1500 by example, the reader can understand some possible situations in which the embodiments of the present invention can be applied. The present invention is not limited to the listed applications; all possible applications are not limited to the described embodiments.

[0155] The infrastructure for providing wireless communication signals and corresponding multimedia signals includes the service providers 1502a, b, network 1504, base station 1506, and mobile terminal 1508 described above. MTSCM 1510 can be in the mobile terminal 1508 or in the display terminal 1512, or it can be separated from it. Examples of applications 1514 that require larger screens and more advanced audio include video conferencing, HDTV, games, GPS, and video on demand. In addition, embodiments of the present invention provide a place 1516 for enjoying full multimedia functions, which can include motor vehicles, airplanes, hotels, and vacation places. For example, the present invention thus provides use in motor vehicles, airplanes, and any means of transportation, allowing passengers to browse the Internet, watch TV, play games, participate in video conferences or make video calls, and can apply the full functionality and practicality of all types of software.

[0156] Fig.16 The schematic diagram shows a control system for multimedia communication between different user terminals.

[0157] According to one aspect of the present embodiment, the conversion server located in different network environments provides routing functions and connection functions, and provides functions bidirectionally. Therefore, this aspect provides transmission and reception of content and converts such content in two directions depending on the connected device and the corresponding protocol used by such device.

[0158] According to another aspect of this embodiment, a cellular television function is provided. Here, the television also includes cellular communication features and the above-mentioned conversion functionality in form and functionality. Preferably, one or more "channels" corresponding to cellular applications are provided in the cellular television, so that users can access and watch content received in this way in a manner similar to that used to access traditional television channels.

[0159] According to another aspect, one or more embodiments of the present invention provide effective integration for Internet, wireless network, cable, DSL, satellite and TV communication, so that communication between potential different user terminals can be carried out. User terminals include home and office appliances (such as TV, computer) and wireless terminals (such as mobile phones, PDAs). In the system configured according to this aspect, the management center (MC) receives, selects, converts, compresses, decompresses and routes data to user terminals. Various examples are shown and once the teachings of the aspects are taught to those of ordinary skill in the art, it will be obvious to them. As an example, such as those signals from fire sensors or theft sensors are sent to the user's cellular phone and / or 911 center through the MC system. Some processing functions can be performed by the MC system in combination with user terminals and other MC systems. In another example, the user's phone call (wireless or wired) is routed to the user's specified phone, mobile terminal, computer and / or TV.

[0160] MC system functionality includes receiving, converting and transmitting content in both directions. It also includes facilities for mapping and routing content to various connected devices and data storage for storing content for use by local or remote devices.

[0161] The MC system can be used in both directions to perform the reception, conversion and transmission of multimedia content. For example, this can include receiving and transmitting signals from cellular networks, the Internet, PSTN, other management centers, and receiving and transmitting signals from user terminals, including televisions, monitors, diaper monitors, cameras, fire alarms, theft sensors, etc.

[0162] With respect to conversion, the MC system includes a converter module with routines to select, extract, compress, decompress, adjust data, and convert data format and / or power lever and / or data packet size / format.

[0163] The MC system also includes a mapping table and a routing module. The mapping table is further described below. It matches telephone numbers, cable ports, DSL ports, IP addresses, etc. The routing module is used to route data to the destination through a specified channel. The routing module allows routing of received data from various sources, including but not limited to cable, broadcast television, and the Internet. It also allows routing to various interfaces established on the receiving terminal, including but not limited to RS232, USB2.0, and video cable ports. The routing module receives relevant information about routing from the result of viewing the same routing in the mapping table, and therefore implements routing.

[0164] Finally, the MC system includes a data storage device such as a hard disk. This allows the MC system to store content to facilitate faster and more efficient data reception and transmission to user terminals. The MC system can also conveniently retain converted (e.g., compressed, encoded, encrypted, decompressed) content for subsequent additional access. The converted content can be provided internally or transmitted externally from the MC system.

