A) TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention generally relates to web technologies. The present invention particularly relates to browser based dedicated devices (referred as web consoles) and related user interface methodologies. More particularly the present invention relates to a browser centric hardware and software platform, a touch pad enabled remote control device, an user interface suitable for accessing, navigating and viewing web contents from a distance, together providing a system for delivery of web contents, services and applications on a display device, and easy access of the same

B) BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Internet has become main stream both in terms of content and technology and graduated to a platform for data and services. The internet is profoundly used in Education, Information & Research, Social Communication, Commerce, Entertainment, as an interactive Channel and much more. Dedicated web appliances, offering specific services, that access and present the internet content in other alternative and purpose-built ways than the presently available internet endpoints, is required for enhancing Internet usage. Such devices enable direct use of the web services and content, avoiding the complexities and generic-ness of web access mechanisms existing currently.

[0003] In the currently available mechanisms, one or more users access Internet using a general purpose personal computing device (ex: PC or laptop) and using a software application called "browser". Examples of the browsers include, but are not limited to an Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari and Opera. Other than personal computers, mobile phones are another way to access the Internet and used to deliver specific web services.

Mobile phones also provide different types of browsers. In both the above mechanisms, general purpose devices or platforms are used where accessing internet and related services are "one of the functionalities" and bring own set of barriers for purpose-built use cases. For example, knowledge of computers has become a necessity although computers have a limited role to play in accessing the content. On the other hand, browsing experience on the mobile phones is still quite low due to screen size, bandwidth and power limitations. Hence, the technological and usage complexities of the current methods of web access have become a major barrier for many users and purpose-built use cases, to get the benefit from Internet technologies and vast pool of resources that Internet is (of data, services and applications).

[0004] In light of foregoing discussion, there exists a need for a new breed of device, that is specifically designed (both hardware and software) for Web access, can understand, process, present and interact with all different web technologies, with a new paradigm of user interface for easy and intuitive viewing and navigating through the web contents.

Such devices are typically used, but not limited to, in a comfortable and group viewing environment whereby web contents, services and applications are required to be delivered to display devices like television or projectors. Also there exists a need for such a device and mechanisms to offer different targeted use cases, for example, information research and presentation for teachers, online content delivery, content carrying and presentation, leisure web browsing, quick information search and infotainment etc.

[0005] The above mentioned shortcomings, disadvantages, problems and proposed solutions are addressed herein and which will be understood by reading and studying the following specification.

C) OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The primary object of the present invention is to provide a browser based embedded device (including hardware and software) for access and delivery of online digital content, Web contents, services and applications where adaptation and presentation of the Web (HTML) content is done on the fly (while fetching the content, before presentation) and on the device (without the need for the proxy servers in between). The device has in built offline mode support and local storage so that local features are used continuously even when connection to internet is not available.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to offer a new user interface, presentation and navigation mechanisms, involving an IR (infra-red) or RF, remote controller with a touchpad, as the human interface device (HID) for viewing, accessing and navigating through the web contents and interacting with the same, in a distance viewing environment such as viewing at a distance of around or more than 10 feet on a display device like television/projector.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and complete way of conventional Internet browsing (of websites and web pages), from a distance, in the display devices like, TV or projector using only a touchpad based IR (infra-red)/ RF remote controller.

[0009] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a web console system where a full customization/personalization, configuration and management of the device, deployed in the field, are done from a central Web Server using a web mechanism.

[0010] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a Web-console based dedicated solution for teachers, to deliver digital/web content and interactive information without the constraints of a computer platform, thereby allowing an information research and content creation capability to the teacher using the vast Internet content and the web console features such as playlist, annotation, sharing, offline mode, local storage.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a portable compact device
along with a local storage for carrying content such as movies, training material, presentation material and other digital content so that the same can be presented using a TV/projector for training, presentation purposes and the automatic playing of content on a TV/group display based on a playlist. Such device, whenever required, can connect to internet and easily synchronize (i.e. locally store) the content / material / presentations from a central web server.

[0012] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

D) SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The various embodiments of the present invention provide a Web-console with an IR (infra-red) / RF remote controller for internet based information delivery to a user.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a system for delivery and access of web contents, services and applications comprises a web console, a remote controller and a dedicated web server. The web console along with the remote controller provides internet base information to a user at a user desired format with a single hand thumb operation and with minimal thumb movement.

[0015] The web console together with the remote controller provides a user interface including a graphical user interface and a human interface to view, interact and navigate through a plurality of web contents from a distance viewing environment. The web console accesses data from a plurality of websites directly without requiring any intermediate servers to perform adaptations and mash-ups on the fly. The graphical user interface arranges the plurality of web contents in a plurality of layers along z-direction and x-direction to reduce a clutter in viewing.
[0016] The web console has HTML based user interface which is programmed to provide a user desired profile. The adaptations include a size adaptation, a color adaptation and a font adaptation. The adaptation is preset or intelligent or server assisted adaptation.

