Method and device for an internet radio capable of obtaining playlist content from a content server

• US 8,050,652 B2
• Filed: 11/27/2006
• Issued: 11/01/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 01/22/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Golden IP LLC (IP Edge LLC)
• Original Assignee: Horsham Enterprises, LLC
• Inventors: Qureshey, Safi, Sheppard, Daniel D.
• Primary Examiner(s): TRAN, PABLO N
• Application Number:
  US11/563,232
• Publication Number:
  US 20070089132A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,800 Days
• Field of Search: 455/3.02, 455/3.06, 455/142, 455/150.1, 455/151.1, 455/151.2, 455/154.1, 455/154.2, 455/158.1, 455/158.2, 455/158.4, 455/186.1, 455/344, 455/414.1, 455/414.3, 455/456.2, 455/556.1, 455/557, 709/217, 709/219, 725/39, 725/45, 725/18
• US Class Current: 455/344
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/639 using playlists
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/64 Browsing; Visualisation therefor generation of a list or set of audio data G06F16/638
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/68 Retrieval characterised by using metadata, e.g. metadata not derived from the content or metadata generated manually
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 16/686 using information manually generated, e.g. tags, keywords, comments, title or artist information, time, location or usage information, user ratings
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/10 Protecting distributed programs or content, e.g. vending or licensing of copyrighted material protection in video systems or pay television H04N7/16 ; Digital rights management [DRM]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/162 Interface to dedicated audio devices, e.g. audio drivers, interface to CODECs
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/165 Management of the audio stream, e.g. setting of volume, audio stream path
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/167 Audio in a user interface, e.g. using voice commands for navigating, audio feedback
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0641 Shopping interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: H03G 3/00 Gain control in amplifiers or frequency changers
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/08 Constructional details, e.g. cabinet
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/38 Arrangements for distribution where lower stations, e.g. receivers, interact with the broadcast
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/82 using signals not modulated onto a carrier
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 40/18 Arrangements characterised by circuits or components specially adapted for receiving
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/06 Arrangements for scheduling broadcast services or broadcast-related services
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/74 using programme related information, e.g. title, composer or interpreter
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/82 the transmission system being the Internet
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2812 describing content present in a home automation network, e.g. audio video content retrieval from the Internet G06F16/95
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2012/2849 Audio/video appliances
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1069 Session establishment or de-establishment
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1101 : Session protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/611 : for multicast or broadcast systems for broadcast or conference H04L12/18; arrangements for broadcast or distribution combined with broadcast H04H20/00; arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linkage to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time H04H60/00; selective distribution of broadcast services, e.g. multimedia broadcast multicast service [MBMS], H04W4/06
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/612 : for unicast
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/00 : Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications user-to-user messaging H04L51/00; network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communications networks H04L65/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/146 : Markers for unambiguous identification of a particular session, e.g. session cookie or URL-encoding
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2201/60 : Medium conversion
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/5307 : for recording messages comprising any combination of audio and non-audio components
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/533 : Voice mail systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 7/0006 : where voice calls cross both networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 1/026 : Supports for loudspeaker casings
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2420/01 : Input selection or mixing for amplifiers or loudspeakers for hearing aids H04R25/43
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2420/07 : Applications of wireless loudspeakers or wireless microphones
• CPC Class Codes: H04R 2430/01 : Aspects of volume control, not necessarily automatic, in sound systems

Abstract

A network-enabled audio device that provides a display device that allows the user to select playlists of music much like a jukebox is disclosed. The user can compose playlists from disk files, CD'"'"'s, Internet streaming audio broadcasts, online music sites, and other audio sources. The user can also select a desired Web broadcast from a list of available Web broadcasts. In addition, the user can play standard audio CD'"'"'s and MP3 encoded CD'"'"'s and have access to local AM/FM stations. Further, the software, the user controls, and the display in the network-enabled audio device are operably configured and connected such that the user can listen to playlists that include CD'"'"'s and other audio sources just as the user would choose a playlist in a jukebox. The user accesses a server site via a PC and the Internet. From the server site, the user obtains a list of the devices in his or her Internet Personal Audio Network (IPAN) and what songs are on those devices. The IPAN includes an IPAN server, an IPAN client, and IPAN software stored on the network-enabled audio device. Thus, the network-enabled audio device provides people who are or are not comfortable with computers a way of taking music from various sources and putting it into one place for listening pleasure. In one embodiment, the Personal Computer (PC) is used to compose the playlists, but the user is able to listen to playlists and other audio sources without using the PC.

Claims

1. An electronic device comprising:

a) a network interface enabling the electronic device to receive an Internet radio broadcast and being further adapted to communicatively couple the electronic device to a central system;

b) a system enabling playback of audio content from a playlist assigned to the electronic device via the central system; and

c) a control system associated with the network interface and the system enabling playback of the audio content indicated by the playlist, and adapted to;

i) enable a user of the electronic device to select a desired mode of operation from a plurality of modes of operation comprising an Internet radio mode of operation and a playlist mode of operation;

ii) receive and play the Internet radio broadcast when the desired mode of operation is the Internet radio mode of operation; and

iii) when the desired mode of operation is the playlist mode of operation;

receive the playlist assigned to the electronic device from the central system, the playlist identifying a plurality of songs, wherein ones of the plurality of songs are not stored on the electronic device;

receive information from the central system enabling the electronic device to obtain the ones of the plurality of songs from at least one remote source;

obtain the ones of the plurality of songs from the at least one remote source; and

play the audio content indicated by the playlist.

