WO2006127580A1

WO2006127580A1 - Media controller in form of jewel case

Info

Publication number: WO2006127580A1
Application number: PCT/US2006/019701
Authority: WO
Inventors: Craig S. Gravina; Arthur A. Gravina; Eric D. Frey; Everett K. Wallace
Original assignee: Bright Entertainment Limited
Priority date: 2005-05-20
Filing date: 2006-05-22
Publication date: 2006-11-30

Abstract

A method for wirelessly controlling presentation of an optical disk by a media device is performed by a jewel case. The jewel case includes a processor, one or more user inputs, software that is specific to the optical disk, a library of codes for controlling presentation of the optical disk by the media device, and a program for determining one or more codes of the library for communicating remote control signals to the media device for controlling presentation of the optical disk. The method comprises receiving a user input signal from a user input, determining one or more codes of the library and, based on the one or more codes, communicating appropriate remote control signals from the jewel case to the media device for controlling presentation of the optical disk. A single user input signal may result in multiple remote control signals being sent to the media device.

Description

MEDIA CONTROLLER IN FORM OF JEWEL CASE

I. Cross-Reference to Related Applications

For purposes of the United States, the present application is a nonprovisional of, and claims priority under 35 U.S. C. § 119(e) to, Gravina et al. U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/594,941 , filed May 20, 2005. The entire disclosure of this patent application is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

II. Incorporation by Reference

The subject matter of this patent application relates to that of each of: U.S. patent application no. 10/904,039 of Gravina et al., filed on October 20, 2004, and published as patent application publication no. US 2005/0060238 Al on March 17, 2005, which patent application and patent application publication are hereby incorporated herein by reference; U.S. patent application no. 10/605,870 of Gravina et al., filed on November 2, 2003, and published as patent application publication No. US 2004/0140998 Al on July 22, 2004 which patent application and patent application publication are hereby incorporated herein by reference; and international patent application no. PCT/US2005/017153 of Gravina et al., filed May 17, 2005, and published as patent application publication no. WO 2005/116847 on December 8, 2005, which international patent application and patent application publication are hereby incorporated herein by reference. III. Copyright Statement

All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and of other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the patent files and records of government agencies of countries wherein this patent document has been filed, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. IV. Background

Entertainment systems, including educational learning systems, are generally known and include a control unit, a DVD player, a television, a DVD, and a removable memory device. The DVD includes media content in the form of audio and/or visual content (hereinafter "audiovisual content") stored thereon for display to a user on a television or monitor via a DVD player or other multimedia player device. The removable memory device includes logic for navigating the media content and for providing an interactive user experience, and the logic generally is specific to the media content of the particular DVD. As will be apparent, these systems use existing multimedia infrastructure, such as a conventional DVD player and television, for display of the multimedia content of the DVD in accordance with the logic stored on the memory device. Accordingly, a user only needs to purchase the controller, and third party content provides only need author DVDs and program associated memory devices for particular implementations. As such, the system provides a low-cost alternative to more expensive game consoles and personal computers that provide a similar level of interactive user experiences.

An exemplary prior art entertainment system 10 in accordance with the foregoing is shown in FIG. 1. Such system 10 is disclosed and described in detail in U.S. Patent No. 7,003,598 to Kavanagh, which patent is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The components of the system 10 include a control unit 13, a DVD player 11, a television 12, a DVD 16, and a removable memory device 14, wherein the memory device includes data and/or computer instructions (hereinafter "software") that is specific to the DVD 16. In the prior art system 10, the control unit 13 uses existing multimedia infrastructure such as the conventional DVD player 11 and television 12 for displaying multimedia content in accordance with the logic represented by the software stored on the memory device 14. By leveraging the relatively ubiquitous components — including the DVD player 11 and the television 12 — the control unit 13 can be made relatively inexpensive and yet still be used to provide fairly sophisticated, interactive multimedia user experiences typically provided by more expensive game consoles and personal computers. While this system provides a convenient, low cost alternative to conventional game consoles and personal computers, a drawback to the system 10 is that the control unit 13 is generic insofar as the same user inputs of the control unit 13 are present for each and all DVD/memory device pairs whether or not all of the user inputs of the control unit 13 are actually used.. This can cause confusion and create the appearance of clutter.

Another entertainment system 100, which is shown in FIGS. 2-4, is disclosed and discussed in detail in U.S. patent application no. 10/605,868, which patent application is hereby incorporated herein by reference. This entertainment system 100 has the capability to provide a customizable control unit wherein the user inputs may be changed for use with different DVDs.

