Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/311,690 filed Jun. 23, 2014, entitled METHOD, DEVICE, AND SYSTEM FOR DIRECTING A WIRELESS SPEAKER FROM A MOBILE PHONE TO RECEIVE AND RENDER A PLAYLIST FROM A CONTENT SERVER ON THE INTERNET, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/207,113, filed on Aug. 10, 2011, entitled “METHOD, SYSTEM, AND COMPUTER-READABLE MEDIUM FOR EMPLOYING A FIRST DEVICE TO DIRECT A NETWORKED AUDIO DEVICE TO RENDER A PLAYLIST,” which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/840,109, filed May 5, 2004, entitled “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR EMPLOYING A FIRST DEVICE TO DIRECT A NETWORKED AUDIO DEVICE TO OBTAIN A MEDIA ITEM,” now U.S. Pat. No. 8,028,323, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to a method and system for playing music. The present invention relates more particularly to a digital entertainment network wherein playlists are obtained by communicating attributes of the playlists to a playlist server and wherein songs are obtained by communicating information representative of the songs to a content server. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Traditionally, music has been provided to listeners by either a broadcast method or a purchase method. According to the broadcast method, music is broadcast to listeners by such means as radio and cable systems. The owners of the music are typically compensated by the broadcaster via either the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) or Broadcast Music Incorporated (BMI). These two agencies monitor the playing of music by broadcasters, collect royalties from the broadcasters, and distribute the royalties to the copyright owners of the music. 
         [0004]    However, according to the broadcast method the listener has little or no control over which selections are played. Generally, a listener must tune in to a radio station or select a cable channel that plays the type of music that the listener enjoys with the expectation that songs that the listener enjoys will occasionally be played. Too frequently, these songs are not played as often as the listener would prefer. 
         [0005]    According to the purchase method, a listener purchases prerecorded music stored on media such as compact discs (CDs). The listener may then play the songs as many times as desired. Copyright owners are paid royalties out of the purchase price of the music. 
         [0006]    However, the purchase method requires that a substantial price be paid for the music, at least in part because of the virtually unlimited use associated therewith. Listeners appear to be becoming less willing to pay the purchase price for such prerecorded music, particularly as alternative methods for obtaining music become more popular. 
         [0007]    The purchase method suffers from the additional disadvantage of requiring that media containing the desired songs be utilized. Such media is somewhat bulky, particularly when a large number of selections are desired. In some instances, it may not be practical to carry all of the songs desired because of the volume and/or weight of the media required. Such media is also undesirably subject to degradation due to use and mishandling. For example, scratches on a CD may inhibit its use. 
         [0008]    A newer method of providing music to listeners is becoming increasingly popular. It is this method of providing music that is apparently making listeners less willing to pay the purchase price for music that is prerecorded on media. According to this newer method of providing music, the music is downloaded from the Internet or otherwise obtained (such as by trading with friends), as a data file. One popular example of such a data file is an MP3 file. MP3 is short for Moving Picture Experts Group 1, audio layer 3. 
         [0009]    Although music embodied in data files can be obtained legitimately, such as via such services like iTunes (a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.), the opportunity to download or trade music data files for free has heretofore hampered this legitimate method of obtaining music. 
         [0010]    As such, although the prior art has recognized, to a limited extent, the problem of distributing music, the proposed solutions have, to date, been ineffective in providing a satisfactory remedy. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a method for distributing music that is convenient, does not involve the use of media, and which provides for the payment of royalties. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0011]    While the apparatus has or will be described for the sake of grammatical fluidity with functional explanations, it is to be expressly understood that the claims, unless expressly formulated under 35 USC 112, are not to be construed as necessarily limited in any way by the construction of “means” or “steps” limitations, but are to be accorded the full scope of the meaning and equivalents of the definition provided by the claims under the judicial doctrine of equivalents, and in the case where the claims are expressly formulated under 35 USC 112 are to be accorded full statutory equivalents under 35 USC 112. 
         [0012]    The subject matter described herein specifically addresses and alleviates the above mentioned deficiencies associated with the prior art. More particularly, according to one aspect the claimed subject matter comprises a standalone speaker device comprising a network transceiver facilitating communication between the standalone speaker device and a touchscreen cellular phone over a WIFI network. The standalone speaker device is not directly coupled to a stereo, a television, or a computer and is not one of a stereo, television, and computer. The standalone speaker device is operable to provide to the touchscreen cellular phone a device identifier that identifies the standalone speaker device. The standalone speaker is further operable to receive from the touchscreen cellular phone a playlist received from a server over an Internet connection, the playlist comprising a plurality of audio item indicators, each audio item indicator indicating an audio item, the audio item indicators arranged in a predetermined sequence for audio items indicated by the audio item indicators to be played in the predetermined sequence; The standalone speaker is further operable to send to the server, over the Internet, an audio item indicator. The standalone speaker is further operable to receive from the server, over the Internet, without user input at the standalone speaker device, an audio item indicated by the audio item indicator. The standalone speaker is further operable to render, by the standalone speaker device, without user input at the standalone speaker device, the audio item from the server. The standalone speaker device, the touchscreen cellular phone, and the server are all separate devices, 
         [0013]    According to one aspect, the standalone speaker device is operable to join the Wi-Fi network, broadcast wirelessly the standalone speaker device identifier on the WIFI network, and discover at least one other wireless standalone speaker device on the WIFI network. 