2. The electronic device of claim 1 wherein the control system is further adapted to enable playback from a broadcast radio source.

3. The electronic device of claim 1 wherein the control system is further adapted to enable playback from an optical disc.

4. The electronic device of claim 1 further comprising a data storage device, wherein the control system is further adapted to enable playback from the data storage device.

5. The electronic device of claim 1 wherein the control system is further adapted to provide an alarm clock mode.

6. The electronic device of claim 1 wherein the control system is further adapted to:

display a list of Internet radio broadcast stations.

7. The electronic device of claim 1 further comprising a wireless transceiver communicatively coupled to the control system.

8. The electronic device of claim 1 wherein the electronic device is further adapted to receive input from a wireless remote control having a navigation shuttle.

9. The electronic device of claim 1 wherein the control system is further adapted to:

enable the user of the electronic device to receive information on promotional items for the plurality of songs in the playlist.

10. The electronic device of claim 1 further comprising at least one speaker.

11. The electronic device of claim 1 wherein the control system is further adapted to:

a) send a request to a remote server for supplemental information related to a song in real-time while the song is playing;

b) receive the supplemental information from the remote server; and

c) present the supplemental information to the user of the electronic device.

12. The electronic device of claim 11 wherein the supplemental information comprises information enabling the user to listen to samples of a plurality of songs.

13. The electronic device of claim 1 wherein the control system is further adapted to:

receive and display a recommended song.

14. The electronic device of claim 13 wherein the control system is further adapted to:

provide an option to listen to the recommended song.

15. The electronic device of claim 13 wherein the control system is further adapted to:

provide an option to purchase the recommended song.

16. The electronic device of claim 1 wherein playback of the playlist when in the playlist mode of operation is triggered by at least one user settable schedule.

17. The electronic device of claim 16 wherein there are a plurality of user settable schedules.

18. The electronic device of claim 17 wherein at least one of the plurality of user settable schedules is specified by information that comprises a time of day.

19. The electronic device of claim 18 wherein information that specifies the at least one of the plurality of user settable schedules further comprises a day of the week.

20. The electronic device of claim 18 wherein information that specifies the at least one of the plurality of user settable schedules further comprises information that specifies a playlist.

21. An electronic device comprising:

a) a network interface enabling the electronic device to receive an Internet radio broadcast and being further adapted to communicatively couple the electronic device to a central system;

b) a system enabling playback of audio content from a plurality of additional content sources comprising a playlist assigned to the electronic device via the central system; and

c) a control system associated with the network interface and the system enabling playback of the audio content from the plurality of additional content sources, and adapted to;

i) enable a user of the electronic device to select a desired mode of operation from a plurality of modes of operation comprising an Internet radio mode of operation and a plurality of additional modes of operation each corresponding to one of the plurality of additional content sources;

ii) receive and play the Internet radio broadcast when the desired mode of operation is the Internet radio mode of operation; and

iii) play the audio content from one of the plurality of additional content sources when the desired mode of operation is a corresponding one of the plurality of additional modes of operation, where when in a playlist mode of operation, the control system is further adapted to;

receive the playlist assigned to the electronic device from the central system, the playlist identifying a plurality of songs, wherein ones of the plurality of songs are not stored on the electronic device;

receive information from the central system enabling the electronic device to obtain the ones of the plurality of songs from at least one remote source;

obtain the ones of the plurality of songs from the at least one remote source; and

play the audio content indicated by the playlist.

22. The electronic device of claim 21 wherein the plurality of additional content sources further comprises a data storage device of the electronic device.

23. The electronic device of claim 21 wherein the control system is further adapted to provide an alarm clock mode.

24. The electronic device of claim 21 wherein the control system is further adapted to:

display a list of Internet radio broadcast stations.

25. The electronic device of claim 21 further comprising a wireless transceiver communicatively coupled to the control system.

26. The electronic device of claim 21 wherein the electronic device is further adapted to receive input from a wireless remote control having a navigation shuttle.

27. The electronic device of claim 21 wherein the system further enables playback from an optical disc.

28. The electronic device of claim 21 wherein the plurality of additional content sources include a broadcast radio source.

29. The electronic device of claim 21 wherein the plurality of additional content sources include an optical disc source.

30. The electronic device of claim 21 wherein the control system is further adapted to:

enable the user of the electronic device to receive information on promotional items for the plurality of songs in the playlist.

31. The electronic device of claim 21 further comprising at least one speaker.

32. The electronic device of claim 21 wherein the control system is further adapted to:

a) send a request to a remote server for supplemental information related to a song in real-time while the song is playing;

b) receive the supplemental information from the remote server; and

c) present the supplemental information to the user of the electronic device.