The system 100 is illustrated in FIG.2. The multimedia content is stored on a DVD 112 and software is stored on a memory device that is part of an overlay 102 that contains user inputs 104. The overlay 102 is removably attached to a controller 106 that is in the form of a child's activity table, as illustrated in FIG. 3.. The activity table can be used to issue commands wirelessly 126 to the DVD player 122 of the system 100 when the child pushes a button 104 on the activity table. In this manner, the child can use the controller 106 to select segments of the DVD of particular interest or to respond to questions posed in the media content of the DVD that is being presented.

In the system 100, an overlay 102 containing the user inputs is specific to and correlates with the particular media content of the DVD 112 with which it is packaged and to the software of the memory device that forms part of the overlay. Such overlay 102 may then be placed on a generic controller 106 to provide a customized entertainment experience. Various overlays 102 having different user inputs thus may be interchanged for use on a single generic controller 106, thereby facilitating relatively easy customization of the generic controller 106. In this respect, FIG. 4 shows three exemplary media packages wherein each package has a DVD 112,116,120, respectively, that is associated with a corresponding overlay 110,114,118, respectively. The overlay of each media package contains the appropriate user inputs to best realize the full functionality of the associated DVD without the clutter of having all user inputs present on all overlays. A drawback to the entertainment system 100, particularly when used by children, is the need to keep track of the multiple components of the system in order to play or use the system, i.e., in order to use the system for a particular DVD, a user needs the DVD and the appropriate overlay for the particular DVD. If the overlay is missing or lost, then a user — in this instance a child — cannot use the system even if the DVD and controller are present.

Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a convenient storage case or container particularly suited to store an optical disk, such as a DVD, and an associated memory device and/or an overlay together in one place so that the components could be stored together and be readily available for use. It would further be advantageous to provide an entertainment system that provides an alternative solution to controller customization and, specifically, variations in user inputs. One or more of these advantages are provided by one or more embodiments of the present invention. V. Summary of the Present Invention

The present invention includes many aspects and features, and generally relates to wirelessly controlling presentation of media content of an optical disk by a media device.

In an aspect of the invention, an apparatus for wirelessly controlling presentation to a user of media content of an optical disk by a media device. The apparatus comprises a jewel case having a housing configured to receive and retain the optical disk for storage, and the housing comprises a processor. The apparatus further comprises one or more user inputs disposed in electronic communication with the processor and machine readable medium disposed in electronic communication with the processor and containing software that is specific to the media content. The software represents logic for navigating the media content of the optical disk based on user-generated signals from the one or more user inputs. The apparatus further comprises machine readable medium disposed in electronic communication with the processor and containing a library of codes for wirelessly communicating to the media device, in a protocol of the media device, remote control signals for controlling presentation of the media content of the optical disk by the media device, and machine readable medium disposed in electronic communication with the processor and containing a program for determining, based on the software and in response to actuation of the user input, one or more codes of the library for communicating to the media device, in a protocol of the media device, one or more remote control signals for controlling presentation of the media content of the optical disk.

In a feature of this aspect, one or more remote control signals comprise one or more standard infrared remote control signals for controlling a DVD player. In another feature of the aspect, the library contains codes for communicating remote control signals for controlling each of a plurality of different DVD players. In a further feature of the aspect, the housing of the jewel case comprises a base configured to receive and retain the optical disk for storage, and a cover connected to the base for hinging movement relative to the base between a closed position, wherein the cover is disposed in covering relation to the base, and an open position, wherein the cover is disposed outside of covering relation to the base. In one embodiment, the cover may be removed for convenient use of the base as the media controller.

In another feature, the one or more user inputs comprise membrane switches affixed to the housing of the jewel case. In yet another feature, the one or more remote control signals that are communicated in response to actuation of the user input consist of a plurality of remote control codes. In still yet another feature, the machine readable medium containing the library of codes is separate from the machine readable medium containing the software that is specific to the media content. In an additional feature, the machine readable medium containing the library of codes is separate from the machine readable medium containing the program for determining one or more codes of the library for communicating to the media device. In yet another feature, the machine readable medium containing the software that is specific to the media content is separate from the machine readable medium containing the program for determining one or more codes of the library for communicating to the media device. In a further feature, the machine readable medium containing the library of codes comprises the machine readable medium containing the software that is specific to the media content.