         [0014]    According to another aspect, the server further comprises a playlist server and a content server, and wherein the playlist server and the content server are separate devices, and wherein the standalone speaker device is further operable to stream the audio item, download the audio item, and/or cache the audio item. 
         [0015]    In one embodiment, in order to render the audio item from the server the standalone speaker device is further operable to receive, from the touchscreen cellular phone, a control message directing the standalone speaker device to alter one of a volume parameter, a tone parameter, and a balance parameter of the standalone speaker device 
         [0016]    According to another embodiment, a system is provided that comprises a standalone speaker device, a touchscreen cellular phone, and a server. The standalone speaker device comprises a first network transceiver facilitating communication between the standalone speaker device and a touchscreen cellular phone over a WIFI network. The standalone speaker device is operable to provide to the touchscreen cellular phone a device identifier that identifies the standalone speaker device. The standalone speaker device is further operable to receive from the touchscreen cellular phone a playlist, the playlist comprising a plurality of audio item indicators, each audio item indicator indicating an audio item, the audio item indicators arranged in a predetermined sequence for audio items indicated by the audio item indicators to be played in the predetermined sequence. The standalone speaker device is further operable to send to the touchscreen cellular phone an audio item indicator and receive, from the touchscreen cellular phone, without user input at the standalone speaker device, an audio item indicated by the audio item indicator of the plurality of audio item indicators. The standalone speaker device is further operable to render, by the standalone speaker device, without user input at the standalone speaker device, the audio item. The standalone speaker device is not directly connected to one of a stereo, television, and computer and is not one of a stereo, television, and computer. 
         [0017]    The touchscreen cellular phone comprises a second network transceiver facilitating communication between the standalone speaker device and the touchscreen cellular phone over the WIFI network, the touchscreen cellular phone and a server over the Internet. The touchscreen cellular phone is operable to receive from the standalone speaker device a device identifier that identifies the standalone speaker device and send to the standalone speaker device the playlist. The touchscreen cellular phone is further operable to receive from the standalone speaker device an audio item indicator and receive from the server the audio item indicated by the audio item indicator; The touchscreen cellular phone is further operable to send to the standalone speaker device the audio item indicated by the audio item indicator and render, at the touchscreen cellular phone, the audio item indicated by the audio item indicator. 
         [0018]    The server comprises a third network transceiver facilitating communication between the touchscreen cellular phone and the server over the Internet. The server is operable to receive from the touchscreen cellular phone a playlist attribute. The server is further operable to send to the touchscreen cellular phone the playlist indicated by the playlist attribute and receive from the touchscreen cellular phone the audio item indicator. The server is further operable to send to the touchscreen cellular phone the audio item indicated by the audio item indicator 
         [0019]    According to one aspect, the server is further operable to facilitate audio item browsing for ones of a plurality of devices, wherein the touchscreen cellular phone is one of the plurality of devices, facilitate audio item searching for ones of the plurality of devices, facilitate playlist browsing for ones of the plurality of devices, and facilitate playlist searching for ones of the plurality of devices 
         [0020]    According to another embodiment, a system is provided that comprises a standalone speaker device, a touchscreen cellular phone, and a server. The standalone speaker device comprises a first network transceiver facilitating communication between the standalone speaker device and a touchscreen cellular phone over a WIFI network. The standalone speaker device is operable to provide to the touchscreen cellular phone a device identifier that identifies the standalone speaker device. The standalone speaker device is further operable to receive from the touchscreen cellular phone a playlist, the playlist comprising a plurality of audio item indicators, each audio item indicator indicating an audio item, the audio item indicators arranged in a predetermined sequence for audio items indicated by the audio item indicators to be played in the predetermined sequence. The standalone speaker device is further operable to send to a server an audio item indicator and receive, from the server, without user input at the standalone speaker device, an audio item indicated by the audio item indicator of the plurality of audio item indicators. The standalone speaker device is further operable to render, by the standalone speaker device, without user input at the standalone speaker device, the audio item. The standalone speaker device is not directly connected to one of a stereo, television, and computer and is not one of a stereo, television, and computer 
         [0021]    The touchscreen cellular phone comprises a second network transceiver facilitating communication between the standalone speaker device and the touchscreen cellular phone over the WIFI network, the touchscreen cellular phone and a server over the Internet. The touchscreen cellular phone is operable to: receive from the standalone speaker device a device identifier that identifies the standalone speaker device and send to the standalone speaker device the playlist. 