[0165] It should also be noted that the MC system also includes software and / or hardware for filtering and processing viruses, such as viruses involving cellular networks and corresponding cellular communications. For example, when content is being transmitted and received by the MC system, the MC system can periodically or continuously check virus signatures. Therefore, a virus screen process can be applied to multimedia content and their conversion, and in the same place (the domain of the MC system). This is useful because virus screening can be applied to multimedia content before and / or after the multimedia content is converted. Processing can include blocking or isolating detected viruses, deleting virus data or files, and communicating the possible existence of an attack to other MC systems or external systems.

[0166] When a communication is inbound to the MC system, it may include a data packet identifying the destination device. This may be in the form of a unique device identifier associated with each device managed by the MC system. The mapping table is queried for the existence of the unique identifier. Once this is successfully performed, the corresponding information about the communication process can be automatically collected from the mapping table.

[0167] In addition, or alternatively, the MC system (and / or CHS) can obtain formatting, addressing and other information by referring to parts of the received data packets according to a predefined protocol. For example, the information in the received data packets can indicate the format for transmission (e.g., TCP packets in the Internet) and the format for reception (e.g., data packets defined by WCDMA in 3G), as well as the destination address corresponding to the converted data format. The overhead information in the received data packets can inform the MC / CHS about the subsequent transmission protocol and the matching format. That is, the data packets received by the MC / CHS include some specified additional data in addition to the desired content data. This information informs the MC / CHS about the inbound data format transmission protocol, as well as the outbound data format and transmission protocol corresponding to the data format.

[0168] For example, if the data packet contains the identifier DI1, it is determined that the communication is intended to reach the main television in the home. In a similar example, all communications to a given device may be required to be in the same format and to the same address. For example, a conventional video output may be directly connected via a cable (e.g., via a coaxial cable, component cable, HDMI cable) between the video output from the MC system and the video input of the main television. With respect to this example, the MC system includes a conventional output for connection to the television.

[0169] There are also network-based connections, such as to a personal computer (e.g., a home LAN router) or directly to a television equipped with a network interface card and associated functionality. In these instances, the address information (and corresponding entries in the mapping table) may include the network address of the particular device. The MC system is equipped with its own network interface card and corresponding outputs to participate in these communications. These and other communications (e.g., by using a cell phone number or direct local wireless communication to a cell phone) may be made, again as indicated by the mapping table.

[0170] There may also be situations where a plurality of different processes and corresponding conversions and addressing need to be applied to a given device. For example, a television set may be connected to both a network connection and a video output of an MC system. As another example, it is noted that a cell phone may have an alternative communication capability. In these environments, mapping tables may also include a plurality of different entries for specifying addresses, signal formats, etc.

[0171] Therefore, the information in the mapping table can also be associated with some processing category codes for a given device. For example, processing category code #1 for a television set can indicate that inbound communications should be addressed, converted (if applicable), and routed to the television through a video output. This may only supply conventional television signals to the television. On the other hand, processing category code #2 for a television set can indicate that inbound communications should be addressed, converted, and routed through a network connection. In addition, some specific content requires additional or different processing (such as conversion, decryption, etc.) compared to other content. Additional processing category codes (like device identifiers) can be numbers included in the data packets.

[0172] The data packets may also be provided to the MC system in different ways. In one embodiment, the data packets may be included in the header area of ​​the packet data sent by the source to the MC system. In addition, sometimes the data packets may contain information for converting and / or addressing appropriate devices themselves. For example, the data packets themselves may contain the network address of the destination device instead of querying the same content in the mapping table. As another example, all or part of the key information for decrypting the content may also be provided in the data packets. As another example, the data packets may contain a tag to track whether the virus shielding process has been successfully completed.

[0173] Devices intended to work with the MC system may be equipped with software and / or hardware that allows them to insert and convey appropriate information in communications with the MC system. For example, a cellular telephone may be equipped with software for providing appropriately configured data packets in an initial communication with the MC system directed to a destination device.