33. The electronic device of claim 32 wherein the supplemental information comprises information enabling the user to listen to samples of a plurality of songs.

34. The electronic device of claim 21 wherein the control system is further adapted to:

receive and display a recommended song.

35. The electronic device of claim 34 wherein the control system is further adapted to:

provide an option to listen to the recommended song.

36. The electronic device of claim 34 wherein the control system is further adapted to:

provide an option to purchase the recommended song.

37. The electronic device of claim 21 wherein playback of the playlist when in the playlist mode of operation is triggered by at least one user settable schedule.

38. The electronic device of claim 37 wherein there are a plurality of user settable schedules.

39. The electronic device of claim 38 wherein at least one of the plurality of user settable schedules is specified by information that comprises a time of day.

40. The electronic device of claim 39 wherein information that specifies the at least one of the plurality of user settable schedules further comprises a day of the week.

41. The electronic device of claim 39 wherein information that specifies the at least one of the plurality of user settable schedules further comprises information that specifies a playlist.

42. A method of operation for an electronic device comprising:

a) enabling a user of the electronic device to select a desired mode of operation from a plurality of modes of operation comprising an Internet radio mode of operation and a playlist mode of operation;

b) playing an Internet radio broadcast when the desired mode of operation is the Internet radio mode of operation; and

c) when the desired mode of operation is the playlist mode of operation;

i) receiving a playlist assigned to the electronic device via a central system, the playlist identifying a plurality of songs, wherein ones of the plurality of songs are not stored on the electronic device;

ii) receiving information from the central system enabling the electronic device to obtain the ones of the plurality of songs from at least one remote source;

iii) obtaining the ones of the plurality of songs from the at least one remote source; and

iv) playing audio content indicated by the playlist.

43. The method of claim 42 further comprising:

a) receiving audio content from a broadcast radio source; and

b) playing the audio content from the broadcast radio source.

44. The method of claim 42 further comprising:

a) obtaining audio content from an optical disc; and

b) playing the audio content from the optical disc.

45. The method of claim 42 further comprising:

a) obtaining audio content from a data storage device of the electronic device; and

b) playing the audio content from the data storage device.

46. The method of claim 42 further including enabling the user to set an alarm.

47. The method of claim 42 further comprising displaying a list of Internet radio broadcast stations.

48. The method of claim 42 wherein obtaining the ones of the plurality of songs from the at least one remote source comprises receiving the ones of the plurality of songs from the at least one remote source via a wireless transceiver of the electronic device.

49. The method of claim 42 further comprising:

receiving input from a wireless remote control that enables navigating the playlist.

50. The method of claim 42 further comprising enabling playback from an optical disc.

51. The method of claim 42 further comprising enabling the user of the electronic device to receive information on promotional items for the plurality of songs in the playlist.

52. The method of claim 42 further comprising playing the audio content through at least one speaker.

53. The method of claim 42 further comprising:

a) sending a request to a remote server for supplemental information related to a song in real-time while the song is playing;

b) receiving the supplemental information from the remote server; and

c) presenting the supplemental information to the user of the electronic device.

54. The method of claim 53 wherein the supplemental information comprises information enabling the user to listen to samples of a plurality of songs.

55. The method of claim 42 further comprising receiving and displaying a recommended song.

56. The method of claim 55 further comprising providing an option to listen to the recommended song.

57. The method of claim 55 further comprising providing an option to purchase the recommended song.

58. The method of claim 42 wherein playing the audio content indicated by the playlist when in the playlist mode of operation is triggered by at least one user settable schedule.

59. The method of claim 58 wherein there are a plurality of user settable schedules.

60. The method of claim 59 wherein at least one of the plurality of user settable schedules is specified by information that comprises a time of day.

61. The method of claim 60 wherein information that specifies the at least one of the plurality of user settable schedules further comprises a day of the week.

62. The method of claim 60 wherein information that specifies the at least one of the plurality of user settable schedules further comprises information that specifies a playlist.

63. An electronic device comprising:

a) a wireless transceiver communicatively coupling the electronic device to a base station, the wireless transceiver enabling the electronic device to receive an Internet radio broadcast and communicate with a central system;

b) a system enabling playback of audio content indicated by a playlist assigned to the electronic device via the central system;

c) a control system associated with the wireless transceiver and the system enabling playback of the audio content indicated by the playlist and adapted to;

i) enable a user of the electronic device to select a desired mode of operation from a plurality of modes of operation comprising an Internet radio mode of operation and a playlist mode of operation;

ii) receive and play the Internet radio broadcast when the desired mode of operation is the Internet radio mode of operation; and

iii) when the desired mode of operation is the playlist mode of operation;

receive the playlist assigned to the electronic device from the central system, the playlist identifying a plurality of songs, wherein ones of the plurality of songs are not stored on the electronic device;

receive information from the central system enabling the electronic device to obtain the ones of the plurality of songs from at least one remote source;

obtain the ones of the plurality of songs from the at least one remote source; and

play the audio content indicated by the playlist.

64. The electronic device of claim 63 wherein the control system is further adapted to provide an alarm clock mode.