         [0022]    The server comprises a third network transceiver facilitating communication between the touchscreen cellular phone and the server over the Internet. The server is operable to receive from the touchscreen cellular phone a playlist attribute and send to the touchscreen cellular phone the playlist indicated by the playlist attribute. The server is further operable to receive from the standalone speaker device the audio item indicator; and send to the standalone speaker device the audio item indicated by the audio item indicator. 
         [0023]    In one embodiment, the server is further operable to receive from the plurality of devices a plurality of requests to join a sharing service, facilitate construction of a buddy list for ones of the plurality of devices, and facilitate chat messaging between ones of the plurality of devices and other ones of the plurality of devices. 
         [0024]    In one embodiment, the server is further operable to receive real-time activity information from ones of ones of the plurality of devices and send the real-time activity information to other ones of the plurality of devices, wherein the real-time activity information reflects audio items rendered at the standalone speaker device 
         [0025]    As used herein, the term network transceiver includes any circuit or device that facilitates communication via a network. Examples of network transceivers include Ethernet network interface cards (NICs) and circuits, as well as Bluetooth and WiFi cards and circuits. 
         [0026]    These, as well as other advantages of the present invention, will be more apparent from the following description and drawings. It is understood that changes in the specific structure shown and described may be made within the scope of the claims, without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0027]    The invention and its various embodiments can now be better understood by turning to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments which are presented as illustrated examples of the invention defined in the claims. It is expressly understood that the invention as defined by the claims may be broader than the illustrated embodiments described below. 
           [0028]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of the digital entertainment system of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing further detail of an exemplary first device or remote control of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 3  is a flow chart showing one way of operating a digital entertainment system of the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 4  is a flow chart showing another way of operating a digital entertainment system of the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 5  is a flow chart showing operation of a discovery process wherein devices of the present invention recognize one another; 
           [0033]      FIG. 6  is a block diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of the digital entertainment network of the present invention, wherein a set-top box has a removable remote control disposed within a cradle thereof; 
           [0034]      FIG. 7  is a block diagram showing the digital entertainment network of  FIG. 6 , wherein the set-top box has the removable remote control disposed out of the cradle thereof; and 
           [0035]      FIG. 8  is a block diagram showing the discovery process for both a local device and a remote device. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0036]    Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiment has been set forth only for the purposes of example and that it should not be taken as limiting the invention as defined by the following claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the invention includes other combinations of fewer, more or different elements, which are disclosed herein even when not initially claimed in such combinations. 
         [0037]    The words used in this specification to describe the invention and its various embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in this specification structure, material or acts beyond the scope of the commonly defined meanings. Thus if an element can be understood in the context of this specification as including more than one meaning, then its use in a claim must be understood as being generic to all possible meanings supported by the specification and by the word itself. 
         [0038]    The definitions of the words or elements of the following claims therefore include not only the combination of elements which are literally set forth, but all equivalent structure, material or acts for performing substantially the same function in substantially the same way to obtain substantially the same result. In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element may be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination. 
         [0039]    Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements. 
         [0040]    The claims are thus to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptionally equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and also what essentially incorporates the essential idea of the invention. 
         [0041]    Thus, the detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit of the invention. 
         [0042]    The digital entertainment network of the present invention is preferably a fully integrated plug and play technology platform that delivers secure anytime, anywhere, on-demand multimedia content for digital home systems. 
         [0043]    The digital entertainment network provides efficient and ubiquitous wireless and web-enabled control over digital home systems by enabling users to access and manage music content using a variety of control devices and by delivering such content to a wide variety of different rendering devices. 
         [0044]    On-demand delivery of content, such as streaming music, is provided utilizing such user-friendly features such as customized playlists, collaboration, music management tools, and search capability. 
         [0045]    The present invention preferably provides a plug and play control point that has the software intelligence that forms the basis for a truly integrated entertainment network system. This control point architecture delivers the ability to unify content, such as music or other types of multimedia content, with control applications that enable system users to access content from a variety of different remote control devices and deliver such content to a variety of rendering devices. 
         [0046]    For example, the control point enables a digital entertainment network user to utilize a PDA or other device to browse for music on the Internet, then select and play a song on an MP3 player or the like, or even on stand-alone audio speakers. In another embodiment, the control point allows a user to choose a song via a set-top device, then play that music on a television, stereo system, or the like. 
         [0047]    Preferably, the present invention comprises a web services based component that provides users with on-demand music streamed to a variety of devices, such as MP3 players, set-top boxes and home stereo systems. Thus, according to one aspect, the present invention is a web-based content and music management system that offers users a number of desirable features via a web browser. 
         [0048]    These features preferably include web-based music catalog browsing via jukebox interface, search capability (to find artists and specific selections), the use of standard playlists, the use of custom playlists (created by each user), the ability to select different devices on which to play songs, the ability to view a user&#39;s activity over a given time period or in real-time with the activity streamer, collaboration, the ability to find buddies with the same music preferences you have in your playlists, the ability to share playlists with buddies, the ability to view buddies&#39; activity based on various time periods, instant messaging for chatting among users, and the use of a set top box to facilitate the use of playlists and the streaming of content. 