[0174] The MC system processes data differently depending on the respective device and the destination for the data. For example, data received from a cellular network is selected and then converted to be displayed on a home or office appliance with a different type of display screen. Similarly, some content can be more appropriately displayed through a mobile phone display.

[0175] In addition, some data are also compressed and reorganized in the MC system so that they have a specific data packet size and format for matching the requirements of the relevant transmission network. For example, a signal sent from a wet diaper, fire alarm and / or theft sensor can be transmitted to a user's phone or a 911 center. This information can be compressed before transmission over the wireless network, which allows increased efficiency when using wireless communication channels. In addition, security and encryption protocols (such as SSL) as well as error prevention protocols and encoding mechanisms (such as Huffman, Solomon or Turbo LDPC encoding) can be applied to ensure that the transmitted information remains secure and error-free.

[0176] As an example, this aspect of the present invention can be applied to household appliances. Household appliances (such as televisions, PCs, telephone handsets, printers, PALMs, cameras, headsets, game controllers, refrigerators, etc.) can also be operated by a central HUB system (CHS). Such a HUB system has been described in detail above. The CHS system communicates with the MC system and / or the Internet and / or other networks. The CHS can also be built into a cable modem, a TV set-top box or other equipment. Signals such as from wet diapers, fire alarms and / or theft sensors can also be sent from the CHS. Finally, it is noted that the CHS can perform the functions described for the MC system.

[0177] The commonly used wireless connection concentrated by wireless access point is based on WLAN technology, and WLAN technology is IP-oriented technology.Because IP address may be exhausted over time, each consumer electronic device (such as headset, game controller, etc.) configured to have IP address is expensive and cannot serve the user's demand well.In this regard, one or more embodiments of the present invention provide two aspects.First, the intelligent management system combined, managed and optimized the function of consumer electronics by traditional connection equipment (such as TV set-top box, cable modem, DSL modem, etc.).Also provide non-IP-based wireless connection between these consumer electronic devices.

[0178] like Fig.16 As shown, the CHS communicates via ADSL or cable Internet and communicates with a cellular base station via a wireless connection. Consumer electronic devices communicate with the CHS via wireless channels (e.g., Bluetooth, UWB, NFC) or wireline connections. The CHS is the center of the wireless communication system.

[0179] A telephone handset (e.g., a cellular phone) can receive Internet data through the CHS and / or MS rather than communicating with a cellular base station. This communication channel is more reliable, more economical, and provides improved bandwidth than the conventional connection between a base station and a cellular phone.

[0180] There can be a corresponding connection between the CHS and the cellular network. This can use the conventional wireless communication protocol to implement the traditional wireless connection between the CHS and the cellular base station. Another possibility is to connect the CHS to the leased line or wireless line of the core cellular network. The CHS preferably includes a WiFi router function and the ability to route addresses between IP and cellular phone numbers. It is also possible to report the location of a specific user to the cellular network, so that information designated to a specific user can be directed to the CHS (such as calls, content, etc. customized by a specific user through a cellular phone). It can also include any necessary conversion functions. In addition to reporting the location of the user to the cellular network, the MC system (or CHS) can also report roaming information to other MC systems (or CHS). This makes the subsequent communication between users not involve the cellular network. That is, the first user can be located in the area covered by the first MC system, and the second user can be located in the area covered by the second MC system. When this situation remains, the communication between the first and second users through their mobile terminals can involve a wireless connection from the MC system (and a connection between the MC systems, which is, for example, an IP connection).

[0181] In addition, according to another aspect of the present invention, information sent to a cell phone can be delivered to a TV for better display. In addition, for example, by detecting the temperature of boiling water or food in an oven, communication and corresponding conditions between a CHS and an oven with a sensor can be triggered differently. A signal for calling the attention of anyone who is cooking food or boiling water is transmitted to a TV, an auditory system, a cell phone, a computer, a beeper, a mobile terminal, a PDA, etc.