In another feature, the machine readable medium containing the library of codes comprises the machine readable medium containing the program for determining one or more codes of the library for communicating to the media device. In yet another feature, the machine readable medium containing the software that is specific to the media content comprises the machine readable medium containing the program for determining one or more codes of the library for communicating to the media device. In a further feature, the machine readable medium containing the software specific to the media content comprises a memory device that is removably connected to the housing of the jewel case. In an additional feature, the machine readable medium containing the software specific to the media content comprises a script written specifically to be used with the particular media content, and the program comprises an interpreter of the script.

With further regard to this aspect, the software that is specific to the media content comprises data and/or computer-executable instructions.

In a further feature, a microcontroller comprises the processor. In another feature, the codes of the library represent button presses of a remote controller of the media device. In yet another feature, the library of codes comprises a library of infrared codes for various consumer electronic devices, the infrared codes representing remote controller button presses of respective remote controllers of the various consumer electronic devices. In still yet another feature, the library of codes further comprises transmission protocols for communicating the codes to various consumer electronic devices via infrared signals. In accordance with this feature, the jewel case wirelessly is thus capable of communicating directly to each of the various consumer electronic devices in controlling the presentation of the media content of the optical disk.

In another feature, the invention further comprises an overlay removably attached to the housing of the jewel case, with the overlay including at least one user input. In further accordance with this feature, the user input of the overlay comprises indicia printed on the overlay, and the printed indicia overlays an electrical switch of the housing when the overlay is removably attached to the housing such that application of pressure on the printed indicia results in actuation of the switch. With regard to this feature, the machine readable medium containing the software specific to the media content is part of the overlay. In a further feature, the housing is configured to receive and retain a DVD, and the software that is specific to the media content comprises a DVD map. In another feature, the housing is configured to receive and retain a DVD, and the machine readable medium containing the library of codes comprises machine readable medium containing a library of codes for communicating to the DVD player, in a protocol of the DVD player, commands relating to presentation of the media content of the DVD. In accordance with this feature, the jewel case wirelessly communicates directly to the DVD player in controlling the DVD player. In an additional feature, the machine readable medium containing a library of codes further comprises machine readable medium containing a library of codes for communicating to another, different DVD player, in a specific protocol of the other DVD player, commands relating to presentation by the other DVD player of the media content of the DVD. With further regard to this feature, the software specific to the media content of the particular DVD is independent of the particular DVD player by which the media content of the particular DVD is presented.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method for wirelessly controlling presentation of media content of an optical disk by a media device comprises multiple steps. The method is performed by a jewel case having a housing capable of storing the optical disk when not being used. The housing comprises a processor, one or more user inputs disposed in electronic communication with the processor, and machine readable medium disposed in electronic communication with the processor and containing software that is specific to the media content. The software represents logic for navigating the media content of the optical disk based on user-generated signals from the one or more user inputs. The housing further comprises machine readable medium disposed in electronic communication with the processor and containing a library of codes for wirelessly communicating directly to the media device, in a protocol of the media device, remote control signals for controlling presentation of the media content of the optical disk by the media device, and machine readable medium disposed in electronic communication with the processor and containing a program for determining, based on the software and in response to actuation of the user input, one or more codes of the library for communicating to the media device, in a protocol of the media device, one or more remote control signals for controlling presentation of the media content of the optical disk. The method comprises receiving by the processor a user input signal from a user input of the housing of the jewel case, with the user input signal representing actuation of the user input; determining by the processor, based on the software and in response to receipt of the user input signal, one or more codes of the library; and based on the one or more codes determined in the step above, communicating from the jewel case to the media device, in a protocol of the media device, one or more remote control signals for controlling presentation of the media content of the optical disk. In a feature of this aspect, the method further comprises the step of receiving by the processor, prior to performance of the steps listed above, an identification of the media device whereby the appropriate codes from the library may be determined for use in communicating directly with the media device. In another feature of this aspect, the method further comprises the step of learning by the processor, prior to performance of the steps listed above, the appropriate codes for use in communicating directly with the media device and saving the learned codes to the library.

In yet another feature, the method further comprises receiving by the processor a signal representative of a memory device being attached to the jewel case and reading from the memory device additional software.