[0017] The web console comprises a built in processor, a memory, an interface for connecting display units, an interface for connecting communication modules, an infrared receiver, and a headphone and microphone interface. The built in processor is provided with a search engine for HTML processing for adaptation and presentation, web features, multimedia playing, offline and collaboration functions. The web console has graphical interface to provide presentation of web pages instead of web screens. The web console has an Internet Protocol communication module which is integrated with a browser to directly communicate with a plurality of individual service providing end servers. The web console has AJAX support for directly communicating with a plurality of web servers. The web console is adapted to play a plurality of web contents. The plurality of web contents includes video file, image file, audio file and an animation file. The web console has an offline feature to support a serving of HTML pages locally rather than from a central server.

[0018] The remote controller has a key pad and a touch pad to minimize thumb movement. The remote controller is operated to view an arrangement of the plurality of web contents in plurality of layers using a single button in the remote controller. The touch pad is operated for moving a pointer in a web page exhibited on a display unit and for scrolling the web page simultaneously.

[0019] The key pad in the remote controller has a plurality of navigation buttons and a plurality of text entry buttons. The key pad in the remote controller has a plurality of navigation buttons and a QWERTY key pad. The plurality of navigation buttons includes a select button, a back button, a zoom-in button, a zoom-out button and a scroll button. The plurality of navigation buttons in the key pad are shaped and placed to provide an ergonomic feeling. The remote controller has a handwriting recognition facility.

[0020] The system has a dedicated web server to store a centralized information comprising a plurality of user interface files, user database, user policies, statistics to provide seamless software updates and complete centralized management of the Web-console.

[0021] The web console is provided with an Ethernet for network connectivity. The web console has a local storage for storing a data content in off line. The web console is provided with a plurality of USB interfaces for inserting mass storage devices, cellular data card and web cam. The web console has a means to perform video calls and training sessions.

[0022] The web console has a means of providing featured content for a keyword search based on a pre-populated lesson plans. The web console has a means of presenting a content store graphical interface based on a structure of a content repository. The web console has a means to organize contents both in sequential and concurrent way along with text and voice annotation to make an instant presentation based on Internet content.

[0023] The web console has a capability to store annotations, video start/stop durations, templates for the structure of the layout for using the web content in presentation format and not modifying or storing the original web content.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the Web-console provides a browser-based platform with built in engines for HTML processing for adaptation and presentation, Web 2.0 features, multimedia playing, offline and collaboration functions.

The web console provides industry standard HTML based user Interface which is tailor made for the specific user profile called "persona". The user interacts with the Web-console through the IR/RF remote control device with touchpad and mobile phone type text entry keypad (ITU). Other types of text entry mechanisms include but are not limited to a QWERTY remote, onscreen keyboard and wireless keyboard.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the Web-console directly communicates with service specific end-servers. Examples of the service specific end-servers include but are not limited to Google or Yahoo or Wikipedia.

Data from such servers (websites) are accessed directly and adaptations and mash-ups are done in the Web-console device. A dedicated Web server associated with these Web-console devices stores centralized information, like, the user interface files, the user database, user policies, statistics and provides seamless software updates and complete centralized management of the Web-consoles. The Web-console is provided with a local storage for storing content offline.

[0026] Further, the Web-console is provided with Ethernet for network connectivity and two USB interfaces for inserting additional hardware like mass storage devices, cellular data card or webcam. Any existing Television or projector is used as display device for the Web-console. The web console also provides SD card interface, audio microphone input and headphone interfaces. The functional user interface is designed to enable users to view desired web content in a desired format with minimal thumb movement.

E) BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The other objects, features and advantages will occur to those skilled in the art from the following description of the preferred embodiment and the accompanying drawings in which:

[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a eco-system provided with Web-console along with IR based remote controller for delivery of web contents, web services and any digital content, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates a hardware block diagram of Web-console according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of an IR remote controller with touch pads and keypad, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of an IR remote controller with touch pads and QWERTY type keypad, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 5 illustrates a software block diagram of Web-console according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of software architecture of Web-server according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Although the specific features of the present invention are shown in some drawings and not in others. This is done for convenience only as each feature may be combined with any or all of the other features in accordance with the present invention.

F) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] In the following detailed description, a reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which the specific embodiments that may be practiced is shown by way of illustration. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and it is to be understood that the logical, mechanical and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0036] The various embodiments of the present invention provide a Web-console along with an IR (infra-red) / RF remote controller for internet based information delivery to a user. The Web-console provides a browser-based platform with built in engines for HTML processing for adaptation and presentation, Web 2.0 features, multimedia playing, offline and collaboration functions. The web console provides industry standard HTML based user Interface which is tailor made for the specific user profile, called "persona".

