Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to middleware for an information management system. More particularly, the present invention relates to an information management and entertainment system comprising a plurality of user terminals. Further this invention which relates to middleware in which remote Support is achieved on the devices through CPE WAN Management protocol. Further this invention which relates to middleware in which version management and upgrades can be automatically configured through a remote server for every device and the device upon connecting to server, download new firmware and install and reboot to upgrade to newer version. Further this invention which relates to middleware in which all problems can be thus fixed and system recovers from the crash without having to take the device physically for service and recovery. Further this invention which relates to middleware in which one can make the best of the advertisement insertion engine that is a part of the middleware.

Background of the invention and related prior Art

Soft Toyz is a middleware with rich feature set as well as a capability to maintain itself with ease. Information systems where agents, human or artificial, interact with interconnected information resources are called "distributed knowledge environments." These systems are the emerging information model of networks, ranging from digital library systems to the Internet and multi-agent cooperative environments. The information resources typically are databases that function as passive file cabinets. To access a database on real estate data, a human real estate agent must know that a table House contains the city and price of houses, and that houses are located in cities, and have prices.

It can also be deployed on any Operating System and is device independent. It is a platform independent software that is capable of automatic upgrades, automatic installations of new applications, protecting digital rights, providing remote management utilities and more. Certain conventional systems use a "transactional" model for exchanging information between nodes of a data processing system.

In a conventional transactional model, two applications initiate a synchronous "transaction" that is maintained for as long as information is being exchanged between the nodes. The transactional model requires that a transaction be defined for each business activity. When nodes on widely disparate portions of a network attempt to communicate via the transaction model, it is often difficult to define a transaction that works well on all parts of the system. Moreover, a transaction can only involve the nodes that began the transaction. Another node cannot join the transaction in the middle. This scheme is unsuited for a system in which nodes do not know about all other nodes in the system.

Many commercial enterprises still use software that was developed long ago and is no longer supported by its manufacturer. Such software is called "legacy software." It is not always possible or desirable to modify existing legacy software to operate with a new networked system. The legacy software may be very complex, making it difficult and expensive to modify. A company may be wary of making modifications to a stable system that is working consistently. Moreover, there may not be any computer programmers at a company who understand the legacy system in enough detail that they can make modifications to it. Lastly, a company may not have the source code for a legacy application if it purchased the application from a commercial vendor. What is needed is a way to integrate legacy software into a networked system.

Today's enterprise environments typically involve stacked middleware layers (business logic, application servers, database servers, storage servers, etc.) providing services to a number of business applications. Each middleware layer is a complex distributed system, often partitioned over multiple IT resources for performance and availability.

The document US5870605 teaches the software that is located between an application program and a control-level program. Middleware is "network centric" and does not concentrate on a specific user interface or on the organization of a specific database. The described embodiment includes a plurality of "publisher" entities, who publish information, and a plurality of "subscriber" entities, who request and use the information. Publishers and subscribers are connected to each other through a network. The network is a "store and forward" network whose routing is "content-based." In a content-based routing system, information is routed based on the content of the information, and not on the addresses of publishers or subscribers in the system. In the described embodiment, information is distributed to many subscribers in parallel. Publishers publish events and subscribers subscribe to events that match criteria defined by the subscriber. In the described embodiment, events are represented by data structures in the C programming language, although any appropriate representation can be used. Publication and subscription are performed asynchronously. Publishers and subscribers do not have direct knowledge of each other. The system receives published event from a publisher and routes the event to all appropriate subscribers. Each subscriber is guaranteed to receive all events published on the system if, and only if, they match the subscription criteria specified by the subscriber.

The document also states that an Application Programming Interface (API) for publishers and for subscribers. The API defines a plurality of procedures that allow respective publishers and subscribers to interface to the system. Thus, various types of publishers and subscribers can be connected to the system, as long as they use the interface procedures defined in accordance with the API. The described embodiment also includes support for a plurality of software elements such as common databases, installation and administration tools, and logging facilities. Thus, the described embodiment is termed an "enterprise system" because it can be used throughout the entirety of a commercial enterprise.