         [0049]    According to one aspect, the digital entertainment network of the present invention comprises a set-top box that provides users with on-demand music streamed to a variety of devices. The set-top box is a web-based content and music management system that offers users a list of features including the need for little or no setup (plug into Ethernet and video out, audio out), content catalog browsing, search capability (to find artists and specific selections), the use of standard playlists, the use of custom playlists (created by each user), the ability to select different devices on which to play songs, the ability to view your activity over a given time period or in real-time with the activity streamer, collaboration, the ability to find buddies with the same music preferences you have in your playlists, the ability to share playlists with buddies, the ability to view buddies&#39; activity based on various time periods, and instant messaging for chatting among users. 
         [0050]    The digital entertainment network of the present invention comprises control devices that allow users to communicate with the control point and give commands to render music/multimedia content on various different rendering devices. Examples of control devices include the personal digital assistant (PDAs) and set-top boxes. 
         [0051]    According to one aspect of the present invention, a PDA based control application allows users to roam the house and play music content that is accessed via the PDA and is available via an Internet based service. According to one aspect, the content is played via set-top boxes, i.e., rendering devices, which may be located throughout the home. 
         [0052]    The digital entertainment network also includes rendering devices that receive instructions from the control point and thereby render music/multimedia content. Rendering device examples include the set-top devices, home stereo systems and televisions. A variety of different types of rendering devices are possible. Audio content, such as music, may be rendered on audio rendering devices such as speakers, a stereo, and a television. Similarly, audio/video content, such as movies and television shows, may be rendered on televisions, stand alone monitors, and computer monitors. Indeed, either audio or audio/video content may be rendered on a variety of other types of devices, such as cellular telephones, PDAs, and laptop computers. 
         [0053]    According to one aspect of the present invention, a set-top device is a key rendering device that plays music content on other rendering devices, such as televisions and stereo systems, throughout the home. 
         [0054]    The digital entertainment network of the present invention optionally comprises a billing application for handling the financial transaction activities associated with streaming content payment and usage. The billing application preferably performs functions such as transaction and usage logging for billing processing, automated billing of customers, automated notification of the inability to charge a credit card on file (exception handling), and automated calculation and wire transfer of funds to content providers. 
         [0055]    The present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-8 , which depict presently preferred embodiments thereof. 
         [0056]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a playlist server/content server  10  that is in communication with a network, preferably a wide area network such as the Internet  11 . Also in communication with the network are a first device  13  and a second device  14 , which are both typically located within a common structure, such as a home or office  12 . The first device  13  generally assumes the function of the control point, although the second device  14  may have this functionality, as well. 
         [0057]    The playlist server/content server  10  may be a single server. Alternatively, the playlist server and the content server may be two separate servers. Indeed, the playlist server may comprise a plurality of separate servers and/or the content server may similarly comprise a plurality of different servers. 
         [0058]    The playlist server/content server is in bi-directional communication with the Internet  11 , as indicated by arrow  19 . The first device  13  is in bi-directional communication with the Internet  11 , as indicated by arrow  16 . The second device  14  is in bi-directional communication with the Internet  11 , as indicated by arrow  17 . 
         [0059]    The first device is in communication with the second device, as indicated by arrow  18 . The first device may be in either unidirectional or bi-directional communication with the second device  14 . 
         [0060]    The first device  13  may comprise any of a plurality of different types of devices. For example, the first device  13  may comprise a handheld portable device such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), a palmtop computer, an MP3 player, a telephone, or a remote control for a music rendering device. The first device may alternatively comprise a non-portable device, such as a desktop computer, a television, or a stereo. 
         [0061]    The second device  14  may comprise the same type of device as the first device  14  or may alternatively comprise a different type of device with respect thereto. Thus, the first and second devices may comprise portable devices, non-portable devices, or any combination thereof. 
         [0062]    The second device may also comprise one or more smart speakers. As defined herein, standalone smart speakers are speakers that are not connected to a device such as a stereo, television, or computer. Smart speakers are typically in communication with a network and can thus receive content therefrom. Typically, smart speakers comprise dedicated signal conditioning circuitry such as audio amplifiers. 
         [0063]    According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first device  13  comprises a remote control for the second device  14 . Thus, the second device may comprise a music rendering device such as a stereo, a television, or a home computer and the first device may comprise a handheld remote control therefor. 
         [0064]    Any desired number of first and second devices may be provided according to the present invention. For example, the first device may comprise a remote control that controls a plurality of second devices, such as a television, a DVD player, and a stereo system. 