In another feature, the method also comprises receiving by the processor a signal representative of an overlay being attached to the jewel case and reading from a machine readable medium of the overlay additional software carried by the overlay. In accordance with this feature, the step of determining the one or more codes of the library in response to the receipt of the user input signal is performed based on the additional software that is read from the overlay. With further regard to this feature, the step of determining by the processor, based on the software and in response to receipt of the user input signal, one or more codes of the library is overridden and, in lieu thereof, the method further comprises the step of determining the one or more codes of the library in response to the receipt of the user input signal based on the additional software that is read from the overlay.

In an additional feature, the one or more remote control signals comprise one or more standard infrared remote control signals for controlling a DVD player. In a further feature, the library contains codes for communicating remote control signals for controlling each of a plurality of different DVD players. In another feature, the one or more remote control signals that are communicated in response to the user input signal consist of a plurality of remote control codes.

In yet another feature, the codes of the library represent button presses of a remote controller of the media device. In still yet another feature, the library of codes comprises a library of infrared codes for various consumer electronic devices, with the infrared codes representing remote controller button presses of respective remote controllers of the various consumer electronic devices. In a further feature, the library of codes further comprises transmission protocols for communicating the codes to various consumer electronic devices via infrared signals.

In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of the present invention, it should be noted that the present invention further includes the various possible combinations of such aspects and features. VI. Brief Description of the Drawings

Further aspects, features, embodiments, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a prior art entertainment system;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an alternative prior art entertainment system;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a controller and overlay of the entertainment system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of alternative overlay and DVD combinations for use with the entertainment system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a media controller in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a media controller in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the media controller includes an overlay that may be removably connected to the controller;

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of the media controller of FIG. 6 with the overlay removably connected thereto; FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a media controller in the form of a jewel case in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein the jewel case is in an open position with a DVD disposed therein;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the jewel case of FIG. 8 with the DVD removed from a base of the housing; FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the jewel case of FIG. 9 with the cover separated from the base for convenient use of the base as a media controller; FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a media controller in the form a jewel case in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein the jewel case is in an open position and a DVD has been removed from the jewel case;

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of a media controller in the form a jewel case including a plurality of overlays in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention wherein the jewel case is in an open position and a DVD has been removed from the jewel case. VII. Detailed Description

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art ("Ordinary Artisan") that the present invention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being "preferred" is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the appended claims rather than the description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein — as understood by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such term — differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, "a" and "an" each generally denotes "at least one," but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having an apple" describes "a picnic basket having at least one apple" as well as "a picnic basket having apples." In contrast, reference to "a picnic basket having a single apple" describes "a picnic basket having only one apple."

When used herein to join a list of items, "or" denotes "at least one of the items," but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having cheese or crackers" describes "a picnic basket having cheese without crackers", "a picnic basket having crackers without cheese", and "a picnic basket having both cheese and crackers." Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, "and" denotes "all of the items of the list." Thus, reference to "a picnic basket having cheese and crackers" describes "a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers," as well as describes "a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese."

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a media controller in the form of a media controller case in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the media controller case 200 includes a protective housing 202 for storage of an optical disk 214 having media content thereon for display by a host system 216, a microcontroller 204, an output component 206 for sending control signals 218 to a media device of the host system 216, a library 210 of codes relating to media device control signals for a plurality of media devices, software 208 that is specific to the media content of the optical disk 214, user inputs 212, and a power source, such as a battery. The optical disk 214 may be conveniently kept within the protective housing 202 when the optical disk 214 is not used. When the optical disk 214 is disposed within a media device of the host system 216 for presentation of the media content contained thereon, the media controller case 200 is capable of controlling presentation of the media content by sending wireless remote control signals 218 directly to the media device of the host 216.

In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the optical disk 214 preferably is a DVD and the media device of the host system 216 preferably is a DVD player. Additionally, the host system 216 preferably includes a television connected to the DVD player. The controller case preferably is a DVD jewel case and includes a variety of user inputs for interacting with the media content of the DVD presented by the DVD player. The output component 206 of the controller case 200 comprises one or more IR emitting diodes for sending infrared (IR) signals conveying the remote control signals 218 directly to the DVD player.

The controller case 200 contains a library 210 of IR control signals 208 that are specific to various manufacturers and models of DVD players. The library 210 preferably is similar to the library of codes contained in a universal remote control for DVD players and other multimedia devices. Upon the first use of the controller case 200 in controlling a particular DVD player of the host system 216, a user preferably identifies the particular DVD player to the controller 200 by entering a code from a list of codes for different models and manufacturers of DVD players. The user identifies the particular DVD player in accordance with a predetermined activation sequence of the user inputs 212 of the controller 200. This action enables the controller case 200 to identify the appropriate codes from the library 210 that may be properly used in connection with the particular DVD player. Once the user enters this information, the user is able to control presentation of media content of the DVD as presented via the DVD player. Furthermore, the information entered by the user is retained in the controller 200 for subsequent uses of the controller 200 or until the controller 200 is reconfigured by the user, for example, when the user desires to use controller with a different DVD player.