The document also says the invention which makes it easy to integrate legacy systems, legacy applications, and legacy hardware into the system and attempts to minimize the amount of information that a user must learn to use the system. Because communication within the system is based on asynchronous "events," the present invention can be implemented on a heterogeneous network that includes both PCs and mainframes executing under various operating systems and running various types of applications. The described embodiment utilizes a distributed-object environment and a preferred embodiment of the present invention implements the Common Object Request Broker (CORBA) standard.

The document US2004133537 discloses a set of software objects that facilitate the implementation of information systems. These objects model the structural properties of information, independently of semantics. Hence, they can be used to easily implement different information paradigms, from semantic networks and frames to relational databases. All these information systems can be integrated with each other through the common format described shortly. This invention provides a low level, yet powerful, abstraction of information that is common to most information systems currently used. For purpose of the present discussion, low level means at the network/graph level, that is, below the level of concepts and instances (which is usually called the epistemological level. In the exemplary embodiment described herein, information is represented as a graph with nodes, not concepts and instances.

The syntax and functionality of a set of software objects that represent, store, and dynamically retrieve information on behalf of user applications is described. This infrastructure does not depend on any specific data semantics or data organization and it can flexibly represent declarative data like concepts and instances, but also relations and contexts. Hence, it can be applied to virtually any knowledge domain and any information paradigm, from relational databases to semantic networks.

The document US2006123415 say the a method for distributing middleware applications is set forth that includes dynamic logic for selecting a suitable version of a middleware application that is executed during a software install process. The method for distributing middleware applications addresses conflict management of different versions of middleware applications that are to be installed on a particular information handling system. The method for distributing middleware applications provides a standard for allowing a manufactured to understand a version of middleware that stored within a final install image. The method allows for leveraging in patch mechanisms so that security updates can be intelligently installed onto appropriate versions of a middleware application.

More specifically, the method for distributing middleware applications is based on information part numbers as well as a base installer SRV. The base installer SRV includes information specific a particular information handling system regarding which middleware applications are installed on the particular information handling system and the information part number provides information regarding a version of each particular middleware application. The information part numbers in the SDR, used in conjunction with an understanding of a manufacturer installation process, provides a clear understanding of the version of the middleware application that is associated with a particular information handling system. Also, the information part numbers and the manufacturer installation process can be leveraged during security patch installs to allow for proper installation of the security patches. A method for distributing middleware applications onto an information handling system having a plurality of installed components. The method includes selecting a preferred version of a middleware application based upon the plurality of installed components on the information handling system and installing the preferred version of the middleware application.

The document US2009150472 states that a method for non-disruptively associating applications and middleware components with information technology infrastructure, which comprises the determining first associations, at each distributed system tier, between instances of data and data-container configuration elements, said first associations pointing to logical subdivision of a data service that is directly responsible for implementing an instance of data; determining second associations, at said each distributed system tier, between said data-container configuration elements and a server infrastructure, said second associations pointing to a server infrastructure that hosts said data-container configuration elements composing third associations, within said each distributed system tier, between said instances of data and said server infrastructure, using said first associations and said second associations; composing fourth associations, end-to-end, said fourth associations representing dependency of an application using said instances of data to said server infrastructure and storing at least said third associations and said fourth associations for analyzing system infrastructure.

The document US2010007483 teaches the system for offering an information service based on heterogeneous sensor networks, including: a sensor node constructing a sensor network to sense its ambient environment; a sensor network data transmitter for collecting sensed data sensed by the sensor nodes in real-time and transmitting the collected sensed data in a message form; and a Ubiquitous Sensor Network (USN) middleware for extracting object and environment information by cleaning, classifying and integrating the message received from the sensor network data transmitter, generating conditional events, context aware information, circumstantial analysis information, and the other relevant knowledge contents from the extracted object and environment information, and providing the information service to an application program, the application program providing a user with information related to environment where the sensor network observes or is installed.

The other researcher also done many works on the said application. Poslad, S. et al states that more and more people combine several purposes with travelling, such as business, leisure, entertainment, and education. Such people may not have time to pre-plan a travel schedule in detail. They need location-aware information about the destination domain and expect individualised information and services. The EU funded research project CRUMPET addresses these factors and will provide new information delivery services for a far more heterogeneous tourist population. The services proposed by CRUMPET take advantage of integrating four key emerging technology domains and applying them to the tourism domain: location-aware services, personalised user interaction, seamlessly accessible multimedia mobile communication, and smart component-based middleware or "smartware" that uses multi-agent technology.

