Synchronous media playback and messaging system
First Claim
1. A method for synchronous media playback, comprising the steps of:
- (a) transmitting a media playback invite request received from a first terminal to a second terminal, wherein the first terminal is associated with a host user and the second terminal is associated with guest user;
(b) relaying a media playback accept response from the second terminal to the first terminal; and
(c) distributing a start playback request from the first terminal to the second terminal, wherein the start playback request directs the second terminal to begin a playback session of a media file in synchronization with the first terminal.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention provides synchronous media playback and messaging between a host user and at least one guest user. The host user wishes to initiate a playback session in which the host user and guest users view a presentation that corresponds to a media file that is locally stored on each of the user'"'"'s terminals. In order to initiate the playback session, the host user invites the guest users. If a guest user wishes to participate in the playback session, the guest user accepts the invitation. When the host user determines that the session should begin, based upon the acceptances from the guest users, the host user initiates the playback of the media file that is locally stored at each terminal. The present invention also supports playback actions that may occur during the playback session. The host user can terminate the playback session, and any of the guest users can withdraw during the playback session.
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Citations
29 Claims
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1. A method for synchronous media playback, comprising the steps of:
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(a) transmitting a media playback invite request received from a first terminal to a second terminal, wherein the first terminal is associated with a host user and the second terminal is associated with guest user;
(b) relaying a media playback accept response from the second terminal to the first terminal; and
(c) distributing a start playback request from the first terminal to the second terminal, wherein the start playback request directs the second terminal to begin a playback session of a media file in synchronization with the first terminal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A computer-readable medium containing instructions for controlling a computer system to provide synchronous media playback and messaging, by:
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transmitting a media playback invite request received from a first terminal to a second terminal, wherein the first terminal is associated with a host user and the second terminal is associated with guest user;
relaying a media playback accept response from the second terminal to the first terminal; and
distributing a start playback request from the first terminal to the second terminal, wherein the start playback request directs the second terminal to begin a playback session of a media file in synchronization with the first terminal. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13)
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14. A method for synchronous media playback and messaging for a host user, the method comprising the steps of:
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(a) sending a media playback invite request to an other terminal in response to a host user initiating an invitation to a guest user, wherein the guest user is associated with the other terminal;
(b) receiving a media playback accept response from the other terminal in response to step (a); and
(c) sending a start playback request to the other terminal in response to step (b), wherein the start playback request begins a playback session of a media file. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A method in a terminal for displaying information about a synchronous media playback service, comprising:
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displaying a list of media files, wherein a selection is received from a host user; and
displaying a list of guest users, wherein at least one selection is received from the host user. - View Dependent Claims (22)
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23. A computer-readable medium containing instructions for controlling a computer system to provide synchronous media playback and messaging, by:
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sending a media playback invite request to an other terminal in response to a host user initiating an invitation to a guest user, wherein the guest user is associated with the other terminal;
receiving a media playback accept response from the other terminal in response to sending the media playback invite request; and
sending a start playback request to the other terminal in response to receiving the media playback accept response, wherein the start playback request begins a playback session of a media file. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25)
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26. A terminal providing synchronous media playback service for a host user, the terminal comprising:
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a services processor;
a communications interface connected to the services processor in order to support a playback session between the terminal and a second terminal, wherein the second terminal is associated with a guest user;
a local storage that stores a media file, wherein the media file is associated with the playback session;
a media player connected to the local storage in order to process the media file during the playback session under control of the services processor;
a keypad unit connected to the services processor; and
a display unit connected to the keypad unit through the services processor, wherein the display unit provides at least one list of choices that is associated with the playback session and wherein the keypad unit receives selections from the host user. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28, 29)
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Specification