[0182] Another example of application of the present invention is that the wireless transceiver can be installed in the child's diaper. When the diaper is wet, the communication between the diaper and the CHS is triggered. The corresponding signal is transmitted to TV, cellular, day care center, etc.

[0183] Internet content is a source of data that is transmitted to user terminals through the MC system. Fig.16 As shown, one aspect of the present invention is the structural location of the MC system and / or content server.

[0184] As described in more detail above, the cache memory of local applicable content caches specific Internet content that is locally applicable based on monitoring of Internet content accessed by users from a specific location. The content can be content that has also been converted as described herein. The specific Internet content is preferably cached in a local content memory located at a local management center. Alternatively, the specific Internet content is cached in a content server that is logically placed close to two or more management centers that share Internet content. For example, logical proximity is performed differently by physical proximity or by providing dedicated bandwidth and resources. Therefore, requests for Internet content for a specific location can be supplied from the cache memory to optimize delivery, wherein the cache memory contains the requested content.

[0185] Additionally, a cache of locally applicable Internet content may be maintained on a hierarchical basis such that a first layer of local applications corresponds to Internet content requested by users in a first geographic region where a particular location exists, and at least one succeeding layer of local applications corresponds to Internet content requested by users in at least one succeeding geographic region that surrounds and is larger than the first geographic region.

[0186] Merchants or other commercial entities may also provide some form of access to information related to locally applicable Internet content, where commercial incentives (such as coupons or advertisements) are delivered to users based on the information.

[0187] The logical proximity based on physical proximity or the provision of resources and dedicated bandwidth can also be applied to the position of content server and / or MC system.MC system and / or content server are placed according to local business requirements, dedicated bandwidth and other resources, geographic and demographic forms, cost etc.MC system also can be constructed and placed in the layer as described in the layered structure of content server.Determine the relative positioning of MC system and content server based on business requirements, resources, cost and monetary incentive.Importantly, management center and Internet content server are constructed for the effective transmission of data and to avoid bottleneck problem.

[0188] Note that the present invention is not limited to Internet content. The MC system and content servers can store content from a variety of sources.

[0189] Various data transmission protocols may be used to transmit multimedia content to the MC system, including from a cellular network (eg, 3G), the Internet, a service provider, and from other MC systems.

[0190] A group of transmitters and / or receivers for connection with external resources are equipped in the MC system. The connection channel for data transmission can include a wired line connection (e.g., DSL, optical fiber, cable, DSL, leased line, etc.) between the MC system and an external network (e.g., a cellular network, the Internet, a service provider network). In addition, a wireless connection (e.g., WiMax, satellite communications (e.g., VSAT systems), traditional communications with cellular base stations, point-to-point or point-to-multipoint wireless connections) can provide a connection between the MC system and the external network. MC systems can also connect, communicate, route, and relay content to each other and between each other. The connection between MC systems is constructed by effective data transmission, service requirements, cost, bandwidth and other resource availability, and relationships with Internet content servers, cellular networks, local service providers, and other MC systems.

[0191] Various communications can also be used for the communication channel between the MC system and various local user terminals. On the user terminal side, users use TVs, computers, DSL modems, cable modems, WLAN access points, mobile terminals and various sensors that communicate with the MC system.

[0192] A set of transmitters and / or receivers are equipped for data transmission between the MC system and the user terminal. The communication channels between the MC system and the user terminal include the following: (1) direct connection using available transmission ports / standards (e.g. USB, RS232, TV cable, Ethernet, telephone line, etc.); (2) wireless personal area network, such as UWB, Bluetooth, WLAN, etc.; (3) long-distance wireless connection, such as WiMax, satellite, such as VSAT, TV broadcast, etc.; (4) wired line connection, such as DSL, cable, Ethernet, etc.

