(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2005/0251566A1
`Wee
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Nov. 10, 2005
`
`US 2005O251566A1
`
`(54) PLAYLIST DOWNLOADING FOR DIGITAL
`ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK
`(76) Inventor: Martin Weel, Modjeska, CA (US)
`Correspondence Address:
`MYERS DAWES ANDRAS & SHERMAN, LLP
`19900 MACARTHUR BLVD.
`SUTE 1150
`9
`IRVINE, CA 926.12 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`10/840,109
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`May 5, 2004
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl." ..................................................... G06F 15/16
`
`(52) U.S. Cl. .............................................................. 709/219
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A method for playing music includes displaying list of
`playlists names, Selecting one of the displayed playlists
`names, Sending at least one attribute of a playlist corre
`sponding to the Selected playlist name to a playlist Server,
`receiving a playlist from the playlist Server wherein the
`received playlist corresponds to the attribute(s), Selecting at
`least one Song from the received playlist, Sending informa
`tion representative of the Selected Song to a content Server,
`receiving the Selected Song from the content Server, and
`playing the Selected Song(s). Requesting a playlist on the
`first device based on attributes, Sending the same attributes
`to a Second device having the Second device request the
`playlist and Start playing.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`WRELESS
`ACCESS
`POINT
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`PLAYLISTSERVER/
`CONTENT SERVER
`
`REMOTE
`CONTROL
`
`63
`
`SET-TOP
`BOX
`
`RENDERING
`DEVICE
`
`Page 1 of 21
`
`GOOGLE EXHIBIT 1005
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 10, 2005 Sheet 1 of 8
`
`US 2005/025 1566A1
`
`FIG. 1
`
`PLAYLIST SERVER/
`CONTENT SERVER
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`FIRST
`DEVICE
`
`
`
`SECOND
`DEVICE
`
`12
`
`Page 2 of 21
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 10, 2005 Sheet 2 of 8
`
`US 2005/0251566A1
`
`FIG. 2
`
`
`
`13
`
`23
`
`
`
`DISPLAY
`
`KEYPAD
`
`22
`
`24
`
`is us as an up as an up up us up up up ap so as as an as apa is a
`
`a us is use as or a
`
`a
`
`up
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`Page 3 of 21
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`

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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 10, 2005 Sheet 3 of 8
`
`US 2005/025 1566A1
`
`FIG. 3
`
`DISPLAYA LIST OF PAYLISTS ON A FIRST DEVICE
`
`SELECT ONE OF THE DISPLAYED PLAYLISTS FROM
`-
`THE FIRST DEVICE
`
`SEND AT LEAST ONE AT TRIBUTE OF THE SELECTED
`PLAYLIST FROM THE FIRST DEVICE TO A PLAYLIST
`SERVER
`
`RECEIVE A PLAYLIST THAT CORRESPONDS TO THE
`ATTRIBUTE(S) FROM THE PLAYLIST SERVER AT THE
`FIRST DEVICE .