The user interacts with the Web-console through the IR/ RF remote control device with touchpad and mobile phone type text entry keypad (ITU). Other types of text entry mechanisms include but are not limited to a QWERTY remote, onscreen keyboard and Wireless keyboard.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the Web-console directly communicates with service specific end-servers. Examples of the service specific end-servers include but are not limited to Google or Yahoo or Wikipedia

Data from such servers (websites) are accessed directly and adaptations and mash-ups are done in the Web-console device. A dedicated Web server associated with these Web-consoles stores centralized information like the user interface files, the user database, user policies, statistics and provides seamless software updates and complete centralized management of the Web-console. The Web-console is provided with a local storage for storing content offline.

[0038] Further, the Web-console is provided with Ethernet for network connectivity and two USB interfaces for inserting additional hardware like mass storage devices, cellular data card or webcam. Any existing Television or projector is used as display device for the Web-console. The web console also provides SD card interface, audio mic input and headphone interfaces. The functional user interface is designed for users who do not want to get bogged down by complex technical interfaces present in using conventional browsers. The web console is also equipped with capability to do video calls and training sessions.

[0039] The various embodiments of the present invention provide a Web-console and a remote controller. The remote controller has a key pad and a touch pad.

[0040] The touchpad of the IR remote controller is used to move the on-screen pointer to point and select HTML data or function elements displayed on the screen of the display unit. The touchpad is also used to scroll (UP / DOWN /LEFT / RIGHT movement) through a zoomed (enlarged) webpage during conventional web browsing using the Web console.

[0041] Text entry keys provided in the touchpad based IR / RF remote controller is used text entry into the text box displayed on the display unit. The navigation keys of the IR/ RF remote controller are used in navigating through the onscreen contents. Provision for directly searching for the string and getting result from the Wikipedia and such other information sources is also provided in the Web-console.

[0042] The Web-console fetches application UI (User Interface) and Personalization Settings and stores them locally. The examples of the personalization settings include but are not limited to a language, location, personal preferences regarding service sources, etc.

[0043] The Web-console together with the IR remote controller provides a user interface combining a Graphical user interface and a human interface device which together provide a suitable environment for viewing, interacting and navigating through Web contents from a distance (around 10ft) viewing environment. The graphical interface presents the Web contents in "screens" as opposed to "web pages". The graphical interface reduces clutter and helps in enhancing viewer ability by arranging contents in z-direction (layers) and x-direction (horizontal scrolling). The Web contents are arranged in different layers and are switched using a single button of the IR remote controller. On the fly, the

[0045] The touchpad based IR remote controller of Web-console provides a new approach for the conventional web browsing (of web sites or web pages), for easy and intuitive viewing and interacting, such as scrolling, zooming, reading of standard Web pages (or any part of the web pages) on the TV from a distance. The IR remote controller combines both touchpad and keys. Basic browsing operation is performed using touch pad and 4 keys namely select key, back key, Zoom-In key, Zoom-Out key. The touchpad and the navigation buttons are placed in the IR/RF remote controller in a way suitable for single hand thumb operation with minimal thumb movement.

[0046] The touchpad of the IR/RF remote controller is used for moving pointer on the Web page viewable area of the display unit and scroll the Web page at same time. To read a specific section of the webpage, the section (highlighted) is extracted and presented in readable size with one touch operation in the touchpad and subsequently a scrolling is restricted in left and right direction and allowed only in upward or downward direction for easy reading. Further, the touchpad based remote controller is provided with single command for breaking the Web page into image, text and videos. The IR remote controller enters a power save mode when the touchpad or buttons of the IR remote controller are idle.

[0047] The present invention provides a browser based system for delivery of Web contents, Web services and Web applications. The system with HTML processor provides on the fly processing of HTML documents for presentation adaptability. The system is provided with an IP (Internet Protocol) communication module integrated with the Web browser and AJAX support for directly communicating with the Web server. Further, the system is provided with extending Javascript beyond browser functionality which utilizes other system features in secure manner. For instance integration of JavaScript with IP communication module is an extended JavaScript beyond browser functionality. The system is provided with integrated and versatile player for different Web content such as HTML, video, image, audio, PDF, and animation. IP communication module provides communication needs such as video call, instant messaging, etc. The web console also allows deployment of new applications using the standard web widget mechanisms which deliver a specific application to the user.