         [0065]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the first device  13  may comprise a handheld portable device that comprises a display  22 , a keypad  23 , and a network transceiver  24 . The display  22  facilitates viewing and selection of playlist names, as well as viewing and selection of songs within a playlist, as discussed in detail below. The keypad  23  facilitates selection of playlist names and selection of songs, as also discussed in detail below. 
         [0066]    The display  22  may optionally comprise a touchscreen display and the keypad may optionally be omitted. In this instance, all selection may be performed via the touchscreen display. 
         [0067]    The network transceiver  24  preferably comprises a wireless network transceiver, such network transceiver conforming to the Bluetooth (a trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.) standard and/or conforming to the WiFi (a trademark of the WiFi Alliance) standard. 
         [0068]    The device shown in  FIG. 2  may also be the second device  14  according to one aspect of the present invention. However, for explanatory purposes it may sometimes be beneficial to think of the first device as a small handheld portable device such as a PDA or dedicated remote control that can function to control the second device and it may similarly sometimes be beneficial to think of the second device as a larger music rendering device such as a stereo, television, or personal computer. Of course, such embodiments of the present invention are by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. 
         [0069]    Having described the general structures of the present invention, the general operation thereof will next be described with reference to  FIGS. 3 and 4 . In operation, the digital entertainment network of the present invention provides convenient access to a very large database of music without requiring that the music be stored and kept by the listener on media such as CDs This convenient access is provided by maintaining the database of music at a remote location, i.e., in an Internet based content server  10 . 
         [0070]    That is, the present invention generally does not attempt to store songs within the music rendering devices themselves, but rather generally downloads songs via a network, as needed. Such operation simplifies the construction and operation of the music rendering devices by eliminating the need for large storage capacities. The elimination of the need for large storage capacities results in a cost savings for manufacturing and purchasing the music rendering devices. 
         [0071]    Downloading the music on an as-needed basis provides access to a very large database of songs that contains many more selections than can be stored on contemporary music rendering devices. Downloading the music on an as-needed basis also facilitates the payment of royalties to the music owners in a manner that is fair to both listeners and music owners. 
         [0072]    One exception to downloading of music on an as-needed basis according to the present invention is optionally the use of caching. Songs that are played repeatedly may be cached, so as to mitigate the need for a network connection and thus mitigate the need for the bandwidth associated therewith. The playing of cached songs can be reported via the network and royalties paid as though the song had been downloaded strictly on an as-needed basis. 
         [0073]    Preferably, the present invention comprises a first device that may operate in two different ways. According to a first way of operation, as shown in  FIG. 3  and discussed in detail below, a listener selects a song to be played from a playlist on the first device and the song is then played on the first device. According to a second way of operation, as shown in  FIG. 4  and discussed in detail below, a listener selects a song to be played from a playlist on the first device and the song is then played on another device, e.g., a second device. 
         [0074]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the first way of operation of the first device is illustrated. A list of playlists is displayed on the first device as shown in block  31 . The list of playlist is a list of playlist names, numbers, or other indicia indicative of individual playlists. For example, the list of playlists may include graphic symbols or icons in addition to or in place of other indicia. As used herein, the term playlist name includes any indicia that are uniquely representative of a playlist. 
         [0075]    Each item on the list of playlists is representative of a particular playlist. Each playlist may come from any one of a variety of sources. For example, a playlist may be compiled by a user, a playlist may be obtained from someone else, or a playlist may be formed by a computer using an algorithm that attempts to identify songs that will suit the tastes of the listener. 
         [0076]    The playlists are stored on a playlist server and are downloaded to the first device and the second device as requested by the listener. As mentioned above, the playlist server may be the same server as the content server. 
         [0077]    Optionally, playlists as well as songs may be cached on the first device and/or the second device. 
         [0078]    The list of playlists may be displayed upon the display  22  of the first device or may be displayed in any other desired manner. For example, the list of playlists may be displayed on the monitor of another device. 
         [0079]    One of the displayed playlists is selected by the listener as shown in block  32 . The selected playlist is a playlist that is expected to contain one or more songs that the listener would like to listen to. For example, the displayed list of playlists may contain a playlist named rock favorites, a playlist named country favorites, and a playlist named classical favorites. If the listener wants to listen to classical music that is on the playlist named classical favorites, the playlist named classical favorites is selected. 
         [0080]    The desired playlist may be selected by using a touchscreen display of the first device  13 , may be selected using the keypad  23 , or may be selected by any other desired means. 
         [0081]    At least one attribute of the selected playlist is sent from the first device to a playlist server as shown in block  33 . The attribute(s) may comprise, for example, the name of a playlist, the number of a playlist, and/or any other unique identifier of a playlist. 
         [0082]    Alternatively, the attribute(s) may comprise one or more parameters that are indicative of the type of music that the listener would like to hear. For example, the attribute(s) may comprise a code that indicates that a list of the top ten country hits for the week that is to be returned. The user may preferably compile sets of such parameters so as to facilitate the retrieval of custom, up to date playlists from the playlist server. Such parameters may be compiled directly on the first device or on any other device, such as a personal computer. 