In a preferred embodiment, a processor of the microcontroller 204 runs a program that interprets the software 208 that is specific to the media content of the DVD 214, which software 208 preferably comprises a script. In accordance with the script, and in response to actuation of a particular user input 212, the processor determines the appropriate segment of media content on the DVD 214 to be presented next and then accesses the library 210 and determines the appropriate codes for the particular DVD player for presented that segment of media content from the DVD 214. Based on the codes from the library 210, the processor 204 causes the emitter 206 to issue appropriate IR control signals for communication directly to the DVD player. The appropriate segment of media content from the DVD 214, as determined by the processor 204 in accordance with the software 208, consequently is displayed to the user. The software executed by the program via the processor within the microcontroller 204 is able to make conditional decisions, store data, and execute other programmatic logic for the purpose of providing an interactive experience to the user. This interactive experience goes beyond the typical experience associated with a conventional DVD played on a conventional DVD player.

While the exemplary controller case 200 discussed herein utilizes a microcontroller 204, it is in accordance with this invention that other logic circuits can be utilized. Such logic circuits include an ASIC, a PLD, or an FPGA (appropriately programmed). A microprocessor may also be utilized, but the cost may be higher for a microprocessor than that of a microcontroller.

The user inputs 212 of the controller 200 may include membrane keypad buttons or other actuatable input devices or switches. In preferred embodiments, user inputs 212 are graphically indicated on the controller case 200 according to their respective roles in presentation of the media content of the optical disk 214 for ready comprehension by a user.

For purposes of easily replicating the controller case 200 for various optical disk 214, the use of scripts as the software 208 is advantageous in that content can be developed externally from and independent of the library 210 of codes. The script further can be develop with a particular configuration of user inputs. This capability allows for duplications of the controller case 200 across a wide range of content with minimal additional development for additional media content titles. More particularly, for a new or additional optical disk title, only the software needs to be developed and then stored in a memory of the controller 200. A controller case 200 and, specifically, the software 208, is designed to be used with a specific optical disk 214. As such, there is no need in this embodiment for an externally coupled piece of memory, such as a smart card, that contains scripts determining how to interact with a particular media content. Accordingly, there is advantageously in this embodiment no separate piece of memory that can be lost or misplaced by the user.

However, it is also in accordance with other embodiments of the present invention to store media content specific software on an removable memory devices such as flash memory cards. Accordingly, the controller case of the present invention is not limited to an embodiment wherein media content specific software is stored internally only.

Such specificity of the embodiment of FIG. 5 means that, when a DVD is purchased, the jewel case in which the DVD is packaged represents a customized controller for use with the specific DVD. Such controller will have customized logic stored thereon and customized user inputs that are specific to the DVD packaged therein. Such controller customization is not so readily available in presently available game consoles and personal computers.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the media controller case similar to FIG. 5, but that is capable of removable receiving an overlay that can be disposed on the controller case. FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of the media controller of FIG. 6 with the overlay of FIG. 6 disposed thereon. In FIG. 6, a media controller case 300 includes therein software 308 representing the logic for "default" navigation of media content of the optical disk 314. However, when the overlay 320 is received as shown in FIG. 7, additional software 322 carried by the overlay 320 that is also specific to the media content of the optical disk 314 is executed by the program of the controller 300 in lieu of, or in addition to, the software 308. This modifies and/or replaces the default navigational logic of the software 308 resident in the controller 300. The controller case 300 includes contacts 324 through which the microcontroller 304 accesses the memory containing the additional software 322 when the overlay 320 is disposed on the controller.

Additionally, in this embodiment, the overlay 320 provides user inputs in the form of graphical indicia 326 that correspond to locations of the user inputs 312 of the controller case. In this respect, the overlay 320 is sufficiently flexible to allow actuation of the underlying user inputs 312 of the controller 300 by pressing the user inputs 326 of the overlay 322. The graphical indicia preferably relate to the navigational logic represented, at least in part, by the additional software 322 of the overlay 320.

In utilizing the controller case 300, a user may encounter different interactive experiences from a single optical disk by way of default software available in the controller case and by way of any number of overlays having respective additional software stored thereon.