[0193] The data transmission between the MC system and the user terminal can be unidirectional or bidirectional. Unidirectional data transmission includes data sent from the MC system to the user terminal and data sent from the user terminal to the MC system. For example, the MC system sends data to the user terminal (such as advertising broadcast to TV, computer, mobile terminal, etc.). Similarly, the user terminal sends data to the MC system (such as a signal sent from a fire alarm to the MC system). The data transmitted between the MC system and the user terminal is preferably bidirectional. In this case, transmitters and receivers are equipped on both sides.

[0194] The operation of data processing and transmission in the MC system can be shared with multiple user terminals and / or other MC systems. In some cases, some functions of the above-mentioned MC system can be implemented by the user terminal, so the MC system is omitted. One aspect of the present invention is a TV or other display, which is equipped to receive RF signals sent from a cellular base station. The cellular TV demodulates, and / or compresses / decompresses data, and / or converts the signal to an appropriate format before displaying the image / video. The conversion and transmission provided to the TV can also be bidirectional. The cellular TV with a camera / microphone can also record and extract multimedia information, which can be sent to other users' terminals via a cellular network or the Internet. The cellular TV is equipped to extract and / or convert, and / or compress and modulate multimedia information before sending the information to the cellular base station. The cellular TV also preferably has a separate channel for displaying multimedia information from other networks outside the cellular network or traditional TV programs. The user can also use the TV remote controller to dial a phone number like a dial pad.

[0195] Fig.17 1700 is a flow chart showing a process 1700 for instructing a television to display content using signals received from a remote location via a cellular communication network. In one embodiment, the process is implemented in a television set that is equipped to wirelessly receive signals from a cellular base station and provide corresponding conversions and instructions to display content on a given channel. For this reason, the housing of the television set includes conventional cellular telephone technology for at least receiving (and possibly sending, if necessary) calls by being connected to a cellular network. As described above in detail with respect to MTSCM, the television set is also equipped to have the processing power required to perform signal conversion.

[0196] In an alternate embodiment, the set-top box is configured to receive wireless signals, and outputs the signal that has been suitably formatted for the television set. Also in another embodiment, the MC system is equipped to receive wireless signals, and performs conversion and the routing to the television set. In any of these cases, the set-top box or the MC system are similarly equipped to provide mentioned cellular communication capabilities and MTSCM functionality. Also note that such an embodiment is arranged, wherein functionality is divided in various ways between set-top box, television set, MC system and / or CHS, and the various ways relate to at least two and sometimes relate to all three equipment.

[0197] The process begins 1702 when video content is received over a cellular communication channel. For example, the communication may be received at the initiation of a cellular telephone user who wishes to send content. For example, a conventional cellular telephone call to a designated number corresponding to a television may be used to establish a connection. At this point, the content sent from the remote cellular telephone to the television will be formatted as required by the cellular network. The MTSCM functionality converts such signals and associated formats from the cellular network into the format used by the television (e.g., SD or HD standards).

[0198] When it is determined that the video content has a television as a display destination 1704, the video content is then configured for display according to the requirements of the television, for example as described with respect to the functionality of the MTSCM 1706. The knowledge that the content is destined for a television can be inferred 1704 when a dedicated number or known signal routing is provided at a given interface to the television.

[0199] Finally, television set is instructed to show converted content 1708 on predetermined channel.This predetermined channel for example can be the adjustable channel that is not used for the content of other forms in addition.In order to watch video content in this way, the user only uses channel button etc. to operate to suitable channel, and then converted content is displayed on the display screen of television.In set-top box, be used to provide mentioned functional replacement, can provide tuning by the remote control set-top box.Given channel on the set-top box can correspond to the content received in this way.The output of set-top box is provided to television set by conventional connection (for example HDMI, component cable, S-video or other connection) with the content converted.

[0200] Turning now to some other aspects of the invention, Figure 18-20 An example is shown where the MC system converts and routes content to specific devices.