         [0083]    A playlist that corresponds to the attribute(s) is sent from the playlist server and is received by the first device as shown in block  34 . This playlist is a list of songs containing at least one song that the listener would like to hear. 
         [0084]    The listener selects at least one song from the received playlist, as shown in block  35 . Either a single song may be selected, or a plurality of songs may be selected. The song(s) may be selected by using a touchscreen display of the first device  13 , may be selected using the keypad, or may be selected by any other desired means. 
         [0085]    Information representative of the selected song(s) is sent to a content server  10 . The information may comprise the name(s) of the songs, the number(s) of the songs, or any other unique identifier thereof. 
         [0086]    The selected song(s) are communicated from the content server  10  to the first device  13  via the Internet  11  as shown in block  37 . The format of the selected songs may be MP3, WAV, or any other desired format. 
         [0087]    The selected songs are played by the first device  13  as shown in block  38 . The selected songs may be played in the order selected, in random order, or in any other desired order. The order can preferably be changed at any time. 
         [0088]    The songs may be played via one or more speakers that are part of the first device  13 , by one or more speakers that are in communication with the first device  13  (such as via a wired or wireless connection), by headphones, by earphones, or by any other desired means. 
         [0089]    The volume, tone, and balance of the songs is preferably adjustable via the first device  13 , such as via the display  22  and/or keypad  23  thereof. 
         [0090]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , the second way of operation of the first device is illustrated. According to this second way of operation, a list of playlists is displayed as shown in block  41 , one of the playlists is selected as shown in block  42 , at least one attribute is sent to the playlist server as shown in block  43 , and a playlist is received as shown in block  44 , all in the same fashion as in the first way of operation discussed above. 
         [0091]    According to the second way of operation, the song is played on a device other than the first device  13 . Thus, a second device  14  typically must be selected as shown in block  45 . A particular second device may be selected from a list of second devices that is displayed on the first device  13 . For example, a listener&#39;s desktop computer may be selected from a list having the desktop computer, a television, and a stereo listed thereon. 
         [0092]    Preferably the list of second devices is dynamic and is automatically updated, such as via the use of a device discovery process that is described in detail below. Alternatively, the list of second devices may be pre-configured by the listener and then manually updated, as desired. 
         [0093]    At least one song is selected from the playlist as shown in block  46  and as discussed above. 
         [0094]    Information representative of the selected song(s) is sent from the first device  13  to the second device  14 . This information tells the second device  14  what song(s) are to be played. However, the second device does not typically have the selected songs stored therein. In some instances the selected songs may be cached within a memory of the second device  14 , as discussed above. 
         [0095]    The second device  14  sends information representative of the selected song(s) to a content server. Optionally, the second device also sends at least one attribute of the playlist from which the song(s) were selected on the first device  13  to the playlist server, as well. 
         [0096]    The selected song(s) are received from the content server by the second device as shown in block  44  and are ready for playing. Optionally, the same playlist that is presently available for display on the first device is received from the playlist server, such that it is also available for display on the second device. 
         [0097]    Generally, songs may be selected and played from the second device  14 , as well as from the first device  13 , such that it is beneficial to display the playlist on the second device  14 . Even if songs cannot be selected and displayed from the second device  14 , it may still be beneficial to view the playlist thereon. 
         [0098]    The selected song is played on the second device  14  as shown in block  50  and discussed above. Parameters of the song such as volume, tone, and balance are optionally controllable from the first device  13 . 
         [0099]    Optionally, playlist and/or songs are cached in the first device  13  and/or the second device  14 . Caching is particularly beneficial when the same songs and/or playlist are used repeatedly. 
         [0100]    Although playlists and/or songs may be cached so as to mitigate the need for repeated downloading thereof from the playlist/content server  10 , the memory requirements of the first device  13  and second device  14  are substantially reduced. This is true because the first device  13  and the second device  14  of the present invention do not store a substantial quantity of playlists or songs thereon. 
         [0101]    That is, the first device  13  and the second device  14  of the present invention do not have to store all of the songs that a listener wishes to hear thereon. Rather, any such storage is generally incidental. Typically, a large number of the songs played by the first device  13  and the second device  14  are stored on the content server  10  and are communicated via the Internet  11  to the first device  13  and/or the second device  14  as needed. 
         [0102]    Of course, such remote storage reduces the need for memory for the first device  13  and the second device  14 , thereby desirably reducing the cost and size thereof and also enhancing the reliability thereof. 
         [0103]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , according to one aspect of the present invention all of the devices within an area, such as the area within which the devices can receive each other&#39;s wireless broadcast signals, are aware of one another and communicate with one another. When a new device enters the area, the existing devices become aware of the new device and the new device becomes aware of the existing devices via a discovery process. 
         [0104]    According to this discovery process, all devices may periodically broadcast an identification code and a password. The identification code uniquely identifies the device. The password authorizes the device to communicate with other devices within the area. 