A consumer may acquire the controller case 300 and the optical disk 314 thereof as a first purchase, and then may be further attracted to additional purchases of overlays to appreciate a robust range of experiences with the media content of the DVD acquired in the first purchase. Furthermore, overlays may be provided as promotions, sale incentives, and customer appreciation giveaways. FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a jewel case controller in accordance with an embodiment of the invention and is shown in an open position with a DVD disposed therein. The jewel case 400 comprises a housing 402, which provides a protective environment for the components that enable the jewel case 400 to function as a controller. Such components include an output component 406, a battery 413, a processor 404, a machine readable medium containing a library 408 of codes, and a machine readable medium containing operating system software for the jewel case 416. The controller 400 also includes a machine readable medium in the form of a removable memory device 410 in which is stored the software specific to the media content of the optical disk 414, i.e., the logic for navigating the media content of the optical disk 414 based on user input signals. The removable memory device is shown as a flash memory card and may be inserted into and withdrawn from a card reader of the controller 400. Additionally, it will be appreciate that, although the controller 400 illustrates the various machine readable medium 408,416,410 as separate components, the content of these components may be combined in a number of combinations of computer readable memory consistent with embodiments of the present invention.

The housing 402 comprises a cover 418 and a base 420 and is configured to receive and retain the optical disk 414 therein when it is not in use. In this embodiment, the cover 418 of the housing 402 contains various information and instructions for use of the controller as indicated by indicia 430. Any information that is desired to be communicated to a user may be located on the inside of the cover of the housing. As with a conventional jewel case, the cover 418 and the base 420 are substantially planar and are removably, hingedly connected at adjacent edges thereof, respectively, to enable opening and closing of the housing. When the jewel case is in a closed position, the optical disk stored therein is completely encased within the housing. When the jewel case is in an open position, as is shown in FIG. 8, the optical disk may be accessed for removal from the housing.

FIG. 9 is atop plan view of the jewel case controller of FIG. 8 with the optical disk removed from the housing. When the optical disk has been removed from the housing 402, user inputs 412 are revealed on the inside surface of the base 420 of the housing 402. Exemplary user inputs 412 include electrical switches and/or buttons of various sizes and shapes, as appropriate for the particular media content of the corresponding optical disk 414. Because such user inputs 412 are utilized when the optical disk 414 is disposed within a multimedia player and, thus, is not contained with the jewel case itself, it is convenient and efficient to locate the user inputs 412 in the base of the housing 402.

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the jewel case controller 400 of FIG. 8 with the cover 418 and base 420 having been separated from one another. As with conventional jewel cases, the cover and base may be easily separated from one another. By separating the cover and the base, the jewel case becomes much more convenient to hold in one or both hands and used as a controller, i.e., the base may be held conveniently between a user's left and right hands, as a traditional controller would be held, with the user inputs being easily accessible by the digits of either hand of the user. In addition, the output component easily emits remote control signals 426 to a multimedia player with the cover of the housing being removed from blocking the path of the signals. Indeed, the opening otherwise occupied by a hinge pin of the cover 418 can be utilized to facilitate the electronic signals from the output component 406.

In another preferred embodiment (not shown) similar to that of FIGS. 8-10, the user inputs are disposed on the back, exterior surface of the base of the jewel case rather than on the inside surface of the base of the jewel case as in controller 400. By locating the user inputs on the back of the jewel case, the jewel case can be used when closed and can be held in a convenient manner similar to the manner of use of the base 420 of controller 400 illustrated in FIG. 10. The ability to use the jewel case when closed provides structure integrity to the jewel case while it is being handled by the user. It also avoids any interference that might otherwise arise when attempting to use the jewel case when the cover is open and still attached to the base.

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of a jewel case controller in accordance with an alternative embodiment, wherein the jewel case controller is open with an optical disk removed from the case. The jewel case controller 500 of this embodiment comprises memory 510 for storage of the software specific to the media content of the optical disk stored therein. Thus, in contrast to the jewel case controller of FIGS. 8-10, no removable memory device containing the media-specific software is provided in the jewel case controller 500. As such, the jewel case controller 500 does not include space or a card reader for receiving and reading an external memory device such as a smart card. Instead, the components needed for controlling a presentation of the media content of the optical disk 514 associated within the jewel case controller 500 are integral to the jewel case 500 itself. Similar to the jewel case controller of FIG. 9, this embodiment of the jewel case controller has user inputs 512 disposed in the base 520 of the jewel case controller 500. Such user inputs correspond to and are appropriate for the media content contained on the associated optical disk.