[0201] According to a first aspect, the MC system is configured to convert and route multimedia content to a variety of different (eg home) devices, which require addressing and involve not only different communication protocols but also different formats. Fig.18 is a flow chart of a process 1800 for converting and routing multimedia content to different endpoints.

[0202] Process 1800 begins when multimedia content 1802 is received from a source outside of a local location to be directed to a destination device within the local location. The destination device may include different devices having different formats and receiving signals through different communication protocols.

[0203] The MC system then determines the communication protocol, signal format, and address for the destination device 1804. This may be performed by reference to data packet information, mapping table information, or a combination thereof as described above.

[0204] The inbound multimedia content is then converted for rendering according to the signal format determined for the device 1806. Finally, the converted multimedia content is routed to the destination device 1808 using the determined address and communication protocol corresponding to the destination device.

[0205] According to another aspect, the MC system provides bidirectional conversion, wherein content can not only be inbound to a variety of different devices, but can also be communicated to a variety of remote devices. This function can be similarly performed using the various connections available to the MC system and the corresponding information in the mapping table and data packets.

[0206] Fig.19 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a bidirectional operation involving a first device transmitting inbound content to a second device in a home managed by the MC system, and a third device transmitting outbound content to a fourth device outside the home.

[0207] Process 1900 entails receiving first multimedia content originating from a first device located outside of a home location and destined for a second device in the home location 1902. The first multimedia content is then converted for rendering and routed to the second device 1904. Similarly, second multimedia content is received from a third device located at the home location and destined for a fourth device outside of the home 1906. The second multimedia content is converted for rendering by the fourth device and the converted multimedia content is routed to the fourth device 1908.

[0208] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the MC system allows a user to remotely customize content using a cell phone, wherein the content may come from a variety of different sources. Fig. 20 Process 2000 is shown for receiving and providing fulfillment of multimedia content requests corresponding to different sources.

[0209] Process 2000 begins by receiving a request 2002 from a cell phone user for access to first and second multimedia content. Examples of requests may include individual content purchases, previous content selections, selections of content that do not need to be purchased, and others. For example, a cell phone may be used to contact the MC system directly. Another way to do this is by using the cell phone to communicate with the MC system with intervening communications occurring with a cellular base station. That is, referring to Fig.16 , the cellular phone can be used to communicate with the cellular base station, and the cellular base station then communicates with the MC system using the various communication channel options shown. The first and second multimedia content can of course be customized on separate occasions and can correspond to fully available content from different sources.

[0210] The MC system identifies a first source corresponding to the first multimedia content and a second source corresponding to the second multimedia content 2004. These sources may use any number of different communication protocols to perform delivery of the content to the home.

[0211] The MC system then initiates communications with the first and second sources respectively using different communication protocols to satisfy the request for access to the first and second multimedia content 2006. The first and second multimedia content may then be received by the MC system and converted for rendering by the destination device and routed accordingly (2010).

[0212] According to this embodiment, various devices and various content sources can be applied. For example, the initial step can involve a user who uses his cell phone (e.g., directly or through a plug-in cellular base station) to communicate with MC / CHS. The user can then issue various types of requests to MC / CHS. For example, MC / CHS can be instructed to initiate a call to another user's cell phone. Alternatively, the user can instruct MC / CHS to obtain information corresponding to the request, such as a current news story (e.g., news about the president's veto of the law) based on previously or currently submitted keywords. The corresponding format or addressing information is then provided to MC / CHS. For example, the IP address of the user's PC can be indicated to MC / CHS as the destination address for the requested news, and the cable port address of the user's TV can be the destination address for the requested news. Finally, MC / CHS performs appropriate conversion and routing accordingly to output the requested content. For example, MC can communicate with a cellular network to find other users desired by a cellular phone call, and convert the received data packets defined as a cellular network into TCP packets, assuming that the user's PC IP address is the destination address. A network protocol can then be used to transmit the converted data to the user's PC (e.g., via the Internet (TCP / IP) or via a direct network connection). Regarding the provision of news corresponding to the search query, the MC / CHS can use the MC content layer structure to find the best source and route for the requested content. For example, it can look for news on a local Internet content server (the local Internet content server can be the MC system itself, since the MC system is configured to store content that is provided differently as described herein). The MC system converts the corresponding content into a television format and transmits it to the TV, for example, via a direct wired connection or a wireless connection (e.g., via UWB between the TV and the CHS).