         [0105]    When a new device enters the area, the new device and the existing devices communicate with one another. This may be done either directly or via a server, as discussed in detail below. The new device recognizes any of the other devices that have an acceptable password and displays a list of the other devices on its list of available devices, so that the other devices may be selected as second devices for playing of songs, as discussed above. 
         [0106]    Similarly, the devices already in the area recognize the new device if the new device has an acceptable password, and the devices already in the area display the new device in their list of available devices so that the new device may be selected as a second device for the playing of songs, if desired. 
         [0107]    Alternatively, when a user enters a place with a new device, he can search for other devices by broadcasting on the network (whether wired or wireless), as shown in block  51 . The other devices will return a location ID for the location or realm of which they are a part, as shown in block  52 . The user can then select a desired one of the locations and enter the correct password for that location, as shown in block  53 . Once this is done, then all of the devices in that realm will show up regardless of whether they are local or remote, as shown in block  54 . The user is then free to do whatever the user wants to do with the other devices, if the security is set up to allow other users to control the other devices. For example, the user may play a song through another device or download a song therefrom. 
         [0108]    Referring now to  FIG. 8 , the discovery process is described in further detail. Preferably, a device can obtain a list of other devices in one of two different ways. According to a first way of obtaining lists of other devices, the lists are obtained through a server whether the device obtaining the lists is a local device or a remote device. According to a second way of obtaining lists of other devices, the lists are obtained directly from the other devices themselves, as long as the device obtaining the lists and the other devices are all local devices. 
         [0109]    A local device is a device that is on the same local area network (LAN) as the other devices. That is, devices are considered to be local with respect to one another if they are all on the same local area network. A remote device is a device that is not on the same local area network as the other devices. 
         [0110]    According to the first way of obtaining device lists, server  81 , preferably on a wide area network such as the Internet, facilitates communication of a list of devices to a new device. The server may be the same server as the playlist server/content server  10  of  FIGS. 1 ,  6 , and  7  or may be a different server. 
         [0111]    For example, if PDA  82  is a new device entering the area of a wireless local area network, a user may enter a user name or ID, a location identifier, and a password into the PDA  82 . The user name or ID identifies the user to the rest of the local area network. An example of a user name or ID would be Joes PDA. 
         [0112]    The location entry identifies the network that the user wants to become part of. For example, a network at Joe&#39;s house may be conveniently named Joes House. 
         [0113]    The password is typically necessary to be part of the local area network. That is, the local area network will typically not allow a new device to log thereon without the correct password. The use of passwords may optionally be omitted, if desired. 
         [0114]    Once the appropriate ID, location, and password have been entered, then the PDA  82  communicates with the server  81 , such as via a wireless access point. The server  81  maintains a list of the devices on the local area network and communicates this list to the new device, i.e., the PDA  82 . 
         [0115]    The PDA  82  may then be used to select and control another device on the local area network, such as stereo  83 . That is, the user may select the stereo  83  from the list of devices on the local are network and then may command the stereo to play a song or playlist of songs on the playlist of the PDA  82 . The PDA  82  may also be used to control parameters of the song being played on the stereo  83 , such as volume, tone, and balance. The PDA  82  may also be used to control the order in which the songs are played. 
         [0116]    The PDA  82  may directly control the stereo  83 , as indicated by the arrows therebetween. Alternatively, the PDA  82  may control the stereo through the server  81 , particularly in those instance wherein communication directly between the PDA  82  and the stereo  83  are not adequately facilitated, such as when the distance therebetween is too great or when an obstruction (such as a wall or a larger piece of furniture) blocks the signal between the PCA  82  and the stereo  83 . 
         [0117]    When a new device can become part of the local area network, as described above, then the new device is a local device. However, in some instances a remote device may similarly be used to control a device on the network, such as the stereo  83 , even though the remote device is not part of the local area network. 
         [0118]    For example, the cell phone  84  is a remote device because it is not part of the local area network that the stereo  83  is on. However, the cell phone  84 , may still communicate with the server  81 , so as to obtain the list of devices on the local area network therefrom. It is still necessary for the cell phone user to enter an ID, location, and password into the cell phone, as was done with the PDA. 
         [0119]    The remote device, i.e., cell phone  84 , may similarly be used to control the stereo. However, the control signal will be communicated from the cell phone  84  to the server  81  through the server, since direct communication between the cell phone  84  and the stereo is typically not facilitated. Thus, the server  81  functions as a gateway for the remote device to communicate with devices on the local area network. 
         [0120]    Preferably, the list of devices communicated from the server  81  to a new device, e.g., PDA, contains an indication as to whether devices on the list are local or remote with respect to the local area network. Thus, the new device knows whether commands to other devices must go through the server  81  or not. 