[0048] The present invention provides full customization, configuration and management of consumer grade device (Web-console) from a central Web Server using web mechanism. The features associated with the Web-console are available as Web pages such as HTML page or CSS page or JS (Java script) page. The Web console provides offline support feature for serving the HTML pages locally rather than from central server. The features of the Web console such are changed at the central server by the Web-console user or administrator. Later the changes are deployed into the Web-console by offline synchronization mechanism. Examples of the features of the Web-console include but are not limited to look, feel, settings, personalization and policies.

[0049] The Web-console provided with a two way communication channel is easily setup for delivering content and services specific to selected communities, such as agriculture, self-help, health or job training. Using mobile or landline broadband connection and with the Web-consoles offline capability, services are delivered to groups via existing TV or display devices at places where Internet service is not reliable. The Web-consoles collaboration tools help in delivering trainings, remote lectures, acting as a communication channel between communities.

[0050] In one embodiment of the present invention features of the Web-console finds many use cases in education sector. The Web-console is a Teacher's Aid, an Internet Discoverer, also an ICT tool for remote training in classrooms and tutorial centres. The Web-console with packaged content, assessment tools, podcasts, and forums and along with features like collaboration and information console becomes an ideal learning aid at homes, schools and training centers. The web console also provides content creation capability to the teacher using the vast Internet content and the web console features such as playlist, annotation, sharing, offline mode, local storage.

[0051] In another embodiment of the present invention based on profile of community the Web-console is configured to deliver specific content and services to the user. For instance for a farming community the Web-console is configured to deliver podcasts related to fanning, farming equipments, fertilizers and crop information. In the farming community the Web-console forms a Quick information application to search agriculture specific sites and web to fetch information based on keyword typed by the user (farmer). The Web-console provides real time information on weather, commodity rates, farm produce rates on various markets, and weather forecasts. Further, the Web-console provides a platform for buyers and sellers to meet online, to provide a forum wherein the Web-console provides a privilege for the user to ask questions online, chat or talk with experts for getting answers online and to arrange expert talks through web conferencing.

[0052] In another embodiment of the present invention, the Web console is used as a content delivery device. The content can be delivered either over the Internet, local network and USB or SDCARD storage device or by directly storing the content in the local storage of the device. The content can be encrypted and protected to prevent illegal copying. The content types could be industry standard video, document, audio formats, Adobe Flash based formats. This invention provides a portable compact device along with local storage for carrying content such as movies, training material, presentation material and other digital content so that the same can be presented using a TV/projector for training, presentation purposes. The content can also be played automatically based on playlist on a TV for reach out purposes.

[0053] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a eco-system provided with Web-console 101 along with IR (Infra Red) based remote controller 102 for delivery of web contents, web services and any digital content, according to one embodiment of the present invention. With respect to FIG. 1, the Web-console 101 directly communicates with service specific end-servers 103a and local servers 103b through a network 105. Examples of the network include but are not limited to a LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), MAN (Metropolitan Area Network), and a Bluetooth. Examples of the service specific end-servers 103a include but are not limited to Google or Yahoo or Wikipedia Data. Websites are accessed directly from the service specific servers 103a to perform adaptations and mash-ups in the Web-console 101 device. A dedicated Web server called a web console server 104 is associated with the Web-console 101 to store centralized information like the user interface files, the user database, user policies, statistics for providing seamless software updates and complete centralized management of the Web console 101. The web console 101 along with a user is registered to the web console server 104 for policies and groups to which the web console 101 belongs are all configured using an administration web console. The system also includes a display unit 106 for displaying information to a user. Examples of the display unit 106 include but are not limited to a television and a projector. The web console is also equipped with capability to perform video calls and training sessions. The system provides a portable compact web console 101 device along with an inbuilt storage unit for carrying content such as movies, training material, presentation material and other digital content for presenting the same on the display unit. The content in the storage unit are also played automatically based on playlist on the display unit for reach out purposes.

[0054] The Web console 101 together with the IR remote controller 102 provides an user interface combining a Graphical user interface and a human interface device, together suitable for viewing, interacting and navigating through Web contents from a distance (around 10ft) viewing environment. The graphical interface presents Web contents on the display unit metaphor as opposed to "web pages". The graphical interface reduces clutter and helps in enhancing viewer ability by arranging contents in z-direction (layers) and x-direction (horizontal scrolling). The Web contents are arranged in different layers which are feasible to switch using single button of the IR remote controller 102. On the fly the graphical interface provides adaptations of Web contents for long distance presentation. Examples of the adaptations provided includes which are not limited to use of appropriate templates, Resize options, Harmonized colours, TV friendly fonts, contextual association of data from multiple sources etc. The graphical interface provides a single touch scrolling of the Web contents in horizontal direction

[0055] FIG. 2 illustrates a hardware block diagram of Web-console 101 according to one embodiment of the present invention. With respect to FIG. 2, the block include\s a processor 202 and a memory 201 storing a algorithm which when executed on the processor is adapted to perform various functions associated with the web console as described in the present invention. The Web console is provided with a local storage for storing content offline. Further, the Web console is provided with Ethernet 204 for network connectivity and at least two USB interfaces 205 for inserting additional hardware like mass storage devices, cellular data card or webcam. The web console also provides SD (Secure digital) card interface 205, an IR receiver 206 audio mike input and headphone interfaces 207 and TV connectivity 203 for displaying information to the user. The functional user interface is designed for the users who do not want to get bogged down by complex technical interfaces present in using conventional browsers.