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of a jewel case controller in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a plurality of user inputs 612 are disposed on the inside surface of the base 620 of the jewel case controller 600. More specifically, the user inputs 612 are electrical membrane switches. Optional overlays 640,650 are available for placement over the user inputs 612 and can be held in place in a manner similar to the retention of the optical disk 614 when stored within the jewel case controller 600. Preferably, the overlays 640,650 include memory components containing additional software that is specific to the media content of the optical disk 614 associated with the jewel case 600, and the processor 604 of the jewel case 600 is able to access the additional software of an overlay 640,650 when it is disposed over the generic user inputs 612 through appropriate electrical contacts (not shown).

The optional overlays 640,650 additionally include user inputs in the form of printed indicia 642,652 that correspond to the additional software stored thereon. When an overlay 640 is disposed over the user inputs 612, the indicia and user inputs 642 correspond to the user inputs 612. Thus, when a user places a first overlay 640 over the user inputs 612, the user is able to control the presentation of the media content of the associated optical disk by pressing the user input 642 represented by the indicia of the overlay 640. Because the additional software of the overlay 640 is utilized to control the presentation of the media content of the optical disk, the experience that a user has when using the overlay 640 may be different from the experience that the user has when another overlay (or no overlay) is utilized if the navigational logic thereof is different. Thus, a user may experience multiple interactive experiences with the same optical disk and jewel case controller by using different overlays. Furthermore, the overlays 640,650 preferably may be stored in the jewel case controller 600 with the optical disk 614 when not in use. The overlays may be stored either in the base with the optical disk or in the cover.

Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those specifically described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements, the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for wirelessly controlling presentation to a user of media content of an optical disk by a media device, said apparatus comprising a jewel case having a housing configured to receive and retain the optical disk for storage, and said housing comprising,

(a) a processor;

(b) one or more user inputs disposed in electronic communication with said processor;

(c) machine readable medium disposed in electronic communication with said processor and containing software that is specific to the media content, said software representing logic for navigating the media content of the optical disk based on user-generated signals from the one or more user inputs;

(d) machine readable medium disposed in electronic communication with said processor and containing a library of codes for wirelessly communicating to said media device, in a protocol of the media device, remote control signals for controlling presentation of the media content of the optical disk by the media device; and

(e) machine readable medium disposed in electronic communication with said processor and containing a program for determining, based on said software and in response to actuation of said user input, one or more codes of said library for communicating to the media device, in a protocol of the media device, one or more remote control signals for controlling presentation of the media content of the optical disk.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said one or more remote control signals comprise one or more standard infrared remote control signals for controlling a DVD player.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said library contains codes for communicating remote control signals for controlling each of a plurality of different DVD players.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said housing of said jewel case comprises, (i) a base configured to receive and retain the optical disk for storage, and (ii) a cover connected to said base for hinging movement relative to said base between a closed position, wherein the cover is disposed in covering relation to the base, and an open position, wherein the cover is disposed outside of covering relation to the base.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said one or more user inputs comprise membrane switches affixed to said housing of said jewel case.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said one or more remote control signals that are communicated in response to actuation of a said user input consist of a plurality of remote control codes.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said machine readable medium containing said library of codes is separate from said machine readable medium containing said software that is specific to the media content.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said machine readable medium containing said library of codes is separate from said machine readable medium containing said program for determining one or more codes of said library for communicating to the media device.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said machine readable medium containing said software that is specific to the media content is separate from said machine readable medium containing said program for determining one or more codes of said library for communicating to the media device.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said machine readable medium containing said library of codes comprises said machine readable medium containing said software that is specific to the media content.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said machine readable medium containing said library of codes comprises said machine readable medium containing said program for determining one or more codes of said library for communicating to the media device.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said machine readable medium containing said software that is specific to the media content comprises said machine readable medium containing said program for determining one or more codes of said library for communicating to the media device

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said machine readable medium containing said software specific to the media content comprises a memory device that is removably connected to said housing of said jewel case.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said machine readable medium containing said software specific to the media content comprises a script written for the media content, and wherein said program comprises an interpreter of said script.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said software that is specific to the media content comprises data.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said software that is specific to the media content comprises computer-executable instructions.

17. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein a microcontroller comprises said processor.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said codes of said library represent button presses of a remote controller of said media device.