         [0121]    According to the second way of obtaining a list of devices, instead of obtaining the list from the server  81 , each device continuously broadcasts its presence, so as to facilitate auto-detection thereof. Thus, each device individually compiles its own list of other devices by monitoring the broadcasts therefrom. Preferably, a user must enter an ID, location, and password, as discussed above. 
         [0122]    According to either method for obtaining a list of devices, a particular physical location, such as a coffee shop for example, may contain a plurality of logical locations or realms. Thus, a user may select a particular logical location to log onto. For example, one group of people at the coffee shop may be logged onto a location or local area network named Joes Coffee Group, while another group of people is logged onto a different location or local area network named Bills Coffee Group. A person newly entering the physical location, i.e., the coffee shop, may choose which group to join. 
         [0123]    However, the new person must have the correct password for the logical location that he wishes to join. The password may be obtained by requesting it form someone in the logical location. Logging on to the logical location causes a list of devices (or users) to be communicated to the new user&#39;s device and also causes the new user&#39;s device to be added to the device lists of the other users, as discussed above. 
         [0124]    According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first device comprises a remote control for a set-top box and the second device comprises a rendering device that receives signals from the set-top, such as a television or stereo. This embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7  and is described in detail below. 
         [0125]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , one embodiment of the present invention comprises a set-top box  63  that provides a signal to a rendering device, such as a television or stereo  61 . The set-top box is in communication with the Internet  11 . A playlist server/content server  10  is also in communication with the Internet, as described above. 
         [0126]    Optionally, the set-top box functions as a cable television box in addition to functioning as a portion of the digital entertainment network of the present invention. 
         [0127]    A remote control  62  for the set-top box  63  preferably fits into a cradle defined by at least a portion of the set-top box. The remote control  62  communicates wirelessly with the set-top box to control operation of the rendering device  61 . 
         [0128]    The remote control  62  is in wireless communication with the Internet  11 , such as via a wireless access point or wireless router  64 . 
         [0129]    The remote control  62  defines a first device, as described in detail above. The set-top box, in combination with the rendering device  61 , defines a second device as also described in detail above. 
         [0130]    Thus, playlists can be requested by the remote control  62  and downloaded from the playlist server  10  via the Internet  11  thereto. Similarly, songs may be downloaded to the remote control  62 . The songs may be played on the remote control  62  or may be played on the rendering device  61  in its role as a second device as described above. 
         [0131]    For example, a song may be previewed on the remote control  62 , even while another song is being played on the rendering device  61 . A song may be listened to solely on the remote control  62  as the remote control is carried about at home. Such listening may be via one or more speakers built into the remote control  62  or may be via earphones. 
         [0132]    Optionally, the set-top box comprises a display, so that playlists and songs can be selected therefrom. Playlists and songs are downloaded to the set-top box in its role as a second device, as discussed above. 
         [0133]    The remote control  62  may be used while cradled by the set-top box  63 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . Alternatively, the remote control  62  may be used while removed from the set-top box  63 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0134]    Chat is preferably provided by the first  13  and/or second  14  devices of the present invention. Chat may be used for collaboration among listeners, such as for the compilation and/or exchange of playlists. Such chat may be implemented as voice chat or as text chat in a fashion similar to Internet Relay Chat (IRC), Microsoft Instant Messenger (IM), or AOL Instant Messenger (IM). 
         [0135]    According to one aspect of the present invention, playlist recommendations may be provided to a listener. These playlist recommendations may be provided by the playlist server and may be based upon the listening habits of the listener or upon previous playlist requests. The listening habits of the listener may be determined from playlist and/or song downloads from the playlist server and/or the content server. That is, a playlist recommendation of a playlist of the top ten contemporary songs may be made by the playlist server to a listener who continually listens to several of the songs on this playlist. Similarly, a playlist recommendation of a playlist of the top ten country songs may be made to a listener who has requested playlists containing country songs. 
         [0136]    The playlist server may also provide playlist recommendations based upon the playlists of others. That is, the playlist server may be configured to recognize when two or more people appear to have similar listening habits and may then recommend the playlists of one of these people to others of the same group. 
         [0137]    The wireless communications discussed herein may be effected via a network, such as a network conforming to the Bluetooth (a trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.) standard and/or conforming to the WiFi (a trademark of the WiFi Alliance) standard. 
         [0138]    Communications between the first and second devices may be either via a network or via dedicated non-network communications devices such as those utilizing any desired form of wireless data transfer, including those using infrared (IR) and radio frequency (RF). 
         [0139]    Although the content described herein is music, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other types of content, including both audio and non-audio content, are likewise subject to use by the present invention. For example, the content may comprise talks, speeches, comedy sketches, stories or books that are read aloud, pictures, video, software, or data. 
         [0140]    It is understood that the exemplary digital entertainment network described herein and shown in the drawings represents only presently preferred embodiments of the invention. Indeed, various modifications and additions may be made to such embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, various modifications and additions may be obvious to those skilled in the art and may be implemented to adapt the present invention for use in a variety of different applications.

Technology Category: 5