[0056] In one embodiment of the present invention, the features of the Web-console finds many use cases in education sector. The Web console acts as a Teacher's Aid, an Internet Discoverer, also an ICT tool for remote training in classrooms and tutorial centres. The Web-console with packaged content, assessment tools, podcasts, and forums and along with features like collaboration and information console becomes an ideal learning aid at homes, schools and training centres. The web console also provides a content creation capability to the teacher using the vast Internet content and the web console features such as playlist, annotation, sharing, offline mode, local storage.

[0057] The web console fetches the relative information from the internet specific in building a teacher's aid. Based on the syllabus of the class, a lesson plan is preloaded into the web console. The lesson plan contains the lessons, topics and subtopics for the selected subject. The subtopics have specific keywords and search strings attached to them along with metadata supplied for the recommended content. The Web console using this specific metadata and the algorithms developed populates the display unit with recommended and other content from Internet. These could be images, videos, text, web pages, animations or the content present in local/network resources. Teacher selects the content which he/she prefers to show in the classrooms or labs. Further, using "more" key on the remote, selects "Add to playlist" option the content is automatically added to the playlist.

[0058] Once the content is gathered, the playlist can be played on the display unit, TV, monitor screen or the projector as it is while teaching or training. The Web console also allows the content enhancements in two ways as mentioned below. While presenting the content, markers like arrow, circle or text or audio annotations can be added on the screen to enhance the explanation. By pressing Edit playlist on the selected playlist, the web console allows a number of editable features which include but not limited ordering of the content, selection of templates for showing multiple images, image and text etc., adding audio from the microphone or from file for the image and video objects, adding notes page, and marking the video for showing part of the video. Further, the prepared playlist can be uploaded to the local web server, Internet or can be carried on the USB/SD (Secure Digital) card, where only links are copied to preserve copyrights of the content and shared with students and other teachers, schools.
[0059] In one embodiment of the present invention based on profile of community, the Web console is configured to deliver specific content and services to the user. For instance for a farming community the Web-console is configured to deliver podcasts related to farming, farming equipments, fertilizers and crop information. In the farming community the Web-console forms a Quick information application to search agriculture specific sites and web to fetch information based on keyword typed by a farmer. The Web-console provides a real time information on weather, commodity rates, farm produce rates on various markets, and weather forecasts. Further, the Web-console provides a platform for buyers and sellers to meet online, to provide a forum wherein the Web-console provides a privilege for the user to ask questions online, chat or talk with experts for getting answers online and to arrange expert talks through web conferencing.

[0060] The web console fetches the relative information from the internet specific in building a farming community data. The farmer (User) selects "Quick Info" option from a home screen. First, the user enters the farming topic for e.g. "organic fertilizers" in the text entry bar and selects the type of content he/she wishes to see (such as images, videos, Wikipedia, web pages, animations). A series of images or videos or a Wikipedia/web page are fetched from the internet and displayed on the display unit. Once the data is fetched from the Internet, the user browses through the objects or web page, selects the object he wishes to use using the remote controller. User is provided with an option of pressing more number of keys in the remote controller and chooses "add to playlist" option. The use also has provision such as "create new" option, gives a name to the playlist and presses "create". The User can go back to the quick info or the home screen displaying contents select the type of content and add more items to the playlist.

[0061] In another embodiment of the present invention, the Web console is used as content delivery device. The content can be delivered either over the Internet, local network and USB or SD (Secure Digital) card, storage device or by directly storing the content in the local storage of the device. The content can be encrypted and protected to prevent illegal copying. The content types could be industry standard video, document, audio formats, Adobe Flash based formats.