[0213] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for optimizing content delivery is provided, and multiple users in a specific location request this content. This needs to monitor the network content requested by the user corresponding to the specific location, receive the request for content from the given user of the specific location, wherein usually provide content from the position outside the specific location, determine that other users located at the specific location also request content, and use the server that is logically close to the user located at the specific location to supply content to the given user and other users simultaneously, and replace to supply content to the given user and other users from the position outside the specific location respectively. In one embodiment, the aforementioned hierarchical method is used to make the judgment whether the content is locally applicable. At that position, the content requested can be monitored and the judgment whether the content is requested jointly in the specific location can be made.

[0214] Therefore, embodiments of the present invention propose and provide multimedia communication between different terminals. Although the present invention has been described in great detail with reference to its specific embodiments, the present invention may be embodied differently without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following claims are not limited in any way to the description of the embodiments contained herein.

Claims

1. A wireless device for information communication, the wireless device comprising: a wireless network interface, configured to receive a wireless signal through a wireless local area network; wherein the wireless signal comprises a compressed signal; a decoder, configured to decompress the compressed signal to adapt to the playback of corresponding information content; wherein, The wireless device is configured to transmit updated status related information through the wireless network interface; wherein the updated status is related to status management or security monitoring of an item; and wherein the wireless device is further configured to send a request for the information content.

2. A wireless device for a smart home, comprising: Decoder; a wireless network interface configured to communicate via a network communication channel of the wireless network; wherein the wireless device is configured to transmit information about the update status through the wireless network interface; wherein the signal about the update status is transmitted through a wireless transmission channel, and the wireless transmission channel is established for transmitting the signal; wherein the establishment of the wireless transmission channel is in response to the sensor sensing the update status; wherein The wireless network and the wireless transmission channel are separated; wherein the signal includes corresponding information of the unique identifier of the sensor; The wireless device is further configured to receive a wireless signal corresponding to the information content through the wireless network interface; wherein the wireless signal includes a compressed signal; The decoder is configured to decompress the compressed signal to play the information content.

3. A system for multimedia communication, comprising: a network interface configured to receive multimedia content via network communications; wherein the transmission of the multimedia is via a wired connection; A mapping table configured to store unique identifier information of a destination device and communication information related to the destination device; wherein the communication information is associated with the unique identifier information; wherein the signal format is used for signal conversion of the multimedia content; wherein the multimedia content after the signal conversion is transmitted to the destination device; as well as The content storage is configured to optimize storage of the multimedia content based on access frequency of the multimedia content.

4. A method for initializing communication of a destination device, comprising: Providing initial communication configuration data to the destination device; wherein the initial communication configuration data is used to initiate initial communication directed to the destination device; wherein the initial communication configuration data includes relevant information of the wireless network and relevant information of the unique identifier of the destination device; sending a request for information content; receiving a wireless signal through the wireless network; wherein the wireless signal includes a compressed signal; and decompressing the compressed signal to play the information content.

