Methods and Systems for Playing Media
First Claim
1. A method for playing media, comprising:
- on a client including a client device that includes one or more processors and memory and one or more client applications;
establishing a first network connection with a first server, wherein the first network connection is an Internet Protocol (IP) connection;
via the first network connection, transmitting to the first server from the client;
information enabling the first server to determine capabilities of the client to play media, anda first request comprising a unique identifier for selected media, wherein the selected media includes one or more of audio and video;
in response to the first request, receiving information identifying a second server selected from a plurality of servers each capable of providing the selected media to the client, wherein the second server is different from the first server;
establishing a second network connection with the second server, wherein the second network connection is an Internet Protocol (IP) connection;
via the second network connection, transmitting to the second server from the client a second request comprising a request for the selected media along with a unique identifier for the selected media;
in response to the second request, receiving a response that conforms to the capabilities of the client, wherein the response includes the selected media; and
playing the selected media.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A scalable architecture is disclosed for delivery of real-time information over a communications network. Embedded into the architecture is a control mechanism that provides for the management and administration of users who are to receive the real-time information. In the preferred embodiment, the information being delivered is high-quality audio. However, it could also be video, graphics, text or any other type of information that can be transmitted over a digital network. Preferably, there are multiple channels of information available simultaneously to be delivered to users, each channel consisting of an independent stream of information. A user chooses to tune in or tune out a particular channel, but does not choose the time at which the channel distributes its information. Advantageously, interactive (two-way) information can be incorporated into the system, multiple streams of information can be integrated for delivery to a user, and certain portions of the information being delivered can be tailored to the individual user.
1 Citation
30 Claims
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1. A method for playing media, comprising:
on a client including a client device that includes one or more processors and memory and one or more client applications; establishing a first network connection with a first server, wherein the first network connection is an Internet Protocol (IP) connection; via the first network connection, transmitting to the first server from the client; information enabling the first server to determine capabilities of the client to play media, and a first request comprising a unique identifier for selected media, wherein the selected media includes one or more of audio and video; in response to the first request, receiving information identifying a second server selected from a plurality of servers each capable of providing the selected media to the client, wherein the second server is different from the first server; establishing a second network connection with the second server, wherein the second network connection is an Internet Protocol (IP) connection; via the second network connection, transmitting to the second server from the client a second request comprising a request for the selected media along with a unique identifier for the selected media; in response to the second request, receiving a response that conforms to the capabilities of the client, wherein the response includes the selected media; and playing the selected media. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions including instructions for a client application that, when executed by a client device, cause the client device to play media, the instructions comprising instructions for:
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establishing a first network connection with a first server, wherein the first network connection is an Internet Protocol (IP) connection; via the first network connection, transmitting to the first server from the client; information enabling the first server to determine capabilities of the client to play a media, and a first request comprising a unique identifier for a selected media, wherein the selected media includes one or more of audio and video; in response to the first request, receiving information identifying a second server selected from a plurality of servers each capable of providing the selected media to the client, wherein the second server is different from the first server; establishing a second network connection with the second server, wherein the second network connection is an Internet Protocol (IP) connection; via the second network connection, transmitting to the second server from the client a second request comprising a request for the selected media along with a unique identifier for the selected media; in response to the second request, receiving a response that conforms to the capabilities of the client, wherein the response includes the selected media; and playing the selected media. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A client comprising:
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a user input device; a media output device; a communications interface configured to be coupled to a communications network; a processor coupled to the user input device, the media output device, and the communications interface; and memory storing one or more programs that include a client application, the programs including instructions executable by the processor for; establishing a first network connection with a first server, wherein the first network connection is an Internet Protocol (IP) connection; via the first network connection, transmitting to the first server from the client; information enabling the first server to determine capabilities of the client to play a media, and a first request comprising a unique identifier for a selected media, wherein the selected media includes one or more of audio and video; in response to the first request, receiving information identifying a second server selected from a plurality of servers each capable of providing the selected media to the client, wherein the second server is different from the first server; establishing a second network connection with the second server, wherein the second network connection is an Internet Protocol (IP) connection; via the second network connection, transmitting to the second server from the client a second request comprising a request for the selected media along with a unique identifier for the selected media; in response to the second request, receiving a response that conforms to the capabilities of the client, wherein the response includes the selected media; and playing the selected media. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28, 29, 30)
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Specification