[0062] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of an IR remote controller with touch pads and mobile phone type keypad, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The remote controller includes an Infra Red (IR) transmitter 302, a microcode 303, a processor 304 and a touchpad 305. The touchpad 305 of the IR (Infra Red) remote controller 301 is used to move the on-screen pointer to point and select HTML data or function elements displayed on the screen of the display unit. The touchpad is also used to scroll (UP / DOWN / LEFT / RIGHT movement) through a zoomed (enlarged) webpage during conventional web browsing using a Web console. The Web-console fetches application UI (User Interface) and Personalization Settings and stores them locally. The examples of the personalization settings include but are not limited to a language, location, personal preferences regarding service sources, etc. Text entry keys provided in the touchpad based IR / RF remote controller is used in text entry into the text box displayed on the display unit. The navigation keys of the IR/ RF remote controller are used in navigating through the onscreen contents. Provision for directly searching for the string and getting result from the Wikipedia and such other information sources is also provided in the Web-console.

[0063] The touchpad enabled IR/ RF Remote Controller is operated using single hand or double hand for all human interaction needs, like, to scroll through a zoomed (enlarged) Web pages, to move a pointer on the screen of the display unit, to point-and-select an on-screen function, scroll through search results, single touch zoom in/out functions, switch UI layers, accessing commands etc.. The IR/ RF remote controller has finger based handwriting recognition through use on the touchpad. The IR/RF remote controller is provided with 4 primary navigation buttons operated using thumb, placed along with touchpad and used in conjunction with touchpad of the IR/RF remote controller. Dedicated buttons are provided in the IR/ RF remote controller for zooming, scrolling, actions or commands, UI layer switching, with one touch access feature. Text entry through the IR remote controller is either single Handed or Both Handed operation using 14-key text entry pad (mobile phone type). The touchpad and the navigation buttons are placed in the IR/RF remote controller in a way suitable for single handed, thumb operation with minimal thumb movement.

[0064] The touchpad based IR remote controller of Web-console provides a new approach for the conventional web browsing (of web sites or web pages), for easy and intuitive viewing and interacting, such as scrolling, zooming, reading of standard Web pages (or any part of the web pages) on the TV from a distance. The IR remote controller combines both touchpad and keys. Basic browsing operation is performed using touch pad and 4 keys namely select key, back key, Zoom-In key, Zoom-Out key. The touchpad and the navigation buttons are placed in the IR/RF remote controller in a way suitable for single hand thumb operation with minimal thumb movement. The touchpad of the IR/RF remote controller is used for moving a pointer on the Web page viewable area of the display unit and scroll the Web page at same time. To read a specific section of the webpage, the section (highlighted) is extracted and presented in readable size in one touch using the touchpad, and subsequently scrolling is restricted in left and right direction and allowed only in upward or downward direction for easy reading. Further, the touchpad based remote controller is provided with single command breaking of the Web page into image, text and videos. The IR remote controller enters power save mode when the touchpad or buttons of the IR remote controller are idle.

[0065] FIG. 4 illustrates a block diagram of an IR remote controller with touch pad and QWERTY keypad, according to one embodiment of the present invention. With respect to FIG. 4 the remote controller includes an Infra Red (IR) transmitter 302, a microcode 303, a processor 304 and a touchpad 305. The touchpad 305 of the IR (Infra Red) remote controller 401 is used to move the on¬screen pointer to point and select HTML data or function elements displayed on the screen of the display unit. The touchpad is also used to scroll (UP / DOWN / LEFT / RIGHT movement) through a zoomed (enlarged) webpage during conventional web browsing using a Web console. The Web-console fetches application UI (User Interface) and Personalization Settings and stores them locally. The examples of the personalization settings include but are not limited to a language, location, personal preferences regarding service sources, etc. Text entry keys provided in the touchpad based IR/RF remote controller is used in text entry into the text box displayed on the display unit. The navigation keys of the IR/ RF remote controller are used in navigating through the onscreen contents. Provision for directly searching for the string and getting result from the Wikipedia and such other information sources is also provided in the Web-console.

[0066] The touchpad enabled IR/ RF Remote Controller is operated using single hand or double hand for all human interaction needs, like, to scroll through a zoomed (enlarged) Web pages, to move a pointer on the screen of the display unit, to point-and-select an on-screen function, scroll through search results, single touch zoom in/out functions, switch UI layers, accessing commands etc.. The IR/ RF remote controller has finger based handwriting recognition through use on the touchpad. The IR/RF remote controller is provided with 4 primary navigation buttons which are operated using thumb, placed along with touchpad and used in conjunction with touchpad of the IR/RF remote controller. Dedicated buttons are provided in the IR/ RF remote controller for zooming, scrolling, actions or commands, UI layer switching, with one touch access feature. Text entry through the IR remote controller is either single Handed or Both Handed operation using a QWERTY keypad. The touchpad and the navigation buttons are placed in the IR/RF remote controller in a way suitable for single handed, thumb operation with minimal thumb movement.