STANEKER T et al states that Alcatel's Information, Communication and Entertainment (ICE) team has been developing video and other entertainment solutions for more than two years. Just recently, Alcatel cooperated with other companies to develop a reference architecture spanning the entire range from, for example, a film studio to telecom networks and even to the consumer's sofa. It was this reference architecture which triggered the first commercially launched Video on Demand (VoD) service for Monaco Telecom, the incumbent telecom provider in Monaco.

Varshney, U. teaches that Emerging mobile services - including mobile commerce services - are receiving significant attention in terms of identifying new applications, designing frameworks, and engineering wireless networking solutions. Many mobile services such as auctions, multiparty games, financial applications, advertising, and entertainment services will require group communications, where several users can interact simultaneously, and then a server or group leader sends the same information to multiple users. These group-oriented mobile services are likely to be transaction-oriented and have the potential to generate billions of dollars in revenues due to their business, entertainment, and monetary values. However, before we can implement and deploy group-oriented mobile services, we must develop middleware solutions to support transactions. A middleware framework for wireless networks - including 3G/4G - provides solutions for managing transactions in group-oriented mobile services such as auctions, financial services, and multiparty interactive games.

Summary of the invention

The present invention relates to middleware for an information management system. More particularly, the present invention relates to an information management and entertainment system comprising a plurality of user terminals. Further this invention which relates to middleware in which remote Support is achieved on the devices through CPE WAN Management protocol. Further this invention which relates to middleware in which version management and upgrades can be automatically configured through a remote server for every device and the device upon connecting to server, download new firmware and install and reboot to upgrade to newer version. Further this invention which relates to middleware in which all problems can be thus fixed and system recovers from the crash without having to take the device physically for service and recovery. Further this invention which relates to middleware in which one can make the best of the advertisement insertion engine that is a part of the middleware.

Detailed description of the invention with accompanying drawings

In view of the foregoing problems,, drawbacks, and disadvantages of the conventional systems, it is a purpose of the present invention to provide a system which can model and use information in a systematic, domain-independent manner.

The principal object of the invention is to provide middleware for an information management system.

The other embodiment of the invention is to provide firmware management in which Version management and upgrades can be automatically configured through a remote server for every device and the device upon connecting to server, download new firmware and install and reboot to upgrade to newer version.

The other embodiment of the invention is to provide auto configuration and dynamic service activation by which the devices can be configured from the server and also activated/deactivated remotely and helps one protect the devices from theft. The devices have to be sold by retailer and it can be used upon activation only and once deactivated, the device becomes unusable.

The other embodiment of the invention is to auto recovery from crash or any issues. When issues and errors are logged in files that can be used to analyze the problem. Once problem is identified a fix can be pushed and device updated and rebooted remotely. All issues can be thus fixed and system recovers from the crash without having to take the device physically for service and recovery. The other embodiment of the invention is to provide the download of instant media.

The figure above depicts the advertisement media being transmitted directly from the Central advertisement server to the devices via the Internet. The media is transmitted instantly and the advertisement can be pushed to the device. This mechanism can also be used to send out alerts.

The other embodiment of the invention is to provide playing of advertisement according to playlist. A well defined and fully resolved playlist file defines the order of playing advertisement and the player can play the ads in a loop according to the playlist specified. The other embodiment of the invention is to provide for supplying an individually selectable information signal from a plurality of information channels comprises a plurality of destination terminals.

The other embodiment of the invention is the targeting the advertisement according to the user demographics or device parameters. The advertisement can be targeted a specific device alone as well. The search and targeting engine has defined fine parameters to be able to fine tune the search to the extent of finding a single device and every ad that is played logs a proof of play according to the POPAI standards.