`
`SELECT AT LEAST ONE SONG FROM THE RECEIVED
`PLAYLIST ON THE FIRST DEVICE
`
`
`
`SEND INFORMATION REPRESENTATIVE OF THE
`SELECTED SONG(S) FROM THE FIRST DEVICE TO A
`CONTENT SERVER
`
`RECEIVE THE SELECTED SONG(S) FROM THE
`CONTENT SERVER AT THE FIRST DEVICE
`
`PLAY THE SELECTED SONG(S) ON THE FIRST DEVICE
`
`31
`
`32
`
`33
`
`34
`
`35
`
`36
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`37
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`38
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`Page 4 of 21
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 10, 2005 Sheet 4 of 8
`
`US 2005/025 1566A1
`
`DISPLAY ALIST OF PLAYLISTS ON A FIRST DEVICE
`
`SELECT ONE OF THE DISPLAYED PLAYLISTS FROM
`THE FIRS DEVICE
`
`SENDAT LEAST ONEATTRIBUTE OF THE SELECTED
`PLAYLST FROM THE FIRST DEVICE TO A PLAYLIST
`SERVER
`
`
`
`RECEIVE A PLAYLIST THAT CORRESPONDS TO THE
`|ATTRIBUTE(S) FROM THE PLAYLIST SERVER AT THE
`FIRST DEVICE
`
`m
`
`SELECT A SECOND DEVICE
`
`SELECT ATLAST ONE SONG FROM THE RECEIVED
`PLAYLIST ON THE FIRST DEVICE TO BE PLAYED ON
`THE SECOND DEVICE
`
`
`
`
`
`SEND INFORMATION REPRESENTATIVE OF THE
`SELECTED SONG(S) FROM THE FIRST DEVICE TO
`THE SECOND DEVICE
`
`SEND INFORMATION REPRESENTATIVE OF THE
`SELECTED SONG(S) FROM THE SECOND DEVICE TO
`- A CONTENT SERVER
`
`RECEIVE THE SELECTED SONG(S) FROM THE
`CONTENT SERVER AT THE SECOND DEVICE
`
`PLAY THE SELECTED SONG(S) ON THE SECOND
`DEVICE
`
`FIG. 4
`
`41
`
`42
`
`43
`
`44
`
`45
`
`46
`
`47
`
`48
`
`49
`
`50
`
`Page 5 of 21
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 10, 2005 Sheet 5 of 8
`
`US 2005/025 1566A1
`
`FIG. 5
`
`USER WITH NEW DEVICE ENTERS ANAREA
`AND SEARCHES FOR OTHER DEVICES BY
`BROADCASTING ON THE NETWORK
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`OTHER DEVICES RETURNALOCATION ID OF
`THE LOCATION FOR WHICH THEY AREA
`PART
`
`52
`
`USER SELECTSA LOCATION AND ENTERS
`THE PASSWORD FOR THAT LOCATION
`
`s
`
`53
`
`ALL OF THE DEVICES IN THE REALM
`(LOCATION) SHOW UPONUSER'S DEVICE
`WHETHER LOCAL OR REMOTE
`
`54
`
`Page 6 of 21
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 10, 2005 Sheet 6 of 8
`
`US 2005/025 1566A1
`
`PLAYLISTSERVER/
`CONTENT SERVER
`
`F.G. 6
`
`10
`
`64
`
`
`
`WRELESS
`ACCESS
`POINT
`
`12
`
`
`
`REMOTE
`
`7A. BOX
`5:/,
`63
`
`RENDERING
`DEVICE
`
`Page 7 of 21
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 10, 2005 Sheet 7 of 8
`
`US 2005/025 1566A1
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`WIRELESS
`ACCESS
`POINT
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`-
`
`-
`
`P.
`
`P.
`
`P.
`
`P.
`
`A
`
`62
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`CONTENT SERVER
`
`10
`
`SET-TOP
`
`BOX
`
`63
`
`REMOTE
`CONTROL
`
`61
`
`RENDERING
`DEVICE
`
`Page 8 of 21
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 10, 2005 Sheet 8 of 8
`
`US 2005/025 1566A1
`
`FIG. 8
`
`81
`
`84
`
`CELL PHONE
`
`---
`
`
`
`WAN
`
`LAN
`
`STEREO
`
`82
`
`83
`
`Page 9 of 21
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`US 2005/025 1566 A1
`
`Nov. 10, 2005
`
`PLAYLIST DOWNLOADING FOR DIGITAL
`ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK
`
`RELATED APPLICATIONS
`0001. This patent application is being co-filed on the
`Same date as the patent applications entitled "Hybrid Set
`Top Box for Digital Entertainment Network” (Rutan &
`Tucker, LLP docket no. 021055.0007US1), “Device Discov
`ery for Digital Entertainment Network” (Rutan & Tucker,
`LLP docket no. 021055.0006US1), and “System and
`Method for Sharing Playlists” (Rutan & Tucker, LLP docket
`no. 021055.0004US1).
`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 OF THE INVENTION
`Traditionally, music has been provided to listeners
`0.003
`by either a broadcast method or a purchase method. Accord
`ing 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 pur
`chases 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 popu
`lar.