19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said library of codes comprises a library of infrared codes for various consumer electronic devices, said infrared codes representing remote controller button presses of respective remote controllers of the various consumer electronic devices.

20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said library of codes further comprises transmission protocols for communicating the codes to various consumer electronic devices via infrared signals.

21. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising an overlay removably attached to said housing of said jewel case, said overlay including at least one user input.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said user input of said overlay comprises indicia printed on said overlay, and wherein said printed indicia overlays an electrical switch of said housing when said overlay is removably attached to said housing such that application of pressure on said printed indicia results in actuation of said switch.

23. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein said machine readable medium containing said software specific to the media content is part of said overlay.

24. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said housing is configured to receive and retain a DVD, and wherein said software that is specific to the media content comprises a DVD map.

25. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said housing is configured to receive and retain a DVD, and wherein said machine readable medium containing the library of codes comprises machine readable medium containing a library of codes for communicating to the DVD player, in a protocol of the DVD player, commands relating to presentation of the media content of the DVD.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein said machine readable medium containing a library of codes further comprises machine readable medium containing a library of codes for communicating to another, different DVD player, in a specific protocol of the other DVD player, commands relating to presentation by the other DVD player of the media content of the DVD.

27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein said software specific to the media content of the particular DVD is independent of the particular DVD player by which the media content of the particular DVD is presented.

28. A method for wirelessly controlling presentation of media content of an optical disk by a media device, said method being performed by a jewel case having a housing capable of storing the optical disk when not being used, the housing comprising,

(i) a processor,

(ii) one or more user inputs disposed in electronic communication with the processor,

(iii) machine readable medium disposed in electronic communication with the processor and containing software that is specific to the media content, the software representing logic for navigating the media content of the optical disk based on user-generated signals from the one or more user inputs,

(iv) machine readable medium disposed in electronic communication with the processor and containing a library of codes for wirelessly communicating to the media device, in a protocol of the media device, remote control signals for controlling presentation of the media content of the optical disk by the media device, and

(v) machine readable medium disposed in electronic communication with the processor and containing a program for determining, based on the software and in response to actuation of the user input, one or more codes of the library for communicating to the media device, in a protocol of the media device, one or more remote control signals for controlling presentation of the media content of the optical disk, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) receiving by the processor a user input signal from a user input of the housing of the jewel case, the user input signal representing actuation of the user input;

(b) determining by the processor, based on the software and in response to receipt of the user input signal, one or more codes of the library; and

(c) based on the one or more codes determined in said step (b), communicating from the jewel case to the media device, in a protocol of the media device, one or more remote control signals for controlling presentation of the media content of the optical disk.

29. The method of claim 28, further comprising the step of receiving by the processor, prior to performance of said steps (a), (b) and (c), an identification of the media device whereby the appropriate codes from the library may be determined for use with the media device.

30. The method of claim 28, further comprising the step of learning by the processor, prior to performance of said steps (a), (b) and (c), the appropriate codes for use with the media device and saving the learned codes to the library.

31. The method of claim 28, further comprising receiving by the processor a signal representative of a memory device being attached to the jewel case and reading from the memory device additional software.

32. The method of claim 28, further comprising receiving by the processor a signal representative of an overlay being attached to the jewel case and reading from a machine readable medium of the overlay additional software carried by the overlay.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein said step of determining the one or more codes of the library in response to the receipt of the user input signal is performed based on the additional software that is read from the overlay.

34. The method of claim 32, wherein said step (b) is overridden and, in lieu thereof, the method further comprises the step of determining the one or more codes of the library in response to the receipt of the user input signal performed based only on the additional software that is read from the overlay.

35. The method of claim 28, wherein said one or more remote control signals comprise one or more standard infrared remote control signals for controlling a DVD player.

36. The method of claim 28, wherein said library contains codes for communicating remote control signals for controlling each of a plurality of different DVD players.

37. The method of claim 28, wherein the one or more remote control signals that are communicated in response to the user input signal consist of a plurality of remote control codes.

38. The method of claim 28, wherein codes of the library represent button presses of a remote controller of the media device.

39. The method of claim 28, wherein the library of codes comprises a library of infrared codes for various consumer electronic devices, the infrared codes representing remote controller button presses of respective remote controllers of the various consumer electronic devices.

40. The method of claim 28, wherein the library of codes further comprises transmission protocols for communicating the codes to various consumer electronic devices via infrared signals.