The other embodiment of the invention is that in which ease of installation, use, maintenance and upgrades without any user interference or with minimal and intuitive graphics driven user interference to use or manage the applications. The other embodiment of the invention is that middleware for an information management system is supported by digital rights management. Digital rights management (DRM) is a generic term for access control technologies that can be used by hardware manufacturers, publishers, copyright holders and individuals to limit the usage of digital content and devices. DRM technologies attempt to control use of digital media by preventing access, copying or conversion to other formats by end users. Long before the arrival of digital or even electronic media, copyright holders, content producers, or other financially or artistically interested parties had business and legal objections to copying technologies.

The other embodiment of the invention is that the system is with zero cost to the users.

The middleware lays out the applications under 4 categories - Information, Communication, Entertainment and Education. The applications either come with the initial deployment or can be automatically installed from a central server or can be installed from app store that is in-built along with the middleware. The middleware allows one to scroll the applications with ease and also organise the applications according to the individual user's preferences, move sort, arrange and select the required applications without being a tech savvy user.

Most electronic gadgets of today can be used by computer literates or tech savvy users only, rarely any device is developed with a naive end user in mind. Users rarely can upgrade the middleware or the user interface, in case of enhancements required, they always need to upgrade to the next version of device and it always comes with re-investment and thus extra cost.

The Drawing No. 1 shows the remote support is achieved on the devices through CPE WAN Management protocol called TR069. Complete support for most of the software issues, firmware upgrades can be handled using the protocol.

The Drawing No. 2 shows advertisement insertion engine m case of a need to use the device for commercial purpose, one can make the best of the ad insertion engine that is a part of the middleware too. The advertisements can be inserted pre-role i.e, before the launch of an application or mid role i.e, at periodic interval.

The Drawing No. 3 shows DRM Engine to encrypt media files in which DRM engine that can protect all kinds of content on the device from piracy. Any DRM engine can send data in encrypted manner in the standard formats specified by the DRM standard. Our player will be DRM complaint and be able to decrypt the media and play and destroy the decrypted content. All the content on the device will be encrypted and thus protected at all time. The following diagram depicts the DRM engine in place in Soft Toyz.

The Drawing No. 4 shows UI and Layout in which The unique user interface organizes all the applications under 4 categories: Information, Communication, Entertainment and Education. The UI is icon driven with minimal or no text unlike conventional text driven interface. One can scroll through the applications and access through one tAdditional advantages, objects and features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

Advantages of the invention :
i) Remote Support.
ii) Firmware management
iii) Auto configuration and dynamic service activation
iv) Auto recovery from crash or any issues
v) Advertisement insertion engine
vi) Instant media download
vii) Playing of advertisement according to playlist
viii) Targeting of advertisement,
ix) Logs proof of play,
x) Support of Digital rights management,
xi) DRM Engine to encrypt media files

The principles of the instant invention have been incorporated with a figure and described and shown above it is to be understood that the alleged invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment but may widely different means be employed in the practice of the wide aspects of the invention. The scope of the appended claims is intended to encompass all obvious changes in the system which will occur to one skilled in the art upon a reading of the disclosure.

We claim:
1) A middleware for an information management system which comprises :

i) a plurality of user terminals,
ii) a switching system having interfaces for receiving media streams and
iii) for routing the streams to the terminals

2) A middleware for an information management system as claimed in claim 1 in which for supplying an individually selectable information signal from a plurality of information channels comprises a plurality of destination terminals.

3) A middleware for an information management system as claimed in claim 1 in which version management and upgrades can be automatically configured through a remote server for every device and the device upon connecting to server, new firmware can be download and install and reboot to upgrade to newer version.

4) A middleware for an information management system as claimed in claim 1 in which provide auto configuration and dynamic service activation by which the devices can be configured from the server and also activated/deactivated remotely and helps one protect the devices from theft.

5) A middleware for an information management system as claimed in claim 1 in which all issues can be thus fixed and system recovers from the crash without having to take the device physically for service and recovery.

6) A middleware for an information management system as claimed in claim 1 in which targeting the advertisement according to the user demographics or device parameters.

7) A middleware for an information management system as claimed in claim 1 which is supported by digital rights management.

8) A middleware for an information management system as claimed in claim 1in which it provides ease of installation, use, maintenance and upgrades without any user interference or with minimal and intuitive graphics driven user interference to use or manage the applications is zero cost to the users.

9) A middleware for an information management system substantially as hereinbefore described and illustrated with particular reference to the accompanying drawings.