`0007. The purchase method suffers from the additional
`disadvantage of requiring that media containing the desired
`Songs be utilized. Such media is Somewhat bulky, particu
`larly 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 degra
`dation 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 provid
`ing 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 pro
`posed 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 OF THE INVENTION
`0011 While the apparatus and method has or will be
`described for the sake of grammatical fluidity with func
`tional 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 present invention specifically addresses and
`alleviates the above mentioned deficiencies associated with
`the prior art. More particularly, according to one aspect the
`present invention comprises a method for playing music,
`wherein the method comprises displaying a list of playlists
`names, Selecting one of the displayed playlist names, Send
`ing at least one attribute of a playlist corresponding to the
`Selected playlist name to a playlist Server, receiving a
`playlist from the playlist server wherein the received playlist
`corresponds to the attribute(s), Selecting at least one Song
`from the received playlist, Sending information representa
`tive of the Selected Song(s) to a content Server, receiving the
`Selected Song(s) from the content Server and playing the
`Selected Song(s).
`0013. According to one method of operation, the playlist
`names are displayed on a first device, a playlist name is
`selected on the first device, the attribute(s) are sent from the
`first device, the playlist is received by the first device, a Song
`is Selected from the first device, and the Song is played on
`the first device.
`0014. According to another method of operation, the
`playlist names are displayed on a first device, a playlist name
`is selected on the first device, the attribute(s) are sent from
`the first device, the playlist is received by the first device, a
`Song is Selected from the first device, and the Song is played
`on a Second device.
`0015 The method of the present invention optionally
`comprises Selecting the Second device. In this instance, the
`
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`US 2005/025 1566 A1
`
`Nov. 10, 2005
`
`playlist names are displayed on a first device, the playlist
`name is Selected on the first device, the attribute(s) are sent
`from the first device, the playlist is received by the first
`device, the Song is Selected from the first device, and the
`Song is played on the Selected Second device. Preferably, the
`Second device is Selected from the first device.
`0016 Preferably, the first device comprises a handheld
`portable device. For example, the first device may comprises
`a palmtop computer, an MP3 player, or a remote control for
`a Second device.
`0017 Thus, the first device may comprise a remote
`control for a Second device wherein the Second device
`comprises a music rendering device. In this instance, Songs
`are typically played upon the Second device, although Songs
`may also be played upon the first device.
`0.018
`Preferably, selecting one of the displayed playlist
`names and Selecting a Song from the playlist are performed
`using a touchscreen. If a Second device is Selected from the
`first device, the Second device is also preferably Selected
`using the touchscreen.
`0.019
`Preferably, communicating attributes of a playlist
`to a playlist Server comprises communicating a name of a
`playlist to a playlist Server. Communicating attributes of a
`playlist to a playlist Server may comprise communicating to
`the playlist Server at least one attribute Such as a type of
`music listened to, at least one artist, at least one Selection, at
`least one instrument, at least one record company, a region,
`a country, a State, a city, a School, and/or an ethnicity. The
`playlist Server may then either locate or make a playlist that
`conforms to the attribute(s) of the requested playlist.
`0020 Sending at least one attribute of a playlist to a
`playlist Server and receiving a playlist from the playlist
`Server preferably comprises communicating the attribute(s)
`and the playlist via a network, preferably a wide area
`network Such as the Internet.
`0021 Selecting at least one song from the playlist option
`ally comprises Selecting a plurality of Songs from the playlist
`and playing the Selected Song(s) then comprises playing the
`plurality of Songs. The Songs may be played in the order
`Selected, in random order, or in any other desired order.
`0022. According to one aspect of the present invention,
`playlist recommendations based upon listening habits of a
`listener are automatically provided to the listener. Alterna
`tively, the playlist recommendations may be based upon
`listening habits of another perSon. The playlist recommen
`dations may comprise a list of currently popular Songs
`within a single genre that is of interest to the listener.
`0023 Preferably, at least one parameter for a song that is
`being played on a Second device can be adjusted from the
`first device. The parameters may include Volume, tone,
`and/or balance.
