Method and device for obtaining playlist content over a network

• US 8,792,850 B2
• Filed: 10/21/2011
• Issued: 07/29/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 01/22/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Golden IP LLC (IP Edge LLC)
• Original Assignee: Black Hills Media, LLC (Concert Technology Corporation)
• Inventors: Qureshey, Safi, Sheppard, Daniel D.
• Primary Examiner(s): TRAN, PABLO N
• Application Number:
  US13/278,884
• Publication Number:
  US 20120143729A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,012 Days
• Field of Search: 455/344, 455/185.1, 455/186.1, 455/188.1, 455/3.02, 455/3.06, 455/142, 455/414.1, 455/414.3, 455/66.1, 455/556.1, 455/557, 455/558, 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
• 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.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

receiving, at an electronic device, a playlist assigned to the electronic device, the playlist identifying a plurality of songs, wherein ones of the plurality of songs are not stored on the electronic device;

receiving, at the electronic device, information enabling the electronic device to request the ones of the plurality of songs from at least one remote source; and

obtaining the ones of the plurality of songs from the at least one remote source.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein obtaining the ones of the plurality of songs comprises:

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

receiving the ones of the plurality of songs from the at least one remote source.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one remote source is a central server, and obtaining the ones of the plurality of songs comprises:

providing a request for the ones of the plurality of songs to the central server; and

receiving the ones of the plurality of songs from the central server.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one remote source comprises at least one other electronic device, and obtaining the ones of the plurality of songs comprises:

determining whether the electronic device is unable to connect to the at least one other electronic device to obtain the ones of the plurality of songs;

if the electronic device is unable to connect to the at least one other electronic device;

providing a request for the ones of the plurality of songs to a central server; and

receiving the ones of the plurality of songs from the central server.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one remote source comprises at least one web site, and obtaining the ones of the plurality of songs comprises:

requesting the ones of the plurality of songs from the at least one web site; and

receiving the ones of the plurality of songs from the at least one web site.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one remote source is a personal audio network server from which the ones of the plurality of songs had previously been obtained, and obtaining the ones of the plurality of songs comprises:

receiving the playlist assigned to the electronic device comprises receiving the playlist from the personal audio network server; and

receiving the information comprises receiving information from the personal audio network server enabling the electronic device to obtain the ones of the plurality of songs from the at least one remote source.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of songs in the playlist are randomly played.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the received playlist is a randomized playlist.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the playlist is capable of continuous play.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic device receives information on merchandise.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic device receives and displays in a menu information on merchandise.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the merchandise is associated with an artist whose song is playing.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the electronic device receives and displays information on at least one other song by the artist whose song is playing.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic device receives and displays information on at least one other song by an artist whose song is playing and accesses the at least one other song by the artist.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic device receives and displays information on a song that is from a genre similar to that of a song that is playing.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic device receives and displays information on a song that is from a genre similar to that of one of the plurality of songs in the playlist.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic device receives information regarding samples from an artist of at least one song in the playlist.

18. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the playlist assigned to the electronic device comprises:

enabling the electronic device to communicate with a personal audio network server to assign the playlist to the electronic device.

19. A method comprising:

receiving an assignment of a playlist at an electronic device, the playlist identifying a plurality of songs;

identifying, by the electronic device, ones of the plurality of songs in the playlist that are not stored on the electronic device;

receiving the playlist at the electronic device;

receiving information at the electronic device enabling the electronic device to request the ones of the plurality of songs that are not stored on the electronic device from at least one remote source;

continuously playing songs from the playlist; and

receiving and displaying information on a song that is from a genre similar to that of one of the plurality of songs in the playlist.

20. A method comprising:

receiving, at an electronic device, a playlist assigned to the electronic device, the playlist identifying a plurality of songs, wherein ones of the plurality of songs are not stored on the electronic device;

receiving, at the electronic device, information enabling the electronic device to request the ones of the plurality of songs from at least one remote source;

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

continuously playing songs from the playlist;

receive and display information on merchandise offered associated with a song in the playlist; and

receive and display information on a song that is from a genre similar to that of at least one of the plurality of songs in the playlist.

21. A method comprising:

receiving an assignment of a playlist at an electronic device, the playlist identifying a plurality of songs;

identifying, by the electronic device, ones of the plurality of songs in the playlist that are not stored on the electronic device;

receiving the playlist at the electronic device; and

receiving information at the electronic device enabling the electronic device to obtain the ones of the plurality of songs that are not stored on the electronic device from at least one remote source.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein receiving the information at the electronic device comprises:

receiving information at the electronic device enabling the electronic device to obtain the ones of the plurality of songs from at least one other first electronic device.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising:

sending, by the electronic device, a request to the at least one other first electronic device for the ones of the plurality of songs;

when the electronic device is unable to connect to the at least one other first electronic device to obtain the ones of the plurality of songs; and

receive the ones of the plurality of songs at the electronic device from at least one other second electronic device.

24. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing software for instructing a controller of an electronic device to:

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

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

25. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 24, wherein the software further instructs the controller to:

play the plurality of songs in the playlist in random order.

26. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 24, wherein the playlist is a randomized playlist.

27. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 24, wherein the playlist is capable of being played continuously.

28. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 24, wherein the software further instructs the controller to:

receive information on merchandise.

29. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 24, wherein the software further instructs the controller to:

display information on merchandise.

30. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 29, wherein the merchandise is associated with an artist whose song is playing.

31. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 24, wherein the software further instructs the controller to:

receive information on at least one other song by an artist whose song is playing.

32. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 24, wherein the software further instructs the controller to:

receive information on at least one other song by an artist whose song is playing and access the at least one other song by the artist.

33. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 24, wherein the software further instructs the controller to:

receive information on at least one song that is from a same genre of a song that is currently being played.

35. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 24, wherein the software further instructs the controller to:

receive information on samples from an artist of at least one song in the playlist.

34. The non-transitory computer readable medium of 24, wherein the software further instructs the controller to:

receive and display information on a song that is from a genre similar to that of at least one song in the playlist.

36. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing software for instructing a controller of an electronic device to:

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

receive information enabling the electronic device to request 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;

continuously play songs from the playlist;

receive and display information on merchandise associated with a song in the playlist; and

receive and display information on a song that is from a same genre as that of at least one of the plurality of songs in the playlist.

37. A method comprising:

receiving an assignment of a playlist at an electronic device, the playlist identifying a plurality of songs;

identifying, by the electronic device, ones of the plurality of songs in the playlist that are not stored on the electronic device;

receiving the playlist at the electronic device;

receiving information at the electronic device enabling the electronic device to request the ones of the plurality of songs that are not stored on the electronic device from at least one remote source;

continuously playing songs from the playlist; and

receive and display a plurality of artists that are similar to an artist of a song currently playing.

38. A method comprising:

receiving an assignment of a playlist at an electronic device, the playlist identifying a plurality of songs;

the electronic device identifying ones of the plurality of songs in the playlist that are not stored on the electronic device;

receiving the playlist at the electronic device;

receiving information at the electronic device enabling the electronic device to request the ones of the plurality of songs that are not stored on the electronic device from at least one remote source;

continuously playing songs from the playlist;

receiving and displaying information on merchandise offered associated with a song in the playlist; and

receiving and displaying information on a song that is from a similar genre of one of the plurality of songs in the playlist.

39. An electronic device comprising:

a memory; and

a central processing unit connected to the memory and configured to;

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

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

40. The electronic device of claim 39, wherein the at least one remote source comprises at least one electronic device.

41. The electronic device of claim 39, wherein the at least one remote source comprises a web site.

42. The electronic device of claim 39, wherein the at least one remote source comprises a central server.

43. The electronic device of claim 39, further comprising:

at least one speaker to play at least one of the plurality of songs.

44. The electronic device of claim 39, wherein the central processing unit is further configured to:

determine whether the electronic device is unable to connect to at least one other electronic device;

obtain the ones of the plurality of songs if the electronic device is unable to connect to the at least one other electronic device by providing a request for the ones of the plurality of songs to a central server; and

receive the ones of the plurality of songs from the central server.

45. The electronic device of claim 39, wherein the at least one remote source is a web site from which the ones of the plurality of songs had previously been obtained and wherein the central processing unit is further configured to:

request the ones of the plurality of songs from the web site; and

receive the ones of the plurality of songs from the web site.

46. The electronic device of claim 39, wherein the central processing unit is further configured to:

receive information from a personal audio network server enabling the electronic device to obtain the ones of the plurality of songs from the at least one remote source.

47. The electronic device of claim 39, wherein the plurality of songs in the playlist are capable of being randomly played.

48. The electronic device of claim 39, wherein the playlist as received is randomized.

49. The electronic device of claim 39, wherein the plurality of songs in the playlist are capable of being continuously played.

50. The electronic device of claim 39, wherein the central processing unit is further configured to:

receive and display merchandise information.

51. The electronic device of claim 39, wherein the central processing unit is further configured to:

receive and display merchandise information for an artist associated with at least one song in the playlist.

52. The electronic device of claim 39, wherein the central processing unit is further configured to:

receive and display merchandise for an artist associated with a song that is currently playing.

53. The electronic device of claim 39, wherein the central processing unit is further configured to:

receive and display information on other songs by an artist whose song is playing.

54. The electronic device of claim 39, wherein the central processing unit is further configured to:

receive and display information on other songs by an artist whose song is playing and access at least one of the other songs by the artist.

55. The electronic device of claim 39, wherein the central processing unit is further configured to:

receive information on a song that is from a genre similar to that of a song that is currently being played.

56. The electronic device of claim 39, wherein the central processing unit is further configured to:

receive and display information on at least one song that is from a same genre as that of a song in the playlist.

57. The electronic device of claim 39, wherein the central processing unit is further configured to:

receive information on samples from an artist in the playlist.

58. An electronic device comprising:

a memory; and

a central processing unit connected to the memory and configured to;

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

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

continuously play songs from the playlist; and

receive and display a plurality of artists that are similar to an artist of a song currently playing.

59. An electronic device comprising:

a memory;

a central processing unit connected to the memory and configured to;

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

receive information enabling the electronic device to request 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;

continuously play songs from the playlist;

receive and display information on merchandise associated with a song in the playlist; and

receive and display information on a song that is from a genre similar to that of one of the plurality of songs in the playlist.

60. An electronic device comprising:

a memory; and

a central processing unit connected to the memory and configured to;

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

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

continuously play songs from the playlist;

receive and display information on merchandise associated with a song in the playlist; and

receive and display a plurality of artists that are similar to an artist of a song currently playing.

61. A method comprising:

receiving, at an electronic device, a playlist assigned to the electronic device, the playlist identifying a plurality of songs, wherein ones of the plurality of songs are not stored on the electronic device; and

obtaining the ones of the plurality of songs from at least one remote source.

62. A method comprising:

receiving an assignment of a playlist at an electronic device, the playlist identifying a plurality of songs;

identifying, by the electronic device, ones of the plurality of songs in the playlist that are not stored on the electronic device; and

obtaining, by the electronic device, the ones of the plurality of songs from at least one remote source.