5. A device for high-definition multimedia information communication, the device comprising: Transceiver; Decoder; Encoder; as well as High-definition digital output interface; wherein the transceiver is configured to transmit information related to a unique identifier of the device; wherein the device is configured to receive a high-definition multimedia signal corresponding to the high-definition multimedia content; the high-definition multimedia signal comprises a compressed signal; wherein the compressed signal comprises a high-definition digital video signal; wherein the device is configured to convert the compressed signal; wherein the conversion of the high definition multimedia signal comprises decompressing the compressed signal into a decompressed signal by the decoder and then further encoding the decompressed signal by the encoder to generate an encoded signal for transmission via the high definition digital output interface; wherein the decoder is configured to decompress the compressed signal into the decompressed signal; wherein the encoder is configured to encode the decompressed signal into the encoded signal, the encoded signal comprising an encoded decompressed high definition digital video signal; and wherein the high definition digital output interface is configured to transmit the encoded signal.

6. A method for high-definition multimedia information communication, comprising: Receive wireless signals; wherein the wireless signal comprises a compressed video signal; decompressing the compressed signal to play corresponding information content at a destination device; The information content includes high-definition video; Receiving high-definition multimedia content via High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI); and The high definition multimedia content is played on the destination device.

7. A digital television, comprising: A wireless network interface configured to receive a wireless signal via a wireless local area network; wherein the wireless signal comprises a compressed signal; and the compressed signal comprises a high-definition video signal; A decoder configured to decompress the compressed signal to play a corresponding high-definition video; a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) configured to receive high-definition multimedia content; as well as A high-definition display screen is configured to play the high-definition multimedia content.

8. A system for wireless communication, comprising: A wireless network interface configured to receive a wireless signal via a wireless network; wherein the wireless signal comprises a compressed signal; wherein the wireless network is a wireless local area network; A decoder configured to decompress the compressed signal to adapt the corresponding information content to be played at a destination device; as well as Destination device initial communication configuration software, configured to transmit initial communication configuration data in a configuration of communication initialization of the destination device; wherein the initial communication configuration data is used to initiate initial communication directed to the destination device; The initial communication configuration data includes information related to the wireless local area network and information related to the unique identifier of the destination device.

9. A method for multimedia communication, comprising: a unique identifier of the storage destination device; storing communication information of the destination device; wherein the communication information further includes information on a signal format associated with the destination device; wherein the signal format is used for conversion of multimedia content; wherein the converted multimedia content is transmitted to the destination device; receiving first multimedia content from a first destination device via network communication; converting the first multimedia content; transmitting the converted first multimedia content to a second destination device for playback; receiving second multimedia content from a third destination device via network communication; converting the second multimedia content; transmitting the converted second multimedia content to a fourth destination device for playback; wherein the communication information further includes information on a signal format associated with the second destination device; wherein the signal format associated with the second destination device is used for conversion of the first multimedia content; wherein the communication information further includes information on a signal format associated with the fourth destination device; wherein a signal format associated with the fourth destination device is used for conversion of the second multimedia content; The method further includes: determining a signal format of a fifth destination device; converting multimedia content from different sources according to the signal format associated with the fifth destination device; and transmitting the converted multimedia content from different sources to the fifth destination device.

10. A system for multimedia communication, comprising: a network interface configured to receive multimedia content; as well as a database configured to store unique identifier information of a destination device and communication information related to the destination device; wherein the communication information further includes information of a signal format related to the destination device; wherein the signal format is used for conversion of the multimedia content; wherein the converted multimedia content is transmitted to the destination device for playback; wherein the system is configured to receive first multimedia content from a first destination device; convert the first multimedia content; transmit the converted first multimedia content to a second destination device for playback; wherein the system is configured to receive second multimedia content from a third destination device; convert the second multimedia content; transmit the converted second multimedia content to a fourth destination device for playback; wherein the communication information includes information of a first signal format related to the second destination device; wherein the first signal format is used for conversion of the first multimedia content; wherein the communication information also includes information of a second signal format related to the fourth destination device; wherein the second signal format is used for conversion of the second multimedia content; The multimedia content includes multimedia content from different sources; wherein the system is further configured to: determine a third signal format related to a fifth destination device; convert the multimedia content from different sources according to the third signal format; and transmit the multimedia content from different sources to the fifth destination device after conversion.

Images