[0067] The touchpad based IR remote controller of Web-console provides a new approach for the conventional web browsing (of web sites or web pages), for easy and intuitive viewing and interacting, such as scrolling, zooming, reading of standard Web pages (or any part of the web pages) on the TV from a distance. The IR remote controller combines both touchpad and keys. Basic browsing operation is performed using touch pad and 4 keys namely select key, back key, Zoom-In key and Zoom-Out key. The touchpad and the navigation buttons are placed in the IR/RF remote controller in a way suitable for single hand thumb operation with minimal thumb movement. The touchpad of the IR/RF remote controller is used for moving pointer on the Web page viewable area of the display unit and scroll the Web page at same time. To read a specific section of the webpage, the section (highlighted) is extracted and presented in readable size in one touch using the touchpad, and subsequently scrolling is restricted in left and right direction and allowed only in upward or downward direction for easy reading. Further, the touchpad based remote controller is provided with single command breaking of the Web page into image, text and videos. The IR remote controller enters power save mode when the touchpad or buttons of the IR remote controller are idle.

[0068] FIG. 5 illustrates a software block diagram 501 of Web-console according to one embodiment of the present invention. The present invention provides a browser based system for delivery of Web contents, Web services and Web applications. The system with HTML processor provides on the fly processing of html documents for presentation adaptability. The system is provided with an IP (Internet Protocol) communication module integrated with the Web browser and AJAX support for directly communicating with the Web server. Further, the system is provided with extending JavaScript beyond browser functionality which utilizes other system features in secure manner. For instance, integration of

JavaScript with IP communication module is an extended JavaScript beyond browser functionality. The system is provided with integrated and versatile player for different Web content such as HTML, video, image, audio, PDF, and animation. IP communication module provides communication needs such as video call, instant messaging, etc. The web console also allows deployment of new applications using the standard web widget mechanisms which deliver a specific application to the user.

[0069] The system provides full customization, configuration and management of Web-consol) from a web console Server using web mechanism. The features associated with the Web console are available as Web pages such as HTML page or CSS page or JS (Java script) page. The Web console provides offline support feature for serving the HTML pages locally rather than from the web console server. The features of the Web console such are changed at the web console server by the Web-console user or administrator. Later the changes are deployed into the Web-console by offline synchronization mechanism. Examples of the features of the Web-console include but are not limited to look, feel, settings, personalization and policies.

[0070] The Web-console provided with a two way communication channel is easily setup for delivering content and services specific to selected communities, be it agriculture, self-help, health or job training. Using mobile or landline broadband connection and with the Web-consoles offline capability, services are delivered to groups via existing TV or display devices at places where Internet or CSS page or JS (Java script) page. The Web console provides offline support feature for serving the HTML pages locally rather than from the web console server. The features of the Web console such are changed at the web console server by the Web-console user or administrator. Later the changes are deployed into the Web-console by offline synchronization mechanism. Examples of the features of the Web-console include but are not limited to look, feel, settings, personalization and policies.

service is not reliable. The Web-console's collaboration tools help in delivering trainings, remote lectures, acting as a communication channel between communities.
[0071] FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of software architecture 601 of Web¬server according to one embodiment of the present invention. The present invention provides a browser based system for delivery of Web contents, Web services and Web applications. The system with HTML processor provides on the fly processing of html documents for presentation adaptability. The system is provided with an IP (Internet Protocol) communication module integrated with the Web browser and AJAX support for directly communicating with the Web server. Further, the system is provided with extending JavaScript beyond browser functionality which utilizes other system features in secure manner. For instance integration of JavaScript with IP communication module is an extended JavaScript beyond browser functionality. The system is provided with integrated and versatile player for different Web content such as HTML, video, image, audio, PDF, and animation. IP communication module provides communication needs such as video call, instant messaging, etc. The web console also allows deployment of new applications using the standard web widget mechanisms which deliver a specific application to the user.
[0072] The system provides full customization, configuration and management of Web-consol) from a web console Server using web mechanism. The features associated with the Web console are available as Web pages such as HTML page

[0073] The Web-console provided with a two way communication channel is easily setup for delivering content and services specific to selected communities, be it agriculture, self-help, health or job training. Using mobile or landline broadband connection and with the Web-consoles offline capability, services are delivered to groups via existing TV or display devices at places where Internet service is not reliable. The Web-console's collaboration tools help in delivering trainings, remote lectures, acting as a communication channel between communities.

G) ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0074] Thus the various embodiments of the present invention provide a Web-console along with an IR (infra-red)/ RF remote controller for internet based information delivery to a user. The Web-console is of low cost, low power, portable and rugged device. The Web-console provides a platform to deliver digital/internet content and interactivity information without the constraints of a computer platform for teacher's aid. The Web-console directly communicates with service specific end servers without need for any proxy server in between. The Web-console provides browser-based platform, with all the services and applications being hidden from the user and the UI (User Interface) is offered on the standard web platform. Avoiding proprietary platforms makes the Web-console flexible and future-proof for deployment of solutions. With the Web-console, all the major benefits and services of the web and the Internet is utilized by the user at click of a button by entering simple keywords. The Web-console does all processing, mash-ups and adaptations at background and presents simple interface to the user. The user interface is easily customized to various languages for further reaching out to different communities. The offline feature and the local storage along with USB/SDCARD interfaces provides the user same features of Internet even in conditions where Internet connection is intermittent or not available. The content can be carried along by the user and present to audience where Internet infrastructure is a problem.

[0075] Although the invention is described with various specific embodiments, it will be obvious for a person skilled in the art to practice the invention with modifications. However, all such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the claims.
[0076] It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the present invention described herein and all the statements of the scope of the invention which as a matter of language might be said to fall there between.

What is claimed is:

1. A system for delivery and access of web contents, services and
applications comprising:

A web console;

A remote controller;

A dedicated web server;

Wherein the web console along with the remote controller provide internet base information to a user at a user desired format with a single hand thumb operation and with minimal thumb movement.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the web console together with the remote controller provides a user interface including a graphical user interface and a human interface to view, interact and navigate through a plurality of web contents from a distance viewing environment.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the web console access data from a plurality of websites directly without requiring any intermediate servers to perform adaptations and mash-ups on the fly.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the graphical user interface arranges the plurality of web contents in a plurality of layers along z-direction and x-direction to reduce a clutter in viewing.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the web console has HTML based user interface which is programmed to provide a user desired profile.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the adaptations includes a size
adaptation, a color adaptation and a font adaptation.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the adaptation is preset or
intelligent or server assisted adaptation.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the web console comprises a built in processor, a memory, an interface for connecting display units, an interface for connecting communication modules, an infrared receiver, and a headphone and microphone interface.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the built in processor is provided with a search engine, HTML processing for adaptation and presentation, web features , multimedia playing, offline and collaboration functions.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the web console has graphical interface to provide presentation of web as TV screens instead of web pages.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein the web console has an Internet Protocol communication module which is integrated with a browser to directly communicate with a plurality of individual service providing end servers .

12. The system according to claim 1, wherein the web console has AJAX support for directly communicating with a plurality of web servers.
13. The system according to claim 1, wherein the web console is adapted to play a plurality of web contents.

14. The system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of web contents
includes video file, image file, audio file and an animation file.

15. The system according to claim 1, wherein the web console has an offline feature to support a serving of HTML pages locally rather than from a central server.

16. The system according to claim 1, wherein the remote controller has a key pad and a touch pad to minimise thumb movement.

17. The system according to claim 1, wherein the remote controller is operated to view an arrangement of the plurality of web contents in plurality of layers using a single button in the remote controller.

18. The system according to claim 1, wherein the touch pad is operated for moving a pointer in a web page exhibited on a display unit and for scrolling the web page simultaneously.

19. The system according to claim 1, wherein the key pad in the remote controller has a plurality of navigation buttons and a plurality of text entry buttons.

20. The system according to claim 1, wherein the key pad in the remote controller has a plurality of navigation buttons and a QWERTY key pad.

21. The system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of navigation buttons includes a select button, a back button, a zoom-in button, a zoom-out button and a scroll button.

22. The system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of navigation
buttons in the key pad are shaped and placed to provide an ergonomic
feeling.

23. The system according to claim 1, wherein the remote controller has a handwriting recognition facility.

24. The system according to claim 1, wherein the dedicated web server stores a centralized information comprising a plurality of user interface files, user database, user policies, statistics to provide seamless software updates and complete centralized management of the Web-console.

25. The system according to claim 1, wherein the web console is provided with an Ethernet for network connectivity.

26. The system according to claim 1, wherein the web console has a local storage for storing a data content in off line.

27. The system according to claim 1, wherein the web console is provided with a plurality of USB interfaces for inserting mass storage devices, cellular data card and web cam.

28. The system according to claim 1, wherein the web console has a means to perform video calls and training sessions.

29. The system according to claim 1, wherein the web console has a means of providing featured content for a keyword search based on a pre-populated lesson plans.

30. The system according to claim 1, wherein the web console has a means of presenting a content store graphical interface based on a structure of a content repository.

31. The system according to claim 1, wherein the web console has a means to organize contents both in sequential and concurrent way along with text and voice annotation to make an instant presentation based on Internet content.

32. The system according to claim 1, wherein the web console has a capability to store annotations, video start/stop durations, templates for the structure of the layout for using the web content in presentation format and not modifying or storing the original web content.