`0024. According to one aspect, the present invention
`comprises a method for playing music, wherein the method
`comprises obtaining a playlist for a first device via the
`Internet, Selecting a Song from the playlist, and using the first
`device to cause a Second device to play the Selected Song.
`The Second device preferably obtains the Song via the
`Internet.
`0.025 According to one aspect, the present invention
`comprises a method for playing music, wherein the method
`
`comprises displaying a list of playlist names on a first
`device, Selecting one of the displayed playlist names from
`the first device, Sending at least one attribute of a playlist
`corresponding to the Selected playlist name from the first
`device to a playlist Server, receiving a playlist at the first
`device from the playlist server wherein the received playlist
`corresponds to the attribute(s), Selecting at least one Song
`from the playlist on the first device, Sending information
`representative of the Selected Song from the first device to a
`content Server, receiving the Selected Song at the first device
`from the content Server, and playing the Selected Song(s) on
`the first device.
`0026. According to one aspect, the present invention
`comprises a method for playing music, wherein the method
`comprises displaying a list of playlist names on a first
`device, Selecting one of the displayed playlist names from
`the first device, Sending at least one attribute of a playlist
`corresponding to the Selected playlist name from the first
`device to a playlist Server, receiving at the first device a
`playlist from the playlist server wherein the received playlist
`corresponds to the attribute(s), Selecting a second device,
`Selecting at least one Song from the playlist on the first
`device, Sending information representative of the Selected
`Song from the first device to the Second device, Sending
`information representative of the Selected Song from the
`Second device to a content Server, receiving the Selected
`Song at the Second device from the content Server, and
`playing the Selected Song(s) on the Second device.
`0027 According to one aspect, the present invention
`comprises a device for playing music, wherein the device
`comprises a display for displaying a list of playlist names
`and Song names. The display is also for facilitating Selection
`of playlists and Songs. The device further comprises a
`network transceiver.
`0028. 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.
`0029. The device is configured to facilitate displaying a
`list of playlist names on the display, Selecting one of the
`displayed playlist names, Sending at least one attribute of a
`playlist corresponding to the Selected playlist name to a
`playlist Server via the network transceiver, and receiving a
`playlist from the playlist Server via the network transceiver.
`The received playlist corresponds to the attribute(s) sent to
`the playlist server. The device is further configured to
`facilitate Selecting at least one Song from the playlist,
`Sending information representative of the Selected Song to a
`content Server, receiving the Selected Song from the content
`Server, and playing the Selected Song(s).
`0030. According to one aspect, the present invention
`comprises a device for playing music, wherein the device
`comprises a network transceiver. The device is configured to
`facilitate receiving information representative of a Song
`from another device, Sending of the information represen
`tative of the Song to a content Server via the network
`transceiver, receiving of the Song from the content Server,
`and playing of the Song.
`0031. According to one aspect, the present invention
`comprises a playlist Server comprising a memory within
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`
`Nov. 10, 2005
`
`which a plurality of playlists are Stored and a network
`transceiver. The playlist Server is configured to facilitate
`receiving at least one attribute of a playlist via the network
`transceiver, identifying a playlist based upon the attribute(s),
`and Sending of the playlist to a device via the transceiver.
`0.032
`Preferably, the playlist server is further configured
`to facilitate Serving of content. Thus, the playlist Server and
`the content server are effectively the same server. However,
`as those skilled in the art will appreciate, the playlist Server
`and the content server may be two entirely different servers
`and may be located in diverse locations with respect to one
`another.
`0.033 According to one aspect, the present invention
`comprises a method for providing music, wherein the
`method comprises receiving at least one attribute of a
`Selected playlist at a playlist Server and transmitting a
`playlist that corresponds to the attributes from the playlist
`Server to a first device.
`0034. According to one aspect, the present invention
`comprises a System for playing music, wherein the System
`comprises a first device configured to display names of
`playlists and names of Songs and to facilitate Selection of the
`playlists and Songs, a playlist Server configured to receive at
`least one attribute of a playlist from the first device and to
`Send a playlist corresponding to the received attribute(s) to
`the first device, and a content Server configured to receive
`information representative of at least one Song from the first
`device and to Send corresponding Songs to the first device.
`The present invention further comprises at least one Second
`device configured to Send attributes of a playlist to the
`playlist Server, to Send information representative of Songs
`to the content Server, to receive a playlist from the playlist
`Server, and to receive Songs from the content Server.
`0035. According to one aspect, the present invention
`comprises a method for playing music, wherein the method
`comprises providing a first device that repeatedly wirelessly
`broadcasts a unique identification thereof and a password,
`and moving the first device into an area Such that it can
`communicate wirelessly with at least one Second device that
`repeatedly wirelessly broadcasts a unique identification
`thereof and a password. The first device displays names of
`the Second device(s) for which the password is an authorized
`password for the first device, Such that the first device can
`be used to Select Songs to be played on the Second device(s).
`Each of the second devices displays the name of the first
`device when the password of the first device is an authorized
`password for the that Second device, Such that the Second
`device can be used to Select Songs to be played on the first
`device.
`0036). According to one aspect, the present invention
`comprises a System for playing music, wherein the System
`comprises a playlist Server in communication with the
`Internet wherein the playlist Server has a plurality of play
`lists Stored thereon, a content Server in communication with
`the Internet wherein the content server has a plurality of
`Songs Stored thereon, a rendering device for playing Songs,
`a Set-top box in communication with the rendering device
`for facilitating communication of the Songs from the content
`Server to the rendering device via the Internet, and a remote
`control for controlling the Set-top box.
`0037. The remote control is configured to obtain a play
`list from the playlist Server, facilitate Selection of a Song
`
`from the playlist, and control the Set-top box So as to cause
`the Set-top box to download the Song and cause the Song to
`play on the rendering device.
`0038. The remote control is preferably dockable to the
`set-top box. The remote control may be either in wired or
`wireleSS communication with the Set-top box when docked
`thereto. The remote control is preferably in wireless com
`munication with the Set-top box when the remote control is
`not docked thereto. The remote control can preferably be
`used to control the set-top box whether the remote control is
`docked thereto or not.
`0039 The remote control preferably comprises a display
`and a keypad for facilitating control of the Set-top box and
`consequently for facilitating control of the rendering device.
`The Set-top box optionally comprises a display and a keypad
`for facilitating control thereof and consequently for facili
`tating control of the rendering device.
`0040 According to one aspect, the present invention
`comprises a method for providing content, wherein the
`method comprises Selecting content from a remote control
`and providing the Selected content to a media player via a
`network.
`0041. These, as well as other advantages of the present
`invention, will be more apparent from the following descrip
`tion 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
`0042. 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.
`0043 FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an exemplary
`embodiment of the digital entertainment System of the
`present invention;
`0044 FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing further detail of
`an exemplary first device or remote control of FIG. 1;
`004.5
`FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing one way of oper
`ating a digital entertainment System of the present invention;
`0046 FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing another way of
`operating a digital entertainment System of the present
`invention;
`0047 FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing operation of a
`discovery proceSS wherein devices of the present invention
`recognize one another,
`0048 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;
`0049 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
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`
`Nov. 10, 2005
`
`0050 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
`0051. 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 ele
`ments 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.
`0.052 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 Specifi
`cation and by the word itself.
`0053) 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.
`0.054
`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.
`0.055 The claims are thus to be understood to include
`what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is
`conceptionally equivalent, what can be obviously Substi
`tuted and also what essentially incorporates the essential
`idea of the invention.
`0056 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 con
`nection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be under
`stood, 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 inven
`tion.
`0057 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.
`0058. The digital entertainment network provides effi
`cient 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.
`0059 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.
`0060. 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.
`For example, the control point enables a digital
`0061
`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.
`0062 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.
`0063. 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'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 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.
`0064. 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
`
`Page 13 of 21
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`US 2005/025 1566 A1
`
`Nov. 10, 2005
`
`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 brows
`ing, 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’ activity
`based on various time periods, and instant messaging for
`chatting among users.
`0065. The digital entertainment network of the present
`invention comprises control devices that allow users to
`communicate with the cont